Entrepreneurship is not for everyone

A well developed and researched business plan is the key to any successful business but first a potential small business owner must evaluate if they possess the necessary characteristics to become an entrepreneur. Although the benefits of entrepreneurship maybe appealing, it is fair to say that entrepreneurship is not for everyone. According to the SBA in the US approximately 600,000 new businesses are started each year and out of that 600,000 half will close within five years of opening. It is imperative that potential small business owners evaluate if they are compatible with entrepreneurship in order to prevent from being part of the failure statistics.

The reason for many entrepreneurs’ to enter small business varies but a lot of the reason is motivated from some sort of frustration with their current employer. Many potential small business owners are under the illusion that once they become an employer verses being an employee, it will somehow relinquish them from the long hours and hard work that came with being an employee.

The fact of the matter is that entrepreneurs usually work longer hours than their employees and it may take years before they reap the benefits of entrepreneurship. Potential business owners who believe that all their problems will be lifted once they go into business for themselves are going into entrepreneurship blindly. It is essential for potential small business owners to fully understand the transformation from a traditional job to entrepreneurship. This can be a major indicator for potential entrepreneurs if they should attempt to switch.

In order to make informed decisions, potential small business owners must thoroughly research the industry they plan to enter. This will allow potential small business owners the opportunity to fully understand what it means to be an entrepreneur and it gives them insight on what their responsibilities will be.

Potential entrepreneurs must understand that as a small business owner you are responsible for the livelihood of your business and that most entrepreneurs start off running all aspects of the business from general office needs to sales. Having a realistic view of starting and running a small business will prepare potential small business owners and help them make an informed decision on if they should start.

It is important for potential small business owners to evaluate their strengths and weakness to see if they have what it takes to successfully run a small business. They should compare their assets to what it takes to successfully run a small business to get in-depth analysis on their compatibility with entrepreneurship. If potential small business owners have a complete understanding of their strengths and weakness it will help prepare them for the realism of starting a small business.

Knowing what business to start is great but knowing if starting a business at all is what most small business fails to consider. It is imperative for the success of the business and to help eliminate risk that potential small business owners thoroughly consider if starting a business is right for them.

"Copyright © 2010, Dawn Austin, Entrepreneurship is not for Everyone, writer, SmallBiz Stew. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place."