Just like when you were a store manager, an entrepreneur must possess a handful of skills. Some of the skills required would be having the knowledge on how to maximize profits, increase sales, and how to provide exceptional support to your team. All of this while providing exceptional customer service. When transitioning from store manager to entrepreneur, mindset might be your biggest challenge.
Degree necessary or not?
While a degree never really hurt anyone, many store managers have earned a business administration degree. While many store managers have found that this title has enabled them to earn better salaries and benefits, not everyone has been so lucky. However, what I have discovered from talking to many entrepreneurs is that many of the things they learned in college or high school are of little importance. Let me explain before offending anyone; Many of the things taught in college must be relearned once you become an entrepreneur, the mindset is very different. Much of the mindset that develops in high school and college is based on working for the man, working more than 20 years to retire, receiving a gold-plated watch, and then pinching pennies and clipping coupons until you end up at a home from home. retirement.
What kind of experience do you need?
The great thing about the retail store manager role is that you gain years of experience to become a real store manager, usually within 10 years. All the experiences you come across as a store manager will definitely help you succeed as an entrepreneur. Gain experience dealing with clients, other companies (competitors), employees, and profit and loss statements. Much like the mindset of a store manager, entrepreneurs are not one to give up easily and are always looking for ways to be more profitable with less effort.
Starting from Ground Zero. Really?
I am very concerned about the people I talk to who feel they have a “entitlement” mentality. In whatever endeavor you are starting, I can only recommend that you spend time in the trenches. While you may have the desire and mindset to become an entrepreneur, if you don’t have a full understanding of the roots of your business, you will struggle. I would recommend that if you are thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, you start from scratch in some field and continue with that. If you’ve been a manager in a retail store, transitioning to an entrepreneur would be very easy. It would be very easy for you to slide into some kind of educational or marketing role because you are so used to this environment.
A couple of things to consider
If you are thinking of becoming an internet entrepreneur, I highly recommend that you brush up on your computer and internet skills. While this is not a necessity, it could only be helpful. If starting an online business is cumbersome or intimidating, it really isn’t. I was a store manager at one point and made the transition and I love it, I’m using all my previous experiences of team building, thinking outside of the box, and the ability to build relationships.
Is there help?
No matter what you decide to do in life, there are always people ready to help you, be it a mentor or someone who gives you additional ideas. If you can get a mentor, you would definitely emulate them, especially if they have been prosperous in the field in which you are heading. Your mentor has already obtained and maintained the state you are working for, so why not spare yourself the mistakes they have already learned from? There are also many resources available to help you get in the right mindset. Some books I have read that may help you are:
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• The Gift of Travelers: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews
• Rich dad, poor dad of Robert T. Kiyosaki
Maintain and maintain a positive attitude
As with all the experiences you have had in your life, a positive attitude is something you will need as an entrepreneur. Remember how many times as a store manager you were asked to do things that weren’t so fun, you always had to stay positive. As an entrepreneur, there may be people who look up to you and trust you for a positive attitude and guidance. As you provide positive vibes to your entire team, it not only keeps your results going, but theirs as well.
So in closing, I would like to tell you that as a store manager, you gain the attributes to become a successful entrepreneur!