Vistaprint Survey Reveals What it Takes to be a Business Owner

LONDON, May 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Ever wondered what it takes to run a business? New research has unearthed what it takes to be a natural business owner, with traits such as passion, confidence and being able to rise to the challenge as just some of the attributes needed.

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Being a natural leader and having a strong character were also cited as must-have characteristics, with determination ranking high for people looking to turn an idea into a fully-fledged business.

The survey of 800 British small business owners and 800 British full-time employees revealed that small business owners are twice as likely to love their job and be passionate about their work than full time employees.  

And they are also more likely to cite love of the job and achieving work life balance as their primary career motivation, whereas full time employees are twice as likely to cite "wanting to be liked".

Oliver Harcourt, Head of Vistaprint UK, which commissioned the research, comments: "We speak to small business owners every day and overwhelmingly these passionate individuals have positive stories to share.

"The survey highlights some of the benefits that can be achieved when starting your own business, whether it's more time for your family, the ability to evoke change in your community or a renewed love for your job.

"We want to encourage people to be bold and live their dream."

Almost three times as many small business owners strongly agree their job is flexible, with their working hours averaging a mere 33.3 hours a week compared to 39.4 for full time employees.

And when compared to full time employees, small business owners have significantly more independence, passion for their job and achieve a better work life balance.

Twice as many small business owners than full time employees cite love of the job and achieving work life balance as their primary career motivation over making money.

And three times as many small business owners say their work is flexible compared to full time employees.

It's easy to see why over a third of full time employees say they have plans to start their own business in the future.

Key Findings: 

• Small business owners are twice as likely to love their job and be passionate about their work than full time employees.
• 37% more full time employees want to be liked than SBOs.
• Twice as many small business owners cite love of the job and achieving work life balance as their primary career motivation than full time employees
• Almost three times as many small business owners say their job is flexible compared to full time employees
• Full time employees work an average of 39.4 hours a week, whilst small business owners work an average of 33.3 hours.

Notes to Editors: 

• Vistaprint commissioned a UK survey of 1600 respondents, made up of 800 small business owners and 800 full time employees.
• A small business is defined as a business with 50 or fewer employees.
• Respondents were asked to rate their agreeance with statements around characteristics and traits on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree)
• If you use our research, please be sure to link back to the original article here - thanks!