Introduction

Entrepreneurship often brings both excitement and challenges. For those who have made the leap from small business owner to employee, the transition can be both rewarding and challenging. This article explores the perceptions of prospective employers when it comes to hiring individuals who have gone from running their own business to joining the ranks of employees in large and small organizations.

Hiring from the Small Business Owner Perspective

When I hire for my small business, I am often impressed by candidates who have previously run their own businesses. There are several key reasons for this:

Understanding of Business Challenges: They inherently understand the day-to-day struggles of running a small business, which makes them more empathetic and adaptable to the tasks at hand. Initiative and Self-Awareness: Having run their own business, they are likely to demonstrate a higher level of initiative and self-awareness, recognizing the myriad tasks required to keep a business afloat. Expertise and Learning Opportunities: They bring a wealth of expertise that can benefit the organization, and they are also open to learning from their new employer.

Larger Companies' Perspective on Former Business Owners

From my experience, large corporations often view small business owners with a certain skepticism. They might regard such individuals as ‘place-finders’ – those looking for a temporary sanctuary before launching their next entrepreneurial venture or moving on to another opportunity. In many cases, large companies don't see the value in this experience beyond a short-term fix or gap-filler.

On the other hand, medium-sized companies tend to see the unique value that former business owners can bring. These individuals often possess a broader base of experience and specific expertise that can be highly beneficial to the organization. They are seen as seasoned professionals who are more likely to bring a strategic and proactive approach to their roles.

Small Firms and High-Tech Venues

Small firms, particularly those operating in high-technology sectors, often cannot function without the expertise and firsthand knowledge of former business owners. The nature of these industries requires agility and innovation, and entrepreneurs can often adapt more quickly to changing market conditions due to their hands-on experience.

The Employer’s Perspective

Employers often see small business owners as valuable assets. Having a business on the side provides candidates with a real-world business perspective that employers can relate to. It shows that the individual can manage time effectively, overcome challenges, and understand the value of hard work and responsibility.

I have never faced issues in hiring small business owners. They are generally seen as reliable and committed, which makes them valuable team members. They tend to be more innovative and adaptable, bringing a fresh set of skills and perspectives to the organization.

Entrepreneurial Virtues

Finally, as an employer, I believe it is wise to favor candidates with a background in entrepreneurship. These individuals demonstrate a certain level of risk-taking and strategic thinking, which are highly valued traits in the business world. They are more likely to be proactive and problem-solvers, seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Entrepreneurs tend to be more resilient and capable of handling the ups and downs of employment. They bring a unique set of skills that can benefit the team and the company as a whole, making them an excellent choice for any employer looking for a well-rounded and dedicated team member.