When we are thinking of entrepreneurship -either in terms of thinking to start our own business, or in terms of thinking the real people behind companies- we tend to have some specific stereotypes in mind. Did you know that it’s not always the case?

For example, one of the most common stereotypes has to do with age. Almost everyone thinks that you have to be in your mid-twenties to be an entrepreneur, but we have already discussed that there’s no such thing as “too old to be an entrepreneur”.

A Kauffman Foundation report called “The Anatomy of an Entrepreneur” proves that almost everything we think we know about entrepreneurship and holds us back, isn’t (completely) true; but it’s mostly based on stereotypes. Facebook, Apple and Google were all started at a college student’s garage after all!

According to this survey, the most common barrier to entrepreneurial success is not age, time, or work-life balance. It is the lack of willingness and/or ability to take risks (98% of respondents).

I saw on social media today a very interesting article by Jeff Haden on Inc., which is based on this report.

” Picture the average entrepreneur and you probably think of someone young, living the ramen noodles lifestyle, working a crazy number of hours — and often sleeping under the desk.
(…)
And, if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, the report also offers hope that there’s still a time – and a place – for you. “

Read the whole article here: “10 Facts About Entrepreneurs That May Surprise You”

 

Are you thinking of entrepreneurship? What holds you back?