Does the idea of launching a business in your garage sound like your dream?

Do your friends ever jokingly refer to you as Jobs, Gates, or Walt? With the explosion of entrepreneurship over the last decade or so (and it’s associated success) it’s hard not to think about starting your own business and kicking some major start-up ass. But believe it or not, you don’t have to quit your day job to be a successful entrepreneur.

It’s true. So before you leave your job and use up your life savings on your next big idea, check out these ways that you can put your killer entrepreneurial spirit to practice... at your workplace:

Figure out how you want to change the world

There’s a reason why many entrepreneurs risk everything to start their own business. It’s because they truly want to change the world - and think they have what it takes to make it happen. How do you want to make your impact in the world? Think about the things you want to do and the problems you want to solve, write them down, and turn them into goals. This is the first step to creating an entrepreneurial path for yourself, and will help you figure out the next step, which is...

Decide whether or not you’re in the right role

Once you’ve figured out how you want to make your impact, it’s time to think about how you’ll make it happen. Will it involve you switching roles at your current job, or finding a new role at a new company all together? Here’s a few questions you should ask yourself to find out: Are there opportunities for your voice and ideas to be heard? Will your ideas add value to your company? If you answered “yes” to one or both of those questions, being an entrepreneur at your workplace IS possible. If not, it might be worth seeking a position that will allow you to follow your path.

Learn everything there is to know

Entrepreneurs are different than most people because they’re obsessively, infinitely curious and always looking to gain as much experience as possible in their industry. So if you want to be entrepreneurial, it’s important that you learn as much as you can about your company and industry. You can do this by getting involved at work in new and more impactful ways, asking tons of questions, connecting with many different people across your company, and identifying and seizing every opportunity that you see.

Treat your company as if it were your own

Since your inner being craves leadership, you might as well think like a leader. Like your company’s leader. Do you notice that someone on your team’s talents aren’t being put to use correctly? Tell someone about it. Did the printer at your office just break? Call the technician to get it fixed. By thinking (and sometimes even acting) like your CEO, you’ll naturally take more ownership and see things in a different light - one that keeps your company’s vision, mission and goals in mind (and hopefully yours, too).

Take the initiative on new ideas and projects

Is there a new product your team leader or CEO is thinking about investing time and money into? Go home that evening and do a full-length SWAT analysis for it. Or, even better, come up with new, impactful ideas on your own that you think could truly add value to your company. As an entrepreneurial person, you’re more than likely sizzling with new ideas just about every week, so make a voice for yourself and share them. After all, changing the world starts with taking risks. Speaking up is where it all begins.

Be adaptable and ready to evolve

Entrepreneurs know that the key to success is learning from your failures. No matter how big or small your failure is, make sure you learn from the experience and adapt accordingly. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And even more, have the courage to “pivot” if things aren’t working. Heck, why not spend a day or even a week in every department in your company? That will allow you to identify problems and opportunities, test-drive a few career paths, and find out where and how you can make the biggest impact at your job.

Now go forth and let your inner entrepreneur shine!

Being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to mean quitting your day job. Entrepreneurship isn’t a job role. It’s a state of mind, so embrace it. Seize new opportunities. Take big risks. Innovate. Make your voice be heard. Whatever you do, don’t hide your entrepreneurial spirit. Let it shine!

How are you an entrepreneur at your workplace? Tell us in the comments below!