Page 34 - The UnCaptive Agent

WHY DO YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN AGENCY? 7

clear about why your business exists will become the
foundation and cornerstone of the culture that you
create.

Who Is in Your Support System?

Regardless of your motivations in launching your busi-
ness, it is very important that you have the support of
your friends and your family. There will be many late
nights and weekends spent working, instead of with
them. They should understand that up front. More
than understanding you will need their support in many
ways, not the least of which will be emotional. In some
respects, beginning a business is intensely personal
because, after all, it is your ambition and desire that is
driving the decision. But you’ll have a very difficult time
in running the race to victory without the cheering sup-
port of those you love. If your family—and particularly
your spouse—is not fully behind you, it would be wise
to wait until they are.

Your Why Has Power!

As you build your company and your culture, it is also
important to think about the why of the business itself.
This can be how you treat clients differently. It can be
the way your agency is involved in the community. It
can be how your work style and your environment are
unique compared to others.
One founder I spoke with wanted to create a business
where everyone in the agency was involved in service
to others, and the agency could support those activi-
ties out of profits and time freedom for employees. He
was frustrated that he couldn’t do that where he was.
His vision of a great business involved more than only