the startups.com platform about startups.comCheck out the new Startups.com - A Comprehensive Startup University
Education
Planning
Mentors
Funding
Customers
Assistants
Clarity
Categories
Business
Sales & Marketing
Funding
Product & Design
Technology
Skills & Management
Industries
Other
Business
Career Advice
Branding
Financial Consulting
Customer Engagement
Strategy
Sectors
Getting Started
Human Resources
Business Development
Legal
Other
Sales & Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Public Relations
Branding
Publishing
Inbound Marketing
Email Marketing
Copywriting
Growth Strategy
Search Engine Marketing
Sales & Lead Generation
Advertising
Other
Funding
Crowdfunding
Kickstarter
Venture Capital
Finance
Bootstrapping
Nonprofit
Other
Product & Design
Identity
User Experience
Lean Startup
Product Management
Metrics & Analytics
Other
Technology
WordPress
Software Development
Mobile
Ruby
CRM
Innovation
Cloud
Other
Skills & Management
Productivity
Entrepreneurship
Public Speaking
Leadership
Coaching
Other
Industries
SaaS
E-commerce
Education
Real Estate
Restaurant & Retail
Marketplaces
Nonprofit
Other
Dashboard
Browse Search
Answers
Calls
Inbox
Sign Up Log In

Loading...

Share Answer

Menu
Entrepreneurship: What are some things that first time entrepreneurs should consider?
GH
GH
Gareth Hughes, PhD, MBA, Entrepreneur and successful grant writer answered:

Good question. There are already some good answers here, but beyond the mechanistics, you should determine whether or not entrepreneurship is right for you. Becoming an entrepreneur is a career and lifestyle choice ... and a very rewarding choice for those who fit. Some questions that you can ask yourself (and be honest):

1. How do you handle extreme uncertainty? You won't know when you'll get your next paycheck or when you'll land that first customer.

2. How are you at making big decisions? While you should get advice from mentors, partners, etc., you will be making the final decisions.

3, How responsible are you? Many things need to get done and you'll be responsible for all of them until you hire people to help.

4. How is your support system? If you have a family, then make sure they are OK with your decision. Have trusted mentors in place.

These are just a few questions to consider.

Taking the entrepreneurial path can be very rewarding and fulfilling. I decided over 20 years ago (during grad school) to be an entrepreneur and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Good luck!

Talk to Gareth Upvote • Share
•••
Share Report

Answer URL

Share Question

  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Google+
  • Share by email
About
  • How it Works
  • Success Stories
Experts
  • Become an Expert
  • Find an Expert
Answers
  • Ask a Question
  • Recent Answers
Support
  • Help
  • Terms of Service
Follow

the startups.com platform

Startups Education
Startup Planning
Access Mentors
Secure Funding
Reach Customers
Virtual Assistants

Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.