The Challenges Involved In Becoming An Entrepreneur

By Angel Dudley


Young people have always been advised to be steadfast in their jobs, to stick it out and to earn a long term reputation with a chosen employer. Those rules have certainly changed. More and more people now depend upon their own skills to earn a living and to create financial security for themselves. Becoming an entrepreneur is a dream that is followed by many people but there are dangers and pitfalls involved.

People have a wide variety of reasons for entering into business. Many realize that they cannot expect long term security from working as employees. Others do not want to accede to the demands of their bosses and yet others feel that they are better able to realize their dreams if they go it on their own. One thing is certain, however. Regardless of the reason for starting a new business the person concerned needs guts and courage.

The sad fact is that a very large percentage of new businesses fail rather quickly. One of the main reasons is that new businesspeople simply do not receive proper training. They think that their ideas are the most important factor that will ensure success. The truth of the matter is that the mundane issues of cash flow control, adherence to a host of legal requirements and proper administration are just as important and this is often overlooked.

A good idea is a good start but it is vital to perform proper market research before committing resources to the development of the idea into a fully fledged business. Matters such as demand for the product or service, delivery and packaging all need careful consideration. It may even be better to hire an expert to conduct such research before a final decision is made.

Many successful new businesspeople opt for buying a franchise rather than starting a business from scratch. This may be a good idea because franchises offer proven formulae and they provide extensive support in the fields of management and marketing. Many franchise holders sharpen their business teeth on the experience they gain from being part of a bigger organization that offer direction and discipline.

Another reason why new businesses fail is because they fail to develop long term plans. It is vital to have a strategy that will enable the new business to take advantage of new opportunities and to overcome threats. Many new business owners become so involved in the day to day management of their enterprises that they fail to plan for the future. In this way they fail to foresee adverse conditions and they fail to recognize new opportunities.

Perhaps the biggest threat to the continued success of new businesses is the inability of entrepreneurs to delegate and to assemble competent teams. They are so used to do everything themselves that they are reluctant to allow others to take responsibility for certain tasks and functions. This can be deadly for growing enterprises.

Becoming an entrepreneur is a dream many people share but few have the courage and finance to actually make their dreams a reality. Running a business is a huge responsibility but it can also be an adventure. Success is often measured in financial terms but many people rate their personal satisfaction in making their businesses grow as the biggest reward.




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