What are the benefits and challenges of being able to work on your own initiative (building and operating your own company)?

Entrepreneurship is based on the ability to make a living by working on your own initiative, typically by following your passions. Entrepreneurs need to coordinate and align their skills and resources to form a profitable and sustainable business. But, more than that, they need to operate within fast-paced environments and situations that require inspiration, adaptability, self-initiative, and analytical thinking. Considering the current economic and employment landscapes across the nation, we are seeing the “startup revolution” flourish. There has never been a better time or place to learn the skills necessary for entrepreneurship. Use examples to explain your thoughts and ideas based on the following questions: What are the benefits and challenges of being able to work on your own initiative (building and operating your own company)? By contrast, what are the benefits and challenges of working for someone else in a j.o.b.? In responses to your peers, discuss the similarities and differences between your viewpoints. Refer to the video in the Readings and Resources section that celebrates the legacy of Ewing Marion Kauffman. Readings and Resources Articles, Websites, and Videos: Most of us have worked for organizations, whether large or small, we were their employees. Basically, we showed up each day, did what they told us to do, and received a prescribed paycheck for our efforts. Some of us are comfortable with the simple calculus of being employed – show up and do a decent job, get paid, and go home. The same cannot be said for entrepreneurs – they get paid based on results. Sure, they all show up, but business success comes from a balanced mix of internal and external factors. The following articles discuss the attributions and skills required to be a successful entrepreneur. Newlands, M. (2014). 10 signs you were born to be an entrepreneur. INC. Newlands, M. (2014). 5 most important business skills every entrepreneur must have. INC. Most of us have heard the expression cliché “Curiosity killed the cat.” This article provides a behind-the-scenes look at how entrepreneurs view the world and explains how they leverage their curiosity into a competitive advantage. Why curiosity is the most important trait an entrepreneur can have. (2016). Women on Business. These videos from Lynda.com give insight to becoming an entrepreneur. Johnson, W. (2014). Are you an entrepreneur?

. Entrepreneurship Fundamentals – Lynda.com. Crenshaw, D. (2012). Getting started as an entrepreneur

. Insights from a Business Coach – Lynda.com. This podcast offers a discussion on the differences between entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs. Talks about the genetics of people who are entrepreneurs versus people who have learned the skills of being an entrepreneur or are first time entrepreneurs. Podcast: Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made? There is a quiz within the below link that will give you the results on how much of an entrepreneur you are. Underneath is an article that goes along with the quiz that informs the reader on what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Some of the topics involve whether the reader is ready to commit or if they are comfortable flying blind. Roth, C. (n.d.). Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be an Entrepreneur?. Entrepreneur. Celebrate the Legacy of Ewing Marion Kauffman. Watch Video Celebrate the Legacy | Ewing Marion Kauffman Duration: 3:28 min. User: n/a – Added: 3/18/16 YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03kruee-Rkg