How do you know if you are an entrepreneur?

The popular approach to this subject is the 10 most important…….. or the 5 must haves….. or the 8 most effective….. and so on. These are often hard concepts and sometimes difficult to relate to and at the end of the day, even confusing. There is only one key driver that determines if you are an entrepreneur or not:

“YOU HATE WORKING FOR SOMEONE ELSE”

This hate just doesn’t appear and disappear; it is a hate that taunts you 24/7. You know that you are an entrepreneur when you are in meetings and the boss is talking gobbledygook and ignores your input or doesn’t even listen to your ideas, which makes more sense than his. Or when the company restructures every six months, or every time a new CEO comes on board to cut costs by firing people they don’t like. When senior leaders suck up to their bosses and embark on scenario planning exercises that make them look like geniuses but adds zero value to the company…. Sounds familiar!

Some of the greatest entrepreneurs in modern day history were fired for their efforts. But they came back more successful than ever. Steve Jobs is an excellent example. Apple fired him – the best thing that could have ever happened to him he admitted. In 1986 he bought The Graphics Group (later named Pixar) for $10million. By 2006 he sold Pixar to Disney in an all-stock transaction for $7.4billion becoming the single largest shareholder in Disney. His re-entry into Apple changed the global technical landscape. Is this success or what?

Most entrepreneurs started their businesses in very humble circumstances. They invariably had an idea or acquired one along their career and often had no money or sponsors.

Just look at the founders of companies like:

Johnson & Johnson
GE
Ford
Subway etc

If you feel that you have the characteristics then brace yourself, you are an entrepreneur. Here comes the big ‘however’. How to become a SUCCESSFUL entrepreneur? That is the billion-dollar question and there is no fool proof method. In fact, you are going to fail. I think that an entrepreneur is built to take failure in their stride. Learn from it an make the next venture even better. Here are some observations of successful entrepreneurs:

They are different from the rest – nothing impedes them – not even failure.
They are strong and courageous and dare to go where no one has gone before.
They can see the invisible and hear the silence.
Their imagination has no boundaries – anything is possible.
They don’t need any tests to determine their aptitudes – they know their capabilities.
They discover solutions ahead of the problems.
They are virtually impossible to predict.
Others copy them!
They can be loved or hated.
They never give up – even if they are knocked down they get up and give it another go (the failure thing again)
They don’t understand ‘cannot be done’.
They are not intimidated by competition.
They are time conquerors – time does not control them.
They achieve.

So, are you an entrepreneur, or want to be one? I think we all have a little entrepreneurial spirit inside us, somewhere.

Is this you? Do you have a hate work or entrepreneurial story. We would love to hear from you in the comments below.

Image Credits: kgtoh/BigStock.com

Darlene Strand

I may have potential someday to be an entrepreneur! I dream a lot of how to make new things or how money maybe could be made with a certain I may have in the back of mind! I am interested in owning and investing in stocks. To start and completed studies on learning other languages, like French and Chinese! To actual start something and finish it and market..a Book! A few interests to start with success in free lance writing….Could be signs for me to be an entrepreneur!
Darlene Strand

Yes, in some ways I believe I am a entrepreneurist with future potential. My first feelings covered my earlier thoughts as a child, teen, and early 20s. But I wasn’t encouraged. Girl Scouts, 4H Club, Junior Achievers, Arts & Crafts Club. Those times have passed but now I have every day to ‘write’. Learning as I go as a Senior, what I can do with what I know, and hoping somewhere in between, something may work for me, prove to become successful on acceptable pace and level, to help with bills and other expenses my budget month to month doesn’t cover. Being positive makes me more aware of the challenge I have to face in just ‘living’. Anything else is a pleasure to explore and to do like drawing & painting, joining a ladies bowling league and to be able to help as many others as I can, along the way. There a lot of ‘untapped’ stories of people and their ‘untold’ stories to write and read about!
Mich-achie

When I was in college me and my boardmates used to sell sweets.It was a great help for me who came from poor family..So I think business is where money is..Even if it is small as long as you can make money out of it..
Mohammad razi

Determining if you have the qualities and mindset of an entrepreneur involves a mix of self-assessment, introspection, and observation of your actions and attitudes. Here are some indicators that can help you determine if you might have the traits of an entrepreneur:

1. **Innovation and Creativity:** Entrepreneurs often have a knack for coming up with new and creative ideas to solve problems or meet needs in unique ways.

2. **Risk Tolerance:** Entrepreneurs are generally comfortable with taking calculated risks. They understand that failure is a possibility but view it as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.

3. **Initiative:** Entrepreneurs are proactive and self-starting. They don’t wait for opportunities to come to them; they actively seek out and create opportunities.

4. **Passion:** Entrepreneurs are often driven by a strong passion for their ideas and goals. They are willing to put in the time and effort required to turn their visions into reality.

5. **Adaptability:** The business landscape can change rapidly, and successful entrepreneurs are adaptable and able to pivot their strategies when necessary.

6. **Persistence:** Entrepreneurship is full of challenges and setbacks. Entrepreneurs need to be persistent and determined, not giving up when faced with obstacles.

7. **Leadership:** Entrepreneurs often need to lead and inspire others, whether it’s their team, customers, or investors.

8. **Networking Skills:** Building and maintaining a network is crucial for entrepreneurs. They need to connect with potential partners, investors, mentors, and customers to grow their business.

9. **Problem-Solving:** Entrepreneurs are problem-solvers. They see challenges as opportunities to find innovative solutions.

10. **Financial Acumen:** A solid understanding of basic financial concepts is important for entrepreneurs to manage their business’s finances effectively.

11. **Self-Discipline:** Entrepreneurs need to manage their time and resources efficiently, which requires self-discipline and focus.

12. **Customer-Centric Approach:** Entrepreneurs often place a strong emphasis on understanding their customers’ needs and delivering value to them.

13. **Vision:** Entrepreneurs have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and are committed to making that vision a reality.

14. **Continuous Learning:** Successful entrepreneurs are always eager to learn and improve. They stay updated on industry trends, market changes, and new technologies.

15. **Independence:** Many entrepreneurs have a desire for independence and a preference for working on their own terms.

Remember that being an entrepreneur is not a binary state; it’s a spectrum. Some people possess all these traits naturally, while others may develop them over time. If you resonate with many of these qualities and are willing to embrace the challenges and uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship, you might have the potential to be an entrepreneur. It’s also worth noting that entrepreneurship is a journey that requires ongoing growth and development, so being open to learning and adapting is key.