Shakespeare might have said, "To be or not to be, that is the question." However, for women entrepreneurs it isn't whether they want be an entrepreneur or not (after all, women who put their minds to it can be anything they want), it's whether they have a natural affinity for entrepreneurship.
If you're wondering if entrepreneurship is for you, here are five characteristics that I think are important for women entrepreneurs to know.
- “I like my life structured with clear decision criteria.”
Women entrepreneurs do not function well in structured organizations and do
not like someone having authority over them. Most believe they can do
the job better than anyone else and will strive for maximum
responsibility and accountability.
- “Handling problems causes me stress and pressure.”
Women entrepreneurs are comfortable in stress situations, and are challenged
rather than discouraged by setbacks. They may actually be uncomfortable
when things are going well, and are not troubled by ambiguity and
uncertainty because they are used to solving problems.
- “Balance and family are important in my life.”
Women entrepreneurs may devote a disproportionate time to the business.
During tough business periods, they will concentrate their energies on
business operations, and may stay on the job for extended periods of
time. Even at home or at social events, the business is always top of
mind.
- “I love to get awards for my efforts.”
Women entrepreneurs find satisfaction in symbols of success that are external
to themselves. They like the business they have built to be praised,
but they are often embarrassed by praise directed at them personally.
- “Risk and uncertainty cause me to lose too much sleep.” Some of the best women entrepreneurs talk about the highs they get from taking a big risk, and the euphoria they feel when they beat the odds. They live for these feelings.
What about you? Does entrepreneurship resonate with you?
Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert
Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success
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