Labor Day: 6 Ways to Celebrate Being a Business Owner

There are people in this country who work hard every day
Not for fame or fortune do they strive
But the fruits of their labor are worth more than their pay
And it's time a few of them were recognized
Hello, America. Let me thank you for your time

                - Alabama

Do you remember learning about Labor Day in school? An American holiday since the 1880s, it celebrates what workers can accomplish together when they organize. Unions and the labor movement fought for things like Social Security, the 8-hour workday, unemployment insurance, and against child labor. While unions are on the decline nowadays, the American Worker is still out there, more often in the form of a self-employed individual, exhibiting that same spirit of risk-taking, ambition, and hard work that put Labor Day on the calendar.  

Growing up, Labor Day was usually one of our favorite holidays — that last 3-day weekend of summer, the last days of swimming, picnics, barbecues, the last days we were free! But for today's American worker (particularly a small business owner), the holiday sales and promotions may mean having to work that Monday.   

Whether you're one of those who'll have to show up for the job — or you are fortunate enough to be able to get away for the weekend, here are 6 ways you can celebrate being a business owner:

• Look in the mirror and say: “I am the boss.” Give yourself a little ‘thumbs up.’ Remember, being a business owner means that you are in charge of your own future.
• Share your successes. When you tell your friends and family about how well you're doing, you are inspiring them to pursue their own dreams.
• Buy a new book about entrepreneurship, and discover possibilities you may have never imagined on how you could grow your business. Check out Sally Hogshead’s book, “How the World Sees You.”
• Revel in the fact that you get to set the rules. Whether it's what time to open up shop, whether it's okay to wear fuzzy slippers on Wednesdays, whether you have a great team working for you—these are all YOUR decisions.   
• Revel in the fact that you get to BREAK the rules, too. How can you change things up to make your business truly one-of-a-kind? Check out one of our favorite whizbang apps that integrates with Infusionsoft, DiLogR - guaranteed to be idea-inspiring!
• Pursue your other interests. Being your own boss means you can make the time to do things you've always wanted to do. Get out there and help the community. Learn a musical instrument.  Teach, write, or perform. The only one who can stop you is you.

Here's to you, American small business owner, and to your hard work! Have a safe Labor Day weekend!