What Qualities Are the
True Tokens of Successful Entrepreneurs?
You've
probably seen the bumper stickers that say "Lead,
Follow, or Get Out of the Way." While the bumper
sticker may be directed at the dreamer doing 10 miles less
than the speed limit in the left lane, it also applies to
everyone's life. Most people are followers, but others are
leaders. They want to be at the helm of their own ship, charting
the course that their lives will take.
They are most likely ENTREPRENEURS
- people who have what it takes to start and succeed at their
own businesses.
What qualities are the true
tokens of successful entrepreneurs? Thousands of books
and articles have been written on the subject. There is even
a Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur's Soul and an annual
event called "Entrepalooza" at the University of
Michigan, where successful business owners relate their secrets.
It turns out, though, that just about everyone who takes on
the challenge of owning their own business has certain qualities.
1. They have a dream.
It can be anything from wanting to make a living from a hobby
to wanting to find a way to spend more time with their families.
Along with their dreams comes the foresight to see a need
for something or a problem that needs solving, and finding
a way to supply that need or solve that problem. Instead of
saying, "Someone will probably invent a way to make
a profit from that," the entrepreneur says, "I'M
going to be the one who finds a way to make a profit from
that."
2.
They visualize success. Lots of us have thoughts and ideas
of how we'd like our lives to change. We say, "If
only I could find a decent job," or "If only
I could lose 20 pounds." Entrepreneurs don't just
think about it. They see it. They spend a great deal
of time "seeing success." If the goal is to spend
more time with family, the entrepreneur sees himself
or herself working at home, hears one of the children
say "Mom, I'm so glad you don't go away to work anymore,"
and feels what reaching the goal is like. This "positive
thinking" technique has been around for a long time-and
it still works. It helps create faith in yourself,
and that is a prerequisite for anyone even thinking about
starting a business. They never stop using this visualization
process: It keeps goals shining brightly, and for the entrepreneur,
there are always new goals to reach for.
3. They're good listeners
and observers. Aki Morita, who founded Sony, got the idea
for the infamous Sony Walkman when he got tired of listening
to teenagers blasting music from their boom-boxes. He knew
he wasn't the only one bothered by the noise. By listening
to what people are saying and observing what they're doing
(or not doing), the entrepreneur identifies what people want.
Lots of people.
They also listen to advice.
While it's great to have people cheering you on, entrepreneurs
find a wealth of knowledge in the doom-and-gloomers. They
present the possible downsides, providing the business owner
with some new ideas to think about as they develop their business
plan. They read books and listen to motivational CDs. They
stay psyched up for success by learning new skills and staying
on top of technology.
4.
They're good organizers. Once a new entrepreneur develops
an idea and begins visualizing a goal, he or she makes a plan.
They know they can't just plunge in and hope for the best.
They do research, find out what others in similar businesses
are doing, and find mentors who can help them figure out what
steps they need to take to begin reaching for their goals
and dreams. They find out how much money they need, what kind
of equipment is essential, and if they will need to hire people
or can go it alone. Ultimately, they consider all of the information
and advice they've gathered and make their own decisions,
taking the best ideas from each source.
5. They're focused.
Once the course is charted, the work begins. There will be
phone calls, e-mails, and paperwork. There will be days when
nothing goes right, and when obstacles seem insurmountable.
But because entrepreneurs are, above all, problem solvers
who love a challenge, they have the courage and perseverance
to keep going. They bounce back from failure like super-balls
hitting the sidewalk. They keep their organizational plans
in mind, and keep striving to achieve each step, one at a
time.
6. They don't believe failure
is an option. To be successful in your own business, you
must believe 100% that you will succeed at what you are doing.
You must have faith in your own ability to make things happen.
You must believe that your idea is really a good one that
will help other people or make the world better in some way.
Sometimes, it simply takes guts-like the quarterback who decides
to run the ball and, against all odds, scrambles over the
pileup and scores a touchdown.
7. They have self-discipline.
Running your own business doesn't mean that you can mosey
down to your home office at 10 AM, go to lunch at noon, and
take the afternoon off. Just like at a regular job, entrepreneurs
work hard. In fact, many put in more hours and work harder
than they did when they were someone's employee. But it's
easier to put in the extra hour or two when you have a passion
for what you are doing, a roadmap for where you're going,
and the confidence that you will achieve success.
Are you tired of working for someone else? Do YOU have
what it takes to be an entrepreneur? If you believe in yourself,
fill in the form below for free information about starting
your own business.
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