HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS
Is
Entrepreneurship For You?
Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
It can offer numerous advantages such as being your own boss, setting your own
schedule and making a living doing something you enjoy. But, becoming a
successful entrepreneur requires thorough planning, creativity and hard work.
Consider whether you have the following characteristics and skills
commonly associated with successful entrepreneurs:
- Comfortable with taking risks: Being your own boss also
means you’re the one making tough decisions. Entrepreneurship involves
uncertainty. Do you avoid uncertainty in life at all costs? If yes, then
entrepreneurship may not be the best fit for you. Do you enjoy the thrill
of taking calculated risks? Then read on.
- Independent: Entrepreneurs have to make a
lot of decisions on their own. If you find you can trust your instincts —
and you’re not afraid of rejection every now and then — you could be on
your way to being an entrepreneur.
- Persuasive: You may have the greatest
idea in the world, but if you cannot persuade customers, employees and
potential lenders or partners, you may find entrepreneurship to be
challenging. If you enjoy public speaking, engage new people with ease and
find you make compelling arguments grounded in facts, it’s likely you’re
poised to make your idea succeed.
- Able to negotiate: As a small business owner,
you will need to negotiate everything from leases to contract terms to
rates. Polished negotiation skills will help you save money and keep your
business running smoothly.
- Creative: Are you able to think of new
ideas? Can you imagine new ways to solve problems? Entrepreneurs must be
able to think creatively. If you have insights on how to take advantage of
new opportunities, entrepreneurship may be a good fit.
Watch out for Part II