The Entrepreneurial “Itch”

More and more people are feeling the Entrepreneurial "Itch" to start a business.

This entry is from guest blogger, Cindy Hartman of Hartman Inventory Systems.  a business and personal property inventory company

Today’s economy has turned many peoples’ lives upside down. There have been downsizings, closings and forced early retirements. Even those who are still employed are considering their desire to own their own business and feeling "if not now, when?"

Once you acknowledge the entrepreneurial “itch”, how do you decide what to do? An essential step in the selection process is determining three key criteria that this new adventure must meet. There are others, but these three are essential: 

1. Passion.
2. Financials.
3. Skills/Abilities.

The first, Passion, will steer you toward doing something that feeds your values, allows you to serve a purpose and give you something more than money to drive you to succeed. When your daily efforts feed a passion, you will enjoy each day and it will not feel like work.

The second, Financials, is very important. Be realistic on what you can spare and your risk threshhold level. There are a plethora of opportunities no matter what your financial situation. Ask others, do some research and be creative!

The third, Skills/Abilities, helps you realistically asses what you are able to do. But don’t forget the all-important opportunity to learn something new. Having the ability and desire will bring you the encouragement to learn and grow.

There are other criteria you will want to add to this list, but these three will get you going in the right direction. Once these decisions are made, you have a good outline of what type of businesses to investigate. You will have eliminated some and discovered others you wouldn’t have initially considered.

Narrow down all of your options, first by making sure they align with your three criteria. Then ask a simple question: Do I want to do this? The question may seem to be almost ridiculous, but if you focus only on the criteria, this seemingly obvious question might be left unanswered!

Be honest with yourself, and no matter how inviting something is, if it doesn’t meet your passion, financial position and abilities, plus you honestly cannot see yourself doing this day after day, don’t even consider it!

Making this decision is a life-changing event. Make sure you feel the passion so you can enjoy your next career! 

Cindy. 

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