Every entrepreneur is unique, but they all tend to share certain characteristics. (Click on About Entrepreneurs to learn more about this.) It's important that you learn which characteristics you have already developed and which ones you need to develop more. Try the self-assessment exercise below to find out how well you've developed the characteristics that successful entrepreneurs tend to share. Remember, this isn't a clinical assessment, but it will give you an idea of where your strengths are and which characteristics you need to work on.

Check the column that best describes you.

Here are some links where you can try more activities to assess your entrepreneurial characteristics:

• The Aboriginal Youth Network provides tips for developing your skills and characteristics.
  http://www.ayn.ca/modules/employment/9_own_boss/e.html
  
  
• iVillage.com invites you to assess yourself: Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?
  http://www.ivillage.com/content/quiz/generate/0,1622,1316,00.html
  
  
• Human Resources Development Canada asks: Could you succeed in small business?
  http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrib/hrp-prh/pi-ip/career-carriere/minding/mind-eng/succ.shtml