Five Ways to Discovering Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
By: Anne Leedom
Do you dream of owning your own business and working for yourself? The thought of being in control of your own life and creating your own destiny is very appealing to many people. Before you make this huge leap of faith and finances, ask yourself this question…could you imagine working for someone else if you were offered your dream job? Do you want to work for yourself only because don't have the job of your dreams?
If this is the case then you should spend more time looking for the job you truly want and less time dreaming about becoming an entrepreneur. However, becoming an entrepreneur may be the right path for you. There are certain considerations that can give you great insight and help you decide if you do have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Think carefully about the following ideas and hopefully you will be closer to knowing if you do have the true entrepreneurial spirit necessary to make it on your own.
What is your motivation? Ask yourself if you would want to be an entrepreneur regardless of how much money you might make as you build your business? Is this truly a labor of love and something inspired from your inner passions? If your goal is simply to achieve an income your chances of success, and more importantly, personal satisfaction are limited. There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting financial success, however this can't be your real motivation. Your real motivation must come from something inside you, not from external rewards like monetary goals or praise from others.
Who will it benefit? Is your dream based on something you want to give, or is it more about something you want to receive? Entrepreneurial success is often much greater and rewarding when you are building a business that can truly benefit others in some way. It may be something that changes or improves the lives of just a few, or it can touch many. A true entrepreneurial spirit includes a desire to do something that reaches beyond oneself. It involves using the gifts we each have in a truly meaningful way. This is the reward that spurs the spirit of an entrepreneur.
How hard are you willing to work? One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming an entrepreneur is that life will be easier than working for someone else. Rarely is this the case. While choosing this path gives one more control over one's destiny to some degree, and it can provide great peace of mind to do what we really want to be doing in our lives, rarely does it give one control over their day. Becoming successful requires tremendous commitment and usually the hours reflect the level of dedication to your dream.
Are you prepared? What are you bringing to the table? Even if this is your own company, you need to have the experience and knowledge required to succeed. Ask yourself if you would hire yourself? If the answer is no, then spend some time educating yourself at what you want to really do. If this doesn't sound compelling then entrepreneurship may not be for you.
Can you handle success? How comfortable are you with personal success? It is a sad fact, however one of the number one reasons independent businesses fail is the fact that many people are their own worst enemy. Some people like the idea of success and independence, but as their new business grows, self-sabotage becomes a factor and dreams become financial nightmares. Know right from the start that you are not someone who gets in his or her own way. Be certain that you know that you will always be your own advocate and that you are willing to go the distance to protect and fight for your dreams. You will encounter obstacles and negativity and doubt somewhere along the path. True entrepreneurs never accept defeat, and they never create it for themselves. Their entrepreneurial spirit pushes them past any difficulties and their greatest joy comes from the pride and sense of satisfaction that comes from living your dreams.
About the Author:
Anne Leedom is the Founder of www.NetConnectPublicity.com, an online placement agency for experts, products and services. She has been in operation since 1999. She is also the Founder and Publisher of Parentingbookmark.com, a popular parenting resource website. She lives in the Sacramento region with her family. Anne started her first local company when she was 14, and opened an advertising agency when she was 20. She has worked with many notable clients including Dr. Laura Schlesinger, Diane Lane, Nancy Carlsson-Paige (Matt Damon's mother) and Dr. Michele Borba, the ongoing parenting expert for the Today Show. Anne has headed up the online campaigns of over 100 new and established authors in the parenting, health, spirituality and finance genres. She can be reached at anne@netconnectpublicity.com.
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Do you dream of owning your own business and working for yourself? The thought of being in control of your own life and creating your own destiny is very appealing to many people. Before you make this huge leap of faith and finances, ask yourself this question…could you imagine working for someone else if you were offered your dream job? Do you want to work for yourself only because don't have the job of your dreams? 
