In the previous video I spoke about the important distinction between the entrepreneur and the proprietor.
I explained that it is vital for you to know which appeals to you because it determines many attributes of the business systems you will put in place to create your perfect business.
There is a 2nd vital distinction for you to consider before you go any further. Watch this video to learn more:
Here is the 5 question survey drawn from Jeff Landers’ book, Home Office Cure From Hell, as I described in the video. Answer the following 5 questions authentically from your heart and finish watching the video:
1. When you fantasize about your successful business, what scenario appeals to you the most?
- Many employees, a nice office space buzzing with activity and the knowledge that you are building a well-known regional or national company and brand.
- Great clients (that you pick and choose) with challenging and reputation-building projects, and a casual relaxed environment, plenty of extra time for leisure, home responsibilities, and family.
2. When you think about the perfect workday, which description is more in line with your way of thinking?
- A cup of Starbucks coffee to get you going, in the office by 8:00 a.m., eat lunch at a fancy restaurant with a prospective client, high-powered afternoon meetings with investment bankers and members of the media, a strategic planning session with your senior staff, complete employee reviews until 7:30 p.m., meet with colleagues for networking and drinks, get home by 11 p.m.
- Up at 8:00 a.m., get the kids off to school, at your desk in the spare bedroom working in your sweats until noon, grab a cold burrito from the fridge, conference call with clients while throwing a load of laundry into the washer, pick up the kids at school at 3 p.m., coach soccer, finish a new client proposal, and send invoices. Dinner with spouse and kids at 7:00 p.m., check email, blog, do a dozen little things that need to get done, read a few chapters of a good personal development book and in bed by 11 pm
3. What is your definition of personal success?
- Building a major business with a legacy, respect of colleagues, financial independence, opportunities to use your position and wealth to make a difference in the world.
- Independence, challenging and creative work, time with family and friends, a secure and consistent living, and service to the community.
4. I am more comfortable with a work environment that is ______________.
- Formal. I prefer designated spaces for employees, clear boundaries between staff and management, a conference room for meetings, a receptionist to greet guests, and a clear beginning and end to the workday.
- Informal. I prefer to multitask, moving between personal and professional obligations as they come up. I like to work in my pajamas or sweats (except when meeting clients). I prefer a workday schedule that corresponds to the needs of my family and clients, even if that means working at odd hours or occasionally on weekends.
5. What do you think your business will be like in 10 years?
- My company, its brand, and its products will be recognized as a leader regionally, nationally, or internationally, have many employees, be positioned for consistent future growth, and be constantly innovating in new directions.
- I will have a steady, not overwhelming stream of challenging work and an impressive reputation. I will make more than a comfortable living and have plenty of free time to be with family and friends.
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Be sure to go back and finish watching the video. I’ll give you the key to the survey. You might be surprised.
Which did you turn out to be, Growth Maven, Lifestyle Guru or maybe a little of both?
It’s not a exact science, but I think you can see that if you don’t know this you can really get into trouble fast. Most people have mental models of success that tends toward one or the other of these.
Be sure to share your results and comment below. And you enjoyed what was revealed consider clicking the ‘Like’ and ‘Tweet’ buttons above.
I’m standing for all that’s possible for you in life and business.
Sincerely,
Steve
PS – A lot of people invest themselves for years trying to build a business that ‘looks’ like the one in their mental model of success and even if they make some money, end up frustrated failures because they never stopped to decide how it REALLY needs to serve the life they want to live.
I’ve been lucky. Throughout my years in business I’ve surrounded myself with expert professional coaches and mentors who have instinctively known when I might be wandering off course or allowing my mental models to deceive me.
They have been able to offer the vital course-correcting advice and coaching that has saved me years of struggle and wasted effort as well as thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars.
I intend to provide you that kind of guidance here in this blog. Keep a careful watch for my next email because I’ll be delivering the next step to guaranteed success.
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Hi Steve,
The insight is very interesting, Is it possible to be a lifesyle guru and an entrepreneur?
it seems that i am an entrepeneur and more lifestyle oriented
I had answers of 1,2,2,2,1
Hi Martin – Thanks for the insight. It’s refreshing to hear that there are still a few of us out there. =0)) Steve
Lifestyle guru – 4 out of 5. Not too surprising for me since as an introvert, a good deal of the high-powered activities is often too much extroverting for me. But I’m wondering if this Lifestyle guru is what is keeping me small. My business grew the first 2 years but the last 2 years, not. I’m taking some time off right now and doing some self-searching. Hope to learn more from your videos.
Hi Steve,
I find myself to be a Lifestyle guru. However, I also really like the daily interaction of being with people. I’ve worked my home business before, and it was the lack of personal daily interaction that got to me, amongst other things.
My focus is now on teaching, particularly in the ESL field and career coaching. It’s the first step that frustrates me. However, I very much appreciate your approach. Step by step, with important questions being addressed as I go through your program. This way I’m confident that I will make the right decision even as I avoid overwhelming myself with THE BIG Question! Thank you, Steve, I can feel it working.
I am a lifestyle guru. That’s pretty much what I figured I was.
I guess I’m a Lifestyle Guru. I answered B to all 5 questions.
Thanks Steve. I look forward to future emails.
Hi Steve. I have done this exercise before. I am a little bit of both, but more of a Life Style Guru.
I am doing your 22-part Audio Video-course also you know. I don´t feel so well of some of the exercises there, but I am going to complete them, just for the pleasure to show you I can complete The Perfect Biz finder Program. When it comes to writing I must be able to foccus (difficult sometimes when you have an ADD-diagnosis) and to feel some inspiration. So I have to have some time to work on, probably more than 22 days. Seriously, I really think it is a great programe. Love Lena
Thanks Steve, I’m definitely “Lifestyle” and hate the clock punching grind! (except when its my client) My problem is time sort-of is running out. Just retired (early), but not ready for the rocking chair yet. Weighing my options in my small business.
I like the idea of having my own time and doing things at my own pace. Just want to set-up a plan a getting it going and then just checking it and making it work so I can do the things I want.
Christine
This was very helpful. I am the life style type. I didn’t hesitate on any answer. I knew what I wanted. Thanks for the insight.
I am mostly a growth maven. I’m tried of the small propritor stuff. I want to start and grow my busniss quickly then switch to a Life style guru and let someone else take care of the day to day.
So lets get the show on the road! Infuse me with some life changing business stuff.
Hi Steve – Good stuff. I am drawn to the romantic notion of having the freedom that comes with a Lifestyle Guru, but deep inside I feel drawn to strategy, planning, process and efficiency and creating an asset that I could one day sell and try my next venture… I also know I need balance all that with the need to be at my son’s soccer games too. Lots to think about. My family is #1, but the burning desire to create something special, profitable, perhaps a bit offbeat, is something I cannot ignore. Again, thanks for the well designed and well framed journey of discovery I am now on…
Based on the survey, I am a growth maven. However, I don’t think 100%. I think I might be a growth mave/lifestlye guru hybrid. Interesting…and it explains alot to me.
I am for the moment more of a Life-Style Gury.Have a nice day!
Hi Steve – love the pithy and to the point advice you provide. Looks like I am a lifestyle guru masquerading as wannabee growth maven. I am sitting with that as an idea. Um!
Great vido Steve, I’m the life style person, I would say I work to live rather than live to work, I’m not sure if thats a good thing. You have really helped me to look at my life in a much clearer way. Thank you so much for this insightful information.
Steve,
I am mainly a Lifestyle Guru, with a sprinkling of Growth Maven. I enjoy the videos and the questions that make me think.
Thanks.
Thanks Steve, I am a Lifestyle Guru with one foot in the office. I am enjoying these lessons.
Mainly Lifestyle Guru here, with about 25% Growth Maven! Thanks for your generosity throughout this process. I find it very helpful. My question now is (and perhaps you’ll answer this later on) how do/can we balance and integrate that “missing 25%” of our ideal into our actual work life? Or do you suggest that we just suck it up and forget about it?
Wonderful stuff .
I’m definitely a Lifestyle Guru.
In fact I knew this by heart but now it is official.
Thank you for this
Renée
I am the Lifestyle guru. I picked answer b on every scenario.
Wow, i find your info helpful, like it very much. who is reading all your blog´s
Hi Steve
Thanks for this great information…
I know I would like to have the lifestyle
of a guru.
Regards
Laurence
I find all of the information quite helpful and look forward to maximizing my success incorporating the program.
A great set of questions to ask. I’m more of a Lifestyle Guru time-wise, work-wise dress-wise yet; I wouldn’t mind an small office, maybe chambers in a leafy square in town with a very small number of personal staff in order to separate home from work and keep the new work-life balance. I don’t want a large staff, being CEO, a leeching middle management, top floor stuff. Politics and the inertia of an unwieldy organisation. I’m the brand.
You have a great attitude Steve!
A great set of questions to ask. I’m more of a Lifestyle Guru time-wise, work-wise dress-wise yet; I wouldn’t mind an small office, maybe chambers in a leafy square in town with a very small number of personal staff in order to separate home from work and keep the new work-life balance. I don’t want a large staff, being CEO, a leeching middle management, top floor stuff. Politics and the inertia of an unwieldy organisation. I’m the brand.
I like your attitude Steve.
I found myself right in the middle with this. I want a business I operate from online, so I can be anywhere in the world and my clients wouldn’t know. But I want many people working for me/with me, growing the business to be a world leader. I don’t mind putting in long hours. Just want my business out of these four walls, and mobile. No rents/leases.. and the ability to move about, give talks, speak to groups about the business and be in touch all the while. Basically, promoting the business out in the world, and running the business all at the same time.
I am definetely a life style guru, I answered all 5 questions choosing the b option because I’m a teacher and Reiki Master. Will this program help me or am I thinking it will but the end result will not be favouable? Lyda
Hi Steve,
I took the survey and realised that I’m a lifestyle guru. This fits me perfectly as I am currently writing a book and dream of becoming a full time author.
I have a quick question, I’ve been told that I should treat this career as a business. Do you think a career like this can be treated in this manner?
Thanks for inspiration
Michelle
I am without a doubt a lifestyle guru. I want to run things casually from home and have time to take vacations with my family.
Lifestyle for me. And it was good to read that lifestyle gurus can still have a very successful business. I’m building my business slowly but surely but, most important to me, my customers are very happy and my family too.
Thank you for the survey, I also am a life style guru, slow and steady is my style. Having a happy customer and making sure all things are running smoothly is how I see my self.
I am learning something new about myself every day from you, Steve. Thank you so much. I am 100% Growth Maven. And I don’t even have a business yet.
All I know is that I have this deep desire to help, inspire and better the World on a global scale.
And then I get scared and full of fear with this sinking feeling that I will never be successful. I know I need to generate money and respect to get where I need to go, but I live in a constant fear, an inner dread that I don’t have the skills and that what I have to offer is not up to par. And by that I mean what I really have to offer, would like to offer, if that makes sense.
Objectively, I have the repeated experience of having great success, almost by default in everything I don’t think about or worry about. I graduated from a very prestigious law school top of my class, was on the national team in my sport, was very successful on a TV show, speak several languages, worked as a model, have backpacked around the world, play in a great band, etc…but here is the thing; I never ever even once FELT successful at any of these occasions, even when it’s pointed out to me by my friends and yes, I then objectively realize that these were successes. Yet, I never felt it and still don’t. Even worse, I never managed to propel any of these opportunities into launching a career in any way. I have less of a career than a high school dropout.
What I really would love to do I barely do at all, or don’t even try to attempt, it’s too paralysing somehow. And I never managed to make any money. I feel like such a loser, not being able to overcome these things. It feels like it’s only vanity issues, whatever issues they are, and yet, I have tried for over 15 years to get over them and I am no closer.
One issue is a real tangible issue actually. I suck at details. I see the big picture crystal clear, but I don’t understand the nuts and bolts that pave the road there. I understand concepts, but not what to do with them. When I ask myself, what do I do next, I get stuck on step one and then I give up. Can any of this be learned?
I want to make a difference, I have so much love for humanity, such a desire to give, but I just spend my days working for minimum wage in a store. I sound like a mess. What can I do? I am exploding inside my own confinement and I am at my wits end.
This might not be the comment you want here, but any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. I very rarely ask for help, but somehow you are the person I needed to ask this.
I am a Lifestyle Guru according to your survey. Currently, I’m starting out as a Proprietor but I want to transition into becoming an Entrepreneur. I’m having difficulty deciding what business to start based on my current skills. My current skills include: Software Engineer, Printed Circuit Designer, Draftsman, Handyman, Residential Construction, Wood Working, Auto Mechanic, QuickBooks Proadvisor, Amusement Park ride operator, supervisor and maintenance mechanic.
Hi,
So, far I seem to be a 50/50 on both sections: Entrepreneur vs. Proprietor and Lifestyle Guru vs. Growth Maven. I say this because, while I enjoy the “freedom” of being a proprietor, I have no burning desire to do all the work myself. I want OTHERS to work form me (though at the moment I’m wearing all the hats).
As for guru/maven…I like having time to do what I want when I want to, but again don’t really want to work from home. I’ve already done that and I have now moved to an office. I like leaving home and “going to the office,” but I also like knowing that I’m not “chained” to the office. I also eventually want employees and I do believe in people having clear-cut roles, business standards, working hours..can be flexible..I’m more concerned that the work gets done rather than counting minutes on a clock.
So, as you can see…a good mix of both in both areas.
I’m definitely a lifestyle guru. Thank you so much, as so far I’ve learned a ton of things about myself that I wish I knew 5 years ago when I first started to become an entrepenuer. The Perfect Biz Finder Survey really helped open up my eyes, and the rest of the information is coming at a great pace where I can keep up on absorbing it. Thanks again,
John M.
Steve,
Thanks for addressing this issue. It is apparent a lot of people got something important from the presentation. Like some other people here (but only a few) I am a growth Maven rather than a Lifestyle Guru, though the Lifestyle Guru is very comfortable. In the past year i have been looking at why my business is not flourishing and i have come to see that my spirit loves to work in my flip-flops, but I am not getting where I see for me to be and i finish the day unfulfilled about the planetary impact I feel calling me. I now believe that there is something between these 2 categories that is evolving in today’s work environment. You can work with you lifestyle and still build a powerful success “empire”. Outsourcing looks like the work is out of my space, but it is really not – no more than having physical employees here with me. The structure that comes with playing big comes whether your office is at home or elsewhere. I think the distinction might be in whether your home office is an “office”, not the spare bedroom or kitchen table after dinner. I do not have children to build my day around, but I bought my home with an entire office space planned, because i then have control of the space. Contract employees come here to work. However, my next home may be different, depending on the circumstances. What i miss is the social/people part of not working at home. That’s just one set of thoughts. Thanks for the opportunity to get more clarity for myself.
First let me thank you for giving soo much in advance thank you,thank you,thank you Steve.
growth maven is my gold.but for the time being am a lifestyle guru.
I am a lifestyle guru with a strong hint of growth maven……just need to get myself on the right track; I have the ability, the knowledge, the determination, it’s just that a few big knocks have taken their toll.
Great videos and info so far. I am a lifestyle guru with a touch of growth maven in the background. It is my purpose which I am seeking now.
Lifestyle Guru, no question. But generating major income!
When I was in my 20s and 30s, not all my answers would have been B’s, I’m sure. But now — no question. Quality of life.
Another helpful video. This time, the questions were the easiest to answer of any so far.
Hi Steve,
Even though im not yet started in my own business according to your quiz and questionaire i believe i will start as a lifestyle guru but head towards being a growth maven.
Thank you very much for the info, so far it has been extremely insightful.
I look forward to more of your emails.
S.J.
Hi Steve, I’m definitely a lifestyle entrepreneur.I’m in my 50s and have tried a few different ways of making my way over the years. Luckily my kids are now out taking care of business for themselves. My goal is to generate sufficient income, preferably without huge personal effort every day.
I’m gaining great insight listening to you. Thanks again.
Steve
I am a Lifestyle Guru. I have been going through a lot of difficult times in the last two years and needed to re-think my life, career and much more. Your test tells me that I am doing what I should be; now I need to learn how to make money at it. Thanks for all your help.
I am lissening! Turn out to be lifestyle, but I do like to be around postive people and cannot imagine siting at home and working alone all the time…. so as we move forward, I do hope to get my answer. I do like your video, short and sweet to the point.
Hi Steve! i started this about a year ago and then life came along and we danced together and have surfaced a year or so later. I know that I am a life Style Guru. Your honesty, and gift of valuable information you are sharing is WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for everything. I am having a great itme reviewing the things that I wsa not able to get to in the past months. I do hope that I hear from you. and I can’t wait to see and read all of the things that i have missed but carefully saved. Thanks for not asking for money…….I would be glad to share when I have some…for some of your training….
I am a Life Style Guru. I did the personality survey yesterday. It gave me some clarity on my objectives. I have always tried to conform to the business being offered rather than picking the business that conforms to what I want. Knowing this important piece of information gives helps me to say no to what seems to be an endless amount of opportunities.
Thank your for putting out such great information. I look forward to future e-mails.
Sincerely,
D. Johnson
This is a test. I posted a message many hours ago and all I see is same stuff from this morning (12 hours later) is this just a way to make it look legit?
No Naor unfortunately have to approve each comment now because of all the spammers and scammers out there. This means we have people who read every comment…and even our team takes a day off.
Thanks for the comment
Hello Steve
and do what I want and not what I need to do.
Well done video and easy questions. I always knew I was not a Growth Maven. Didn’t care to have lots of employees that I need to “baby sit” and the fame is not my thing either. I like to help people and dream of the day I can retire (getting farther away
As for the original survey. I echo others who said already that the info was great but some cancelled others and some didn’t feel like it related to me. I would like to see a “climax” of summing it up as what is recommended after that mountain of data is compiled. It left me more wondering as I am on a cross road in my career at 45 and was about to go to college to get a “safe” profession that is recession proof but will be a compromise for me. Wife doesn’t appriciate being the sole income for long. My problem is compounded by having mis-manged a few businesses in the past which killed my self confidence and my wife’s support in my ability to be successful on my own. I was all gung-ho on starting a consulting business from home when she reminded me how I spent time and resources to drive several businesses to the ground. Even though she is the one that came up with the consulting idea and said I’ll be great in it, she “took it back” after considering the past. I am more confused and tense now fearing to make the wrong move and regretting it for years.
Thanks for all your insight
Hi Naor,
Thank you again for you comment.
Keep in mind that the survey is not trying to classify you. It is instead providing visibility into your individual strengths and areas you will tend to be more challenged as they relate to business ownership.
I am sorry for the difficulty you’ve had in the past but will also say that it is not the least bit unusual for people to experience “repeat performances”, whether in success or failure.
The key thing to understand is that success in business (or anything else you attempt in life) is NOT about what you DO…its about how you think. We live in a belief created universe. People live their lives as if they believe what they do because of their experience…but the truth is, your experience what you do because of what you believe.
The beliefs that control your experience are not your conscious beliefs…but the subconscious ones. Because they are not conscious to you, the only evidence of a belief that inhibits yoru success exists is because of the experience you’ve had.
So the truth is, whether your get a ‘secure’ job or decide to endeavor to find and build your perfect business, your success experience in either will be determined by whether or not you eliminate these subconscious saboteurs.
THIS is one of the many things you’ll learn how to do in ThePerfectBizFinder Program
I hope this clarifies and helps you find the path that will truly deliver the success you expect and deserve.
I’m standing for all that’s possible for you in life and business.
Sincerely,
Steve
Hi Steve,
I like your way of approaching. I know pretty well who I am and what fits me or not. I just didn’t name it before. The answers were almost unanomously corresponding with the lifestyle guru.
I’m looking forward to your next emails and videos. They are challenging for me.
Thanks.
Wilma
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