Got An Entrepreneurial Spirit?
I have met so many interesting people throughout my life and career and some of those encompass the irrefutable “entrepreneurial spirit.” These are people who seem to possess a clear vision of what they want in life and business and they instinctually know how to get it. They know the keys to success. The entrepreneurial spirit is very easy to recognize. These individuals seem to be able to come up with unique ideas and regularly turn those ideas into a profitable business venture.
There are distinctive traits that I have come to recognize in those who possess an entrepreneurial spirit.
You can see the excitement building in them brought on by a new idea. They have a built-in desire to transform that idea into a successful business, and they don’t waste time thinking about it; they take action. None of them are put off by those non believers because they know there is validity and healthy profits in unique ideas.
People with an entrepreneurial spirit have a strong drive to accomplish, and enjoy unlimited energy in their desire to succeed. Most are risk takers and have no fear in taking chances. I get great pleasure talking to people who have a true entrepreneurial spirit because they often see past the obvious, and believe in taking gambles that others don’t. They don’t necessarily always win, but they always try. That is what sets them apart from others.
How To Recognize An Entrepreneurial Spirit
When you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you want to be in control of your own destiny. You have the capabilities to be quite persuasive and that goes hand in hand with good leadership qualities. People take notice of what you have to say, because you are compelling. You have unbridled passion in everything you do. That passion becomes infectious and before you know it, others buy into your idea. As an entrepreneur, your new idea has merit and begins to takes wings.
Entrepreneurs are folks who like to have their own business, so they can be in control and call the shots. They are not afraid to think “outside of the cubicle.”
So I put together a list of the kinds of traits you will see in entrepreneurs; the kind who are fortunate to possess an entrepreneurial spirit. Maybe you have some of the following traits…or all of them! If you do, chances are that you have had success, or certainly will in future.
Traits Of An Entrepreneurial Spirit
Risk Taker-Entrepreneurs are risk takers. They have a business idea and sufficient belief in themselves to launch a business around new ideas. Even when confronted with scepticism from those around them, they have the will and determination to go forward and take a chance.
Organized-Busy lives and hectic schedules compel entrepreneurial types to become organized. They take time out of their day to set appointments and calls, and that sets the foundation for their plans and their “to do” lists. They live by their schedules which helps make them efficient and pro active. With technology as it is today, there are so many tools to help with organization.
Committed-When a true entrepreneur decides on an idea or plan, they commit themselves to seeing it through. Despite setbacks and disappointments, they keep on going to completion. Not everything works out all the time, but it takes someone who is dedicated and has that entrepreneurial spirit to push forward once they make a decision.
Gregarious-Most entrepreneurs are outgoing and very social people. They might be the first ones to initiate conversation with you at a business or social event. They are quick to engage in a discussion and have great networking skills. Not necessarily always extroverted, but assertive and confident in whom they are.
Resilient-Being able to bounce back from disappointments or a setback, entrepreneurs seem to have an innate enthusiasm and optimism that helps them deal with obstacles and move forward. They are adept at figuring out a new approach or method to deal with a problem. But they don’t give up. They persist, which brings me to the next point.
Persistent-We have all heard that saying “persistence pays off” and it truly does. Just ask a sales person. They hear no’s all the time, but they continue to be persistent and they are the memorable ones that are remembered by a prospect. They get the deals. So do the entrepreneurs that don’t just lie down and quit after some type of refusal, or unsuccessful negotiation. They continue to pursue their goal.
Persuasive-To be successful as an entrepreneur; you must have some kind of persuasive powers. Most entrepreneurs have the power to “paint a picture” to a potential client or business partner. They have an ability to find your “buttons” simply by asking the right questions and probing to find out more. They can make people feel important to him or her, and that is an important key to any relationship, not just business.
Decisive-I learned a long time ago from a mentor, that any decision is better than none. That is so true. Yes, you may need time to noodle on a decision, but making one is vitally important. It shows confidence and leadership. It may not always be the right decision because we all make mistakes, but it becomes a valuable lesson learned. If you need to verify facts or information before making a decision, that’s fine, but make it. We all make tons of decisions in a lifetime, sometimes without even thinking about it, but we are all decision makers in some way.
Leadership-Leadership qualities are evident in every entrepreneur I have ever known. There are leaders and there are laggards in the world. More laggards than leaders, because most people like to play it safe and wait until someone else takes the leader initiative. It’s safer. Studies prove that to be a fact. Being a leader makes you both exposed and powerful. When you are a leader, everyone is aware of your decisions and that opens you up to scrutiny. But entrepreneurs take criticism in their stride. Leaders have power to make things happen. Power attracts followers.
Now that you have looked over the traits of most successful entrepreneurs, did any of them fit you? Are you one of those fearless, passionate people who are lucky enough to have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you have what it takes to succeed?
P.S. Whatever you decide to do when venturing into business, whether small or big, tackle it with passion and determination. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, they help you get to where you need to go. Great entrepreneurs who have entrepreneurial spirit are destined to be successful.
© 2012, Linda. All rights reserved.
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Hehe, I have about half the qualities. I’m definitely not organized, gregarious, persuasive, and I’m not a leader at all, I’m definitely the lone trailblazer, off doing her own thing over here. I dislike followers or being part of a group achieving something together. But I’m definitely a risk taker, committed, resilient, persistent, and decisive! And it’s too true – Making ANY decision is better than not making one at all! I am happy to work for someone else, so long as the pay is good, especially since I can work from home and I make my own schedule for the hours I am given. I’m also happier to have someone else drive, instead of drive them myself, I like to chill out in the passenger seat!
Amber you certainly don’t need to have ALL these traits to be an entrepreneur. You undoubtedly have a lot of wonderful traits of an entrepreneur. I love taking risks too..because you never know what’s out there waiting for you to discover. It also hones your skills when you push yourself. Thanks for the great comment.
I am also quite poorly organized myself. You should see my home office, it is more messy than I would like to admit. But I definitely am gregarious but on my own terms. I love socializing with other business minded like people. Not so much when it comes to others with different interests. I am also very persistent but I used to not have that trait. I would give up easily if results were not coming fast enough. Interesting points about the entrepreneur’s traits
I am making a lot of money through several affiliate sites and I consider myself as an entrepreneur because I created these sites and all of my work is done online. But I am not sure how gregarious, resilient and organized I am, and not a huge risk taker either as I chose to market my sites inexpensively. But a lot of these traits do apply to me. Interesting post. Most entrepreneurs have the traits you noted. I think I fall into the minority.
Nat I am happy you are doing well. You don’t need all the traits to be a successful entrepreneur. You are proof of that! Thanks for all your thoughtful comments. Best of luck to you.