At GoForth, our primary reason for existence is to give entrepreneurs the best small business training possible for success. So it was with considerable interest that we read a blog post by Chicago-based businessman Seth Kravitz, called 20 (More) Reality-Checking Questions for Would-Be Entrepreneurs.
The questions are geared towards those thinking of starting a small business and they don’t shy away from some harsh realities of entrepreneurship – working too hard, uncertainty, ideas that don’t pan out and dealing with stress.
We like this honesty. In our small business education, we encourage entrepreneurs to take a very honest look at themselves before starting out. Yes, starting your own business can be infinitely rewarding, both financially and personally. However, it can also be one of the most difficult things you’ll do. You might work harder than you had as someone else’s employee. You might put a strain on your relationships and finances. You might even give it a shot and eventually decide you’re not enjoying it anymore. These are all considerations you should make before starting your own small business.
We’re not Debbie Downers at GoForth; we’re realists. We want to make sure you approach the decision to become an entrepreneur with your eyes wide open – knowing in advance that the journey can be a bumpy one. Remember – between your great idea and the grand achievement is the vast wasteland of grinding it out.
Our advice? Read Seth’s post and honestly assess yourself as a small business owner. And don’t lose heart – entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but you can take the most important first step and prepare yourself for the realities of starting and running a small business.