Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur?

Andy Coffman, known on Fiverr as mymondo, is an entrepreneur and professional voice talent. Andy enjoys creating all types of voiceovers, scripts and sound effects for clients around the world.

So you want to become an entrepreneur and launch your own business. Congrats on your excellent decision! You’ve picked a great time to launch your business as the gig economy kicks into high gear.

However, I have an important question for you. Do you really have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? It’s a question not every entrepreneur honestly asks themselves before starting a business.

Before you even think about handing out business cards with your cool new company logo you got from Fiverr, answer the following questions honestly about yourself and your new business, to truly see if you’re ready to start your own business.

Are you someone that likes to work alone or in teams of people?

This question may seem trivial but it’s not. If you are someone who thrives on being alone to crank out a task or project at work, you definitely have the inklings of an entrepreneur. On the other hand, if you prefer to work collaboratively on a task or project to share in the overall responsibilities of getting it done, keep in mind that when you start your own business it’s you that will do all the work independently and must be able to believe in yourself and accomplish all that must be done. Especially in the beginning – each day and every day.

Is your business idea unique? How is it different from your competition?

A key indicator that you will be a successful entrepreneur is coming up with a new product or service that’s unlike anything else currently available. Figure out what it is about your business that is going to help you win customers over a competitor’s product or service offering. It can be something as simple as faster delivery that helps win you more clients.

Are you an overall positive person?

Positivity is a must to get you up in the morning to get working on your business. Positivity will keep you focused on your long-term goal of success. If you are not an overall positive person, now is a great time to start!

Do you have support from your family in your pursuit of becoming an entrepreneur?

Running your own business means spending a lot of time running your business. Ten, twelve, even fourteen hour days are typical when running your own business. And sometimes, there just never seems to be enough time to get all the work completed. Make sure to spend time discussing your dedication and commitment to your business with your family to make sure they are on board. Plus, inform your family members that you will be looking to them to be a constant cheerleader, so they can be the best support system ever.

Are you passionate about the business you are starting?

I’m not talking about something that simply interests you. I’m talking about something that you will be working on all day, every day. Passion makes it fun and not work. If you don’t have true passion you might give up easier and lose interest. So make sure to create a business around what you love to do. Good luck!

What do you think it takes to be an entrepreneur? Share with us in the comments below.

via fiverr

Goodbye, Suits. Sport These Smart Looks but Shun Interview No-nos.

Startups are notorious for going against the grain and offering an extremely casual work environment where anything goes.

But you need to land that dream job first before you can start dressing like you run the place (or just went for a run in the park). So make sure you're dressed right for the part when you go for your interview.

1. Be your (professional) self. Steer clear of suits and ties if you’re interviewing at a startup. Instead, prove you understand the culture of the startup world by adding a little personal flare to your professional attire. Playing with accessories is the best way to show off your personality while ensuring your look stays interview appropriate. Statement jewelry and a great pair of bold Warby Parker glasses are solid choices. Or take notes from style icon Jenna Lyons of J.Crew and rock both at once!

Image credit: Shutterstock

2. Add a pop of color. Accent your look with a cheerful burst of color. Part of your goal in planning your outfit is to prove to your potential future colleagues that you’re someone they will be excited to be around every day. Show them you’re not afraid to have a little fun! For ladies, a colorful scarf or bright J.Crew heels are great options, and guys can’t go wrong with a fun Bonobos gingham shirt or colorful socks.  

3. Spruce up head to toe. 30 Rock's Jack Donaghy may think Liz Lemon’s work sneakers are hip, but she probably didn’t wear them to her interview. And while startups may have the reputation of being casual (and employees at our company, Hukkster, do love their Chuck Taylors), complete the interview look with a pair of nice, clean shoes. For men we suggest a great pair of classic Sperry loafers or oxfords. And for women, remember, those strappy stilettos are great for a Saturday night out with friends, but for the interview you want to go with a simple pump or ballet flat.

Remember your look can say a lot about you and what you’ll bring to an organization. The goal is to showcase your skills and enthusiasm for the role, so don’t distract your interviewer with too much skin or a wrinkled tee. We’ve rounded up a few of the worst interview looks; so be sure to avoid these interview no-nos. 

4. Don't show up in attire that's too revealing. Show off your skills, not your skin. You are there to prove you’ll be an asset to the company and can hit the ground running, so keep your shirt buttoned up and skirt or dress below the knees. An outfit that’s too revealing will distract from all the great things you have to say, and this faux pas will likely cost you the job.

5. Avoid hoodies and flip-flops. You’re going to an interview; so don’t choose items you would pack on a beach getaway. Hoodies and flip-flops might fly once you’ve landed the job, but ultra-casual is never interview appropriate. Dress to impress and let the interviewer know you spent more than five minutes preparing for the big day. If you’re a hoodies and flip-flops kind of guy (or gal) be sure to ask the interviewer what the workplace dress code looks like to be sure its going to be a good fit for you and your casual style.

6. Rule out T-shirts. Avoid promoting another startup or company brand at your interview; you are there to promote yourself.  Interviewers are looking for candidates who are passionate about the position and the company, so having any catchphrase or company name plastered across your T-shirt is definitely a no; it will appear you already belong somewhere else. Skip T-shirts altogether and opt for a blouse or oxford instead. Once you get hired you’ll surely be rocking your new company T-shirt in and out of the office, because yes, startups have cool swag and love to self-promote! (Hey, we're proud of our company's list of interview must-haves.)

via entrepreneur