Entrepreneurial Self-Assessment Survey Page 2
ADVERTISEMENT
1
2
3Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
The following list describes some common characteristics of an entrepreneur. The number(s) after each
characteristic indicates the related statement(s) in the assessment form. This list interprets the form qualitatively.
Note that arriving at a conclusive portrait of a typical entrepreneur is very difficult. Therefore, you may score low on
the assessment and still succeed as an entrepreneur.
Works Hard (Statements 1 & 8)
Self-employment requires a great deal of time and effort. The entrepreneur must perform a wide variety of
time-consuming tasks. 77% of all entrepreneurs report working 50 hours or more per week, and 54% say that they
work more than 60 hours per week. Such a time commitment requires that you have a high energy level.
Wants Financial Success (Statement 6) A primary reason that most entrepreneurs have for going into business is
to achieve financial success. If you want to be an entrepreneur, you need to establish a reasonable financial goal
that you want to achieve through self-employment. This goal will help you measure how well you are doing in
fulfilling your personal needs through an entrepreneurial career.
Has Family Support (Statement 2)
A successful entrepreneur needs family support. If you are married, your spouse must believe in your business
because it will require that both of you sacrifice time and money. The stress may create disruptions in family
relationships. If you have children, they will need encouragement in understanding your need to spend so much
time away from the family. The more positive support you receive from your family, the more you can concentrate
on making the business a success.
Is Energetic (Statements 1 & 8)
Self-employment requires long work hours. You will frequently be unable to control the number of hours required to
fulfill all the necessary tasks. The entrepreneur must have a high energy level to respond to the job's demands.
Has an Internal "Locus of Control', (Statement 10)
Successful entrepreneurs have an internal locus of control or inner sense of responsibility for the outcome of a
venture. To be an entrepreneur, you should have a strong sense of being a "victor" who is responsible for your
actions. If, however, you often consider yourself a "victim" and blame other people, bad luck, or difficult
circumstances for your failures, entrepreneurship might not be the right career move for you.
Takes Risks (Statement 3)
Entrepreneurs are risk takers. They risk their careers, time and money in order to make a success of their
businesses. To be successful in self-employment, you should feel comfortable taking reasonable risks.
Sacrifices Employment Benefits (Statement 4)
One of the major realities of self-employment is that you won't receive a regular paycheck. You pay for your own
fringe benefits. A nice office, secretarial assistance, equipment and other features of employment you have grown
to expect are no longer available unless you provide them for yourself.
Has a Need to Achieve (Statements 7 & 11)
Entrepreneurs have a strong need for achievement. They strive to excel and accomplish objectives that are quite
high. You should be willing to set high goals for yourself and enjoy striving to achieve those goals.
Has Business Experience (Statement 12)
An entrepreneur should have extensive business experience to be successful. General management experience is
beneficial because an entrepreneur should know something about all types of management. Formal training and
education in management also are helpful
Is Independent (Statements 5 & 9)
Entrepreneurs like to be independent and in control of situations. Many people who become self- employed
consider the opportunity to be their own boss as one of the major benefits of self-.employment. Although being
independent may not be a major concern for you, it is certainly an aspect of self-employment that you need to feel
ADVERTISEMENT
0 votes
Related Articles
Related forms
Related Categories
Parent category: Life