Strategies: Discover the right business just for you
— -- Are you at a crossroads in your life? Do you dream of being your own boss, but aren't sure what type of business is right for you? Do you just want to know more about yourself?
Then take the "E-Type" test and learn what kind of entrepreneur you are and which businesses might be best for you. You can take my "E-Type" test here.
Let's face it, there are tens of thousands of different types of businesses out there. When you're looking for a business to start, the choice can be overwhelming.
How do you navigate through these different types of businesses to choose the one that gives you the best chance of success? One critical key is finding a business that's a great fit to your own personality, your skills, and the way you like to work.
Think about it: If you're looking to change careers, there are lots of personality tests you can take. Go to a career counselor, and they'll give you a battery of tests, all designed to help you find what kind of job is right for you.
But how about when you want to sort through all those different kinds of businesses before you invest your hard-earned money and time when starting your company? You've been on your own. There's never been a meaningful test to see how your own attitudes, traits and personality relate to the right type of business just for you.
Until now! In just a few minutes, you can discover your entrepreneurial type.
I developed the "E-Type" test for my book, What Business Should I Start? because I realized that one of the most important keys to eventual business success is to choose a type of business that fits your personality and aptitudes.
But that's not the way most people select a business. They usually focus on figuring out what interests them. But just looking at your interests isn't enough to help you really succeed.
For instance, let's say you've always loved antiques. Without the E-Type test, you might think your only option is to sell antiques. But the E-Type test might reveal you're not really a Seller/Broker E-Type. Depending on your E-Type, you might instead:
• Restore antiques (if you're a caregiver/maintainer).
• Write about antiques (if you're a communicator/trainer).
• Help antique store owners launch websites (if you're a technologist/engineer).
Each of these business ideas enable you to pursue your love of antiques, but knowing your E-Type helps you build a business that not only builds on your interest but suits your skill sets and personality traits.
The point of this test is to save time and money — and increase your chances of success — by focusing your energies on the right types of businesses to suit your own personality.
The E-Type test was based on my experience with thousands of entrepreneurs throughout the United States and by examining tens of thousands of different businesses. I then categorized the different types of entrepreneurs into nine distinct categories, such as builder/creator, advisor, care-giver, entertainer/host, investor/owner. Then, I've listed some of the best choices of businesses for those specific E-Types.
Now, the staff at USA Today have turned my "E-Type" test into an easy and fun interactive online test that you can take in just a few minutes — absolutely free! — to gain insight into which types of businesses are right for you.
The "E-Type" test is part of a new six-week start-up series I've just launched with USA Today. Each week, I've got a step-by-step tutorial to help you get your business underway. You'll find a weekly video, as well as downloadable worksheets and checklists. And from the staff of USA Today, you'll also find inspirational stories of other small businesses.
Once you take the E-Type test, you'll be shown what kind of E-Type you are and learn which types of businesses might give you the best chance of success.
What type of E-Type are you? By discovering the right business for your personality and skills, you've got a head start on the road to success.
Rhonda Abrams is president of The Planning Shop, publisher of books for entrepreneurs. Her newest book is Successful Marketing: Secrets & Strategies. Register for Rhonda's free business tips at www.PlanningShop.com. For an index of her columns, click here. Twitter: twitter.com/RhondaAbrams. Copyright Rhonda Abrams 2009.