By John Rampton
If you’re sitting at your desk, daydreaming about starting your own business, this is the article for you.
You already know that launching a company can be an intimidating process requiring tons of hard work. But the question has been lingering with you day and night. Maybe you’re just unhappy with your current position. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of opening your own shop or consulting firm. Or maybe you just need a drastic change in life.
Regardless of the exact scenario, here are 50 signs of being serious about starting your own business:
1. The lightbulb went off. Many are debating lately whether entrepreneurs are born or made. No matter which side you agree with, perhaps you’ve always been aware that you exhibit some of the classic traits of entrepreneurs. Maybe you’re ready to take the leap and start a business?
Even if you weren’t born that way, you may have at a later point developed some of these traits, such as a driving passion. So if you begin to notice the signs, then it’s a safe bet that you should launch a business of your own.
2. You’re always thinking. Entrepreneurs never stop cogitating. It’s a blessing and a curse. Should you exhibit this behavior, maybe it’s time to move on from the daily rat race and do something to put your thoughts in motion. And there’s no better outlet than starting your own business.
3. You’re passionate. If there’s that one concept that stays with you that you’ve completely fallen in love with, then make it a reality. Entrepreneurs and business owners are truly passionate about what they do and they’ll do everything possible to turn their vision into a product or service for rest of the world to enjoy.
4. You’re independent. This doesn’t exactly mean that you’re socially awkward or don’t know how to ask for help. It means that you’re a problem solver and will try to figure out most problems on your own.
5. You’re motivated. Another personality trait you that might demonstrate is being self-motivated.You don’t always need someone or someone to get you moving. You wake up every morning and do whatever you need to do get things done.
6. You’re organized. Running a business requires a lot of organizational skills. At some point you may want or need to hire some experts, such as accountants or lawyers, but in the beginning you must rely on yourself to keep track of finances, delegate responsibilities and present your idea to investors. You can’t do any of that without being organized.
7. You feel a need to help people. Should you feel a strong desire to aid others by providing a product or service, consider it one telltale sign you’re primed for starting a business. At the end of the day, this desire to help people enhance their lives will keep you going during the highs and lows of running the operation. I’ve found over the years that the strongest companies arise from a wish to help the world solve a problem.
8. You’re certain you can build a better company. Maybe your confident or egotistical side coming out, but you realize that you can build a better company than anyone else in the world.
9. You feel stuck at your job. If you dread waking up every morning, then you’re probably unfulfilled. A promotion or another job might abate the problem, but deep within you, the prospect of an ordinary 9-to-5 gig just doesn’t excite you. Figure out whether you need to be your own boss or if you just need something different.
10. You feel a need to prove your vision. Let’s say you have an idea but everyone is telling you it can’t be done. What are you going to do about this situation? This experience might be motivation enough for you to try to one up the naysayers.
11. You want to make a name for yourself. Maybe you’re being egotistical or unrealistic, but some of the greatest entrepreneurs and business owners realized that they wanted something more from life. Steve Jobs knew he was special. If you feel that way, too, then big things could come out of it.
12. You have always wanted to be your own boss. Whether you’re a control freak or just don’t like being ordered around, you decide that you have always wanted to be the boss.
13. The hiring of independent workers is on the rise. The Harvard Business Review reports, according to MBO Partners, the number of independent workers (freelancers, contractors or business owners) is on the rise. It’s expected to increase from about 17 million in 2013 to 23 million by 2017. And Mavenlink’s 2012 infographic, “The New Independent Workforce,” projected that the number of independent workers to become 40 percent of the American workforce by 2020.
14. Your field lacks jobs. The economy still hasn’t totally rebounded, which means that your industry sector may be experiencing a hiring freeze. Instead of waiting around or taking a job beneath your skill level, you are considering setting up your own business.
15. You can afford to take risks. If you’re single or without any children, less risk is involved in launching a startup because you don’t have to worry about supporting others. Take advantage of this time in your life when you have the chance to be a little adventurous.
16. You can’t stand the daily commute. If you sit in traffic every day muttering expletive after expletive, maybe you should set up your own business at home. After all, many a successful business has launched from a garage.
17. You possess an incredible work ethic. If you don’t mind putting in 12-hour days multiple times a week (something you’ll do when starting a business), then why not put that to work for something you’re passionate about?
18. You crave uncertainty. You’re the type of person who thrives with exploring the unknown. So starting a business is right up your alley. It definitely beats becoming bored to death while performing the same old job. Personally I am this type of person and very proud of it.
19. You always see potential. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, you always feel t he need to make improvements. As a business owner, you could realize enormous potential — making money or enhancing the lives of others.
20. More projects are going to contractors. If you’re sitting at the same old desk witnessing your current employer hiring outside help for a job that you know that you can do better, then do something about it and venture out on your own.
21. You want to be part of the team. Maybe you just want to build your own team from the ground up with a group of people who share the same passionate vision as you do and who are willing to embark on this journey with you.
22. You hate working for others. If you seriously can’t stand taking orders and loathe your boss and all of his (or her) demands, start planning your exit and becoming your own boss.
23. You feel it’s necessary. While starting your own business shouldn’t just be about the money, sometimes that’s the case when your back is against the wall. The bills are piling up and you need to put food on the table. That desperation could be enough to lead to something great.
24. You want to create jobs. In this tough economy, you see that there aren’t enough jobs for colleagues you studied or worked with previously. If you trust these people and know their talents, you may want to help them by creating a business that employ them.
25. You hold a strong desire to develop a product or service not yet available. You’re a problem solver. You have experienced that aha moment, the realization that a certain product or service isn’t offered. You could use that moment of recognition to inspire you and make that idea a reality.
26. You can’t stand the office. If you feel restricted at your current workplace, you could set yourself free and work where you want to work.
27. You want to set your own schedule. Maybe you’re most productive from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. or a night owl. Instead of being told which hours to work, when to take breaks or a vacation, you finally can freely set your own schedule.
28. You’re creative. If you’re tired of having your creative ideas go to waste, then maybe it’s time to get out there and express yourself by setting up the business that you’ve always imagined.
29. You need to inspire. Are you that person whom people turn to when they need advice or a little pick-me-up? And you actually like that role? Owning a business gives you the chance to inspire the people who surround you.
30. You want to build a legacy for your children. You have kids and are thinking of leaving them something that they’ll be proud of. Even if they don’t want to take over the family business, at least they will witness how your hard work and dedication paid off.
31. You don’t mind getting your hands dirty. You’ll have to do plenty of grunt work as a new business owner. And that’s not always enjoyable. But it that doesn’t bother you, then why not do these tasks for yourself and not someone else?
32. You’re seeking a new challenge. Maybe you’ve hit a wall at your current position and you’ve become extremely bored. That’s not always the best situation for someone looking for a new challenge to overcome. Starting you own business is challenging and should fulfill that need.
33. You’re able to solve problems. Are you the type of person who assumes the responsibility for problem solving? Let’s say the pipes under the kitchen sink come apart and you not only fix it but you make it better than before. Take this as a sign that you can start your own business.
34. You like to acquire new skills and knowledge. Some people have just an unquenchable thirst to learn new skills and knowledge. You won’t get that from doing the same job you’ve held for so many years. But you can attain that experience as a business owner.
35. You don’t mind multitasking. There are people who can handle multiple jobs or tasks at once. If you’re one of those who doesn’t collapse under the pressure of multitasking, then you’re already on your way.
36. You’re not afraid of failure. You’re going to fail. If that doesn’t scare you to the bone, then chalk that up as another sign.
37. You could arrange for your own job security. One of the worst things about working for someone else is the possibility of being laid off or the company being bought. Create your own job security instead.
38. There’s a gap to fill. If you notice that there’s not only a market but also that no one else is capitalizing on a particular dea, then make sure that you’re the one doing some disruption.
39. A pool of talent surrounds you. Whether you just graduated college or observe this daily at your current position, you’re surrounded by really talented people. And they may be wasting their talents. Plenty of people are looking for jobs because of the economy. You might be able to entice them to join your startup by offering profit sharing, stock options, a fun environment or eventual advancement.
40. You’re thinking, If not now, when? Procrastination may be the most fatal startup killer. Instead of dragging your feet, you could get the ball in motion for that business idea of yours.
41. You understand the tax incentives. Small business owners are eligible for tax incentives, you’ve probably heard. If you don’t want to lose out, then start getting to work. You may even be able to write off that new laptop or smartphone you’ve been eyeing.
42. You realize that you’ll see results. When you’re working for someone else, it can be difficult to see how all your hard work is benefiting the company. If you want to see the direct results of your actions, then running your own business will give you that opportunity.
43. You relate well to people. Sometimes you just want to get out there and network with other people. Unfortunately, your current position doesn’t allow for that. If you’re a people person, then having your own business would surely give you a reason to be networking more.
44. You’re tired of feeling underwater. It’s not uncommon to question your values about work but also in your personal life. If you keep being passed over for promotions or feel like you’ve hit a wall, maybe it’s time to go out on your own. Starting your own business will add give you a major sense of accomplishment.
45. You’re a born leader. Having a great idea is one thing. Being able to communicate that idea and convince others to jump on board is another. If you have the leadership skills to round up the troops and motivate them, consider starting your own venture.
46. You’re a thrill seeker. Some people like to play it safe. You, on the other hand, are the adventurous type. With the certainty of the unknown and all of the highs and lows, nothing is more thrilling than coming up with a business idea and seeing it through.
47. You can use your street smarts. If you’re one those unique people who has street smarts as well as professional skills, then you might put those talents to work at something you’re truly passionate about.
48. There’s an abundance of resources available for entrepreneurs. Numerous resources can help the novice entrepreneur get started. That’s not even getting into the low interests rates currently available.
49. You’re ready to break free. For some time that inner entrepreneur has been quietly nagging at you. Why not unleash it? And once you’re free to do as please, you may be surprised by how much happier you are.
50. You’ve always wanted to do something you enjoy. Thomas Edison once said, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun!” Many successful people have uttered something similar. Instead of merely thinking about doing something that makes you happy and content, take a leap of faith and pursue your own startup vision. If you follow your dream, everything else may fall into place.
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