Real Entrepreneurs Aren’t Crybabies

STARTING a business is tough and not for the weak of character or faint of heart. It takes gumption and requires focus, determination and personal sacrifice in equal measure.

It also requires long working hours, even over weekends and on public holidays. This leaves little time for family, to chill with friends or engage in recreational activities, especially in the early years as the enterprise builds its customer base, cultivates a solid reputation, and creates a known and trusted brand.

Starting or growing a business is not the walk in the park that politicians, bureaucrats, and others in the comfort of paid jobs, will have us believe. Talk is cheap.

Although the holder of a degree in business studies, entrepreneurship or economics – such pundits are brim-filled with theory but often lacking in real-world business experience. It would be of greater help if policy makers and implementers rather spent time more productively by finding ways to scrap outdated rules, modify regulations and negate impediments to starting and running a business. In this way they will facilitate the creation of a business-friendly environment in which Namibia’s economy prospers.

If the reader of today’s column is a job-seeking school leaver or a college or vocational training centre graduate, brace yourself, know that accessing start-up capital might be far easier than running your business.

Be warned, should you contemplate venturing into business, that empirical evidence reveals a high failure rate during the start-up phase.

Should you be more advanced in years, going into business is no easier. After being retrenched or resigning from a job, it is not just a matter of cashing in a portion of the pension payout or using a retrenchment payout as start-up capital. Entrepreneurs are human beings and not superheroes. They also have needs, shortcomings, deficiencies, and weaknesses.

Prepare yourself and seek help and support, at all times and not only during the start-up stage of an entrepreneurial journey, but routinely along that bumpy road as the business grows.

Mentorship programmes, attending training activities and participation in other business growth support programmes all help to hone skills. Participate when and wherever possible.

Having a support system in place will also help you overcome obstacles and provide the needed encouragement to not give up while navigating the twists and turns along the entrepreneurial journey.

Never become a crybaby.

Ask any seasoned entrepreneur. They will caution that challenges are numerous, but in the same breath it is also a most satisfying and rewarding experience. Nothing beats starting and growing your own business.

When things don’t work out, real entrepreneurs demonstrate tenacity and show an ability to search for solutions to overcome obstacles and challenges. Avoid becoming a complainer. Know that Namibia operates an open mixed economy in which private enterprise has the freedom to operate.

As an entrepreneur, know what you are in for. Prepare yourself mentally to square up to competition and to operate in a tough and rough environment that does not always favour entrepreneurs. Derive comfort from knowing that Namibia needs real entrepreneurs now more than ever.

– danny@smecompete.com