Ross Cameron

You may have started out with money as the primary goal, but it is rarely the only reason that you get up in the morning.

Success is a moving target

This business owner has hit the nail right on the head.

“Success is a moving target. Years ago I would have said money, then in another period I would have said I’m doing it for my children. Then the business takes on a life of its own and you want to see it achieve things in and of itself, so the inspiration does change and it’s seldom money past a point. If it were just money, I’d be gone long ago.” (20-50 employees, Brisbane).

Many other owners of medium-sized businesses feel the same. Employing 40 people, this business owner has made the money he needs to sustain his lifestyle. But it’s about more than the money.

That said, as he points out, when he first started out it was about money because his business was in start-up stage, and he didn’t have much money. Of course, it’s easy to say money doesn’t matter when you have heaps of it (ask any rock star).

Realising that your objectives and views of success have changed isn’t being unfocused — it’s maturing as a business owner. But perhaps most importantly, this business owner had given this some thought.

Do you have a clear view on what “success” looks like?

Ross Cameron, of Cameron Research Group, provides marketing research and strategy services to over half of Australia’s 10 largest companies, guiding their interactions with small and medium sized businesses. Prior to this, Ross was a project manager with BIS Shrapnel.

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