The previous post in the BoDo Niblets: Starting Out and Setting Up Series talked about who was ready when starting a company. In Taking it Personally, we’ll briefly discusses the different types it takes to handle stresses, strains and pains of taking on the running of a business.

A no brainer - designers are people. As such, they come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some are extroverts, energized by being with others. Some are introverts, who find their energy by being alone. Some play well with bosses, some are driven to boss. None are good or bad. They simply are.

In-house or out, one of the tricks to being successful (whatever way you choose) is to understand your type of personality, then use it to advantage.

Seth Godin makes a valid point in Do you need a boss?

You don’t realize how much you need a boss until you don’t have one. … The main thing a boss does, though, is give you the momentum you need to get through the stuff that takes perseverance. The main thing that ends the career of a Free Agent is the lack of a hand pushing on the back, someone handing out assignments and waiting for the deliverables.

Taking it all into account (and loving lists like we do), we’ve come up with another list for you to think about.

Ten Traits of Successful Business Owners

1. They can perform
2. They’re self-starters
3. They bring value to the table
4. They aggressively market their practice
5. They’re always learning – about design, but also business
6. They’re team players, not prima donnas
7. They have a cool head
8. They’re organized
9. They’re decisive
10. They’re leaders

(Oh, well, 8 out of ten isn’t bad …)

That’s right. Not everyone is cut out to run a business, just as not everyone is cut out to be an in-house designer. Depending on the shop, someone who needs predictability and a sense of security may be better off working in-house. Someone who has a take-charge personality might be better off running the show instead of taking orders. Those who are insecure or introverted might find going it alone too stressful.

To state the obvious - play up your strengths and shore up your weaknesses. Spend time learning about your personality type and what you can do to improve.

In our next post, we’re going to get personal. We’re going to find out how others coped. How they got down, around, and out from under it all. But in the meantime, read what Alina has to say about personalities and working in-house in Alina’s Insights: Corporate Grinding

Until then,
The BoDo Team
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