I was rummaging through some files last night and came across the checklist I'm going to share with you today.
Unfortunately, I am not sure where it came from. Usually, I clip articles and stories with their full attributes so I can credit the author. However, in this case, I am just not sure where this info came from and I apologize that I am not giving credit where credit is due. I don't like to operate like that.
The information is good, however, and it will help you to analyze your own situation to see if you "have what it takes" to be a successful entrepreneur.
Of course you can make a change in your behavior, your thinking, your attitudes, and even your skills.
So if you find that you don't measure up at the level you would prefer, you can always work on those things that are not your strengths.
Starting a solo business is risky under even the best of circumstances.
But your chances of making it to profitability will be much better if you understand the challenges and problems you'll encounter and if you will have worked out your deficiencies as much as possible before you start.
The first question you need to answer as you contemplate starting a business is about you:
"Do I have what it takes to be a successful business owner?"
Below are some questions to help you evaluate whether you do or not!
1. Are you a self-starter?
( ) I do things on my own. Nobody has to tell me to get going.
( ) If someone gets me started, I keep going all right.
( ) Easy does it. I don't put myself out until I have to.
2. How do you feel about other people?
( ) I like people. I can get along with just about anyone.
( ) I have plenty of friends; I don't need anyone else.
( ) Most people irritate me.
3. Can you lead others?
( ) I can get most people to go along when I start something.
( ) I can give the orders if someone tells me what we should do.
( ) I let someone else get things moving; then I go along if I feel like it.
4. Can you take responsibility?
( ) I like to take charge of things and see them through.
( ) I'll take over if I have to, but I'd rather let someone else be responsible.
( ) There's always some eager beaver around wanting to show how smart he is. I say let him.
5. How good an organizer are you?
( ) I like to have a plan before I start. I'm usually the one to get things lined up when the group wants to do something.
( ) I do all right unless things get too confused; then I quit.
( ) I get all set and then something comes along and presents too many problems. So I just take things as they come.
6. How good a worker are you?
( ) I can keep going as long as I need to. I don't mind working hard for something I want.
( ) I'll work hard for a while, but when I've had enough, that's it.
( ) I can't see that hard work gets you anywhere.
7. Can you make decisions?
( ) I can make up my mind in a hurry if I have to. It usually turns out okay, too.
( ) I can if I have plenty of time. If I have to make up my mind fast, I think later that I should have decided the other way.
( ) I don't like to be the one to decide things.
8. Can people trust what you say?
( ) You bet they can. I don't say things I don't mean.
( ) I try to be on the level most of the time, but sometimes I just say what is easiest.
( ) Why bother if the other person doesn't know the difference?
9. Can you stick with it?
( ) If I make up my mind to do something, I don't let anything stop me.
( ) I usually finish what I start - if it goes well.
( ) If it doesn't go right immediately, I quit. Why beat my brains out?
10. How good is your health?
( ) I never run down!
( ) I have enough energy for most things I want to do.
( ) I run out of energy sooner than most of my friends.
Now total the number of checks you have next to the first, second and third answers. If most of your checks are beside the first answers, you probably have what it takes to run a business.
If not, you're likely to have more trouble than you can handle by yourself so you'd better find a partner who is strong on the points on which you are weak.
If many of your checks are next to third answers, even a good partner will not be able to give you the help you are going to need!
