What Does it Take to Succeed as an Independent Entrepreneur

You may of well of had enough of your boss. Why not work for yourself? Why build someone else’s dreams and fortune. You may even be at the point of having an "allergic reaction" to your employer. Yet to start out on your own is not easy, and as well is full of risks, costs and pitfalls. Indeed what does it to take to succeed as an independent entrepreneur in this time period of 2009 and on into the new millennia.

It can be said that every business, and indeed every single business deal is nourished by a specific set of skills and that the person - be they employee, boss or in this an entrepreneur requires a set of skills that details the personality sets and training needed, necessary and essential for that particular industry involved and down to the specific task and deals and contracts involved.

However it can be said, that overall and in general, the successful entrepreneur needs the following traits:

-Self confidence and assertiveness
-Boldness, courage, optimism and the willingness to take controlled risks. It must be noted and emphasized that the key phrase here is "controlled risks"
-A capacity for hard work, discipline, due diligence and to some degree perfectionism. The perfectionism in this case must be tempered with reality, realism all in relation to time and resources available at that given time in the life, capital and growth state of the business or firm involved
-Ambition, persistence, determination and commitment to a goal or goals
-Leadership ability, decisiveness, efficiency and the ability to delegate authority at times, when necessary. Flexibility is of course key. In addition the person must have the maturity to be flexible and not maintain "I am the boss " and that once my authority is questioned that all is over
-Team spirit and a real concern for others
-Am ability to solve problems , mixed along with resourcefulness, inventiveness and organizational aptitude
-Flexibility and adaptability couple with along with some degree of what might be considered "street smarts" , intelligence and good judgment skills

However in the end there are two attributes and forces that will determine whether or not in the end you will make it as an entrepreneur. First of all you must "love what you do". It’s no longer a case of putting in time for someone else. It’s not a 9 to 5 job now. No more of this to after hour phone calls"Dearie it’s after business hours". Your job is now your life. If it takes time - well it takes time - it’s as simple as that. If its Friday evening or Sunday and something has to be taken care of - then it has to be taken care of - no if and or buts. No exceptions, no excuses. It’s your baby now totally, and you have to pay the price. Think about that before jumping in the water. It’s now a whole other world and ball game.

Next in line is the question of unfailing honesty and personal integrity. There are no shortcuts here what so ever. Your personal reputation of honor and integrity is everything. Personal honesty is like a mirror. Lovely to look at, however once sullied it can be repaired but will never be the same. It’s exactly the same with personal honesty, honor and integrity. Always maintain the highest standards in honesty in all of your business as well as personal dealings. There are no shortcuts and no other way to take the path of great success as an independent entrepreneur.