Imposter syndrome. Self-doubt Self-doubt. Stargazer, we bet that you have felt these emotions at least once. You may be surrounded by colleagues who recognize your abilities. What if your company is just you?
Natalie Gill launched her fresh flowers business in her apartment after quitting a soulless corporate position. She relied on her savings to cover the shortfall. She managed to survive on little sleep and sometimes an $11 food budget per week. She lost friends and weight. She persevered, even through the most difficult points (hello, self-doubt), in order to create Native Poppy, an incredibly successful retail business with multiple locations.
Natalie has certainly earned the title of entrepreneur, but it was always her right–even before quitting her job and even before making her first sale.
What makes someone an entrepreneur? We will explore what entrepreneurship means, the traits that make an entrepreneur unique (including you), and the definition of entrepreneurship. Imagine us as an invisible passenger on your journey to success, providing affirmation and encouragement.
What is an Entrepreneur?
A conventional definition of an entrepreneur is someone who runs and starts a business while taking financial or personal risks. This description of entrepreneurship, however, ignores its more nuanced elements: passion, grit, and the desire to make ideas come to life.
Over time, both the creator economy as well as the gig economy have helped broaden what it means for someone to be an entrepreneur. You might be assembling furniture in your apartment or designing merchandise for a local rock band. You’re taking control of your future and working for yourself.
In the US, 3.3 million businesses closed between February and April. Entrepreneurship was a way for people to compensate for lost work, combat boredom in isolation, or react to new opportunities that were created by consumer trends. The entrepreneurial spirit grew in 2020 as the business sector decreased.
What are the traits of an entrepreneur’s personality?
In our earlier series, we talked about the unique personality traits of entrepreneurs for each Founder sign. A single personality type does not determine success. Each Sign has a specific strength, and each one has a superpower that defines the way they think about business.
Top entrepreneur traits:
- Risk tolerance
- Passion
- Visualize the Future
- Discipline
- Self-reliance
Entrepreneurs should also have perseverance, versatility, and ambition. They should also be able to think critically, pay attention to details, and show a high level of commitment. You may possess some of these traits. You may be risk-averse, but you have great discipline and attention to detail. Your strength lies in slowly building a stable business with a safety net. You may not be a perfectionist or a detail-oriented person, but you are passionate and have oodles of vision. This would make you a good leader who could attract skilled partners to your business.
So, how do I become an entrepreneur?
Just start. No test is required (except for the examination of willpower as you navigate through the uncertain start-up phase). No degree or experience is required. You set the rules when you are your boss. Take your business to the street by leveraging your best entrepreneurial traits.
On the downside, there is no guarantee and no consistent paycheck. The reward usually outweighs the risk. In the best-case scenario, your life is built on your terms. You’ll get up, dust yourself off, and try again with more experience and a thicker skin.
Cartographer, you have a lot of options. You have a good business mind because you are willing to work hard and roll up your sleeves. You are a great planner who is able to see potential pitfalls in advance. Although you’d hesitate to call yourself an entrepreneur because you do what you enjoy, you would still consider it a business.
Risk is a part of entrepreneurship, but it’s not your game. You are drawn to income and predictability. Your curiosity and passion win out. Start small if you are afraid to leap. You can already be an entrepreneur in your heart even before you launch a website or make your very first sale. Confidence in yourself is key.
Build a business based on a cause and become an entrepreneur.
Passion is what will propel you to the top of the entrepreneurial ladder. Do you have a passion for social or environmental issues? The pandemic is accelerating the interest in companies that are socially responsible or have a sustainable mission. It’s time to act, Cartographer. Get your feet wet.
