The Entrepreneurial Game: Can You Win at It?

Starting a business is a major undertaking that not every person is qualified or ready to take. As the owner of a startup company you take a lot of risks and you give up some of the things that you are accustomed to. It requires much sacrifices, perseverance, vision, hard work, and in many cases giving up large chunks of income. Of course, it also has its rewards; the pride and joy of business ownership is a gift reserved for those who elect it. Nevertheless, before you decide that you want to join the entrepreneurial ranks you must consider the pros compared to the cons. Do you have what it takes? Do you have the talent, traits, resources, risk-tolerance, adaptability, and family support necessary to embark in the venture? Are you willing to give up many things and risk many others in search of your dream? Only if you can answer positively to all these questions you should consider starting a serious business. Toby Thomas (1) uses the analogy of a man riding a lion. "People look at him and think, this guy's really got it together! He is brave." And the man riding the lion is thinking, "how the hell did I get on a lion and how do I keep from getting eaten?" Are you willing and ready to mount the lion and survive? This book is written to alert would-be entrepreneurs of the challenges they would face in the venture, but it is by no means intended to frighten or discourage them from it. Entrepreneurship is a commendable adventure and achieving success in it is a rewarding experience. The exhilaration of success as a business owner negates all sacrifices made to reach the goal.