Destiny to self-employment is demanding. Success is only with those who take calculated and planned risks. Remember that the majority of the successful started with little money to make their fortune.

A person embarking on the ship of self-employment needs to thoroughly evaluate strengths and weaknesses as a potential owner and manager of a small business. Carefully consider each of the following questions:
It will be entirely up to you to develop projects, organize your time, and follow through on details..How well do you get along with different personalities? Business owners need to develop working relationships with a variety of people including customers, vendors, staff, bankers, and professionals such as lawyers, accountants, or consultants. Can you deal with a demanding client, an unreliable vendor, or a cranky receptionist if your business interests demand it? How good are you at making decisions? Small business owners are required to make decisions constantly – often quickly, independently, and under pressure.

Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business? Business ownership can be exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. Can you face six or seven 12-­hour workdays every week or even be on toes for working 24/7?

How well do you plan and organize? Poor planning is responsible for most business failures. Good organization ­ of financials, inventory, schedules, and production ­can help you avoid many pitfalls.

Is your drive strong enough? Running a business can wear you down emotionally. Some business owners burn out quickly from having to carry all the responsibility for the success of their business on their own shoulders. Strong motivation will help you survive slowdowns and periods of burnout.

How will the business affect your family? The first few years of a business startup can be hard on family life. It’s important for family members to know what to expect and for you to be able to trust that they will support you during this time. There also may be financial difficulties until the business becomes profitable, which could take months or years. You may have to adjust to a lower standard of living or put family assets at risk in the short-term. This SWOT analysis is important to consider. For being a successful entrepreneur consider following:

Do You Have What It Takes?

Learn the characteristics and habits of creative, successful entrepreneurs. Many successful entrepreneurs have similar traits and characteristics. Learn what these are and what you can do to improve on your own. However, anyone can learn to operate like an entrepreneur. List down your own strengths and see what are available out of the following similarities of successful entrepreneurs?

• Persistence
• Desire for immediate feedback
• Inquisitiveness
• Strong drive to achieve
• High energy level
• Goal-oriented behavior
• Independent
• Demanding
• Self-confident
• Calculated risk taker
• Creative
• Innovative
• Vision
• Commitment
• Problem solving skills
• Tolerance for ambiguity
• Strong integrity
• Highly reliable
• Personal initiative
• Ability to consolidate resources
• Strong management and organizational skills
• Competitive
• Change agent
• Tolerance for failure
• Desire to work hard
• Luck
• Any Additional that you may have

Many entrepreneurs also had a role model to influence them, such as parents, friends and the environment they live in. Two traits necessary for successful entrepreneurs are creativity and innovation.
What is Creativity?

Creativity is being able to create new ideas and ways to solve problems that provide cool opportunities.

Characteristics of Creative People

• Bright
• Adaptable
• High self esteem
• Challenge-oriented
• Idea-oriented
• Inquisitive
• Curious

Can you improve your creativity? YES! How?

Gather as much information as you can (read, talk with experts, etc.); brainstorm over time. Just think about the problem or issue until an idea comes to you.

Is the solution reasonable? If so, try it. If not, keep thinking. Did it work? If so, great. If not, begin the process over again. Don’t put barriers in your mind. Put these steps to use. Make use of your natural gifts embedded in your brain. Your brain has two sides, left and right.

The Left Brain serves the function of Analytical and Rational behavior and the Right Brain, that of Intuitive and Artistic. You need both sides of your brain when being creative, as they complement each other.

What is an Innovation?

Something that is invented (ex. CDs), or
Something that is created from an existing idea or product (ex. Super Wal-Mart).

Where do innovative ideas come from?

Unsatisfied customers
Demographic changes in society
Luck
Imagination
Vision
Problem-solving

Remember:

Look for new ideas
Keep it simple
Start small
Try, try, try again