From CEO to Servant: How to Avoid Becoming a Broke Employee in Your Own Business
So, you’ve decided to become an entrepreneur. Good for you. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of being your own boss until you realize you’re now answering to dozens (or even hundreds) of mini-bosses disguised as clients. If this sounds painfully familiar, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and there’s a way out. Let’s make sure you’re running your business; not the other way around.
Stop Playing Concierge
Imagine you own a five-star restaurant. Would you let someone waltz into your kitchen and demand a grilled cheese sandwich? Of course not. So why do so many entrepreneurs let clients dictate their every move?
Your job is to lead, not to cater. Set boundaries early and often. Tell clients what you do, how you do it, and why you’re the expert they need. If they’re not on board, let them find someone else to make their proverbial grilled cheese.
Your Time is Your Most Valuable Currency
Every hour you spend on low-value tasks is an hour you can’t spend growing your business. Think of your time like a bank account. Would you waste $100 bills on chewing gum? No? Then stop wasting hours on clients or tasks that don’t align with your big-picture goals.
Automate, delegate, or eliminate. Invest your time where it brings the highest return, and watch your business, and your freedom, grow.
Choose Your Battles (and Your Clients) Wisely
Not every client is worth having. Some are a dream, while others are a never-ending headache. Learn to spot the red flags early: unrealistic demands, late payments, or constant price haggling. These aren’t clients; they’re anchors.
Instead, focus on attracting clients who respect your expertise and understand your value. Think of it as curating a guest list for an exclusive party. Only the right people get an invite.
Build Systems, Not Bottlenecks
Picture this: You’re the CEO, the marketing team, the accountant, and the janitor all rolled into one. It’s a one-way ticket to burnout. The solution? Systems.
Create processes that can run without you micromanaging every detail. Whether it’s automating invoices or delegating day-to-day tasks, systems are the secret to scaling your business without scaling your stress.
Price Like You Mean It
If you price yourself too low, you’ll attract bargain hunters who’ll squeeze every penny of value out of you. Instead, set prices that reflect the results you deliver. Confidence in your pricing attracts confident clients, and confident clients are the best kind.
Think Big, Act Bigger
Small thinking will keep you small. Imagine trying to fill a swimming pool with a teaspoon. Exhausting, right? That’s what happens when you settle for scraps instead of aiming for the feast.
Dream big, but don’t stop there. Take the bold actions that align with your vision. Scale your services, build partnerships, and create offers that position you as a leader, not just another option.
Don’t Just Build a Business—Build a Legacy
The goal isn’t just to make money; it’s to create something that lasts. Treat your business like a foundation for your future, not a day-to-day hustle. Focus on sustainable growth, meaningful relationships, and work that aligns with your values.
A business that serves you, not enslaves you, is the ultimate reward.
The WRAP
Entrepreneurship can be the path to freedom, but only if you’re willing to take control. Set boundaries, focus on value, and never settle for being a broke employee in disguise. This is your business, your vision, and your future; so build it wisely.
