Have you ever wondered if you are the entrepreneurial “type”? Do you envision entrepreneurs as the type of people who pitch their unique ideas for a product or business to a panel of tough tycoons like on the reality series Shark Tank? If you don’t see yourself as someone like that, don’t worry. You can be an an entrepreneur with your own business without all that drama.
If you’re thinking about opening a legal services business, and want to know if you are the entrepreneurial type, take a look at this list of traits common among entrepreneurs and see if you identify with some of them.
Entrepreneurs…
- can’t sit still and can’t wait to take action.
- are fearless and don’t mind getting into a little “hot water”.
- recover quickly from setbacks.
- are motivated by challenges.
- are adaptable and flexible.
- have the ability to stay focused.
- are able to fill a need.
- know how to surround themselves with advisors.
1. Action Takers
People who study business in school can sometimes be prone to overanalyzing and take a long time to move toward action steps. But people who have more life experience tend to have more developed problem-solving skills and are more able to think and react quickly in challenging situations. The have learned to be resourceful and to take action while others are still trying to make a decision.
2. Fearless
Instead of focusing on the risk, entrepreneurs will see the potential of a venture. Their willingness to invest money in their ideas show they are the ultimate optimists, believing their investment will eventually pay off. They are not satisfied with the status quo and are looking for ways to improve themselves and their projects. Instead of asking for permission, they would rather forge ahead and ask for forgiveness later – getting into a little trouble, if need be, but feeling it’s worth it.
3. Setbacks? Not a problem.
Even the most famous entrepreneurs have experienced business failures; some (like Donald Trump) have had multiple failures during their career. What makes a successful entrepreneur is how quickly her/she can recover from them. They don’t sit around feeling sorry for themselves; they get going on the next venture right away. If you can look at setbacks as learning opportunities, and can adapt to new circumstances, you have what it takes to succeed the next time.
4. Motivated by challenges
Whether the challenge of overcoming failure, or the trials and obstacles that always accompany getting a business off the ground, an entrepreneur not only faces up to them, but is motivated by them to work even harder.
5. Adaptable and flexible
You might go into business with one particular vision of how it will be, but if you are willing to listen to feedback from your clientele, you may find you can tweak your products, services, or business structure to provide even greater value. Being flexible and adaptable is how you evolve and make your business even more primed for success.
6. Able to stay focused
Successful business owners do not get distracted by side issues – they know how to focus on long-term as well as short-term goals, and constantly keep their actions in line with those goals. They have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish, and they develop specific timelines and measurements to track and monitor their business goals. Staying super-focused results in achievement of desired outcomes.
7. Filling a need
Are you able to recognize holes in the marketplace? Do you see a need for a product or service that will fix a problem? If you feel motivated enough to do something about it, then you could be the entrepreneur “type”.
8. Surrounding yourself with good advisors
Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Having mentors who can open you up to new ideas and show you the ropes can have a great impact on your business. If you know how to find people who can give you guidance and advice, your likelihood of success is greatly increased.
If you have recognized yourself in these eight traits that many entrepreneurs have in common, and you are a legal professional wishing you could own your own business or add dimension to your existing legal business, I invite you to consider joining the Divorce With Dignity Network and make your wishes a reality. By doing so, you will gain me as your mentor, teaching you in one-on-one sessions how to set up and run your divorce legal services business. You will also be part of our monthly conference calls where other Divorce With Dignity affiliate owners offer advice and solutions to problems from their own experience. You don’t have to do this on your own from scratch. Get a boost up onto your entrepreneurial path! And by having your own Divorce With Dignity business, you can fill a definite need in the marketplace for affordable divorce planning and legal document assistance. Visit our website to learn more!
The author of this blog is not an attorney and the information contained in these blogs should not be considered legal advice. The information provided here is based on the experience of the author and some of her clients whose actual names are not mentioned. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of an attorney if you have any legal questions.
