Summary: Some of us are concerned about job security and are adopting the strategy of sitting tight and crossing our fingers to weather the storm, others are feeling more empowered and see the market as ripe with opportunities for them to advance their careers. These people are the ones who have adopted the characteristics and strategic approach of an entrepreneur.

The current market downturn in Australia has created uncertainty for many workers. However, while many remain concerned about job security, and others have found their job security taken, there is also a proportion of the workforce who look at the current market and remain calm and focused on securing that next great job opportunity.

My belief is that job security is one of perception. For realistically there is little if any job security for most workers. Markets are always changing, businesses are restructuring, new CEOs and Executives are being appointed and business direction is continually being altered to reflect demand and supply. This has been always been the case; however, in the current climate, it is exacerbated and causing a heightened state of fear.

So while some of us are concerned about job security and are adopting the strategy of sitting tight and crossing our fingers to weather the storm, others are feeling more empowered and see the market as ripe with opportunities for them to advance their careers. These people are the ones who have adopted the characteristics and strategic approach of an entrepreneur.

The Entrepreneur’s Profile Includes;

• A heightened sense of optimism; to them the glass is always half full!
• An understanding that there is no such thing as security or a sure thing
• Tenacity and courage; a willingness to back themselves to embrace and make change
• Are always actively looking for opportunities
• Ability to smell a rat – if it sounds too good to be true they know something is not right and walk away
• Thorough due diligence and research; they never go in blind and always look at the risks and how these can be mitigated
• Intuition and an understanding of themselves; their strengths and limitations; again forming part of their risk management strategy
• Well defined ethics and values which directs them as to what paths to pursue; an internal compass if you will
• The ability to listen and learn – they thrive on learning new things and are always looking for opportunities to develop themselves; they don’t rely on someone else - they go out and source it
• Discipline to set their goals and work to achieve them, they don’t let minor changes like a market downturn prevent them from reaching their goals
• A belief in themselves as confidence is imperative – if you don’t believe in yourself you cannot expect others to believe in you
• Creativity enabling them to see opportunities and pursue different paths, to be flexible and adapt as required
• Collaboration is essential as great things are not achieved alone, the ability to network, share and work with and lead others is essential