Some people, looking at successful businessmen, think that they are just lucky that they have penetrative qualities, an entrepreneurial spirit in order to promote their startups. Simply put, they seem to be people from another planet, so many of us believe that we really can’t survive in the business world.
Yes, we all have a different set of qualities, but this does not mean that we cannot become successful businessmen. It's just that we are looking for an excuse for ourselves why someone was not afraid to open their own business, but we were afraid. The time has come to destroy the established stereotypes about businessmen and realize that our fate depends only on us.
Myth 1: Entrepreneurs are at risk
Perhaps this stereotype came from the dashing nineties, when the word "businessman" was a synonym for the words "adventurer" and "bandit." Today we live in a civilized society. To become an entrepreneur, you do not need to take something from someone or to act with illegal methods. It is enough just to conduct research in the selected industry, objectively assess risks and measure your strengths and capabilities.
Do you think that all businessmen are adventurers who take many risks? Forced to disappoint you, but they do not risk thoughtlessly. They prefer situations in which they can influence the outcome. Entrepreneurs also like to challenge if they believe that there are many chances to win. They do not begin active actions until they assess the situation and understand what position they are in.
Myth 2: Entrepreneurs Are Born
This is an established myth that businessmen are born with certain inborn talents that are already genetically embedded in them. However, experts have recently refuted this claim. Scientists are inclined to believe that people have learned to be entrepreneurs through painstaking work on themselves. To become a businessman, you need to attend training lectures, seminars, read thematic literature, communicate more with successful and wealthy people as often as possible. All this will allow you to gain knowledge and experience in order to subsequently open your own business. Everyone can do it, so go for it.
Myth 3: Entrepreneurs want to get rich
Of course, everyone needs money, but real businessmen will tell you that entrepreneurship is not a quick way to get rich. On average, you will need three years to promote a startup. If your business break-even in the first years is already a great achievement. Well, so far there is no question of incomes and profits. Many businessmen do not make large acquisitions for a long time, but drive old cars or dress in old clothes simply because expensive purchases will not make it possible to promote their project. That is, all investments go exclusively to a startup.
So not wealth is the main motivation of entrepreneurs. What then? This is a feeling of freedom, independence, which entails the opening of one's own business.
Myth 4: Entrepreneurs Don't Have a Personal Life
Successful businessmen really work hard and for a long time. Their work week does not fit into the standard forty hours, like a simple ordinary employee. Indeed, they put all their strength and energy into the development of a startup, but this does not mean that they do not have a personal life or that they live like robots.
Do you know what the main difference is between an entrepreneur and an ordinary corporate employee? The second one does not have the ability to independently manage time or make changes to his schedule.But the businessman has it. At any time, he can take a time out and take a rest.
Myth 5: All entrepreneurs are techies
Of course, we all know the success stories of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc. Yes, they succeeded in the field of technology, but this does not mean at all that a business can only be built in this industry. Do not think that if you are not a programmer, then nothing shines for you. On the contrary, the vast majority of startups are not high-tech. As a rule, these are simple ideas and projects that do not require special financial investments. They are available to everyone. But opening a business in the field of technology will require a good material background, so in most cases it is not profitable.
Myth 6: Entrepreneurs are lonely by nature
Do you know the proverb “Alone in the field is not a warrior”? So, for entrepreneurs, this is the main secret of success. Every businessman knows that he would never succeed alone. Opening a startup is not possible without the help of third parties. Entrepreneurs adopt the experience and knowledge of their colleagues, often seek advice. They create their community of like-minded people and become an integral part of it.
It is sociability and an active life position that allow them to achieve their goals. They are not shy about asking questions, using contacts and asking for help. They are open for communication, cooperation, easily find a common language with people, and therefore succeed in business. If you position yourself as the most intelligent, knowledgeable and neglect the advice of others, then you are unlikely to become successful.
Myth 7: Entrepreneurs Need Venture Capital
All entrepreneurs know that venture capital is the most expensive form of financing you can imagine. To find investors, and even to interest them today, is not so simple as a few decades ago. According to statistics, only one percent of businessmen use venture capital. That is, you can imagine how scanty the chances are of finding people who are willing to invest in your startup. Entrepreneurs usually open a business for personal savings, borrow money from friends, relatives, acquaintances, or take a loan.
Another effective way to measure the profitability and viability of your product is to open a fundraising campaign on a crowdfunding platform. This method is used by almost all novice entrepreneurs, so you can also experience it for yourself. This will allow you to get feedback from people and understand whether it is worth moving in this direction or it will be more profitable to try your hand in a new area.