Traits and Skills – Self Employed

So got to the thinking bit and now you’re wondering if you got what it takes to be self-employed. To help you figure it out here is a few personality traits and skills that would be beneficial.

Traits

Confidence – not only do you need all round confidence but also confidence in your product or idea. Often its self-belief that holds people back so believe in what you’re doing and your already one step ahead of those with less self-belief. Having a good business plan will help you have confidence in your plan and what you’re doing.

Commitment – In the early days it’s easy to say you’re committed but what about 6 months down the line when you’re running on less sleep, your making personal sacrifices and working long hours. Will you still be committed then and until your business is up and running?

Initiative – When you work for someone else you have them telling you what to do and when. They are constantly there to push you and for you to turn to. When you’re self-employed it’s often just your own initiative motivating you.

Determination – There will be times when things go wrong or the road is less than smooth. Will you have the determination to dust yourself off and get on with it?

Skills

Financial Skills – for most this is the scary one. If you’re financial skills are less than desirable you can either take a business course on finances or if your funds allow outsource. Doing it yourself would be the better option so that you understand your business inside and out and is normally the most cost effective.

Marketing and PR Skills – you could have the best idea ever but if you don’t know how to get it out there it will only ever be an idea. Again you could outsource this but at the beginning the most cost effective way is to read up on it and learn yourself. You can always outsource when you’re more established.

 

There are other things to consider but if you nodding and saying I can do that to all those few starter ones above then you’re on to a good start. I will going over the skills in more detail soon .