Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur? Learn what qualities entrepreneurs have in common--and whether you have what it takes to join their ranks.

Entrepreneurs occupy a central position in our market economy.They serve as the spark plug in our economy's engine,activating and stimulating all economic activity. The most dynamicsocieties in the world are the ones that have the mostentrepreneurs, plus the economic and legal structure to encourageand motivate entrepreneurs to greater activities.

Just what makes you such an integral part of a prosperouseconomy? It's entrepreneurial energy, creativity and motivationthat trigger the production and sale of new products and services.It's the entrepreneur who seeks opportunities to profit bysatisfying as yet unsatisfied needs. It's the entrepreneur whoseeks disequilibrium--a gap between the wants and needs of thecustomers and the products and services that are currentlyavailable--and finds a way to fill that gap.

Do you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur? Youdo if you fit the following description:

Entrepreneurs are optimistic and future oriented; they believethat success is possible and are willing to risk their resources inthe pursuit of profit. They are fast moving and flexible, willingto change quickly when they get new information. Entrepreneurs arepersistent and determined to succeed, because their own money andego are at risk.

Entrepreneurs are skilled at selling against their competitorsby creating perceptions of difference and uniqueness in theirproducts and services. They continually seek ways to offer theirproducts and services in such a way that they're moreattractive than anything else available.

Entrepreneurs are capable of dealing effectively with the legaland governmental requirements of business. They're creative anddetermined in satisfying regulations and acquiring the licensesnecessary to do business. They are excellent problem solvers andare continually seeking solutions to the obstacles that inevitablyarise.

Entrepreneurs are capable of setting up the internal businesssystems, processes, procedures and bookkeeping necessary foroperating a successful business. They have a natural instinct forthe financial condition of their businesses. And they'reintensely focused on sales, cash flow and revenue at all times.

Because entrepreneurs create all wealth, all jobs, allopportunities and all prosperity in the nation, they are the mostimportant people in a market economy--and there are never enough ofthem. Are you ready to join their forces? Then get to work on theseaction exercises that will help you launch your business:

1. What opportunities exist today for you to create or bring newproducts or services to the market that people want, need and arewilling to pay for? What are your three best opportunities?
2. Where are the best opportunities for you to profit by bringingtogether people, money and other factors to create products andservices that people want?
3. Use your creativity, rather than your money, to find new,better, cheaper ways to sell your products or services or to reduceyour costs of operation.
4. Tell yourself continually that "failure is not anoption." Be willing to move out of your comfort zone, to takerisks if necessary to start and build your business.

Brian Tracy is one of America's leading authorities onentrepreneurial development. Each year, he addresses almost half amillion people on such topics as leadership, management, sales,personal development, strategic planning, goal-setting, timemanagement and creativity. He's produced more than 300 audioand video learning programs covering the entire spectrum of humanand corporate performance. These programs, backed by more than 25years of experience, are some of the most effective learning toolsin the world.