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A startling new poll has uncovered a hidden truth among entrepreneurs: Most have hated their own business.
Yet while that may seem shocking, the award-winning business coach behind the survey said the feeling is "perfectly natural".
County Durham's Ian Kinnery said it is a feeling most business owners experience when they’ve gone all-in – emotionally, financially, and physically – on something that doesn’t always give back like they hoped.
“I’ve been there myself,” said Ian, a previous European Business Coach of the Year winner.
“Before becoming a coach, I ran several successful businesses, which were so consuming, I grew to resent them.
"I loved the idea of what I’d built but I hated how it made me feel.
“When you’ve invested so much into something, of course it’s going to be personal but when it takes more than it gives – and impacts your wellbeing and homelife - it isn't unusual to feel burned out or even bitter."
In total, 78 per cent of those polled admitted that, at some point, they have hated their business.
It was carried out to help mark Ian's 20th anniversary as a business and scaling-up coach.
In that time, he has not only helped hundreds of entrepreneurs scale their businesses but crucially, to also regain their passion for them.
As part of the milestone, he’s currently giving away 20 free one-hour coaching sessions to founders, leaders and decision makers.
However, while his coaching has helped grow multi-million-pound businesses, he said coaching is more than just growing your bottom line.
“Profit is great, but coaching can help you rediscover what made you fall in love with your business in the first place,” said Ian.
And with two decades of experience coaching leading entrepreneurs across Britain, Ian says these moments of disillusionment can prove pivotal.
“It’s not a sign of failure but a warning that something needs to change,” he added.
“I’ve seen it time and again. But the right kind of support can help you reframe your business, and your role within it.”
And his message to business owners who’ve fallen out of love with their business is simple.
You are not alone.
“Walking away can be tempting, but the first step should be to find help to learn to love it again,” he added.
