While you may think that only straight A social butterflies who follow the rules make it in the world of business, entrepreneurial success stories come in all shapes and sizes. If you think you’re not up to the job of starting your own business, here are three reasons you could be more suited to entrepreneurship than you might think.
You have a rebellious streak
If you have a habit of challenging the status quo and questioning authority, you may have been written off as a ‘troublemaker’ in your youth and been told you’ll amount to nothing. The truth, however, is that a tendency to challenge the current state of affairs is a key ingredient in the making of a good entrepreneur. According to founder and chairman of the Cobra Group of Companies, Chris Niarchos the proclivity to question orthodoxies and come up with better ways of doing things can allow entrepreneurs to see opportunities where other people only see obstacles. An inclination to confront and make demands on authority figures can also indicate natural leadership qualities.
You’re naturally introverted
If you find social interaction draining and would strongly prefer to have time alone to follow your own creative pursuits rather than having a packed out social calendar, the chances are you’re an introvert. You may have been mislabelled ‘shy’ or ‘quiet’ and have been given the impression that you don’t have what it takes to make it in a world where the ability to network, hustle and schmooze may seem to be essential skills. In reality though, some of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time prefer to spend time alone than engaging with others. Former Google CEO Larry Page, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer are just a few examples. The fact is, introverts have many of the skills necessary to make it in business, including the ability to focus for extended periods of time, an inclination for critical and rational thinking and a gift for quietly influencing others.
You’re allergic to the nine-to-five
If you’ve always found it difficult to stick to nine-to-five jobs, you may have been branded ‘fickle’ or ‘workshy’ and feel that your inability to hold down a conventional role must mean that you’re lacking in some way. This dissatisfaction with orthodox employment could mean that you’re meant for other things, however. Many entrepreneurs feel unchallenged in typical jobs and are most motivated when following their own path, trying new things and taking risks. If you are in your element when pursuing your own goals and have the drive needed to be the master of your own destiny, breaking out of the nine-to-five may be the way to go.
Remember that there’s no cookie-cutter form that every entrepreneur takes. Each one has their own unique set of qualities and skills. What’s crucial however is a sense of determination and perseverance and a willingness to put in the hard work necessary to realise a dream.
