By Brenda Weathers Hargroves
NEWSFLASH: Guys, did you hear what Mark Cuban said on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune? OK, I confess. I’m a Wheel Watcher.
Anyway, to paraphrase, he said more people are becoming entrepreneurs now than ever before. Are YOU considering the possibility?
If so, I suggest you FIRST read my earlier post, Three Important Thoughts To Consider When Starting A Business.
Done? Now it’s time to move on to what I’m about to say.
Creative and visionary immediately come to mind when you think of an artist. What words do you associate with entrepreneur? Business owners are a special breed. They possess distinct characteristics that enable them to take that leap into the unknown. Starting and managing a business requires a great deal of faith and perseverance. Entrepreneurship is generally connected with the following personality traits:
Confident – Business ownership requires a high level of confidence. You feel certain that your business is going to achieve success and allow you to reach your goals. You understand that obstacles will occur that require the creation of a Plan B or even C. All along the way you are convinced what you are trying to achieve is worth the effort.
Driven – When my sister first referred to me as ‘driven’ I immediately panicked. I pictured a wild-haired crazy woman with weird looking eyes. She wasn’t saying I was obsessed, but rather ambitious, motivated and determined to make my business a success. I felt better the next time someone used this word to describe me. A business owner is single-minded in the pursuit to implement, manage and/or expand a goal. Entrepreneurs’ major life focus and most activities are somehow tied to this effort.
Knowledgeable – Knowledge of trends in your industry, as well as general business savvy are essential. Trade information provides firsthand data concerning what is happening in your specific business and offers insight into your competitor’s news as well. Knowing these details will help keep you ahead of the game.
Following current events informs you of news that concerns or affects your clientele. Having this knowledge often allows you to broaden discussions with your clients regarding topics other than your services. These relationship-building conversations demonstrate that you are interested in and care about your clients.
Consistent – People are most comfortable with and come to expect consistency. Make every attempt to do what you say you are going to do when you say you are going to do it. Being seen as unreliable can be a major contributor to the downfall of your business. The usefulness of and need for your product will not matter if clients lose faith in how you interact with them. On the other hand, your business will flourish if you build relationships based on a foundation of continued dependability.
Flexible – This is the one characteristic that cannot be emphasized enough. Many people choose entrepreneurship because they want to manage their business a certain way. Situations are going to occur that you cannot control. A large or small issue may cause you to have to totally rethink a business practice. Entrepreneurs should possess the ability to accept change and make adjustments as circumstances require.
Patient – The popular theory is that it takes a minimum investment of three to five years before a business begins to show signs of success. Patience becomes the operative word. How many people do you know who are willing to wait this long for desired results? And the truth is that not only does your business’ overall success require this endurance, every aspect of your life along the way also demands similar tolerance. Marketing efforts will not provide positive results overnight. It will most likely be a while before you are in the position to pay yourself a competitive salary. If you are serious about growing your business, the goal to have more leisure time will not be met overnight. Everything requires patience. You alone decide your endurance level for gratification. Be aware that it will not be instant.
Philanthropic – True entrepreneurs recognize the value of giving back. Just as someone helps you along the way, you, in turn, should pay it forward. Philanthropic deeds help you develop relationships, allows you to support the community you serve and may even help you secure more business. Plus, it just makes you feel good.
Most successful entrepreneurs possess these traits. How do you measure up? Do these characteristics describe you? Are you true entrepreneurship material?
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