Eleven Reasons Not To Start Your Own Business

I've spent some time on this blog haranguing people for their lack of action in getting their on line businesses going. I've also spent some time writing about the benefits of being your own boss and running your own business.

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

But it just occurred to me that running your own small business from home isn't the answer for most people. So let's filter some of you out right now.

If any of the following fill you with dread and fear, or if you just can't see yourself doing these things, then forget the dream.

Get (or stay in) a job:

1/ Getting up at 6AM for an important call when you didn't turn your computer off until 1AM.

2/ Trying to work at home when every kid in the village is shrieking and splashing in your pool.

3/ Not knowing any of the TV Shows your mates talk about when you go out, because you don't "do" TV any more.

4/ Realising you left transferring money from Paypal too late to be able to buy the weekend food shopping.

5/ Catching yourself reading email on your phone when you're in bed, or worse, using the toilet.

6/ Going to "just check something" quickly on line, and realising you said that two hours ago.

7/ Trying to explain affiliate income to your accountant.

8/ Knowing more about exchange rates than most Forex traders.

9/ Seeing the look of shock when people meet you and realised you aren't a pale, bespectacled geek.

10/ Learning that nobody in the real world has even heard of Chris Brogan or Darren Rowse.

11/ Mastering strategic business thinking, accountancy, business administration, filing, filling in forms, ensuring local law compliance, speed reading, office cleaning, computer and network repair, SEO, making coffee, un-jamming the photocopier, drinking beer while typing one-handed and all the while maintaining the illusion that you really ARE in control.

Are you in? Or out?

Update: I loved Lyndsy Simon's response to this here: 11 reasons internet marketing is not a get rich quick scheme

And if you can't make your mind up, read some more:

1/ Why I unsubscribed from your blog

2/ The difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 readers

3/ Why something personal has to replace surprise and delight