Study: 72% of workers would rather work for themselves

— -- Stuck at work? Daydreaming about starting your own business? You're not alone. More than two-thirds of all working adults want to resign from their jobs to start their own business, according to a soon-to-be-released study from Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks.

Well now may be the time to quit daydreaming and "Just Start" thanks to a new initiative by Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks.

Intuit's giving away software, launching a new small business website, and holding nationwide "Just Start" events to help would-be entrepreneurs get their businesses underway. If you're lucky, you may win $40,000 in cash and $10,000 in products and services in a "just start" business contest.

The company gave me an exclusive first look at their survey results, new website, contest and other Just Start events.

Intuit's survey results are closely in line with most previous surveys I've seen, showing more than two-thirds of all Americans want to start their own businesses: 72% in Intuit's results. The survey was conducted by the research firm Decipher of Fresno, Calif.

But Intuit's survey also uncovered just how deeply unsatisfied most Americans are with their current jobs: 67% think about quitting their jobs "regularly" or "constantly." Yikes.

The number one reason most people want to start their own businesses? To be more passionate about their worklife.

"One of the things that's exciting is how many people are contemplating starting a business, how much fire in the belly is out there," said Rick Jensen, Vice President, Intuit's Small Business Division. "When you ask why (people want their own businesses), they want to ignite the passion side of their work life. We always felt that was true, but that was validated in the survey."

My experience with small businesses over 20 years confirms that Americans' perception that they'd be more engaged with work if they had their own businesses is realistic. But their choice of entrepreneurial role models? More television than reality.

The entrepreneur most inspirational to American women? Oprah Winfrey, with 66% choosing the TV-empress. And the most inspirational for men? Donald Trump with 38% and Hugh Hefner with 34%.

What are would-be entrepreneurs most afraid of when it comes to heading out on their own? Over half (56%) feared not making enough money and 27% feared not knowing enough. I suspect, though not mentioned in the survey, many were also held back from a fear of losing health care coverage.

One aspect of the "Just Start" initiative sure to prove most popular is Intuit is now making Simple Start, its entry-level version of QuickBooks, free. It was previously priced at $99.95. This is a fully-functioning, non-trial version currently used by over 300,000 businesses. I've tried it, and it's well suited for a one-person or very small businesses. Come tax time, you'll be thrilled you have your info in a computer rather than a shoe box.

"To this day, small businesses and new businesses use paper and pen or spreadsheets to do their finances," said Jensen. "We want to help them focus on getting customers, not paperwork. Simple Start is drop-dead easy."

You can download or order a CD of Simple Start from Intuit's website at www.Iwilljuststart.com.

Other aspects of Intuit's "Just Start" program:

•Website:Intuit's new site, www.Iwilljuststart.com, brings together resources to help new entrepreneurs find information and connect with other small business owners.

•Events:In late October and early November, Intuit will hold events in Seattle, Chicago, New York, and Boston. They'll give out free software, coffee and smoothies, and have small business experts and entrepreneurs on hand to answer questions and give advice. There will also be help with the Simple Start Quickbooks software.

•Contest:One winner will receive $40,000 in cash and $10,000 in products and services; two winners will receive $5,000 each. Entrants must submit a letter or video describing their business dream and how they would use the money. Entry details at Iwilljuststart.com.

"The goal of "just start" is to encourage more Americans to actually pursue their entrepreneurial dream," according to Intuit's Jensen. "We're hoping that people who have the passion to start a business see this campaign and say, 'It's time. I want to live the dream I've always had.' We want to help them bring that passion to life."

Rhonda Abrams is author of Trade Show In A Day and president of The Planning Shop, publishers of books and other tools for business plans. Register for Rhonda's free business planning newsletter at www.PlanningShop.com. For an index of her columns, click here. Copyright Rhonda Abrams 2007.