1. The immediate answer that came to my mind was: You just know! When you communicate with your thoughts and are clear about what your goals and ambitions are, the desire to start on your own comes to you automatically. And when you are ready, the desire to start off is so overwhelming, that you do it even if you feel that you are not prepared enough. There comes a point in your preparation to start off on your own, when you feel that you cannot judge certain things without actually doing the job, that’s when you decide to actually jump in and tackle your business. It’s like a divine calling that you have to answer!
2. I’m usually a very organized person and like to plan out everything well ahead of time. So a lot of people around me were surprised when I told them that I’m going to start off on my own. There is no type of personality that can become an entrepreneur. Anyone who has the urge to do more that what they are currently doing is a potential entrepreneur. Those few who decide to do something about the urge, realize their potential.
3. Everyone should become an entrepreneur, it is the best way to discover yourself and understand your strengths and weakness. I discovered skills that I didn’t know I had before I started off. Bloging is one such skill J When I had a regular job, I often used to wonder how some people can go on and on doing their job without taking any breaks or vacations. I now understand how. If you enjoy what you are doing and are in control of what you are doing, everyday is an adventure. Now I cannot wait to return to work when I sign off every night. It took me eight years in the IT industry to understand almost everything that goes on. I had eight months to learn all that about the Venture Capital industry and I can confidently say that I know more about the VC industry than IT. Being on your own opens up so many options that everyday you struggle to find out which interesting option to choose from rather than wondering when you will get some interesting work.
4. A lot of people say that to be a successful entrepreneur, one has to be a good networker, a good salesman, a good manager, leader, etc all rolled into one. I beg to differ. All these skills are obtainable and a successful entrepreneur is simply one that has acquired these skills as and when required. The most important thing is to believe in your idea/product/service and to do it to the best of your abilities. When an entrepreneur is driven, she will acquire all the skills needed to run her business as and when required. So don’t let you lack of networking skills or sales experience bother you. When you jump in the well, you will learn to swim. If you drown (metaphorically), you will at least know what not to do the next time
I agree that it is futile to plan for an eternity. Edison once said that Entrepreneur is a doer and not a dreamer. Hence the need to act and not suffer the "Analysis paralysis" syndrome.You can not learn to swim with out getting into water. However, it is foolish to go to the deep end of the pool with out a life jacket or knowing how to swim. Hence adequate preparation is essential to be a successful entrepreneur. "How much preparation is adequate preparation?" is the million dollar question!
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