Do You Have What It Takes?

When I started my own business, I purchased a handy dandy little book called How to Start, Run, and Stay in Business: The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Turning Your Business Dream into a Reality by Gregory F. Kishel and Patricia Gunter Kishel. Given the fact that this book has sold over 100,000 copies, I figured this couple knew a thing or two about running a business. And they didn’t disappoint.

I learned a great deal about operating a small business by reading their book. I also learned I wasn’t suited to be a full-fledged entrepreneur. A one-woman show I can handle; however, managing more than myself, I’d prefer to say “no.”

Within the first few opening pages, contained a checklist questionnaire inquiring whether or not you have the capability to run a business. I didn’t get far on that list, to realize I lacked a few key characteristics in order to be a boss lady.

Now by no means did this assessment reflect poorly of me. I was simply answering the questions in an honest fashion. But my heart still sank nevertheless. Apparently my skill set lies elsewhere.

I excel at administrative work, but lack when it comes to taking risks and the ability to make executive-like decisions, especially under pressure. “Miss, did you say a grande or tall iced tea?” “Um . . . can I get back to you on that? No, wait, make it a tall. No, on second thought make it a grande.” See my point?

What brought this whole topic up was a little talk my husband and I had the other day concerning his ability to go into business for himself. As we both sat together on our living room sofa, I looked him straight in the eyes and said, “You need to be 100% honest with yourself and determine whether or not you have what it takes to see your vision to completion. And there’s no room for pie in the sky thinking here. I don’t want to dash your dreams, but only you can say if you have what it takes.”

I believe that my husband is a top dog, top gun kind of guy who will do whatever it takes to see a project through. He will handle both the good and the bad, because at heart he is a risk taker and an eternal optimist. This is one question that was not on the, “How Suited Am I” questionnaire. I believe you need to be an optimist in order to go into business for yourself, by the simple fact that you are going to have to face your fears and you’re going to have to face your critics. But, as I explained to my husband, you’ll face them one fear at a time and one foe at a time.

Upon further reflection, I have to be mindful to not project my personal and characteristic limitations onto my husband. He is not me. He has what it takes to figure it out, the nuts-and-bolts of running a business. I, on the other hand, would drive people nuts to the point where they would want to bolt because of my controlling nature.

If you are considering going into business for yourself, maybe we should talk. Seriously, if you have what it takes to successfully run a business, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from fulfilling your precious dream. If it is meant to be, the stars will align in your favor, time and again to help see you through.