7 Traits of Incredibly Successful Entrepreneurs
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Posted By: Hija Chang on June 06, 2012 First, what exactly is an entrepreneur? Well, Wikipedia defines it like this: “An entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.” And this would be kind of correct. But for the sake of argument, let’s say there is an “entrepreneur” stuck in a job or maybe school, just itching to bust out and start their own business. Do we wait to call them an entrepreneur after they’ve started their own business? For example, before Steve Jobs or Bill Gates dropped out of college, would anyone have defined them as entrepreneurs? Looking back, I would say these guys were probably born entrepreneurs. Now did they pop out at birth and immediately set up a lemonade stand in the delivery room of the hospital charging the nurses 50 cents a cup? Well, in reality — probably not. But who would deny they were pumped full of the entrepreneurial “mindset” since birth? I wouldn’t deny it. Not one bit. So what’s the point? Well, the point is you can be an entrepreneur in mind and heart, but be stuck at the moment waiting for your time in the spotlight. If this is you, then yes — go ahead and call yourself an entrepreneur. The sooner you just admit it, and then work to do something about it, the better we’ll all be. So, whether you’re an entrepreneur in-waiting, or you’re a full blown rhino of a business guru charging through the jungle, I’ve got a list of killer traits for you. The question is: How many of these do you have? Well, let’s find out… 1. Abounding Curiosity Yes, curiosity. And no, not like “curiosity killed the cat”. Goodness. Let’s not get carried away here. You don’t want to do something to get yourself killed. But if you think about it – entrepreneurs are curious little devils, aren’t they? Every true entrepreneur I’ve ever met has been full of curiosity. Always wondering about things. Taking stuff apart to see how it works. Asking people questions about their likes and dislikes. Questioning why we keep doing things the same old way when maybe there is a better way. And on and on. So, are you a curious one? In my mind, you’ve got to be. And here’s the fun part on curiosity: Curiosity means asking questions. Asking questions inspires learning. Learning births total domain knowledge and customer understanding. Total domain knowledge and customer understanding leads to one rockin’ entrepreneur. Yes? :-) 2. Bursting with Creativity So what’s a match made in heaven? Sing with me… “Curiosity and creativity sittin’ in a tree… k-i-s-s-i-n-g….. first comes love, then comes marriage….” Well, you get the point. They’re like two peas in a pod. Curiosity + Creativity. Not only do you have to be curious as an entrepreneur, you must also be creative. Isn’t that the essence of entrepreneurism? You know, to create stuff? New products. New solutions. New ways. Willing to think of all possibilities. Almost like a child. Seriously, our little children are more creative then we are sometimes. You know, drawing cows jumping over the moon and making play-houses out of sticks and rocks. Just resolve to be like them. Chatting with top-dog entrepreneur Sam Blackman (Co-Founder and CEO of Elemental Technologies) recently, he told me flat-out: “The ability to be creative as an entrepreneur is a must”. And the really cool thing about this marriage of curiosity and creativity? As you become more curious by asking questions and learning, it actually opens your mind to creativity. So have no fear if you suffer a little in the creativity department — just start being more curious and voilà; up pops your creative juices. See — a match made in heaven. 3. Clarity of Vision We’ve all heard this one: “Well, that guy is just a real visionary. Entrepreneurial genius at its best.” Big picture vision is a funny thing. I think you either have it, or you don’t. You either see beyond the trees and into the forest, or you don’t. You simply need vision as an entrepreneur. And more importantly? Clarity around that vision. Crucial to have a crystal clear vision of who you are; what you want to do; and where you want to go. And the funny thing about getting clarity around your vision? That’s where it starts. In the beginning. Just you and your clear vision. Think of it as a beacon of light. Guiding you on your journey. And without it? Smack dab in no-man’s land a thousand miles from where you wanted to be. And believe me, that’s a bummer. 4. Ability to Communicate You can have the brightest idea on the planet. The next great invention to rival Edison. An idea so powerful it blows anything Steve Jobs ever came up with away. But if you can’t communicate it? Might as well pack your bags and go home. The ability to communicate effectively is huge for you and I as entrepreneurs. We must be clear; concise; easy to understand. Both in writing and verbally. Why is this so important? Well, because communication affects influence. Communication affects relationships. Communication affects results. The really cool thing about communication is you can learn how to do it better. It’s a necessary trait, but one you can master with practice. Not a good communicator? Practice starts at 8am tomorrow morning my friend… 5. Leadership Acumen Just like we discovered from Brandon Mills – you and I can’t be successful as one man bands. Now yes, we can call ourselves “solopreneurs”. But are we really? Are we really able to do everything ourselves? I think not. Even with no employees, you definitely have a team of others working on your behalf. Vendors, partners, mentors, contractors, and more. You must be able to lead them. Now again the great thing about the leadership trait is you can learn to do better. If you stink as a leader, don’t fret. You can learn how to be great. You can learn how to lead with fire and passion. Again, practice starts tomorrow morning at 8. :-) More: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericwagner/201... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Hija Chang
Management, See Moss Interactive Central State University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
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