Are You Ready
To Strike Out On Your Own?
See how you score on your motivation to really become your own boss.
How To Do It
1. Print off this webpage.
2. Select one choice for each question. Circle the letter identifying your choice ("a", "b" or "c").
Use the scoring key at the bottom of the chart to see what your entrepreneurial attitude (or lack thereof) suggests you do next.
| I dream of starting my business mostly because of: | a. I'm unsatisfied in my current job and my boss is a jerk. | b. I'd like to work less to spend more time with my family. | c. I have a burning desire to execute a great idea and build something of my own. |
| The idea that has inspired me to start a business: | a. Isn't quite formed yet. | b. Is so amazing that I will surely make millions. | c. Hasn't been done in the way I plan on doing it, and the market research I've completed proves there are customers willing to pay for it. |
| The trait that will help me most as an entrepreneur is: | a. My drive is to make a lot of money. | b. Excellent organizational skills plus an idea of detail . | c. The desire to be in control of my destiny. |
| I hear people say that entrepreneurs are inherent risk takers. To me, risk is: | a. A four-letter word. | b. The only way to get anywhere-I find it's best just to take the plunge . | c. Kind of like red wine or dark chocolate-a good thing in moderation. |
| The following best describes me: | a. I enjoy having a routine and get stressed when things don't go as planned. | b. I like to know what to expect but can appreciate that some of the best opportunities happen when you least expect it. | c. I thrive on change and can adapt quickly and easily to new circumstances. |
| When I have to make big decisions: | a. I'm a total proscrastinator. | b. Sometimes, I worry about making the wrong choice, and sometimes I have trouble sticking to what I decide. | c. I can make decisions quickly and easily, and I don't second-guess myself. |
| This is the way I feel about being a position of power: | a. I don't like to have everything weighing on my shoulders. | b. I don't have any direct experience being the boss, so I'd consider putting together an advisory board to give me input. | c. I have practice from previous jobs managing people, building relationships and making decisions. I like to lead. |
| I am most productive when: | a. I have plenty of me-time to unwind. | b. I am able to focus on one thing at a time. | c. I have a lot going on. |
| When I hear people mention the importance of a business plan, I think: | a. What's a business plan and where do I buy one? | b. It sure is tedious, but I have it partially completed. | c. I've done it-and it really gave me a sense of what I can realistically expect. |
| For cash reserves, I have: | a. Yikes, not much-we all know how expensive kids are! | b. A stash that will last several months and a 401(k) that I can always borrow against, just in case. | c. Enough savings to cover my contribution to our personal bills for at least one year. |
| I just heard that business lenders will expect me to contribute financially to my new business with cash and/or collateral. My reponse: | a. I wonder what the heck collateral is. | b. I have a good credit rating. | c. I own my own home and have some savings. |
| I will operate my business by: | a. Hiring a team of consultants who can do everything for me. | b. Doing everything by myself, with little or no outside help. | c. Seeking the advice of friends and friends of friends (and their friends). |
| When I talk with my spouse about opening my own business, she: | a. Laughs and says she doesn't really get it. | b. Is supportive of my ideas but thinks this isn't the right time for us to commit to something new. | c. Believes I should go for it and is willing to make accommodations to make my dream a reality. |
| I've thought about the worst-case scenario if the business doesn't make it, and: | a. It's bleak. My family will be living on ramen noodles. | b. I can always go (crawling) back to my old boss. | c. I'll have options. I'm still a smart person and can always get a job or even think about starting something else. |
| If I don't start my own business: | a. It's because I'm listening to my gut, which tells me this isn't for me. | b. It's because the timing isn't right. | c. I know that I will always regret it. |
Scoring Pat yourself on the back. You've completed your first step-taking an honest look at yourself and seeing if you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur! Give yourself 1 point for every a answer, 3 points for every b answer, 5 points for every c answer. Then read on to see where you stand.
15-41 POINTS Buy your boss flowers! The entrepreneur lifestyle isn't a good fit for you. If your current job makes you miserable, maybe it's time for a new job. In that case, buy yourself a new suit and call your headhunter.
42-59 POINTS You might have what it takes, but you need to plan more. If you're passionate about starting your own business, pour your energy into defining your niche, researching the market and investigating what it will take to get your idea off the ground. Reach out to someone who can serve as a mentor, and consider joining a networking group to help you get started.
60-75 POINTS Congratulations! You have a passion for building a company, understand the market and have figured out the finances. You're as prepared as you can be to take this big step. So register that URL and get those business cards printed: it's time to launch your business.