Becoming An Entrepreneur Requires Both Guts And Skill

By Angel Dudley


Young people have always been advised to be steadfast in their jobs, to stick it out and to earn a long term reputation with a chosen employer. Those rules have certainly changed. More and more people now depend upon their own skills to earn a living and to create financial security for themselves. Becoming an entrepreneur is a dream that is followed by many people but there are dangers and pitfalls involved.

People have a wide variety of reasons for entering into business. Many realize that they cannot expect long term security from working as employees. Others do not want to accede to the demands of their bosses and yet others feel that they are better able to realize their dreams if they go it on their own. One thing is certain, however. Regardless of the reason for starting a new business the person concerned needs guts and courage.

The sad fact is that a very large percentage of new businesses fail rather quickly. One of the main reasons is that new businesspeople simply do not receive proper training. They think that their ideas are the most important factor that will ensure success. The truth of the matter is that the mundane issues of cash flow control, adherence to a host of legal requirements and proper administration are just as important and this is often overlooked.

A successful business certainly does not become successful simply because the proprietor had a good or innovative idea. Innovation and creativity is certainly important but much more need to be done to turn such ideas into successful businesses. Proper marketing research and financial planning is necessary. In most cases exert advice needs to be obtained and it is sometimes even necessary to hire professional help.

Entrepreneurship does not necessarily entail the introduction of a brand new idea. Many new businesspeople prefer to piggyback upon proven business models. This is most commonly done by purchasing a franchise. Such a course of action still allows the owner to direct his or her own destiny but they are able to take advantage of proven business models and they enjoy the support of an experienced management team.

Many small and new businesses fail because the owners fail to understand the importance of an operating strategy. It does not matter how small a business is, it needs to have long term plans and it needs to keep up to date on market trends. If this is not done the smaller businesses often find themselves overtaken by trends and market conditions.

Perhaps the biggest threat to the continued success of new businesses is the inability of entrepreneurs to delegate and to assemble competent teams. They are so used to do everything themselves that they are reluctant to allow others to take responsibility for certain tasks and functions. This can be deadly for growing enterprises.

Becoming an entrepreneur is a dream many people share but few have the courage and finance to actually make their dreams a reality. Running a business is a huge responsibility but it can also be an adventure. Success is often measured in financial terms but many people rate their personal satisfaction in making their businesses grow as the biggest reward.




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