THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSONALITY

In battle or business, whatever the game,

In law or in love, it is ever the same;

In the struggle for power, or the scramble for pelf,

Let this be your motto-Rely on yourself!

For, whether the prize be a ribbon or throne,

The victor is he who can go it alone!

-John Godfrey Saxe

Taken from The Field Guide to Starting a Business by Stephen M. Pollan and Mark Levine

ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAITS

• Every successfull entrepreneur must be willing to work hard; not just from nine to five Monday through Friday, but twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

• That dedication and commitment requires a certain degree of good health ... and an understanding of family and friends.

• Status is meaningless to entrepreneurs. No job is too big or too small. If they have to sweep the floors they'll do it.

• Entrepreneurs are supremely self-confident. They are courageous and brave. No matter how the deck is stacked against them, they believe they can win.

• But that doesn't mean entrepreneurs are gamblers. They seem to pick their spots, opting for moderately risky ventures rather than long shots.

• Intelligence is vital for success in business. Entrepreneurs need not be geniuses, but they must have an above average intellect ... and a healthy dose of common sense.

• Challenges are exciting for successful entrepreneurs. Instead of viewing them as stwnbling blocks or reasons to quit, the true entrepreneur always rises to the occasion.

• Entrepreneurs are committed to excellence in whatever they do. They care about their business. That becomes apparent to their customers and clients ... and potential financial backers.

• You won't find starry-eyed dreamers in entrepreneurial roles. Even with their self-confidence, successful entrepreneurs are realists. They may set high goals, but they are achievable ones.

• Creativity is important in entrepreneurial success. In fact, the psychology of the entrepreneur is close to that of the artist. They need to create.

• Their business isn't a job-it's an expression of their personal vision.

• Entrepreneurs must have a sense of urgency. They can't be procrastinators, at least when it comes to their business. Successful entrepreneurs will get their project accomplished, as soon as they can, whatever it takes.

• Entrepreneurs must possess management skills. Entrepreneurs must be technically competent in the business they are about to enter. This generally means they have some experience in the industry. Marketing skills are essential for entrepreneurial success. You must have some financial "smarts."

• In the early stages of a start-up the business person is an artist- entrepreneur. As the business evolves it requires some rethinking and redirection-suddenly, the artist must turn tinkerer. Finally, the business is established and growing. The entrepreneur must then delegate authority and implement a management structure -- in other words, become an operator.

Even if you possess all of these qualities it does not guarantee success.