Is Entrepreneurship for you?

by Machelle Lee
(Santa Cruz, CA USA)

Going into business is a big decision. Honestly, it is not for everyone. Having your own business can be a stressful endeavor and definitely needs to be considered heavily before taking the plunge.

Here are a few questions that you need to ask yourself before going into business:


1. Are you a self-starter?

Seriously, do you take initiative to get things going? Being in business for yourself means that nobody is telling you what to do or forcing you to work. If you are not self motivated to get up each day to work hard, then we suggest you work for someone else. Being in business is a wonderful thing, but it does require hard work and motivation to initiate new ideas and take risks.

2. Do you like to make decisions?

As a business professional you need to be able to make many different decisions. Again, you answer only to yourself, so you need to be comfortable making decisions. On a positive note, isn’t this what you have always wanted while working for someone else. “If I was in charge I’d do ……….” Remember, the buck stops with you!

3. Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business?

We’re not going to lie to you, running your own business is hard work and requires many hours to be successful. It is also extremely rewarding. You will have many long days (and even nights). If you want to work 8 hours a day, this may not be the best option. Of course, once your business is established, life does get easier.

4. How well do you plan and organize?

Owning your own business requires that you have very good organizational skills or that you at least hire someone who does. There are many different aspects of business and being organized really helps keep things together.

5. Is your drive strong enough to maintain your motivation?

There will be times when you will have to dig deep to keep things together. Getting a business started is not only hard work and time consuming, but there will be days when things just don’t go right and you feel like “throwing in the towel”. It is these times when you will need to “dig deep” and recommit yourself to your vision. You have to really want this!


6. How will the business affect your family?
This is an important question to ask yourself because you will need the support of family to be successful. Having your own business will involve a lifestyle change. In our case we both happen to be passionate about our business so it has been a wonderful journey together. Your family will need to understand the commitment you are undertaking and be a part of it. Your family can also be a great source of support too!

Are you still reading? I know that much of the above seems negative. I just want you to go into business with your eyes wide open and think about the commitment you will have to make before taking the plunge. Although challenging, having your own business does has many benefits, including:

1. You get to be your own boss.
2. Hard work and long hours directly benefit you rather than increasing profits for someone else.
3. Earnings and growth potential are limitless!
4. A new venture is exciting!
5. Running a business will provide endless variety, challenges and
opportunities to learn.
6. You will experience greater satisfaction every time you reach one of your
professional and career goals.


Here is a list of characteristics and skills that are
common amongst entrepreneurs:

High Energy and Optimism
Successful entrepreneurs typically are energetic, upbeat individuals that always go the extra mile and consistently give 100% percent to everything they do.

Self Confidence
You have to believe in what you are doing. If you don’t, you won’t be able to convince anyone to use your services and products.

Leadership skills
Business owners need to be both good managers and strong leaders.

Interpersonal Skills
Fitness professionals will find themselves working with a variety of people and personalities on a continual basis.

Do you have a competitive nature?
Keep in mind that you will have competition. You will need to find ways to promote your services and products as being the best