Being an entrepreneur sounds like something that everyone should want to do. You get to run your own business and be your own boss, after all. But it takes a lot more work and effort than some people might think.
It takes a certain type of person to become an entrepreneur. Not everyone can just step into a role like that and be successful. While there’s not a single personality trait that a person needs in order to become an entrepreneur, there are plenty of attributes that could signal success. Here are several key traits that the Harvard Business School and The University of Illinois have identified through research as indicators of entrepreneurial success.
Ambitious
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This one might be the most obvious and important. But most people become entrepreneurs because they feel that they have a different business or product idea that can be successful. You have to be ambitious enough to actually pursue being an entrepreneur. Some of the biggest companies in the world had humble beginnings but became successful because of their creators’ ambitions.
Comfortable in control
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This can be taken negatively and in some cases can even lead to business scams, but one of the biggest responsibilities of an entrepreneur is to be in control of where their business goes. If it is not in your personality to seek control, it could be really tough to be an entrepreneur.
Passionate
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This is another trait that might seem very obvious. As an entrepreneur, you are essentially betting on yourself. If you are not passionate about what you are investing your time and money in, then what’s the point of becoming an entrepreneur anyway? With the right amount of passion, you can even turn your hobby into a small business.
Devoted
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Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of time and effort. If you’re the type of person that does not like taking on a lot of work and are content doing the bare minimum, you probably wouldn’t enjoy being an entrepreneur. But if you have a devoted personality that is loyal and enthusiastic about your potential business, entrepreneurship might be something to consider.
Risk-taker
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Becoming an entrepreneur is a risk in itself. In addition, entrepreneurs usually take huge financial risks either with their own money or an investor’s money. Entrepreneurs have to have a high tolerance for risk. Whether it’s dropping out of school or making a financial investment.
Resilience
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Being a risk-taker can be a great trait to have. But, if the risk you’re taking turns out to have severe consequences, it’s important to be resilient and be able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult situations.
Persuasive
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This is one of the top attributes of businessmen and women everywhere. First, it can make you a better negotiator, and it’s also important when promoting and selling your business and/or product.
Organized
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It takes a lot of time and effort to be an entrepreneur, and it’s important to be organized not only with resources, but also time and money.
Innovative
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Creativity is one attribute that a lot of entrepreneurs have. In many cases, people become entrepreneurs because they have an original idea that people have never seen before. Entrepreneurs are always thinking of ways they can be different and separate their business and/or product from the rest.
Decisive
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Having good judgment under pressure is really important, especially in the business world, where one decision can be the difference between success and failure. Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but it could be the right path for you if you’re currently suffering from burnout.