Your a Business, Man!

Multi-platinum selling recording artist, producer and business mogul Jay-Z is regarded as an incredibly successful businessman.  He doesn't view himself this way though.  He said, "I'm not a businessman. I'm a business... man."

Some may argue the semantics of the words, when in reality this separation and differing view is the right view.  Jay-Z, you, me, we are a business.  It doesn't matter if you work for someone or not.  Stop kidding yourself. You are running your own business. 

You are the CEO of you.  Do you pay bills?  Yes, then you're a business.  Do you give instructions and delegate?  Yes, then you are a business.  So what's the point. 

If you don't view yourself as a business and you don't run your life as a business, then you will go out of business.  Whether that's getting fired, going bankrupt, losing a relationship, or raising your children inappropriately.   

Make no mistake, you are a business so you must start making business savvy decisions. For example, how are you marketing yourself?  Forget outside sales, how are you constantly and consistently marketing yourself to your company?  No offense, but unless you're #1 in your field you must keep selling yourself.  Otherwise, a better marketer will take you down. 

How are you managing your finances?  Do you have a budget?  What are you doing about your health?  Take care of your health today or your finances you're planning for tomorrow will not be enough.  

All of these types of decisions and conversations are intertwined.  It's your duty and responsibility to have the discussions and planning sessions with your advisors.  You do have advisors don't you?  A real business is supported by advisors whether it's lawyers and accountants or a successful aunt, brother, parent or friend.  

Jay-Z is dead right. You are a business, and the sooner you start acting and running your life like a business the more success will come your way.  I'm a business... man - Are you? 

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