This is truly the age of the entrepreneur. (Part 1 of 2) Today there any number of businesses that can be launched with little or no capital. With high-speed Internet access available just about anywhere, more and more home and Internet businesses are springing up. We often hear about highly successful endeavors that spark our internal entrepreneurial spirit. But don’t be too anxious. Do you have skills indiginous to entrepreneurial endeavors. The first step is to make an assessment your skills to identify if you are truly an entrepreneur or better off being an employee!
Numerous studies have been conducted to show that there are crucial differences in the mindsets of entrepreneurs and employees and many claim to have identified a set of common traits and characteristics present in entrepreneurs. Others have focused entirely on characteristics found only in successful entrepreneurs, excluding those who have failed.
Regardless of success or failure, overall, there are common traits present that distinguish entrepreneurs in general from employees. In general these common traits are thought to predispose a person to taking on the challenge of launching their own business. Following are skills commonly accepted.
The Ability To Tell It Like It Is – Although very different in lifestyles, political and religious affiliations, and perspectives on life, those predisposed to entrepreneur-ism are very different in one particular area. Studies have consistently shown that these individuals are much more likely to possess strong opinions and and express those without hesitation. It is the ability that allows them to face challenges despite naysayers.
“I Need To Succeed!” – Channeling these feeling into something positive is a great asset. For instance, these individuals can use that strength to develop a healthy “Need for Achievement”. Psychologists use this term to represent motivation. This “Need for Achievement” is essential if you are to succeed. Starting a new business is always challenging and risky, but the “Need for Achievement” will get you past these initial obstacle and help you not obsess excessively. Instead you will be capable of visualizing ways to take advantage of the things you can control.
Creativity and Analytical Thinking Skills are imperative. All entrepreneurs need to recognize and take ownership of opportunities in their life. This requires creative thinking on your part. If you have very little experience, education or capital you won’t let these hinder you. You will see the possibilities. For instance, an individual will recognize and consider a variety of Internet-based or
Home-based business models. Or explore freelancing work or consulting services related to the profession they that possess experience in or that is related to a lifelong hobby.
Willingness To Take Responsibility is one of the most important skills. Entrepreneurs must be willing to face the fact that they must take responsibility for their life… not someone else. This means avoiding the “blame game” as if it were the plague.
All entrepreneurs need to possess Great Communications and Social Skills or emotional stability and the ability to communicate through verbal and written words. This is necessary if you are to thoroughly understand your clients or customers. You must be able to comfortably converse any variety of people since selling in any form requires little bit of psychology and a lot of personality. This goes hand-in-hand with developing and maintaining personal relationships through cooperation and tactfulness for great customer service.
Come back to see what Part 2 discusses, including 10 questions to evaluate your skills!
Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”
