Becoming an Entrepreneur - 8 Questions to Ask Before You Take the Leap By Anne Culver Noble
Becoming an Entrepreneur - 8 Questions to Ask Before You Take the Leap
By Anne Culver Noble
It's scary out there. A healthy respect for the powers of the ocean is necessary to survive when you go for a sail, surf, or a swim. Building your own business is no different. Give serious thought and considerable preparation to your endeavor before you make the transition from an employee, or a self-employed professional, to that of an entrepreneur.
Do you have job burn-out or a burning desire? In other words, are you really ready for entrepreneurship or just tired of your job? Not everyone is able to work for themselves effectively. Most people operate better with the structure and built-in accountability that working for someone else, for a corporation or for a government entity provides. Take the responsibility to take you life in your own hands and create your destiny.
Are you an entrepreneur or a consultant? Many people make the mistake of thinking that once they've left the corporate world that they are instantly an entrepreneur. They are in business for themselves; that is true. However, as long as you are compensated for your time, you are limited by two things; 1.) The amount of money people are willing to pay for your service and 2.) The number of hours in a day. In other words, an entrepreneur's time and money are leveraged by his or her business model, and not determined by a given market.
Are you a risk taker? You don't have to be an adrenalin junkie to be an entrepreneur, but you need to be reasonably comfortable with uncertainty. Deepak Chopra once said he prayed for uncertainty. It seems an enigma at first, but in fact, uncertainty is a gift that is the very stuff of life; the juicy stuff. I believe this is one of the key factors that distinguish the spirit of the entrepreneur.
What is your vision and why is it important to you? Develop a crystal clear vision of where you want to go and what you want to offer the world. Your vision will evolve, but it will be a vision none-the-less. Make it measurable so you can mark progress. Equally important or perhaps even more so, is your reason for taking this road less traveled. Is it your family? A desire to serve others? An unstoppable driving creative necessity?
What is your business plan? Don't skip this step; fail to plan and plan to fail. There are countless templates online and software packages for developing a business plan. Write out your vision or mission statement and the core values that provide the foundation for your business endeavor. Project your business plan five years out at a minimum, including your capital investments, projected costs and income. Seek out similar successful businesses to provide a model.
Are you prepared financially? You may be using other peoples' money, investors, loans or credit for your business, but your personal financial situation should be such that you can weather six months to a year of little or no income. Don't forget your own salary in your business plan.
What is the most effective means of marketing your business? How will you take your goods or services to market? You must know your target market like you know the back of your hand. This will determine the most effective marketing strategies whether it involves print, billboards, Google, or social networking. Internet marketing requires a learning curve that is constant. Get comfortable with ever-changing technology.
Are you crazy? I'm kidding, of course, but I am suggesting that you seek professional help. If you are one who believes that doing something right means doing it yourself, you are in for a fast and lonely ride to failure. Assemble your Master Mind Advisory Board. You do not have to be brilliant to be an entrepreneur but you absolutely must be smart enough to surround yourself with people who know more than you can possibly know in a multitude of disciplines and areas of expertise. This should include your own personal development as well. The best investment you can make is in yourself. Find good coaches, mentors and people who inspire you.
So, if your consideration of these questions does leave you with a burning desire and determination, you are an entrepreneur. Get clear on you vision, be willing to stick your neck out, and prepare your business and financial plan. "Your playing small does not serve the world," states Marianne Williamson. This is true of your personal development as well as your business development. Dig deep and play big. A business doesn't grow overnight but with your actions in alignment with your highest intentions, things can happen quickly and assistance can come from unexpected sources. For resources, marketing strategies, training and a powerful business model, contact me for more information.
Anne Culver Noble
Author and Entrepreneur
A Noble Pursuit, LLC
http://www.createyourdestiny7.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Culver_Noble
http://ezinearticles.com/?Becoming-an-Entrepreneur---8-Questions-to-Ask-Before-You-Take-the-Leap&id=5489088
By Anne Culver Noble
It's scary out there. A healthy respect for the powers of the ocean is necessary to survive when you go for a sail, surf, or a swim. Building your own business is no different. Give serious thought and considerable preparation to your endeavor before you make the transition from an employee, or a self-employed professional, to that of an entrepreneur.
Do you have job burn-out or a burning desire? In other words, are you really ready for entrepreneurship or just tired of your job? Not everyone is able to work for themselves effectively. Most people operate better with the structure and built-in accountability that working for someone else, for a corporation or for a government entity provides. Take the responsibility to take you life in your own hands and create your destiny.
Are you an entrepreneur or a consultant? Many people make the mistake of thinking that once they've left the corporate world that they are instantly an entrepreneur. They are in business for themselves; that is true. However, as long as you are compensated for your time, you are limited by two things; 1.) The amount of money people are willing to pay for your service and 2.) The number of hours in a day. In other words, an entrepreneur's time and money are leveraged by his or her business model, and not determined by a given market.
Are you a risk taker? You don't have to be an adrenalin junkie to be an entrepreneur, but you need to be reasonably comfortable with uncertainty. Deepak Chopra once said he prayed for uncertainty. It seems an enigma at first, but in fact, uncertainty is a gift that is the very stuff of life; the juicy stuff. I believe this is one of the key factors that distinguish the spirit of the entrepreneur.
What is your vision and why is it important to you? Develop a crystal clear vision of where you want to go and what you want to offer the world. Your vision will evolve, but it will be a vision none-the-less. Make it measurable so you can mark progress. Equally important or perhaps even more so, is your reason for taking this road less traveled. Is it your family? A desire to serve others? An unstoppable driving creative necessity?
What is your business plan? Don't skip this step; fail to plan and plan to fail. There are countless templates online and software packages for developing a business plan. Write out your vision or mission statement and the core values that provide the foundation for your business endeavor. Project your business plan five years out at a minimum, including your capital investments, projected costs and income. Seek out similar successful businesses to provide a model.
Are you prepared financially? You may be using other peoples' money, investors, loans or credit for your business, but your personal financial situation should be such that you can weather six months to a year of little or no income. Don't forget your own salary in your business plan.
What is the most effective means of marketing your business? How will you take your goods or services to market? You must know your target market like you know the back of your hand. This will determine the most effective marketing strategies whether it involves print, billboards, Google, or social networking. Internet marketing requires a learning curve that is constant. Get comfortable with ever-changing technology.
Are you crazy? I'm kidding, of course, but I am suggesting that you seek professional help. If you are one who believes that doing something right means doing it yourself, you are in for a fast and lonely ride to failure. Assemble your Master Mind Advisory Board. You do not have to be brilliant to be an entrepreneur but you absolutely must be smart enough to surround yourself with people who know more than you can possibly know in a multitude of disciplines and areas of expertise. This should include your own personal development as well. The best investment you can make is in yourself. Find good coaches, mentors and people who inspire you.
So, if your consideration of these questions does leave you with a burning desire and determination, you are an entrepreneur. Get clear on you vision, be willing to stick your neck out, and prepare your business and financial plan. "Your playing small does not serve the world," states Marianne Williamson. This is true of your personal development as well as your business development. Dig deep and play big. A business doesn't grow overnight but with your actions in alignment with your highest intentions, things can happen quickly and assistance can come from unexpected sources. For resources, marketing strategies, training and a powerful business model, contact me for more information.
Anne Culver Noble
Author and Entrepreneur
A Noble Pursuit, LLC
http://www.createyourdestiny7.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Culver_Noble
http://ezinearticles.com/?Becoming-an-Entrepreneur---8-Questions-to-Ask-Before-You-Take-the-Leap&id=5489088
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