Starting your own business is a dream of so many Australians who want to be their own boss. But it is certainly a daunting prospect.

The first concern is whether you’re the right type of person to start a business. People question whether their personality would be suitable and often find reasons why they shouldn’t.

However, there is no one type of person that starts their own business. The one thing, which will set your business idea apart from everyone else’s, will be your individual skills, talent and enthusiasm.

As well as skills and ambition you will need to decide why running your own business is the right decision. Many people want more freedom and think that becoming their own boss is the way to achieve this.

You will certainly have the freedom to make your own choices and decide how the business is going to progress, running your own business needs commitment and determination.

But I reckon you also need to have the right type of personality. Complete this quick quiz to see whether “you’ve got it”.

1. Are You a Self-Starter?

A: If someone gets me started, I keep going all right.
B: I do things my own way. Nobody needs to tell me to get going.

C: Easy does it. I don't put myself out until I have to. 


2. How Do You Feel About Other People?

A: Most people bug me.
B: I like people. I can get along with just about anybody.

C: I have enough friends and I don't need anybody else.

3. Can You Lead Others?

A: I can get people to do things if I drive them.
B: I can get most people to go along with me without much difficulty.

C: I usually let someone else get things moving.

4. Can You Take Responsibility?

A: I'll take over if I have to, but I'd rather let someone else be responsible.
B: There's always some eager beaver around waiting to show off. I say, let him.

C: I like to take charge of and see things through.

5. How Good An Organizer Are You?

A: I like to have a plan before I start. I'm usually the one who lines things up.
B: I do all right unless things get too complicated. Then I may cop out.

C: I just take things as they come.

6. How Good a Worker Are You?

A: I can't see that hard work gets you anywhere.
B: I'll work hard for a time, but when I've had enough, that's it.

C: I can keep going as long as necessary. I don't mind working hard.

7. Can You Make Decisions?

A: I can if I have plenty of time. If I have to make up my mind fast, I usually regret it.
B: I can make up my mind in a hurry if necessary, and my decision is usually O.K.

C: I don't like to be the one who decides things. I'd probably blow it.

8. Can People Trust What You Say?

A: I try to be on the level, but sometimes I just say what's easiest.
B: They sure can. I don't say things I don't mean.

C: What's the sweat if the other person doesn't know the difference?

9. Can You Stick With It?

A: If I make up my mind to do something, I don't let anything stop me.
B: If a job doesn't go right, I turn off. Why beat your brains out?

C: I usually finish what I start.

10. Can You Keep Records?

A: Records are not important. I know what needs to be known without keeping records.
B: I can, but it's more important to get the work out than to shuffle numbers.

C: Since they are needed I'll keep records even though I don't want to.

ANSWERS:

You’re a born entrepreneur; 1B, 2B, 3B, 4C, 5A, 6C, 7B, 8B, 9A, 10C.

You’ve got potential; 1A, 2C, 3A, 4A, 5B, 6B, 7A, 8A, 9C, 10B.

Forget it… stay working for someone else; 1C, 2A, 3C, 4B, 5C, 6A, 7C, 8C, 9B, 10A.