If you are reading this then you’ve thought about or are engaging in an entrepreneurial pursuit. Are you the “type” of person who sees an opportunity, seizes it, monetizes it repeatedly? Or, is this your very first idea….and you’re doing it in the safety of an existing 8-5, steady pay-check kind of atmosphere?
Either way…you ARE an entrepreneur! How do I know? I am one! Want to know what we have in common? Read on!
What do you need to become an entrepreneur?
– Well, you need an idea (a feasible one or even an outrageous one) and it really helps a lot if you are passionate about it – it raises the fun quotient!
– Do you have considerable expertise in the industry? (A desire to learn something new may bring you insights that create an innovation that no one else considered.)
– Do you have the personal integrity and discipline to do the work necessary in the early years or is lack of external structure (too much flexibility) going to cause you to stumble and risk losing your dream of being a successful business owner?
– Are you a risk taker?
– Do you have an informal Board of Directors (other successful business owners, a strong network of outside experts/guides and mentors) you can turn to for information, validation and encouragement?
– Do you have a strong desire to succeed and the resiliency to face obstacles, finding creative ways to overcome and persevere?
Did you answer yes to most of these questions? (I did!)
Still feel you need more encouragement to start down the path of your dream business? There are loads of resources available to you including but NOT limited to:
– LinkedIn groups (keyword search Entrepreneur)
– Your local chamber of commerce
– The Kauffman Foundation (New Venture Entrepreneur)
– Startupcup.com with Sean Griffin and Kristen Bergman
– The McGraw-Hill Guide To Starting Your Own Business by Stephen C. Harper
– EntreLeadership Master Series with Dave Ramsey
– Start by Jon Acuff
You are your own dream maker and breaker!
You alone must decide your commitment to the adventure of starting and running your own business. Help and encouragement from people you respect is one very often overlooked key to keeping your attitude in check. It is easy to let the ones in your life who have never taken a risk, project their insecurities upon you and increase your anxiety. Try to stay in contact, daily if necessary at first, with others who share your excitement and have sound judgement. Their friendly support and belief in you will be the strength you need to steel your courage for the scary, exhilarating and limitless opportunities that await you!
Author Sabrina Adams-Onoriode wrote “You must believe in yourself even more than everyone else does!”
Question: What other traits do you think an entrepreneur must possess to succeed? Post your comments below.
