What`s Stopping You From Becoming An Entrepreneur

For many, the prospect of even becoming an entrepreneur can be daunting. Where to begin? Having the courage to dive into starting your own business really can be the hardest part, and stories of those setting up their own businesses vary from great success stories to huge disappointments.

The new paradigm of business sees the latest generation of entrepreneurs being passionate about going beyond just running a business Simon Caulkin recently wrote in the FT #145one of the paradoxes of business is that the most profitable companies are not those that are most profit-focused. At present `the positive economy` makes up only 7% of the global economy, however, it is the fastest growing sector.

Steven Pressfield wrote in The War of Art that creative barriers are often harder when the outcome has the potential to be highly moralistic. The good news is that the choice to set up a business that will be used to make profit as well as be used as a force for good is being recognised and authenticated by companies such as B Corporation, creating communities and networks for entrepreneurs taking this step.

Now entrepreneurs are seen as more than people setting up their own businesses, but as creative individuals, passionate about going beyond just running a business but also having a positive impact on society. These are people who want to make the world a better place through innovation, their greatest tool being their imagination.

For someone who wants to set up their own business, getting entrepreneurial experience in this new paradigm of business is key. The more we learn, the more we will take from any experience. So here are a few tips on where to look if you want to become an entrepreneur:

1. Look for both local and global organsiations that foster entrepreneurship

As soon as you start looking, you ll be amazed by the support that there is around you. There are lots of companies often funded by the government or facilitated by universities that work as part of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Setting up your own business can be a lonely experience, and surrounding yourself with peers experiencing a similar journey to you is invaluable.

2. Go abroad and learn from experienced entrepreneurs

There is an incredible drive to promote cross border relationships and help entrepreneurs build and grow businesses across Europe. One of the programmes dedicated to promoting entrepreneurialism is called Startupreneurs which enables new entrepreneurs to be mentored by experienced entrepreneurs. Being either a mentor and a mentee is an incredible way to learn more about your own capabilities and yourself. As Brad Feld wrote in Startup Communities In many situations, the mentor often learns more from the mentee. This programme is underway but is always looking for both new and host applicants.

3. Read, read, read

Books about those who you admire, or topics you want to discover is a great place to start and the key is never to stop learning. Bill Gates recently said on Desert Island Discs that he reads a book a week and learning about others experience is invaluable. The key is to never stop learning.

For all of these things to come into play, you need to look to yourself. Choice is one of the few things that we truly have control of and this in itself can be one of the hardest things. The only thing really stopping you from setting up your own company is yourself. Take control of your choices to fulfil your own purpose.