Starting your own business is a rewarding and exciting experience. However, it is not without its risks and should not be considered lightly. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women, now more than ever, are stepping into this role as often – if not more – than their male counterparts. But what does it take to make it on your own?
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are a few characteristics that will give you a leg up on the competition. These include:
A willingness to take risks. Being your own boss means living with a certain amount of uncertainty. You must be comfortable with stepping away from a guaranteed paycheck and accept that there may be times when your finances are lean.
An independent spirit. As an entrepreneur, you will have to make the majority of business decisions by yourself. You must be willing to trust your instincts and make split-second choices without input from others, asserts Marla Ahlgrimm.
Keen powers of persuasion. Women who are comfortable speaking in public and have no problem convincing others to “go along for the ride” may be most comfortable as an independent business owner. The ability to persuade employees, lenders, and customers that your product or service is superior isn’t just an asset, it’s a necessity.
The ability to negotiate. Marla Ahlgrimm says her early days as a business owner were spent mostly negotiating lease space, contract terms, employee benefits, and other lesser-considered aspects of being the boss. Polished negotiation skills will help you get the most out of your hard-earned dollars.
A creative soul. The most successful business owners are those who can think both in and outside of the box. You must be able to think creatively in order to take advantage of an ever-changing market.
