Consider these definitions:

Compete:To contend with another or others for a prize, superiority, etc. Syn. vie, rival, contest, oppose.

Create:To cause to come into existence; originate. To be cause of; bring about. Syn. make, fashion, form, produce, conceive, invent, build.

Which One Describes Your Business Approach?

Do you feel that you must compete with other businesses? Do you strive to conquer competition? Do you think that you need to have an edge over competition?

Take a look at all businesses out there! How on earth can You compete with them all? Answer: You don't! You can't! Period!

So why do we listen to statements made about winning out over competition? Because we have come to believe that in order to have it all and be successful, we need to compete and win to get top spot. We have notion that there is not enough success or money to go around, so we must beat down whatever or whoever gets in our way in order to have success.

To compete with someone, we have to vie with him or her for top spot. Once that top spot is gained (if it ever is), we cannot stop! There is always someone just waiting to contend with us to take that spot away.

It is almost certain. If we are only spending our time competing with others for success, someday, someone is going to defeat us for that success. Then someday it will happen to them, and so on.

Champions that have won top prize will be replaced by someone else who is faster, better or smarter. It always happens and it always will. We are left sitting in dust, wondering what happened!?!

Copyright 2003 by Henri G. Schauffler http://www.familybizbuilder.com

Starting a home business is seldom easy and we need support from our loved ones.

Between family, friends and neighbors there are a lot of people close to you that will want to know what you're doing. You probably have already found out that they're not always supportive!

Could you wait a minute, please? - My wife is telling me that I need to help with my 14 year old's homework. I'll be right back...

OK, thanks for waiting. By way - if we shut our families out - if we're so focused on this new business that we seem consumed by it - we're going to have lots of problems in our home. What's that you say? Getting consumed by your great new business hasn't happened to you yet? Just wait, my home business friend. At some point, you'll get so excited, so motivated, so focused - that you may forget about everything around you, including those whom you love.

Let's face it - our business is not more important than our family. So let's not act like it! Make sure that your family understands that they are more important than this business. And I mean all of your family - children, spouse, parents, siblings - everyone. They need to know that they are still number one in your life.

One good way to minimize difficulties in relationships with your family when starting a home business is to talk to all your significant family up-front, *before* you start your business. If you've already launched your new enterprise, it's never too late...

Start with your spouse or significant other. Sit down and explain what you're doing and why it is exciting to you; what your hopes, dreams and goals for business are. When I started, I told my wife and loved ones very clearly, "My goal is to be making $500 dollars net profit we can spend by end of 6 months, and $1,000 a month by end of first year." (I started part time). "I'm really happy about this, and I need your support." And, Closing Question: "Wouldn't you like extra money in budget, dear?"

That made it clear - I'm not off on some "get-rich-quick scheme," or one of Henri's "things," I've got a clear plan and I know what I'm doing. However you do it, make sure to get your significant other on board *first*.

Next - your younger children: