I’ve rewritten this post several times now (blush).

So here we go again (this time removing names of the guilty).

Before you read it just note that I think there is a real “divide” happening in the business world – and as time goes on, I’m finding myself clearly on one side of the fence.  I’m curious to know what you think so please share your comments afterwards.

In the last 2 months I’ve had several conversations with the owners or executives of well established companies discussing the subjects of business and entrepreneurship.

And in more than one occasion, the conversation has turned sour (in my mind) when discussing the subject of whether a membership site (or any “Lifestyle Business”) is a “real” business.

In fact, I wrote about a specific situation where it actually got me questioning a bunch of things about my business.

But afterwards I was more fired up about this subject than ever before and it happened again today (so I’m going to rant).

Here’s what I have to say to those that question the validity of a membership site (or Lifestyle) business…

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You’re jealous!

You’re jealous of the fact that it generates recurring revenue every single month.

You’re jealous of the fact that the profit margins are significantly higher than any “traditional” business you’re used to.

You’re jealous of the fact that it can be run with minimal resources.

You’re jealous of the fact that it can be run with a small team (even 1 person!).

You’re jealous of the fact that for the most part, it’s WAY less stressful than the majority of corporate jobs.

You’re jealous of the fact that it can be run from any place in the world that has an internet connection.

Wake up and smell the coffee my friend.

Times have changed.

It’s about time you get with the program and realize that more and more of these lifestyle businesses doing phenomenally well – which is only going to inspire more and more people to do the same.

And for the record, these are “real” businesses (just ask the government… we get taxed just like any other traditional business).

So you can turn your nose up and pretend that your Enterprise business has more “worth” just because it follows a traditional business model but while you’re stuck tending to your shop, I’m going to take the afternoon off and spend some time with my family… because I can and because I want to dammit.

(and BTW – even though we’re discussing “business”, I put this post in the “Live More” category… hopefully one day you’ll figure out why)

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Forget Traditional Business Models (if you want to)

Bottom line is this…

Membership sites (and Lifestyle businesses in general) are alive and they are doing exceptionally well.

We live in a new world my friends and we live in one of the most exciting times EVER for doing business.

Why?

Because business can be done on YOUR terms.

If you don’t want to have a big company full of employees, then don’t.

If running your business from your home is something you want to do, then you go for it.

Don’t let anyone tell you what “should” be done or what a “traditional” business should be like.

Screw that.

“Working 60+ hour weeks, commuting in busy traffic and wearing a suit everyday isn’t the only way to do business.” ~ @StuMclaren

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We have alternatives now.

(Thank goodness).

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Your Turn

Am I off base?

Does it infuriate you when you hear these sly comments about a lifestyle business not being “real”? (or am I the only one?)

Let me know in the comments.