Presto, chango, and an accountant becomes an entrepreneur. But the road to transformation takes more than a lightning bolt scar (yep, we went there – Harry Potter reference) and a magic wand. There are key traits that allow accountants to make the leap to entrepreneurship. If this is a career path you’re considering, it’s time for some self-reflection.
Can You Sell?
We know you have mad Excel skills, but making the leap successfully to entrepreneurship means understanding how to sell.
Read: “Tips for Selling Products, Services and Ideas” for help in becoming a sales superstar.
Flexibility
Great entrepreneurs are highly adaptable. They respond to changing circumstances quickly and are comfortable wearing different hats. As an entrepreneur your role, at least initially, will span office administration to marketing.
Self-Awareness
What are your strengths and weaknesses? The more you know yourself, the better you’ll be at owning a business. Why? A willingness to hire someone with complementary skills can be the difference maker between success and failure.
Check out this video to learn about how to sidestep the bias that can sabotage your hiring process.
Research
Entrepreneurs are often big ideas people. Successful entrepreneurs, however, have a willingness to look at the details particularly when it comes to market research. Market research allows you to identify upcoming trends and where you can capitalize. It can help you understand how to position yourself. As an accountant or finance person, looking at past data should come fairly naturally to you (as should keeping an eye on your cash flow).
Risk Taker
Accountants and risk don’t typically go hand-in-hand. But to be an entrepreneur you have to be able to evaluate risk and move forward.
Mentor
In a study from Xero, a provider of cloud-based accounting software used widely by the self-employed, one of the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur was a willingness to seek feedback from a mentor or support group. Mentors can provide a much-needed, objective perspective.
Want to read more from the Xero study? Then check out this article.
Perseverance
There are ups and downs when you own a small business. A successful entrepreneur perseveres in the face of adversity. They come with plan A, but have plan B, C and D in their back pockets.
Key Takeaways
If you want to make the leap from accountant to entrepreneur start with self-reflection. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself if you can sell and where you might fit in the marketplace. Connect with your mentor or identify someone who can give you constructive feedback on your idea and ongoing process. Who knows? You may not need that magic wand after all.
Your Next Step
No one should walk the job search or hiring road alone. At Clarity Recruitment we help others realize their success through a process that marries proprietary technology with unwavering commitment. Contact us today to take control of your career, or to partner with us to hire well.
Clarity Recruitment, connecting exceptional people with remarkable companies.
