Discover your inner entrepreneur

TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2013 – Are you a student who is intrigued by the thought of starting your own company, but don’t think entrepreneurship is for you? According to Michael Carter, program coordinator of the Digital Specialization Program at Ryerson University, many students possess the qualities needed to be an entrepreneur without knowing it. These tips can help you discover your inner entrepreneur:

1) Do you like to try new things?
Entrepreneurs don’t always rely on past experiences to motivate their future plans. Instead they try to experience business, creativity and technology that is outside of their comfort zones, as great business ideas can often come from an outsider looking in. If you’re always up for trying something once, a career as an entrepreneur may be for you.

2) Are you a good listener?
Do you always hear your friends, colleagues, classmates, etc. complaining about the same thing? Continue to practice those active listening skills to help you identify industry gaps that you could potentially fill with a new business venture.

3) Are you a problem solver?
It sounds cliché, but current problems can become future solutions. Entrepreneurs are masters at turning issues into profitable businesses, so if you are often thinking about ways around common problems you’re already thinking like an entrepreneur.

4) Do you use failure as an opportunity?
Not every business venture succeeds right away – in fact, many businesses fail. However, entrepreneurs never let a setback defeat them. If you find yourself viewing a negative situation as an opportunity to reflect and learn what not to do, you’ve already got some entrepreneurial spirit in you.

5) Surround yourself with smart people.
Do you try your best to work on group projects with the classmates who earn top marks? Are you unafraid to ask for help from an expert when you need it? Entrepreneurs also understand that a person’s success is in part due to the people who support them.

6) Are you both a leader and a team player?
Do you work well under the supervision of others, but can take on a leadership role if necessary? Many entrepreneurs previously worked for another startup before striking out on their own, as it helps them understand their team’s needs.

Expert available for interviews:

Michael Carter
Program Coordinator
Digital Specialization Program
416-930-5000 x 7564
wmcarter@ryerson.ca

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lisa Pires
Public Affairs | Ryerson University
Office: 416-979-5000 x 2863 | lisa.pires@ryerson.ca
@RyersonU