*adapted from The Field Guide to Starting A Business by Stephen M. Pollan and Mark Levine

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSONALITY TEST

Directions: Print this and then read each statement carefully. Fill in the answer blank with an…

A = strongly agree

B = moderately agree

C = moderately disagree

D = strongly disagree

After filling in all the blanks read about your answers and determine if you should be an entrepreneur.

_____ 1. I generally try to take charge of things when I am with people.

_____ 2. I am very aware of the passage of time and often push myself to complete a task before stopping.

_____ 3. I dislike taking orders from others or being told what to do.

_____ 4. I would want my employees to be content, but not at the expense of the business.

_____ 5. Given reasonable odds, my efforts make a difference in reaching a goal.

_____ 6. Things which typically bother most people do not bother me.

_____ 7. I seem to have a much higher energy level than most people.

_____ 8. I believe that there is a proper time for everything, and things can’t be rushed.

_____ 9. I have often been in the position of directing or leading projects or groups.

_____10. When confronted with a complex task, I am generally able to pull it all together myself-and in fact enjoy doing so.

_____11. Even if I disliked doing it, I would be able to fire an employee who was not productive.

_____12. Once I’ve started a project, I find it very difficult to change my course of action even if the chances of being successful are not very great.

_____13. I would readily leave a well-paying, high-status job to start my own business, even if it meant having a lot less money to spend for awhile.

_____14. I can do just about anything I set my mind to do.

_____15. Others say I have a sharp, analytical mind. Analytical means critical of detail, logical, able to think through problems without emotion.

_____16. I have worked long, hard hours for long periods of time, and I would do so again if necessary.

_____17. I have a low tolerance for frustration.

_____18. I get bored easily with routine tasks and thrive on challenges.

_____19. It is important for me to be the best in things I undertake to do.

_____20. I would choose to work with a difficult but highly competent person rather than a congenial but less competent one.

_____21. My age is

1. 1. 20 to 28
   2. 29 to 37
   3. 38 to 46
   4. 47 or above

_____22. I have had ________ of experience in the industry in which I plan to start a business.

1. 1. 0 years
   2. ½ to 1 year
   3. 1 to 2 years
   4. more than 2 years

_____23. I have had the following business experience:

1. 1. a management position in a successful firm
   2. a management position in any firm
   3. no management experience

_____24. I have missed _____ days of school due to illness or other reasons over the past three years.

1. 1. 0 to 5
   2. 6 to 10
   3. 11 to 15
   4. 16 or above

_____25. I generally need at least ________ hours of sleep to function effectively.

1. 1. 8
   2. 7
   3. 6
   4. 5 or less

THE ANSWERS

1. Need for power-a strong one is vital (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
2. Sense of urgency-a powerful one is a prerequisite (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
3. Need for power (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
4. Objective approach to interpersonal relationships-entrepreneurs often have to look on people as means to an end (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
5. Internal locus of control-believing you control your own destiny-a must for successful entrepreneurs (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
6. Emotional stability-the more stable the better (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
7. Energy level-it must be high (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
8. Sense of urgency-a powerful one is needed (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
9. Need for power-a strong one is vital (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
10. Conceptual ability-successful entrepreneurs shine here (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
11. Objective approach to interpersonal relationships-entrepreneurs often have to look on people as means to an end (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
12. Realism and flexibility-entrepreneurs cannot be rigid when seeking solutions to problems (a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4)
13. Need for status-entrepreneurs are willing to forgo recognition (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
14. Self-confidence-an obvious necessity (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
15. Conceptual ability (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
16. Energy level-it must be high (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
17. Emotional stability- the more stable the better (a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4)
18. Attraction to challenge, opportunity-otherwise, why start a business of your own? (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
19. Need for achievement-as opposed to status (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
20. Objective approach to interpersonal relationships-entrepreneurs often have to look on people as means to an end (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
21. Studies show that most successful entrepreneurs are in the 30-45 age bracket, and that the best are the 35-40 group (a=2, b=4, c=3, d=1)
22. The more business experience the better (a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4)
23. A management position in a successful company is the best experience to prepare you to succeed as an entrepreneur (a=4, b=3, c=1)
24. The healthier you are the more you will be able to handle the stress and long hours that come with entrepreneurship (a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1)
25. Energy level-it must be high (a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4)

WHAT YOUR SCORE MEANS

94-100 What are you waiting for?

85-93 A good bet

75-84 Risky business

Below 75 Stay right where you are