Preparing to be an Entrepreneur

I believe the free market economy and the wealth of a community is built on the back of the entrepreneur Taking the entrepreneurial business path can be exciting, exhilarating, and an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs. There are a number of factors you should consider as you consider, prepare, and move forward into the world of the entrepreneur.

Consider your motivation for pursuing self-employment

Many people consider going into business for the wrong reasons.
They want more free time
(Youll work longer hours owning your own business)
They want to be wealthy and have their own money
(Remember, you as the owner get paid last)
They want to turn a hobby into a business
(Many times hobbies lose their enjoyment when they become businesses)

Go into business because you love business. If you can combine a love for business with another talent then youve got a shot at making it. Some of the most talented hobbiests make terrible business people because they dont love business.

== personal note ==

Im a great example of this. I love to write and I love to write about success, business, growth, and development. I love to do research and share that information with others. Unfortunately, Im terrible at business and dont have a strong passion for it. Ive learned this the hard way by starting and closing a number of micro businesses. So if you love business and combine it with talent go for it.

== personal note ==

So if you believe entrepreneurship is right for you, what should you do as you begin you entrepreneurial path?

1. Make a long term strategic plan
You wont be able to jump right in. Youll need to look into the future and set some time tables. Consider the next year as a year for planning and preparing.
How will you obtain funding?
Youll need to develop a comprehensive business plan
Youll need to garner the support of family and friends
Youll need to develop leasing, licensing, and facilities
Youll need to prepare for the emotional roller coaster of small business
Youll need to develop a debt reduction plan

Youll need to develop your product and/or service
Youll need to do some market analysis
Youll need to do some feasibility studying.

== note ==

I understand that some business people dont do all this and are successful but I also understand that the successful business people I know whove started their business from ground zero have done as much of this as possible to ensure greater chances of success. The more up front preparing you do, the better your chances of success and wealth creation

== note ==

Finally, there are a few educational issues that small business owners should consider. I think every potential entrepreneur should gain some level of proficiency in areas of:

Accounting
If you know what the books are saying and can speak the lenders language this gives you an advantage. There are many home study courses, computer tutorials
and good old fashion books that you can use to learn some basic accounting.

Sales and Management Supervision
Selling a product or service is the life blood of business. Developing some basic skills in the areas of sales, management, leadership, and supervision will greatly
enhance your ability to grow your business. Dont be afraid to take a sales seminar
or class. Spend some time studying good leadership and marketing.

Continuing Education
It is vital that you stay abreast of your business and industry. You dont want your
business becoming obsolete because you are not staying current. Take the time to
join business and trade organizations; read the journals; and study your ongoing
local business climate.
Also, take the time to learn about complimentary markets as well as
in other areas. Study areas of personal weakness. Perhaps youre great
with numbers but struggle with marketing creativity? Spend some time
studying marketing and creative development.

If you are willing to invest the time and energy into a long term plan for the right reasons I believe you can be a successful entrepreneur. Remember, success is the ongoing achievement of a worthy goal or ideal. If youre moving forward youre a success.