Entrepreneurship is a critical and growing component of today’s economy. More and more people are choosing (or being forced) to become entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is often a difficult undertaking, as the vast majority of new businesses fail. The success of a business is determined by a combination of many factors. However, I would say that the key to all of this is the attitude of the entrepreneur, or what I would call the entrepreneurial spirit. Unfortunately not everyone has it. The following questions serve as a guide to know if you have it:
- Passion. Do you have an overwhelming passion for business? This is the number one attribute of a true entrepreneur. People without passion do not generate enthusiasm and faith in any business venture.
- Preparation. Are you willing to do the necessary preparation? Many people have a basic idea and then want someone else to do all the legwork and take the risks. Intrigue is not entrepreneurship.
- Mindset. Do you have a solution-oriented mindset (can you do it)? If you see every problem as a mountain, stay away from running your own business.
- Risk assumption. Are you willing to take calculated risks? If you are risk averse then you should work for a big corporation, government or an entrepreneur, there is nothing wrong with that.
- Commitment. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make a business venture successful? Are you willing to go the extra mile? A genuine entrepreneur has the attitude of never giving up; if he fails, he just tries something else.
- Hear. Are you willing to listen to good advice? Entrepreneurship doesn’t mean you have to have a reckless attitude or have universal expertise.
- Responsibility. Are you comfortable with the ball stopping with you? Are you willing to lead from the front? If you blame other people for your mistakes, entrepreneurship is probably not for you.
Copyright© 2009 – Wim Venter
