Thinking of owning and managing your own business? It's a good idea—provided you know what it takes and have what it takes. Are you the kind of person who can get a business started and make it go? Under each question, check the answer that says what you feel or comes closest to it. Be honest with yourself.
Are you a self starter?
checkbox I do things on my own. Nobody has to tell me to get going.
checkbox If someone gets me started, I keep going all right.
checkbox Easy does it. I don't put myself out until I have to.
How do you feel about other people?
checkbox I like people. I can get along with just about anybody.
checkbox I have plenty of friends—I dont need anyone else.
checkbox Most people irritate me.
Can you lead others?
checkbox I can get most people to get along when I start something.
checkbox I can give the orders if someone tells me what we should do.
checkbox I let someone else get things moving. Then I help if I feel like it.
Can you take responsibility?
checkbox I like to take charge of things and see them through.
checkbox Ill take over if I have to, but I'd rather let someone else be responsible.
checkbox There's always some eager beaver around wanting to show how smart he is. I say let him.
How good an organizer are you?
checkbox I like to have a plan before I start. I'm usually the one to get things lined up when the group wants to do something.
checkbox I do all right unless things get too confused. Then I quit.
checkbox You get all set and then something comes along and presents too many problems. So I just take things as they come.
How good a worker are you?
checkbox I can keep going as long as I need to. I don't mind working hard for something I want.
checkbox I'll work hard for a while, but when I've had enough, that's it.
checkbox I cant see that hard work gets you anywhere.
Can you make decisions?
checkbox I can make up my mind in a hurry if I have to. It usually turns out okay, too.
checkbox I can if I have plenty of time. If I have to make up my mind fast, I later question my decision.
checkbox I dont like to be the one who has to decide things.
Can people trust what you say?
checkbox You bet they can. I don't say things I dont mean.
checkbox I try to be on the level most of the time, but sometimes I just say what's easiest.
checkbox Why bother if the other fellow doesn't know the difference?
Can you stick with it?
checkbox If I make up my mind to do something, I don't let anything stop me.
checkbox I usually finish what I start—if it goes well.
checkbox If it doesn't immediately go well, I quit. Why beat your brains out?
How good is your health?
checkbox I never run down!
checkbox I have enough energy for most things I want to do.
checkbox I run out of energy sooner than most of my friends seem to.
Now count the checks you made.
 How many checks are there beside the first answer to each question? | ________ |
| How many checks are there beside the second answer to each question? | ________ |
| How many checks are there beside the third answer to each question? | ________ |
If most of your checks are beside the first answers, you probably have what it takes to run a business. If not, youre most likely to have more trouble than you can handle by yourself. Better find a partner who is strong on the points youre weak on. If many checks are beside the third answer, not even a good partner will be able to shore you up.
Now, think about why you want to own your own business.
| | Yes | No |
| Do you want to badly enough to keep working long hours without knowing how much money youll end up with? | ____ | ____ |
| Have you worked in a business like the one you want to start? | ____ | ____ |
| Have you worked for someone else as a foreman or manager? | ____ | ____ |
| Have you had any business training in school? | ____ | ____ |
| Have you saved any money? | ____ | ____ |
