Examining common characteristics may help explain the way entrepreneurs operate.
Characteristics of entrepreneurs
Whether a person was born into it or developed these traits along the way, there are similarities among those who have been successful in their own entrepreneurship.
1. Passion
Talk to successful entrepreneurs and you will always hear the word passion when they describe what they do.
Following your passion is one of the best indicators of success.
2. Independent thinking
Entrepreneurs often think outside the box and are not influenced by others who might question their ideas.
3. Optimism
It's hard to succeed at anything if you don't believe in a good outcome.
Entrepreneurs are dreamers and believe that their ideas are possible, even when they seem unattainable.
4. Confidence
This does not mean that entrepreneurs do not have any doubt in themselves, but that they are able to overcome it, and believe that they can achieve their goal.
5. Resourceful and problem solvers
Lack of assets, knowledge, and resources is common, but entrepreneurs can get what they need or know how to use what they have to reach their business goals.
They do not let problems and challenges get in their way, instead, they find ways to achieve success despite the difficulties.
6. Perseverance and the ability to overcome difficulties
Entrepreneurs do not give up at the first, second, or even 100th hurdle.
For them, failure is not an option, so they keep working toward success, even when things go wrong.
7. Vision
Some of the stricter definitions of entrepreneurship include vision as a necessary component.
It pays to know your end goal when getting started. Moreover, vision is the fuel that propels you forward towards your goal.
8. Focus
It's easy to get distracted in this fast-paced world. Many startups are sidetracked by "brilliant object syndrome" (products and services that promise quick results), or get bogged down in busy, unimportant businesses.
Successful entrepreneurs avoid these distractions and stay focused on what will deliver results.
9. Action-oriented
Entrepreneurs don't expect something to come from nothing, and they don't wait for things to happen.
They are the doers. They overcome challenges and avoid procrastination.
10. Self-motivation
One of the most important characteristics of entrepreneurs is self-motivation. When you want to succeed, you must be able to push yourself.
You are not accountable to anyone else as an entrepreneur, which sometimes means that it is difficult to move without someone shaping you.
You need to be dedicated to your plan and keep moving forward - even if you don't receive an instant check.
11. Taking risk
Successful entrepreneurs know that sometimes it is important to take a risk. Playing it safe never leads to success as a business owner.
But it's not just about taking a risk. Understanding the calculated risks that are most likely to pay off is an important part of being an entrepreneur.
You will need to be willing to take some risks to succeed.
12. Knowing how to communicate
Knowing how networks are configured is an important part of entrepreneurship. Sometimes who you know is an important part of success.
Being able to connect with others and learn about partnership opportunities can take you a long way as a business owner.
Figure out where to go for networking opportunities and make it a point to learn how to be effective.
13. Flexibility
To some extent, you have to be flexible as an entrepreneur. Be prepared to change as needed.
Stay on top of your field and be prepared to adopt changes to processes and product as needed. Sometimes, you also need flexibility in your thinking.
This is an essential part of problem solving. You want to be able to find unique and effective solutions to problems.
If you want to be an entrepreneur, take a step back and assess whether or not you have the following characteristics.
(And remember: if you don't have these traits now, you can develop them in the future to improve your chances of success.)
See: How to Identify Entrepreneurial Opportunities