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So you are an expert, but are you really cut out to be an entrepreneur?  Is this what you really want to do, or is this a desperation tactic?  Entrepreneurship as a solution to employment is fast becoming a popular decision many are making.

There are many great resources to help you evaluate if, in fact, you are the right temperament and type of person to take entrepreneurship on. Here are a few of my favorites:

Entrepreneur.com
SBA.gov
Success.com

I recently interviewed Joe Abraham, author of Entrepreneurial DNA and the founder of the BOSI formula, which offers four personality types: builders, opportunists, specialists and innovators. Abraham’s premise is that one size does not fit all and there are different personalities and approaches that identify successful entrepreneur types. His sytem is much like the DISC personality profiles used in HR to identify what jobs and careers are best suited to job seekers.

In addition to evaluating your entrepreneurial personality, you must think of yourself and assume the roles of master salesman, networker and marketer, regardless of how many employees or support people work with you or for you. Sales, networking and marketing are the three most important areas that impact success, other than a very good and needed product or service, which of course must be the reason you sell, network and market in the first place.

Here are three tools from the SBA that will help you. First, take an honest self assessment of your entrepreneurial temperament.  Second, identify your key qualities, skills and intangibles.  Third, create your entrepreneurial success blueprint, your platform and business plan.

Here are 12 resources and tools I have used to become a better seller, networker and overall marketer. These are proven ways to your build brand awareness and credibility and grow your relationships with your personal and professional communities.

1. LinkedIn is the professional platform that gives you unparalleled potential to be introduced to and interact with top people in your field or related fields.
2. Facebook is the most diverse platform for engagement, personal branding and interactivity.
3. Twitter can be a powerful “real time” communication tool.
4. Blogging is the best way to build clout and authority in your field.
5. Email marketing can help you grow existing  and new relationships and revenues with a permission based community.
6. Article writing, either on your own blog or for other key blogs and websites, builds your brand leadership.
7. Texting used properly can also be a very effective “real time” communication tool.
8. Video is the best way to show people your vibe, your personality and how you present yourself and your ideas.
9. Volunteering is the side door into many business opportunities and aligns you with things you are passionate about.
10. Networking online and in person can open up amazing opportunities with people all over the world or right in your local community.
11. Webinar workshops offer a way to deliver quality content on a specific subject online with just a short time commitment.
12. Radio podcasting has opened more doors for me than just about any other platform, and can do the same for you if you use it to feature others.

If you are ready to take your expertise and use it to become an entrepreneur, set yourself up to succeed by building a foundation, a platform and your blueprint for success. Business ownership is the most exciting endeavor that one can take, as long as your risk/reward tolerance is high enough.

Jobs, Gates and Oprah can teach us much about entrepreneurship, but so can the countless other ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things as entrepreneurs and are launching daily and succeeding now. Check out CNN’s 2011 Heroes to see some of these amazing people in action.

In the words of the wise Rabbi Hillel:

“If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?”

Set yourself up to succeed, make the shift and take the risk.  This is the perfect year and perfect time.

Who Am I Photo via Shutterstock

From Small Business Trends

You’re An Expert, But Are You An Entrepreneur?

View full post on Small Business News, Tips, Advice – Small Business Trends