What Motivates BIZ Experiencess to Do What They Do? (Infographic) Running your own business is stressful, tiring and risky. So, why bother? A new survey reveals some surprising insights.

By Catherine Clifford

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

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

More BIZ Experiencess 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.

Related: Fewer Americans Are Launching Businesses. Here's the Silver Lining. (Infographic)

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. About two-thirds as many respondents reported that their top motivation is money and a feeling of financial security.

For many BIZ Experiencess, being recognized for their hard work, either through an award or happy customers, gives them the energy to keep pushing through the long days, according to the survey. Almost 4 out of 10 survey respondents said that their first repeat customer was their most significant business milestone.

Related: The Formula Startups Use to Make Billions (Infographic)

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 BIZ Experiences?

Click to Enlarge+
What Motivates BIZ Experiencess to Do What They Do (Infographic)

Catherine Clifford

Senior BIZ Experiencesship Writer at CNBC

Catherine Clifford is senior BIZ Experiencesship writer at CNBC. She was formerly a senior writer at BIZ Experiences.com, the small business reporter at CNNMoney and an assistant in the New York bureau for CNN. Clifford attended Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's degree. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. You can follow her on Twitter at @CatClifford.

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