If you are feeling fed up and uninspired in your current career path maybe entrepreneurship is something to consider in 2015. Sentiments that often surface when this subject is broached are ”I’m not cut out for that!” or “I don’t have what it takes.” But just what exactly does it take? The Small Business Administration defines an entrepreneur as a person who sees an opportunity makes a plan and manages the plan for the sake of profit”. You might be surprised to know that the fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs are women and baby boomers over age 55. So, if you have a business idea that fuels your passion and you are willing to do what it takes to inspire others to embrace your idea, becoming an entrepreneur might be exactly right for you. The same basic skills of ANY successful worker apply.
These traits top the list.
Passion
Passion is the fuel behind your fire. You will need a lot of fuel to keep the wheels turning. The excitement you have to make your dream come true is the motivating factor that drives you to success.
Confidence
Regardless of the nature of your goal, confidence gives you an edge, confidence in yourself and your concept. Your confidence is demonstrated through passion and commitment. These emotions incite others to be interested and to have the desire to be involved. But don’t confuse confidence with arrogance. Much like an interview, there is a careful balance to straddle.
Persistence
A never give up attitude is a must have for aspiring entrepreneurs. Setbacks are inevitable and disappointments will surely surface. Successful entrepreneurs use failure as a tool to improve and they see it only as a temporary delay, not as the end result. They reassess and immediately look forward for the next breakthrough. Many successful entrepreneurs actually thrive on failure. Of course they would prefer to always experience successful outcomes. But knowing this isn’t realistically possible they “they turn lemons into lemonade.”
Hard work
You’re used to hard work right? Of course you are or you probably wouldn’t be considering such an undertaking. Working in your own enterprise requires serious dedication. It takes time and commitment that is taken to a new level. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves for the long haul and keep at it until you reach your goals, you will reap great rewards.
Thinking outside the box
Entrepreneurs are not conformists. In fact, that’s what sets this group apart from others. They have unique ideas and don’t accept it when someone says, “It’s not possible.” They figure out a way to make it possible. Being quirky and different is a way of getting noticed. It establishes a difference between your business and your competitors business. Entrepreneurs fill a void and do it in a unique way.
Risk taking
In order to achieve great things important decisions that often involve risk must be made. This might include leaving a stable job for a business venture or moving to an unfamiliar location for a start up. It also may include knowing when to pull the plug on a business venture that isn’t working and move on to the next thing. Yes, entrepreneurs make many risky decisions but Face Book founder Mark Zuckerberg said it best, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.”
Competiveness
There will always be others who are out to beat you. But entrepreneurs who are focused on their own success will not let competitors derail them. In fact, competition keeps things fresh and interesting and inspires new ideas. Sharing the market with multiple competitors is a validation that there is need for the service or product.
Adaptability
When you are a leader adaptability is applied in many areas including the fast pace of changing technology, dealing with crisis in the workplace, creative problem solving and cultural diversity, just to name a few. Changes in the business environment can be fast and unexpected which could unpredictably change the direction of your business plan. A savvy leader will embrace change while still staying focused on business goals.
Having good people skills is a plus even though some of the best entrepreneurs have demonstrated otherwise. Steve Jobs is an example. One must be able to hire the right people and have good judgment when in comes to staffing. So now that you know you have the right skills, entrepreneurship can become a reality for you in 2015. Go for it!