Money mindset, my why, success and being a good person. You can do it all.

I heard through the grapevine today that someone was saying that I was just in this business for the money. I know it was meant as a slight, but I didn’t take it that way. Most people would have gotten angry, but I didn’t because I am lucky enough to be able to say that I get to have a business that I love and I just happen to make an income as well.

For some reason, people think making money (or wanting to) is a bad thing. Quite frankly, it doesn’t make you a bad person, and the person who is saying it has some demons of their own to work out. I’m not losing sleep over it, but it made me think about my why and the reasons I’m in business.

Here are my top 5 reasons:

1. I am in this business to help other business owners build their businesses by getting in front of new people. That has always been my #1 reason for organizing events. I love being able to watch the vendors grow their businesses! One of the greatest joys I get is to see my vendor friends grow their businesses.

2. I am in this business to help shoppers connect with good business owners who will provide excellent customer service and products to the shoppers.

3. I am in this business to build relationships and friendships. I have gained some amazing friends and I cannot imagine them not being in my life. We have laughed and cried, hugged and teased each other like family. Ultimately, if you have been one of my vendors, you are family.

4. I am in this business to learn about myself and grow. I am passionate about entrepreneurship and the only way you are going to learn about it is to be in the trenches and do it.

5. I am in this business to make money. There, I said it and in a public way. Everyone needs to keep a roof over their head, the lights on and food in the cupboards. Just because I love what I do, doesn’t mean I should do it for free. I consider myself lucky to be able to have a business that I love and pays my bills. I should also add that I organized events for 15 years before I decided to make this an official business and during that time I was not making money from them, I just loved organizing them. I have definitely paid my dues. Now, it’s time to pay myself.

I feel strongly about this simply because money is a roadblock to success for a lot of people. They become scared that making money will change how others see them. You can be successful, make money and be a good person. If others treat you poorly because of your business success, that is a mindset issue for them, not for you.

Be proud of your entrepreneurship and what you have accomplished. It is a business – YOUR business. Don’t let anyone make you feel badly for taking it seriously. If you don’t, nobody else will.