What Actually Motivates People To Do What They Do?

Being a business owner is all about the dollars, right? Well, actually, no.

Mostly entrepreneurs say they are driven to become successful business owners because of the sense of personal achievement it provides than for financial stability,

according to a new survey by online small-business community Manta and tech giant Dell.

Of the more than 3,000 small-business owners surveyed, 37 percent say their No. 1 motivation is the feeling of self-worth they enjoy in fulfilling a lifelong dream. This is about two-thirds as many more than those who reported that their top motivation is money and a feeling of financial security.

This data was unsurprising for me. Through my experiences I have met hundreds of female business leaders, and I very quickly realised that most of these women are driven by purpose and passion. Not profit. And that I believe is why they are so successful. 

Simon Sinek

For many entrepreneurs, its not the big sales or the flashy title, its actually the little things that gives them the energy to keep pushing through the long day. According to the survey. Almost 4 out of 10 survey respondents said that their first repeat customer was their most significant business milestone.

Take a spin through the infographic below for a deeper look at what drives business owners. And tell us in your own words: What drives you as an entrepreneur?