So you want to be an entrepreneur? But, you think you need a secret recipe or killer app to make a go?
Think again. According to the SBA (Small Business Association (USA)), the five characteristics you most need do not include a genius idea. (Ok, so I am stretching a bit here, proposing an original idea is a characteristic, but I am illustrating a point).
1. Drive is the most important attribute. [*matched with desire]
2. Thinking ability encompasses creativity, critical thinking, analytical abilities and originality.
3. People skills are the ability to motivate employees, sell customers, negotiate with suppliers and convince lenders.
4. Communication skill is the ability to make yourself understood.
5. Technical ability speaks to the need for entrepreneurs to know their product and their market.
This list should remind all entrepreneurs that after you develop that chocolate flavored pasta sauce that is going to take the Italian food market by storm, its all about the basics.
There is one extremely important characteristic missing from the list | organisational skill. I know several entrepreneurs that lack basic organisational skills. This does not mean you have everything in perfect order, but that you at least follow some kind of recognizable structure in your work. Without this you will either fail or never really achieve your potential…..which is worse than failure.
Think you are missing some of these characteristics or are weak on a few? Do what all smart entrepreneurs do, surround yourself with others who fill the gaps and add additional value.
*thanks to SSE for the reference to the original article.
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