Most people dream of owning a business and being their own boss. For the majority, the idea of being in charge of their own destiny is therefore appealing. However, it’s important to note that though this is a feat that comes with immense opportunities, it most certainly isn’t an easy path either. It’s, therefore, important to assess if you truly have what it takes to become an entrepreneur before delving into this line of work. Kevin Nkurunziza, a business owner, says starting a business can be an exciting journey for most, however, what is important to understand is that not everyone is cut out to be in business. He says there are traits one has to possess to be able to survive when running a business. “Risk-taking is one of the most important characters you need if you want to run a business. Entrepreneurship is not a straightforward journey, there are struggles you face on a daily basis and this requires that you are able to handle uncertainties,” he says. Carol Roth, a business advisor, entrepreneur, and author, writes that there is an enormous difference between wanting to do something and being able to make a living at doing that something. “Being a successful business owner requires investing your own money in addition to a ton of time and effort. Despite the appeal of being your own boss, the reality is that not everyone is cut out to be a successful business owner,” she cites. One of the personality assessments Roth recommends to evaluate before taking the entrepreneurial plunge is your relationship with money. Starting a business requires money to start, to operate, and for you to live on while it scales. If you are a big spender and aren’t great at managing money, those bad habits are likely to follow you into a business. And if you are usually unable to make worthwhile investments in the future of your business for fear of ending up living in a cardboard box if things go wrong, then you may end up penny-wise and pound-foolish, as they say. Having a solid, non-emotional money relationship will help you make wise business decisions, Roth writes. She also points out that running a successful business is not just about having great ideas. It’s more about strong execution. So, if you have a hard time staying focused, you are lousy with commitments and you’re averse to the idea of working day-in and day-out on the same thing, then entrepreneurship may just be a passing fancy for you. Willy Kabano, a business consultant, shares his views, saying that anyone who is not willing to be uncomfortable or take risks shouldn’t be in the business world. He also adds that anyone who wants to be successful at entrepreneurship needs to have high standards and expectations of themselves and where they want to be or what they want to achieve. “An entrepreneur who is not ambitious has slim chances of being successful. You also need to be very resourceful and disciplined.”
