Spirit Magazine - August 2013 - (Page 61)

being unreservedly risky. A 2010 study found that while a propensity for risk-taking is associated with entrepreneurial intentions, it is not necessarily related to performance. It may seem sort of “duh” that you’d have to be willing to take a risk to leave a steady job and bank on so many unknowns, but once you’ve made that first move, being risky doesn’t necessarily ensure success. For example, though Draney does have the extreme hobby of kiteboarding, she views her approach to business as a very calculated risk. “If I worked for one company, I’d feel like all my eggs were in one basket. If I got fired, I’d have to build a whole new network; now I know many people who appreciate my skills.” Know Thyself So you have a great idea. Do Billy Blanks, Steve Ells, Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger and MeeJung Jang have something you don’t have but need? Only you can know the answer to that question, and if you don’t already, Markman says it’s important that you try and figure it out. “I’m a big believer in getting to know yourself and assessing your strengths and weaknesses. The line between success and failure is rarely ‘the technology doesn’t work as advertised.’ It’s almost always about the person.” If you do think you have “it” and think the entrepreneurial life is for you, take heed of Gabriella Draney’s Yoda-like words of wisdom about entrepreneurship: “It’s a journey all its own. When someone sees that anything is possible and they find out their true power, it kind of scares them.” May the force be with you. Jill Coody Smits is a Dallas-based journalist. Find her online at blueseedcommunications.com. http://www.MDQVegas.com http://www.MDQVegas.com http://www.blueseedcommunications.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - August 2013

Spirit Magazine - August 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
The Numbers
Wise Guide
Business
The Greatest Show on Turf
Flipped Out
Your Adventure In Grand Rapids
Life Adventure In Grand Rapids
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Route Map
Rapid Rewards Partners
Flight Service
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - August 2013