Show Are you thinking about setting up your own business? If the answer is yes, you're not alone. The pandemic may have laid waste to great swathes of industry, but it's fueled an extraordinary surge in startups and new small businesses, as those laid off from affected firms explore new opportunities. Reports from the U.S., Japan and across Europe show record-breaking levels of business registrations. For example, figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that new business registrations in July 2020 were 95 percent higher than during the same period in 2019. But what does it take to be a successful entrepreneur? Whether you've seen an exciting gap in the market, or feel forced to reassess your career following job loss, this article explores the skills you need to make it as an entrepreneur. It also signposts resources that you can use to develop the skills required for success. What Are Entrepreneurial Skills?Entrepreneurial skills are those normally associated with being an entrepreneur, although anyone can develop them. Being an entrepreneur usually means starting and building your own successful business, but people with entrepreneurial skills can thrive within larger organizations, too. Many researchers have studied entrepreneurial skills, but found no definitive answers. Some common themes are:
Regardless of how you define it, entrepreneurship isn't easy. So be prepared to do the "hard yards," even after you've learned the skills we describe below. The following sections examine each skill area in more detail, and look at some of the questions you'll need to ask yourself if you want to become a successful entrepreneur. The Personal Characteristics of an EntrepreneurDo you have the mindset to be a successful entrepreneur? For example, entrepreneurs tend to be strongly innovative in outlook, and they may take risks that others would avoid. Examine your own personal characteristics, values and beliefs, and ask yourself these questions:
Entrepreneurial Interpersonal SkillsAs an entrepreneur, you'll likely have to work closely with others – so it's essential that you're able to build good relationships with your team, customers, suppliers, shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders. Some people are more gifted in this area than others, but you can learn and improve these skills. The types of interpersonal skills you'll need include:
Critical and Creative-Thinking Skills for EntrepreneursAs an entrepreneur, you need to come up with fresh ideas, and make good decisions about opportunities and potential projects. Many people think that you're either born creative or you're not. But creativity is a skill that you can develop, and there are many tools available to inspire you.
Practical Entrepreneurial Skills and KnowledgeEntrepreneurs also need solid practical skills and knowledge to produce goods or services effectively, and to run a company.
Take our self-test, How Good Is Your Decision Making?, to learn more. You need knowledge in many different areas when you're starting or running a business, so be prepared for some serious learning! Be sure to include:
You can also learn from others who've worked on projects similar to the ones that you're contemplating, or find a mentor – someone else who's been there before and is willing to coach you.
As an entrepreneur, you must also learn the rules and regulations that apply in the territory or territories that you're operating in. These websites may be useful: Tip 2:Working in a business like the one you want to launch is a great way to learn the ropes. But be aware of non-compete clauses in your employment contract. In some jurisdictions, these clauses can be very restrictive. You don't want to risk your future projects by violating the rights of another entrepreneur or organization. Is Entrepreneurship Right for You?Before you proceed with your plan to become an entrepreneur, assess your skills against all of the questions and considerations above. Use a Personal SWOT Analysis to examine your Strengths and Weaknesses, your Opportunities, and the Threats that you may face. Be honest with yourself about your motivations and the level of commitment you're prepared to give to your project. This could prevent you from making a costly mistake. As you work through your analysis, you may feel that you're ready to plunge into your exciting new venture. Alternatively, you may decide to wait and further develop your skills. You may even decide that entrepreneurship isn't for you after all. Becoming an entrepreneur is an important career decision, so avoid the temptation to act impulsively. Do your homework. Reflect on your needs, your objectives, and your financial and personal circumstances. Entrepreneurialism can take a huge amount of time and dedication, so make sure that it feels right.
While there's no single set of traits or skills for being a successful entrepreneur, there are many that you can learn to help you succeed. These can be divided into four broad categories:
Examine your own strengths and weaknesses in these areas and assess the time and commitment you'll need to get "up to speed." Take time to decide whether this is the right path for you. |