So you are thinking of starting up your own business, being your own boss. But are you "qualified" to be an entrepreneur? Do you think like an entrepreneur? Are you similar to other entrepreneurs? David E Rye, author of How to Start and Operate a Successful Business, conducted a series of interviews to establish the general characteristics and traits of a typical entrepreneur. This is what he found.

Health and Leisure
Every entrepreneur interviewed claimed to have good health, being able to bounce back from illness quickly and get back to work. Entrepreneurs work long hours and seldom get sick, which is essential when managing your own business, as there may not be anyone else there to do it. Entrepreneurs were also found to prefer individual sports in which their own strengths and abilities influence the outcome of the game, rather than team effort.

Self Discipline
Entrepreneurs are fiercely independent people, and no not like other people telling them what to do. Most believe that they are the best person for the job, and they strive to be responsible for everything. They enjoy thinking up new business strategies and goals, and are always trying to be bigger and better than before.

Sense of Urgency
Entrepreneurs cannot sit still, and are frustrated by inactivity. They thrive on a sense of urgency to create and develop ideas, and are tireless in the pursuit of their goals.

Forward Thinking and Aware
A successful entrepreneur is good at understanding and adjusting for difficult situations, and is competent at making strategic decisions. They can work on a number of things at once, keeping all details and possibilities in mind, having a need to complete tasks immediately.

In Touch with Reality
Entrepreneurs may not always be idealistic, but they are seldom unrealistic. They like to know the status of a given situation, accept it and deal with it. Their one downfall is, however, that they tend to be too trusting in their business dealings with other people.

Ability to Conceptualise
Being natural leaders, entrepreneurs are quicker than most to find and solve problems. They are comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity, because they are used to this.

Status
While most entrepreneurs are uncomfortable with personal praise, they love having their business praised - they see status in the performance of their business, not in the outward appearance that they present to others. Their ego's however, do not stop them from asking for advice or guidance.

Interpersonal Interaction
Generally entrepreneurs are more interested in what a person has achieved than in what they feel. They avoid becoming too personal and have no problem with cutting ties that could hold them back. They struggle to delegate and their impatience and lack of insensitivity could create a negative impact on their staff - it is therefore important for the entrepreneur to develop interpersonal skills in order to grow their business.

Emotional Stability
Entrepreneurs are very self-controlled and are able to handle business pressure. They don't mind stress and find setbacks challenging rather than discouraging. They are always on the go and need constant activity to vent their energy. Entrepreneurs cannot leave well alone!

How to Start and Operate a Successful Business by David E Rye is available from Exclusive Books, ISBN: 1-58062-006-X, for approximately R93.00
See www.exclusivebooks.com

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