Are you unemployed and having difficulties finding a new job? Have you had interview after interview but no job offers? Are you tired of punching a time clock or marching to someone else’s drummer each day? If so, you might want to consider striking out on your own. Here are some tips for becoming a business owner.
First of all, you’ll need to determine whether you are well suited to the operation of a
business. To do this, you’ll need to assess your character and temperament. Ask yourself what you enjoy most, and whether you are good at solving problems. (Most businesses fail not because the owner isn’t making enough money, but because he or she doesn’t have a clear idea of how to handle obstacles and isn’t able to prioritize the astonishing array of tasks that must be accomplished.)
Are you good with people or do you prefer graphs and charts? Do you have sufficient confidence in yourself to keep on going when things look bleak? Are you resilient? Do you have a well-developed sense of humor?
Can you temporarily lessen your standard of living until your business gets going? Do you like to make decisions? Are you willing to work long hours, without any monetary reward in sight? Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? The answers you give to these questions will determine your relative success or failure.
By and large, those individuals who can describe themselves as ‘People-persons’ and who have an upbeat, enthusiastic personality along with a great sense of humor will do better than those who are hesitant or unsure of themselves. Leadership is an absolute MUST, as is enthusiasm and flexibility.
Starting a business has often been compared to giving birth to a baby: it is hard 'labor'--no pun intended--and not for the faint of heart. Before you get started down a path that may be the wrong one, take some time to chat with business owners in your community. Ask them what their major obstacle was and how they overcame it. Solicit their advice as to the best way for you to ‘break into the market.’ Find out the best way is to advertise for clients. Discuss the inevitable daily frustrations and the methods they use to cope with them. Talk with them about hiring—and retaining—employees.
Try to do this over lunch or coffee--your treat--so that they will be able to give you their undivided attention. Then, if you like what you hear, ask them to serve as your ad hoc company advisors, offering them your services in exchange for their valuable guidance.
Most people will be flattered you asked, and only too pleased to accept.
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