How to Become an Entrepreneur in One Simple Step

How to become an entrepreneur, in theory, is relatively simple. Step 1: Engage. You might be thinking, ‘Is there a Step 2?’ Nope. That was pretty much it. The rest is up to you. And here’s why…

Entrepreneurship is defined in many ways by each generation, from those just graduating high school to seniors in retirement. Here are just a few examples of how you can become an entrepreneur:

1. Join a Startup Company – If you want to work your way up in a company, sometimes it’s easiest to start at the ground floor. Look for small businesses that have just begun to make waves in your field.
2. Start a Venture-Backed Business – Startup veterans have good VC (venture capital) potential. Seek out and learn about new investors if you have a worthwhile idea.
3. Freelance in Your Industry – If you’ve established connections in your current employment, you may be able to quit and take that business with you. Just be cautious about non-compete clauses and be prepared to seek out additional clients.
4. Launch an Idea from a University – Have you heard of a new tech or drug that has yet to be licensed? Go make a deal! Universities are a great resource for finding business potential.
5. Buy an Existing Business – An existing business may have a strong customer base and steady cash flow for you to jump into and make an even greater impact!
6. Open a Local Store – Don’t undervalue your local community. Instead of buying from big name brands, some consumers want face-to-face interaction from someone who knows the business.
7. Invent Marketable Products in Your Basement – This one is the ‘unicorn’ of how to be an entrepreneur because it’s very rare and hard to catch. However, some people find true success with this approach. If you have time, a winning idea and a strategy – then get to it!

So what does engaging have to do with any of this? True engagement means to act and interact with every new opportunity. Bravely go where no one has gone before, because only you can clearly see your own end goal. Putting yourself out there in a startup, as a freelancer, or running your own business will always involve some risk. Commit to the process with every penny you can, devote your time to it with every moment you are awake, and don’t back down when every idea doesn’t pan out. Everyone on the path to becoming an entrepreneur goes through these trials. Those who succeed are those who engage 100%.

The second component to engagement is networking. Network to seek new employment at a startup company that shares your passion. Or network to find a local business for sale that you believe you can revolutionize into a blinding success. Or network to meet other inventors or share ideas with university students who are simultaneously working on the same project as you. Whatever it is that motivates you, there are always others who can help support your endeavor and take you a step further.

Learning how to be an entrepreneur takes time. Even having owned a business for a few years or having worked on the same project over your last few college semesters, means you are an entrepreneur. If you’d like to take advantage of an additional resource, contact Sunbelt Network. Sunbelt can connect you to business opportunities and sales that suit your entrepreneurial spirit. Engage with Sunbelt today!