Starting a small business can be scary. We often hear about the risks involved in striking out on your own, but with risk comes reward. These are some of the greatest advantages of going into business for yourself.

You are your own boss. One of the absolute best things about starting your own business is the total freedom to make the choices that drive your business success. Most small business owners will agree that there are few feelings better or more priceless than the satisfaction of succeeding on your own terms.

1.Pursue your own ideas

No one can tell you no when you’re the boss, too. Small businesses can innovate and introduce new concepts to market without having to jump through hoops to get someone else’s approval first. Small businesses also have more latitude (and a little more need as well) to get creative with how they attract and hold on to customers.

2.You’re more flexible than big businesses

“Agile” may be a big buzzword in big business, but in reality it’s the smaller businesses who are much more flexible when it comes to making quick changes to deal with shifting markets and conditions. Smaller businesses also face far fewer boundaries to adapting products and services, meaning they can respond to customer feedback with meaningful action much faster than big businesses can. A small business will often have a new product out on shelves while big businesses are still chasing approval to research their options.

3.Build a close community

Many small businesses are almost like a family – and, in fact, many small businesses do blur the lines between family members and co-workers. These tight-knit teams tend to be loyal and passionate communities that pull together in tough times or to complete difficult projects.

4.Get to know your customers personally

Small businesses tend to be closer to their customers, and those that are most successful take every opportunity to deliver exceptional customer service in ways that are surprising and personal. This closeness with customers means that small businesses can also get a better idea of their customers – wants and needs, often giving them better insights than larger competitors.

5.It’s actually easier to manage costs

Small businesses are lean businesses. With less overhead and greater cost-efficiency, small businesses generally require less funds to invest, market and innovate. That said, keeping a close eye on your finances is still paramount. It can help to invest in small business accounting software that’s quick and easy to use.

6.Follow your passion

So many entrepreneurs work almost superhuman hours but if you were to ask them, they would tell you that the time they spend growing their business doesn’t feel like work at all. The reason? Because they are doing the thing they love, and they’re having fun while they do it.

Small business owners spend more hours of their lives working than doing anything else – probably even sleeping – so why not invest that time where you’re most passionate and on something you really believe in.