In 1999, as we approached the new millennium, there were different assumptions, fears, and speculations about the year 2000. The buss words as of then were Y2K, Y2K bug, and millennium bug.
To be precise, there were heightened speculations that in the new millennium, the computer system will fail. And that will lead to global economic collapse, security breaches, and food and water shortages.
That information made individuals, organizations, and nations unsettled because no one knew exactly what to expect in the year, 2000.
Fast forward…
This is the year, 2023 that I am writing this post. That is twenty-three years after the year 2,000. And the speculated millennium bug never saw the light of day.
Just like it was in 2009, today we are faced with what is called the entrepreneurial bug. And the buss word is become your boss or sack your boss. A lot of people are blindly going into entrepreneurship because of the perceived glamour attached to being an entrepreneur.
From personal experience, as an entrepreneur for over ten years, I will always advise anyone that cares to listen that you should not go into anything (including entrepreneurship) without the readiness and willingness to be educated about such a thing first.
In other words, I would say that you shouldn’t go into entrepreneurship because of the success stories you read or heard about some outstanding entrepreneurs.
Amid their success stories lie pains, challenges, and failures they have experienced along the way that they never talk about publicly. So, if you are going into entrepreneurship because of the glamour, I assure you that you will be disappointed along the way.
Get it, this is not to scare you, in any way. But to put things in the right perspective.
The truth is, becoming an entrepreneur is challenging and daunting. It is also rewarding if you can pay the price. Unease, they say, lies the head that wears the crown.
So, before you get infected by the entrepreneurial bug, you need to possess or cultivate the following qualities of successful entrepreneurs.
Be a risk taker: Entrepreneurship is a game of risk. So, you must be willing to take a risk at all times if you want to succeed in entrepreneurship.
Be a team player: Team spirit is a must in entrepreneurship because business is not about you. But about people.
Have a good image or reputation (like integrity and trust). People only do business with people they know, like, and trust.
Be accountable. You need employees, mentors, customers, and investors for your business to thrive. And you must be accountable to every one of them, at different times.
Be a law-abiding person. You and your business can’t be above the law.
Be committedly dedicated to your course.
Possess good communication skills: You will always need to communicate with different people, as the need arises. So, possessing this skill is a must.
Be an empathetic person: Be ready to step into the shoes of your clients, customers, and employees. And feel what they feel.
Embrace humility: If you are not humble, success in entrepreneurship can enter your head and destroy you.
Be resilient: When you fall or fail along the way, you must be willing to rise and keep going.
Be teachable: No one knows it all. So, be open to learning, unlearning, and relearning always.
Never neglect or overlook the God factor in your business.
Keep a date with me, in my next post. It will be more insightful!
Nkem Adenuga
