Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? To find out, start by reviewing the following list of characteristics commonly attributed to entrepreneurs:
- They are creative people who sometimes accomplish extraordinary things because they're passionate about what they're doing.
- They are risk-taking optimists who commit themselves to working long hours to reach desired goals.
- They take pride in what they're doing and get satisfaction from doing something they enjoy.
- They have the flexibility to adjust to changing situations to achieve their goals.
We'll also add that entrepreneurs usually start small. They begin with limited resources and build their businesses through personal effort. At the end of the day, their success depends on their ability to manage and grow the organization that they created to implement their vision.
Now use the following three-point scale to indicate the extent to which each of these attributes characterizes you:
1. It doesn't sound like me.
2. It sounds like me to a certain extent.
3. It sounds a lot like me.
Based on your responses, do you think that you have the attributes of an entrepreneur? Do you think you could be a successful entrepreneur? Why, or why not?