You may be dreaming of being your own boss. And it is an excellent dream: you get to have freedom and flexibility. You get to work on your own terms, and you have the opportunity to work with wonderful people. That’s how being an entrepreneur is.
You may be already plotting the next big business idea that will take the world by storm or change a generation. But being an entrepreneur requires more than that. You will need to develop certain qualities and traits so that you will be able to survive the cutthroat competition out there. And a thorough and honest self-assessment will be your starting point.
If you want to know if you are cut for the job, here are some of the traits that you must check when assessing yourself:
You are proactive
Taking the initiative should be the first thing that you should do when you want to become a businessperson. You should be proactive, as you will realise that tasks will not accomplish themselves. So practice as early as now; practice by exceeding the expectations required by a job. Be a leader instead of being a blind follower. Even doing mundane things without being asked, such as cleaning your room or paying a personal loan before the due date, also becomes good practice.
You love dealing with people
You will rarely hear of businesspeople that are timid or bashful. That’s because many entrepreneurs love dealing with people. They have great interpersonal relationship skills that they can use to their advantage. With this skill, you get to build a network, which will help you achieve your business goals. Even if you claim to be an introvert, you can always practice the art of making small talks and being a social butterfly. Thankfully, communication skills can be honed. These can be developed through experience and sometimes, with the help of professional coaches.
You are relentless
As a businessperson, you do not take “No” for an answer. You know that there has to be a way to solve a problem, close that deal, or hire that top talent. By being relentless, you are pushing your creativity and inspiring yourself to think outside the box. However, do not overdo it. Some battles are worth fighting, and accept that not all pursuits are going to be worth it. You need to understand that giving up is also an option for winners.
You listen well
Many budding entrepreneurs often have an ego, which hinders them from achieving their goals. However, do not claim that you know everything. You are new in the field, and you have to admit that there are a lot of things that you need to learn. That is why you need to learn how to listen humbly and adequately to your mentors and partners.
Above all, be hardworking
All of these will be nothing if you are not hardworking. You have to be dedicated to a personal cause, as working hard and exerting your 100% effort is the only way to get things done and making them happen. So start now!
