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Many people dream of owning their own business and being their
own boss. The allure of freedom, a flexible schedule and doing
work they love is almost too strong to resist. Yet few ever take
the step to start a business and pursue their lifelong dream. Some
who do are unprepared for the responsibility and fold after a short period
of time. How can you tell ahead of time whether a home business
is right for you? Can you assess your likelihood of success in
a specific business?
Here's how each applies to starting and running a successful home business: 1) Self-awareness. Know who you are, what you are good at and what you like to do. Start a business that is based on your expertise in a specific field or an area that you thoroughly enjoy. Know the level of stress you can handle and start your business at a speed and scope that is right for you. Many successful entrepreneurs started their business part-time to "test the waters" while maintaining a traditional 9 to 5 job. Others started with a few loyal clients before expanding to a regional, state or national level. Knowing (and operating within) your risk tolerance can eliminate unnecessary stress down the road. 2) Self-motivation. You must take the initiative to start the business and keep moving every day. Self-motivation helps you make your product, upgrade your technical skills and develop improved promotional techniques, even when business is slow. Self-motivation gives you the tenacity and confidence to call on a new client after you've already heard "No" four times that day. Self-motivation also helps you overcome the natural fears and concerns inherent in any business startup. It propels people to succeed, despite initial drawbacks like minimal capital, lack of education or limited experience. People with high motivation see obstacles as challenges that they can overcome. They enjoy learning new skills and are convinced they can learn whatever they need to accomplish their goals. In many ways, self-motivation is a self-fulfilling prophecy: regardless of the outcome of their projects, self-motivated people undoubtedly gain experience and knowledge, which further enhances their ability and willingness to accept new challenges. 3) Courage. The willingness to take risks is essential when striking out on your own. You will often be required to ask for help, support, money, flexibility and much more from your customers, suppliers, advertisers and friends. Business requires taking chances, with no certainty of a specific outcome. True entrepreneurs don't hesitate to ask for help, establish a network, adopt a mentor, barter and close the sale. They know that they can only get what they need by asking for it. 4) Confidence. True entrepreneurs always project a positive attitude, showing that they are a success at what they do. This inspires their customers, and lets them know they are getting the best product or service for their money. 5) Patience. When you run your own business, you are often at the mercy of another person's schedule. Suppliers are late delivering items and customers are slow to pay. Sometimes a much-anticipated sale or contract falls through at the last minute. To succeed, entrepreneurs must deal with all people fairly and diplomatically. True entrepreneurs have a lot of patience and excellent coping skills during tough times. 6) Decisiveness. Business often requires that you make one fast decision after another. When the business is your own, you must use your intuition and trust that your decisions are right for you. As you become more seasoned, experience will guide your decision-making in different situations. True entrepreneurs tend NOT to be people who endlessly mull over tiny details before moving ahead. Time simply doesn't permit it. 7) Experience. Many businesses fail to grow because the owner lacks specific business skills. Fortunately, there are many avenues you can take before setting up your own shop: attend school for specific classes, gain work experience in your chosen field, seek a mentor. Successful business owners are often very generous with their time and support to fledgling entrepreneurs. We remember our own early days and are delighted to give back some of our own hard-won expertise. 8) Knowledge. Learn as much as possible about your chosen field, the competition, opportunities for growth and long-term trends on the local, regional, state and national levels. Knowledge is power and breeds further success. 9) Perseverance. I believe that a small business owner's success is 90% due to perseverance. True entrepreneurs are dedicated to pursuing their dream and will survive the early days of little sleep, loneliness, little money and relaxation. You must persevere during the bad times and maintain your belief in your product or service, even when it seems that no one else does. 10) Drive. You must believe in your goal and be determined to succeed, even if it means long hours, little money and an initial loss of power and prestige. If you do not have the time or commitment to dedicate yourself to your dream, you will be better off working for someone else. Entrepreneurial Quiz True home-based entrepreneurs answer "yes" to each statement below. Determine whether each statement describing a successful home business owner also describes YOU:
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