Why Sometimes You Need to Be Tough as a Business Owner

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Being a business owner is like being the captain of a ship in uncharted waters. The sea is full of opportunities, but it’s also packed with challenges, storms, and a few sharks (in the nicest way possible). Now, your first year will be your trickiest year so you’ll have to do what you can to not make this year as tricky.

But how? Well, if you’re not tough enough, you’ll find yourself sinking and being swallowed whole by the demands, expectations, and pressures of running a business. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but your business is your livelihood, and you must protect it. So, let’s talk about why you need to be a bit tougher than you might think.

You’re the Boss

You are the boss, and that’s why you got into this. This means setting the tone, pace, and direction of your company. If you’re too soft, your employees, partners, and vendors might exploit you. You must set boundaries, enforce them, and make tough decisions that won’t always be popular.

Being tough doesn’t mean being a tyrant, but it does mean being assertive. You’ve got to know when to put your foot down and when to stand your ground. After all, the success of your business depends on it. If you let everyone walk all over you, you’ll end up with a company that’s more like a doormat than a thriving enterprise.

Clients Will Try to Swindle You

So, this goes back to the above, but maybe even worse. Now, everyone will deal with terrible clients and customers, those you question if they ever had any manners. They’re the worst. We all want to believe that our clients are angels who appreciate our hard work and pay their invoices on time. 

But the reality? It's not always so rosy. Some clients will try to exploit your goodwill, asking for discounts, extended deadlines, or even questioning your invoices.

Unfortunately, for some, if they see a weakness, they’ll take advantage of it. For example, they may even ghost you or refuse to pay; yes, you read that right. It might even get to the point where you must contact a debt collection agency for help. It’s a scenario that no one wants. Being rigid in this area is not about being harsh—it’s about protecting your business’s cash flow and ensuring you can continue to operate successfully.

Tough Times Call for Tough Decisions

When things get tough, you need to be more challenging. This might mean making difficult decisions, like cutting costs, letting go of employees, or pivoting your business model. Being tough here isn’t about being heartless; it’s about survival. But yes, it might make you feel heartless, though (but you’re not).

It’s About Respect

Maybe you’re a soft person, but again, not everyone respects soft. People respect those who are strong, decisive, and unafraid to stand up for themselves and their businesses. Being tough helps you maintain that respect and ensures that others take you and your business seriously. It’s not about being feared; it’s about being valued and respected for the leader you are.

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