Are Entrepreneurs Risk Takers?

Posted at 10:42h in General by Business Setup Consultants 0 Comments

If you have worked or lived in UAE, then you would be amazed to see the accelerated development of the region. UAE is always in the limelight in the print and electronic media for its groundbreaking developments, new startups, and reforming foreign investment policies and corporate framework. Despite all the guarded gossip about the slow economic growth of the region that crops up after a few years, UAE is constantly surpassing the expectations of the existing and anticipated investors and entrepreneurs with its next-level evolution, development, and growth.

Although being an entrepreneurial nirvana, several budding entrepreneurs find a few factors really challenging. If you want to take a plunge into the ocean of entrepreneurship, then you must understand the fact that it has its own share of challenges that you must understand and encounter. But trust us, they all can be overcome through effective planning and brainstorming. We have listed all the five major challenges that entrepreneurs are usually found to be grouchy about.

Are Entrepreneurs Risk Takers?

Entrepreneurship is often associated with risk-taking, as starting a business involves venturing into the unknown and facing numerous challenges. However, the notion that entrepreneurs are reckless risk takers is a misconception. Successful entrepreneurs understand the importance of calculated risk-taking and effective risk management strategies.

Types of Risks Entrepreneurs Face

Risk taker entrepreneurs face various types of risks when starting and running a business. These include:

Financial risk

Entrepreneurs often invest their personal savings or take out loans to fund their ventures, putting their financial well-being on the line and risking potential loss.

Operational risk

A small business owner when running a business encounters operational risks, such as managing employees, supply chains, and day-to-day operations.

Market risk

Entering a competitive market or dealing with changing consumer demands can pose market risks to the success of a business.

Credibility risk

New ideas and innovations can face credibility risks, as entrepreneurs need to establish trust and credibility with customers and stakeholders.

Technology risk

Businesses may face technology risks, such as cybersecurity threats, system failures, or the need to adapt to new technologies like artificial intelligence.

External risk

Entrepreneurs may encounter external risks beyond their control, such as economic downturns, political instability, or natural disasters.

Risk-Taking vs. Risk Management

It is essential to differentiate between reckless risk-taking and calculated risk-taking. A successful risk taker entrepreneur does not simply take big risk or huge risk blindly; he/she engage in thorough market research, business planning, and risk assessment. He identify potential risks, analyze their impact, and develop contingency plans and strategies to mitigate or manage those risks effectively.

Effective risk management in business administration involves:

• Conducting thorough market research and feasibility studies.
• Developing a detailed business plan and financial projections.
• Building a strong team with complementary skills and expertise.
• Securing adequate funding and maintaining financial reserves.
• Regularly monitoring and adapting to changes in the market and industry.
• Implementing risk mitigation strategies, such as diversifying product lines, building strong relationships with suppliers and customers, and staying compliant with regulations.

5 Common Challenges Entrepreneurs Face in UAE

1. Company Ownership

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or an onshore company in UAE obligates having a local partnership with a UAE National . Additionally, norms also demonstrate that investors can only have an ownership of 49% whereas 51% stakes are upheld by the local National. Although some of the entrepreneurs agreed to these criteria, some find it tedious to rely on and trust someone new to this extent. Nevertheless, you can have 100% exclusive ownership in the free zone, or by setting up an LLC outside the free zone under commercial or industrial, but still, you need to have a local partner.

2. Obligation of a Local Business Partner

As mentioned above, the obligation of having a local national partner is supposedly the biggest hurdle that comes across the way of budding entrepreneurs. As a matter of fact, there are only three ways of forming a company in UAE, which includes: Setting up a Business in the UAE Free Zone , Acquiring a Professional Service License , or forming an LLC. However, what intimidates the potential entrepreneur is that all three methods call for a local partnership in one or another way. For instance, if you are opting for a Professional Service License (PSL) or wanted to form an LLC, then you need to have a local partnership to enjoy 100% foreign ownership and capital repatriation. The same rule is applicable to the free zone, as you cannot deal with the local UAE market without a service agent or distributor. In the case of free zones and PSL, you can have the local sponsor or partners as the sleeping partners, but it does not go along with LLC.

3. Possible VAT Application

To date, we all are relishing the tax-free landscapes of UAE, which offers matchless pro-business benefits to the corporate world, and probably this is the biggest reason that turned UAE into the ideal destination for new entrepreneurs to kick-start their business without any tax burdens. But possibly this will not be the case anymore. As, with the announcement of the VAT application on January 1 st, 2018, has put all the anticipated and existing investors and entrepreneurs in confusion about their business model, bookkeeping, auditing, and compliance criteria that they will be bound to meet. A stringent legal and compliance framework has already created uncertainties within the market.

4. Revenue Management

Revenue management is crucial in UAE. And not only in UAE but in business, because along with the plethora of opportunities comes along various risk factors too. According to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants of Dubai, over 82% of new ventures fail due to poor cash flow and funds management. While setting up your business in UAE, you can avail the opportunity to get a loan from various financial institutions and banks , but make sure that your initial capital requirements and business setup are effectively managed and implemented.

5. Cultural & Communication Difficulties

Last, but not least is the challenge concerning the culture and communication that is required to be addressed considering Islamic values. Business communication is required to be specifically different for men and women and the formal directness and approach are also limited. Emirati culture serves as the heart and soul of business and daily life in UAE and thus intercultural difference sometimes encumbers. Otherwise, Emirati people are very welcoming and congenial.

Characteristics of Successful Risk-Taking Entrepreneurs

While entrepreneurship inherently involves risks, successful entrepreneurs with an entrepreneurial mindset possess specific characteristics that enable them to navigate these risks effectively:

Ability to identify and analyze risks

A calculated risk taker has a keen eye for recognizing potential risk factors and thoroughly analyzing their impact on the business.

Risk tolerance

They have a higher risk tolerance and are willing to take calculated risks after careful consideration and planning.

Adaptability and resilience

Entrepreneurs must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from setbacks, failures, or potential losses.

Effective risk management strategies

Successful entrepreneurs implement proactive strategies to mitigate risks, such as diversifying their portfolio, building strong networks, and maintaining financial reserves.

Informed decision-making

They make informed decisions based on thorough research, market analysis, and planning, rather than acting impulsively.

Commitment to business growth and innovation

Successful entrepreneurs are driven by the desire for business growth and a willingness to take calculated risks to bring new ideas to market.

In essence, while entrepreneurship involves risk-taking, it is not about reckless risk-taking. Successful risk taker entrepreneurs understand the importance of calculated risk-taking and effective risk management strategies. They make informed decisions based on thorough research and planning, and they have contingency plans in place to navigate challenges, mitigate risks effectively, and achieve business growth through innovation.

How Can Business Setup Consultant Help?

BSC is a leading business setup consultancy firm in UAE with a reputation for assisting various clients in setting up their businesses across the region. If you are also intimidated by any of the above challenges and want to start up your business in UAE, then talk to our experts who are just a call away for service.

Please take out a minute to contact us directly at +971 4 4301245 or by sending us an email at info@businessetup.com . You can also leave a message by using the comment section below.