by John Maynard, Georgia SBDC ERROR MSGIf you've been thinking about going into business, you've undoubtedly seen those multiple choice tests that reveal whether a person has what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Frankly, if you have to rely on such tests to make up your mind, you should keep your day job. Instead of relying on these silly questionnaires, ask yourself this: Are you reasonably intelligent? Are you highly motivated? Do you understand the source of your motivation? Do you know your strengths and weaknesses? If you answered yes to each question, you have an excellent foundation for success! Social scientists have understood for years that a healthy combination of intelligence and motivation contributes most to a person's success, and that group includes entrepreneurs. Being well endowed with one trait isn't enough. A genius with no gumption goes nowhere. Conversely, people with lots of drive but no comprehension of their surroundings get lost fast. Are you a "born" entrepreneur (motivated to start a business from within) or a "pushed" entrepreneur (motivated to start a business in reaction to an event or situation)? Vienna cheap hotelsBorn entrepreneurs never consider working for someone else. Pushed entrepreneurs usually start their business to escape some perceived irritant (a nasty boss) or in response to an event (being laid off or recognizing a new business opportunity). The born entrepreneur isn't necessarily superior. However, pushed entrepreneurs should realize that when they start a business to get away from an annoying situation, they are trading one set of problems for another. And the new set of challenges, while different, will likely be more aggravating. One of the primary reasons small businesses fail is lack of serious commitment from the owner, who quits after realizing that entrepreneurship is tough. Are you outgoing or shy? Are you organized? Creative? Do you like working hard, putting in long hours? How well do you handle adversity and stress? When you need help, do you seek it? Entrepreneurs can not be pigeon-holed into particular personality types. However, successful entrepreneurs find ways to work around personality traits that could hurt their businesses by either finding someone else who can do the task or by forcing themselves through sheer discipline to get the job done (such as introducing themselves to strangers at network gatherings or regularly organizing their affairs). However, hard work, dealing with adversity, and seeking help can't be delegated to others. How much experience and expertise do you have in your area of business? Bank loan officers, suppliers, and potential customers look more favorably on people with extensive experience. Many potential entrepreneurs without experience take jobs with other companies in the field to learn more about the business before starting their own. How strong are you in other business skills, such as sales, accounting, finance, and marketing? You might be the most knowledgeable expert in your field, but if you don't have what it takes to sell that expertise, you'll fail. No one is good at everything. If you're weak in sales, find someone who excels in sales. The same goes for other business skills. If you can't do it or don't enjoy doing it, find someone who does. Unlike personality traits, which are hard to change, business skills can be learned and honed over time. So far we've discussed what the entrepreneur must know. Who else will be affected by the decision to go into business? What is their opinion? You might have a high tolerance for risk and uncertainty, but others close to you may not. Support from family and friends is crucial. Hotels Deutschland In summary, your odds at succeeding as an entrepreneur are greater if you are a highly motivated individual who has - the insight to know how to compensate for areas of weakness,
- the will power to work long hours through tough times, and
- the humility to ask for and accept help from compatriots, family, and friends.
To obtain small business assistance contact a consultant at a Small Business Development Center. > See also: Starting a Business | 
