5 Skills You Already Have That Prove You’ll Be a Great Entrepreneur

Today will show you why you’re more prepared for entrepreneurship than you think—and how to use your natural talents to build a thriving business.

Here’s the thing: so many people dream of starting their own business but stop themselves because they don’t feel “ready.” Sound familiar? Let me tell you something—it’s not about waiting until you feel ready; it’s about using the skills you already have to take your first step.

You might not even realize it, but some of the most important traits of successful entrepreneurs are probably things you’re already doing in your 9-to-5 or everyday life. Once you learn how to channel these into your business, you’ll be unstoppable.

Unfortunately…
Most people don’t recognize their own potential. They think entrepreneurship requires some special “secret sauce” or a list of fancy credentials, so they stay stuck on the sidelines.

I came across Lisa’s story years ago, but recently, I dove deeper, did some research and investigating, and pulled together the threads of how she turned a side project into a category-defining business.

Here’s what I found:

The #1 Reason Why People Doubt Themselves: Imposter Syndrome

Ever caught yourself thinking, “Who am I to start a business?” Yeah, that’s imposter syndrome talking. It convinces people they don’t have what it takes, even when they absolutely do.

Other Reasons People Overlook Their Skills:

Reason #1: Undervaluing Everyday Experience
People assume only formal business training counts, but that’s a huge myth. Life experience is just as valuable.

Reason #2: Comparing to Others
It’s easy to scroll through Instagram and think everyone else has it all figured out. But what you don’t see are the years of trial and error behind their success.

Reason #3: Fear of Failure
The idea of failing can overshadow the realization that you already have what it takes to succeed.

Reason #4: Overthinking the "Perfect" Skill Set
There’s no such thing as a perfect entrepreneur. Everyone brings something different to the table.

But here’s the truth: you already have the foundation to succeed. Let’s uncover those hidden skills and talk about how to use them to build your dream business.

The Top 5 Skills You Already Have That Make You a Great Entrepreneur

Skill #1: Problem-Solving
Think about the last time you handled a tough situation at work or juggled competing priorities. Entrepreneurs are essentially professional problem-solvers, and you’ve already got that muscle.

How to use it: In business, you’ll face challenges every day—whether it’s finding clients, managing cash flow, or tweaking your marketing strategy. Lean on your natural ability to think critically and find creative solutions.

Example: A former HR manager I worked with leveraged her knack for conflict resolution to create a consulting business helping small teams work more effectively.

Skill #2: Communication
Whether you’re writing emails, giving presentations, or negotiating with your boss, you’ve been practicing this one your whole life.

How to use it: Communication is the backbone of marketing, sales, and building relationships with clients. Your ability to connect with people will set you apart.

Example: One of my clients was a teacher before starting her business. She used her storytelling and clear communication skills to create an engaging social media presence that attracted her first clients.

Skill #3: Time Management
Balancing deadlines, meetings, and personal life? You’ve already proven you can juggle competing priorities—just like every entrepreneur needs to.

How to use it: Time management becomes even more critical when you’re running the show. Use your ability to prioritize and stay organized to focus on the tasks that drive results.

Example: A project manager I know uses time-blocking to efficiently handle client work and marketing. She developed this skill during her 9-5 career and transferred it to her side hustle.

Skill #4: Adaptability
Let’s face it—life throws curveballs, and you’ve learned to adjust. This flexibility is a cornerstone of entrepreneurship.

How to use it: Businesses evolve, industries change, and challenges arise. Your ability to pivot and adjust your plans will be one of your biggest assets.

Example: When the pandemic hit, a counselor shifted from in-person sessions to virtual sessions. His adaptability allowed his business to survive, but he also realized he could bring in more clients from other locations and his business expanded significantly..

Skill #5: Resilience
You’ve faced setbacks before, and guess what? You’re still standing. That grit will carry you through the ups and downs of running a business.

How to use it: Every entrepreneur experiences tough days. When things don’t go as planned, resilience keeps you moving forward.

Example: I’ve worked with many entrepreneurs who bounced back from slow months because they refused to give up. They believed in themselves, didn’t personalize it, and kept going.

Here’s How to Turn These Skills into Entrepreneurial Success

Step 1: Recognize Your Strengths
Start by listing the skills and experiences you’ve gained from work, hobbies, or personal life.

Why this is important: You can’t use your skills if you don’t see their value. Recognizing what you bring to the table boosts confidence and gives you clarity on where to focus.

Example: My friend was a stay-at-home parent who didn’t think she had “marketable” skills. After identifying her experience managing schedules, budgets, and logistics, she realized she was already a pro at running operations—perfect for starting a virtual assistant business. And she did exactly that.

Step 2: Build on What You Know
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Use your existing skills as a foundation for your business.

Where most people go wrong: They think they need to learn everything from scratch instead of leveraging what they’re already good at.

Example: A former accountant turned entrepreneur started a bookkeeping business for small businesses, a market sector she knows very well. . Instead of starting from zero, she used her existing expertise to build the type of service her ideal customer needed.

Step 3: Keep Learning and Growing
Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. While your current skills give you a head start, learning new ones will keep you competitive.

Why this step matters: The most successful entrepreneurs are lifelong learners who adapt and grow with their business.

Example: I’ve seen entrepreneurs who started with zero marketing knowledge go on to master social media, email campaigns, and even public speaking—all because they were willing to learn.

The Bottom Line

You already have the skills to succeed as an entrepreneur—it’s just a matter of recognizing them and putting them to work. Combine your natural talents with a willingness to learn, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Ready to take the leap? Let’s turn your existing skills into your dream business. You’ve got this!

Here are 3 ways I can help you:

Follow me on LinkedIn, where I share tips on a variety of topics related to leaving your 9-5 job and starting your solo business.

Join the 9-to-Thrive Launch Pad, my 5-day mini course delivered by email that guides you on laying the important foundational steps to take before leaving your  9-5 job. Join Us!

1:1 coaching calls for people who want personalized guidance to help them move toward their goal more quickly. Book a call.