TheCASHFLOW - Matrix Features

THE CASHFLOW ENTREPRENEUR MATRIX — QUIZ

Three years from now, I plan to be commuting . . .
- a. In a Ferrari, having splurged extra for the deluxe audio system, candy paint and 22-inch rims
- b. In a hybrid SUV — I’ll need the space, but flash isn’t everything, and I care about the planet, too
- c. From bed to couch at 11 a.m., opening the laptop when my wireless service is working and opening a beer when it’s not
When I consider the risks that come with starting my own business . . .
- a. It has the same effect on me as two Viagra chased with three Red Bulls and an espresso shot. Energy and fearlessness are key!
- b. I realize it’s all just part of the game. You work hard, you win some, you lose some. Moderation and a calm demeanor are key!
- c. I stare blank-eyed at the TV, wondering why there’s nothing good on Wednesdays at 4:26 in the morning. Deciding whether it’s really worth the hassle is key!
The amount of time I am willing to commit to my new business venture is . . .
- a. 24/7 — wait, make that 48/14.
- b. As much as it takes, keeping in mind that a balanced life requires fulfilling downtime as well.
- c. 9 to 5, more or less, except when I was out too late last night or need to catch up on all the Dancing With the Stars episodes I have Tivo'd.
When asked to describe how I feel about starting my own business, I reply . . .
- a. I would walk through hell in a gasoline suit for this business.
- b. I want to make a decent living and help bring about positive social change. Won’t anyone spare a thought for the whales, the homeless, the mentally ill? Not to meantion homeless, mentally ill whales?
- c. I’ll feel better about it later this afternoon, after three Tylenol, two Bloody Marys and a nap.
What special skills do I possess that I might be able to transfer to an entrepreneurial venture?
- a. I’m a genius with software and marketing via social networks, and I taught myself Web design last weekend in my spare time.
- b. I’m a real people person — very adept at making others give me what I want without them even realizing it.
- c. I’m a champion competitive eater and once downed nine tequila shots in succession without vomiting. That has to count for something, right?
How proficient am I with the latest technology?
- a. As proficient as it gets. Remember that movie I, Robot? That could have been about me.
- b. I know the basics but need to do a better job of staying on top of things. I need to get my hands on Killer Apps for Dummies and really bone up.
- c. The only computer I need is the one between my ears. If that doesn't work, have a Post-It note taped to my desk with instructions for turning my laptop on.
Forget business accounting for a moment — how well do I manage my personal finances?
- a. I’m on top of it. I’m diversified and know exactly where all my money is and how it’s working for me.
- b. It’s a little chaotic, but I do manage to save some money every month, and my debt is low and manageable.
- c. Whatever — it’ll all work out in the end. And a 32% interest rate on my credit card isn’t so bad, is it?
How confident am I in the strength of my business idea?
- a. It’s airtight. If my business doesn’t succeed, somebody's going to pay dearly.
- b. Confident enough to suspend my normal life and do nothing but work on this plan for the twelve months at least.
- c. It’ll work. I mean, as long as no one else in the world has this same idea at any point before, like, 2015 or so.
How comfortable am I making a pitch in front of potential investors?
- a. Put me in front of a group and let me cast my spell. By the end of my pitch investors will be begging me to take their cash — and marry their kids.
- b. Public speaking isn’t my forte. I plan to hide behind my PowerPoint presentation and let all the charts and graphs close the deal for me.
- c. I stammer and wet myself in front of crowds. Surely an e-mail pitch from my Hotmail account will be enough, right?
Just like war plans, business plans never survive their first contact with reality. How is my temperament in times of unexpected crisis?
- a. I’m as cool as a cucumber. A frozen cucumber. In January.
- b. I tend to blow up early and calm down later — better than the reverse, and it lets everyone know from the get-go when things are wrong.
- c. I'll find the nearest table, crawl under it, assume the fetal position and start sucking my thumb.

The CashFlow

THE CASHFLOW ENTREPRENEUR MATRIX — QUIZ