Most of my life has been spent starting, managing and operating my own businesses...some were small and others grew in size. Like many of you, I have also had a working career with medium to large corporations and there is something to be said about the comfort, security and being part of a "team".

Back in 1997, I had a great...no outstanding career with a super company...but I had little control over my life. I was a new father that desired to see my family as much as I could, I was a reserve Sheriff Deputy that loved helping others and I loved to take snow skiing vacations all while spending time in our little So Cal Mountain community. BUT...

I had three weeks off a year...aside from those three weeks, I worked about 50 hours a week and commuted 30-45 minutes each way to work each day. If I wanted to see my kids school plays and I wanted to be able to watch my five year old little girls swim lessons as I did this entire week with a good cup of coffee in my hand...it was not an easy task and if I wanted a long weekend for a ski trip to Canada or Sun Valley Idaho or even to Mammoth Mountain a short drive away...good luck...there was work that had to be done and VP's and accountants that had high expectations.

In other words, many times someone else was controlling my life...I was locked into what many call normal and most do not mind the control on when and what they could do with their own time in life...an asset that is one of our most abused assets and I knew I had to change this part of my life and once again take control of my own time and I had to do it NOW!

In today's world, many of you may be saying wow...

• Three weeks paid vacation...
• A company car...
• Killer benefits...
• Retirement and profit share...
• I was in an industry that required I be water front half the month... (Marina Industry)
• Great management and I was climbing the ladder quickly...but to what...more hours and more loss of my time? Money only goes so far in my mind.

No doubt, I had a great JOB! But I did not own my time and some of the "corporate must" were just...stupid!

See if you relate to this video before reading on...some of you will!

Did the above video hit a nerve? If you are or ever where in the "rat race" I am sure you know what this clip meant. Yes I had a great job but I knew that there had to be a better way of spending my time!

Needless to say, I started my business in 1998 and while its been a tremendous amount of work, within 24 months I started to own my time and today I work far less then at any point within my entire life. It took careful planning, training and the right mentors and coaches but I am excited to say that I OWN THE MAJORITY OF MY TIME...my clients still own some of my time...which I am happy to provide!

Over the past couple years, I have trained a HUGE number of "executives" that are able to see the writing on the wall within corporate America. Companies are not only tightening the belt, they are in many cases increasing work loads and the responsibilities of their work force. So let's see...many of you are working more, are more stressed and have greater responsibilities...not to mention that the increases in pay are smaller or may not exist at all and in some cases many are accepting pay cuts simply to keep their job!

Owning and managing your own businesses, detailing or not is not for everyone! Some let their new business own them and end up working far greater hours and thus fail to truly master their goal of time ownership. Some mis-believe that starting a detailing business will be easy...I can tell you now it won't be! Few businesses are easy to start and will take a great amount of work to grow and mold into the business that allows you the lifestyle and income you desire.

Do You own your time?

Can You?

Yes You Can!

If you fail in business....you have no one else to blame but the person in the mirror. You may ask yourself daily..."But Wonder if I Fail?" I ask you...

Wonder if You Succeed?

My name is Renny Doyle and I hope to help you own your time with both these columns and my training and coaching! Some of you will work with me directly and some will simply read the words I offer....no matter how you take control of your time, I sure hope these efforts help you and inspire you! You can see us on the web at www.detailingsuccess.com or email me directly at renny@detailingsuccess.com

Happy Detailing all...