Do You Have What It Takes to be an Entrepreneur?

Are you tired of hustling to help someone else achieve their dreams? Deciding to open a small business and taking off on your own as an entrepreneur is a BFD! Calling the shots isn’t always glamorous, and statistics show that about 80% of new businesses only survive the first year. That’s a daunting stat. It takes a lot to set yourself and your new business up for success. So how do you know that you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? These questions may help you to determine that:

Are you willing to leave it all out there?
 
To be a successful entrepreneur, you must have confidence and the belief in your business idea so much that you will lay it all on the line.
 
Although, you have the passion for what you’re up to, the reality is that you may not be able to find investors to help you start your own business. You’ll need to put every fiber of your being out there while working smart so you don’t get burned out. That way, when the going gets tough-and it will-your vision will keep you going every step of the way.
 
Are you willing to learn?
 
You may know everything there is to know about being a graphic designer, lawyer, CPA, etc. but the truth of the matter is that there is a lot going on in the background to run a successful business. You’ll either need to learn the multiple hats or be willing to hire on help where needed to get it done. Either way, being willing to learn and adapt is key to having what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
 
Are you willing to answer the call?
 
When you’re a soloprenuer or small business owner, your clients know you. So you must be responsive. Being an entrepreneur is not a 9-to-5 job.
 
Now, that’s not to say you have to answer those 2AM emails (boundaries are important), but when your phone starts ringing off the hook you need to be willing to answer calls and emails at all times of the day, on weekends, and on vacations. We even know a realtor who called prospective clients back on her wedding day, now that’s dedication to your business!
 
Are you decisive or indecisive?
 
Hard work and long hours aren’t good predictors of success. Ultimately, your business becomes the result of the decisions you as a business owner make. 
 
Can you choose what programs and software to use? Can you pull the trigger on day-to-day leadership decisions like hiring and firing?  Can you go with your gut? If you are still trying to decide if you’re decisive or indecisive, you have your answer…
 
If you’re not decisive, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be successful. You just need to surround yourself with like-minded professionals who can help you grow in that area and become a better entrepreneur.
 
Are you resilient?
 
You may have more losses than wins when you first strike out on your own. Can you keep going when the going gets tough?
 
The life as a business owner isn’t all about the benefit of a flexible schedule; there are a lot of extreme ups and downs. That’s where your vision and being strong in your answer to question 1 become your guiding principle.
 
As small business owners ourselves, we’ve had a few business fails, and we’ve experienced business success at CoCreativ. As a coworking office, we’re constantly around other entrepreneurs.  We’ve seen some failures, but we’ve been proud to be a part of the successes too. Those wins and helping members move past the tough times by knowing they have a community behind them is one of the main reasons CoCreativ exists.

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We believe in you! You have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. For members of CoCreativ, success is always in our future. Our Tampa coworking office is where you come when you want to make your first 100K, or your next. Our group of small businesses and entrepreneurs help each other to win every day at work; take a tour of our downtown or South Tampa coworking office today!