Over the years countless institutes and individuals have asked
the million dollar question. What makes an entrepreneur an
entrepreneur? What traits or characteristics are inherent
to a successful entrepreneur and is one born with those traits?
There's great news! Successful entrepreneurs are born every day!
Some people believe an entrepreneur is born while others believe
an entrepreneur can be taught. Some believe an entrepreneur
is like an artist - either you have it or do you don't. Some
see entrepreneurs as leaders that are focused, disciplined,
competitive, and charismatic, while others see them as huge
risk takers. And all of these analogies are right to some
degree.
It's true all successful entrepreneurs share a few qualities
and skills that allow them to be successful. These inherent
qualities can be taught; but they often seem to be an inherent
driving force that sends individuals down the path of being
in business or formally training to for a career in business.
Entrepreneurs see the world differently. They have the ability
to see the world as a system. They have the ability to see
something in its entirety and as an integrated unit, and they
seem to possess the ability to see opportunity within the
global picture. They are what is called a system thinker.
There are other characteristics they possess. Entrepreneurs
possess an overpowering need to achieve and tend to be very
competitive against themselves. They are continuously trying
to outthink themselves and others and they are constantly
looking for the edge. This is a process that occurs as naturally
as breathing and is a driving force behind most entrepreneurs.
They have the determination and dedication to follow through
with commitments and they always appear confident and in
control.
You'll notice they also possess a positive atmosphere. They
are of the mindset "I can," and "I will." They
are not afraid of failure because failure is not in their
vocabulary nor is it an option.
They are objective but have the ability to weigh risks realistically
within the big picture. They have an uncanny ability to anticipate
developments which gives them the edge on many competitive
situations. Entrepreneurs seem to feel right from their gut, call it instinct. They are a resourceful group
that possess excellent problem solving skills and are able
to diligently work through obstacles as they occur.
Entrepreneurs are excellent communicators and recognize how
important clear and concise communication is to their success.
They also possess a sound working knowledge of the business
they are involved in.
When it comes to successful entrepreneurs it's a question
of what came first, the chicken or the egg. Is it inherent
qualities that we are born with that lead us to be entrepreneurs or is it when we choose to become an entrepreneur
that we develop the skills and qualities of success? That's
a question we shall leave to the great debaters to resolve.
What is for certain is that successful entrepreneurs are born
every day and that you too can be a successful entrepreneur
by developing the skills of success.
