10 Things An Entrepreneur Must Be Good At

I went to Rep. John Garamendi's Small Business Resource Fair in Fairfield on Friday and came back with these helpful tips from the U.S. Small Business Administration on how a small business owner must be -- mentally and physically -- to withstand the rigors of running a small business.

If you're a small business owner or thinking of starting a small business, my hat goes off to you. Needless to say, it's not for the faint of heart.

Here's a quote from the SBA's "Small Business Start-Up Information" kit:

Although more than half a million businesses are started each year, owning and operating a business is not for everyone. Many businesses are started without a realistic evaluation of personal objectives, individual talents and personality traits. There is no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business. However, you can improve your chances with research, good planning and preparation. Start by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses as an owner and manager of a small business.

One thing that is required of all small business owners is the ability to sell: yourself, your business, your services or your products. Assuming you have that trait, the next step is a brutally honest look at yourself with 10 questions that you must respond positively to in order to have the best possible chance of succeeding:

1. Are you a self starter?
2. Do you relate favorably to people?
3. Can you lead others?
4. Can you take responsibility?
5. Are you a good organizer?
6. Are you a good worker?
7. Can you make decisions?
8. Can people trust what you say?
9. Can you stick with it?
10. Are you in good health?

Perils aside, the benefits to running a small business outweigh the risks for the right person, according to the SBA.

• You get to be your own boss, working to increase your profits instead of someone else's.
• If you're successful, earnings and growth potential are not as limited as they are working for someone else.
• A new venture is exciting and running a business will provide endless challenges, variety and chances to learn.