YOU the Entrepreneur...
When teaching my classes I see all types of entrepreneurial spirits. There is the true, entrepreneur, and then the entrepreneur want-to-be's.
It is okay to be afraid when starting a new business, it is okay to be to feel unsure of what to do first. However, there is a big difference between starting pains and just not having the spirit of an entrepreneur. So before you quit your day job for the carefree life of the entrepreneur (joke), let’s take a look at a few things that might help you evaluate your chances of success.
First: How confident are you with your talent or skills? You must believe in what you do and believe that you can do it. You might even say, it comes easy to you, or it is something you love so much you would do it even if it didn't make money. In other words, I would not start a catering business if I hated to give and host a party. You need to be good at what you want to do. Even if it looks like a good business to go into and an easy way to make money, that it is not the reason to start a business in a certain field. Turning your passion into a business is what will keep you going when things get tough.
Next: How hard are you willing to work? I often hear in my classes "Boy this is hard." Did you think it would be easy? The class is only the tip of the iceberg. If you want to start your own business so you don't have to work long hours, then being in business for yourself is not for you. My husband puts in long hours but when he comes home, he is done. My work is never done. If I am not marketing, I am learning, if I am not learning, I am sending out a press release or doing some research on advertising. If I am not doing that, I am working on books or planning or sending thank you notes. The entrepreneur works on average 12 hours a day six, and sometimes even 7, days a week. And that, in my world, sometimes is light. But like I always say, "I will work harder for myself than anyone else." It is worth it. Because at the end of the day, it is MINE.
Lastly for this week: How good of a communicator are you? Many times a student will come to class with great talent and the ability to create a wonderful room but has no people skills or selling ability. The student is shy, and hates to talk to strangers. This can be a deal breaker for the entrepreneur. You have to be able to sell you services either in writing or speaking or both. Be honest with yourself. My wonderful brother-n-law started a lawn care business, bought all the equipment, took courses on plants and grasses etc. Six months later he was out of business. He forgot to consider how shy was and how he hates to sell and talk to people. However this is a skill that can be learned. Take a writing or public speaking course. Go to the library or go online for the wealth of information on how to improve this skill. Join Toastmasters or take a Dale Carnegie course.
