Why Do We Really Start a Business?

Every entrepreneur has a starting line. Some race toward it with excitement. Others stumble into it. And a few are pushed there by forces beyond their control.

In my work with entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed patterns. The “why” behind starting a business shapes the journey — and the struggles — more than we realize.

• Some are Visionary Dreamers. They’ve had a spark of an idea for years, finally ready to bring it to life. Passion fuels them, but passion alone doesn’t always pay the bills.

• Others are Corporate Escapees. They leave behind corner offices and titles for freedom — only to discover the shock of running everythingthemselves.

• Then there are the Reinvented Professionals. They didn’t choose this path — a layoff, age bias, or industry disruption forced reinvention. It’s emotionally draining, and yet it can be the most powerful chapter of all.

• Some are Freedom Seekers, chasing time with family or location independence. But they quickly learn freedom isn’t instant — it’s earned through systems.

• And there are Accidental Entrepreneurs, who never set out to build a business at all. A hobby, a side gig, or a request snowballs into something bigger than expected.

• Finally, the Perpetual Builders. They thrive on creating, constantly moving from one new idea to the next. The thrill is in the start — but without the right systems and partners, momentum often stalls before completion.

No matter the path, every entrepreneur faces moments of doubt, bottlenecks, and crossroads. What unites us is the desire to create something on our terms— a business that not only grows, but also supports the life we want to live.

That’s why I’m launching my new show, On Your Terms with Ann Franzese Bourne — conversations with entrepreneurs building business and life their way. We’ll talk about the struggles, the strategies, and the turning points that make this journey worth it.

Which one of these stories sounds most like your starting line — and how has it shaped your journey so far?

Subscribe now so you don’t miss the first episode dropping Sept 24. https://www.linkedin.com/events/onyourtermslive-withannfranzese7374097042425495552/