Some business development materials start out with a dissertation on the characteristics of the business owner in order to help you decide if you should go into business for yourself. These questions deal with the basic personality of potential entrepreneurs.

• Are you entrepreneurial enough to build a business?
• Do you know what the meaning of the word "entrepreneurial"?
• Are you a risk taker? 
• Did you get good grades in school? Did you know many successful entrepreneurs did not?

You are a cautious person and a good student. Should you forget the whole thing? That's what some entrepreneurial tests would suggest. 

However, there are many successful business owners who, as an adolescent, were team players, athletes, school leaders, excellent students, and never seriously questioned the status quo. Often, though, a tendency toward caution is not typical of many successful entrepreneurs. Most entrepreneurs tend to be maverick personalities with risk-taking vision and courage. Many entrepreneurs tend to be just a bit offbeat; they sometimes need to be in order to creatively grow a successful business. 

Obviously there is no set formula for success. However, the following entrepreneurial test may help you in your personal evaluation process. You just need to remember that this is simply a tool; it is fun to take and interpret, but you should keep it in perspective. 

For each question, click on the answer that best describes you. You must answer ALL questions for the test to be accurate.

If you scored between 60 and 75, you can start that business plan. You have the earmarks of an entrepreneur.

If you scored between 48 and 59, you have potential but need to push yourself. You may want to improve your skills in your weaker areas; this can be accomplished by either improving yourself in these areas or by hiring someone with these skills.

If you scored between 37 and 47, you may not want to start a business alone. Look for a business partner who can compliment you in the areas where you are weak.

If you scored below 37, self-employment may not be for you. You will probably be happier and more successful working for someone else. However, only you can make that decision. 

American Women's Economic Development Corporation, Stamford, CT, and Women in New Development, Bemidji, MN, 4/97)