So, how do you know if Entrepreneurism is the right decision for you?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to go into business for yourself. Perhaps your previous work experience has not adequately prepared you to manage a business successfully. To help determine if you have the necessary skills to successfully run your own business, it is helpful to compare your traits, strengths and weaknesses to those of successful entrepreneurs. The following list is a summary of traits of a successful business owner.

• Problem-solving: can explore innovative ways to respond to opportunities.

• Goal-oriented: can envision a desired outcome, as well as plan and implement the activities required to achieve it.

• Self-confidence: believes in own ideas and abilities, and conveys that belief to others.

• Risk-taking: can abandon status quo, explore options and pursue opportunities.

• Decision-making: ability to make prudent choices even in a stressful environment.

• Persistence: can tenaciously pursue goals regardless of the energy and commitment required.

• Communication: can speak, listen and write effectively.

• Interpersonal relationships: can understand the wants and needs of others, as well as inspire them.

• Leadership: can direct others effectively and empower their performance.

If you recognize you are weak in some of the above mentioned areas, it does not mean that you will not be able to successfully run your own business. You can work to strengthen these areas. One way to acquire these skills is to seek out a mentor that possesses some of the traits you are lacking. To view a list of available mentors in the Central Region, click here.