Have you always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur but wondered if you possess the right mindset for success? This assessment, inspired by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), helps you evaluate your readiness. It reveals whether you have the personality, characteristics, and skills needed to thrive independently.
Key Questions to Assess Yourself:
- Have you ever worked in a business similar to the one you're considering starting?
- Would people who know you say you're well-suited to be self-employed?
- Does your family and friends support your business idea?
- Have you ever taken a course or seminar on starting and running a small business?
- Have you discussed your business idea or plan with a coach or advisor, such as an SBA advisor, SCORE mentor, or Small Business Development Center expert?
- Do you have a parent, friend, or mentor who is an entrepreneur?
Trait Similarities of Successful Entrepreneurs
How many of these traits do you possess?
- Persistence
- Desire for immediate feedback
- Curiosity
- Strong drive to achieve
- High energy level
- Goal-oriented behavior
- Independent
- Demanding
- Confident
- Calculated risk taker
- Creative
- Innovative
- Vision
- Commitment
- Problem-solving skills
- Tolerance to ambiguity
- Strong integrity
- Very reliable
- Personal initiative
- Ability to consolidate resources
- Strong management and organizational skills
- Competitive
- Tolerance of failure
- Desire to work hard
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in May 2010 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and completeness.
