Entrepreneurs come in different shapes and sizes. Some are innovators, reinventing the way things are and re-introducing fresh ideas to the public. Others are imitators, building on what’s already existing. And then there are visionaries, thought leaders, and world-changers.
What’s interesting is, despite differences in perspectives, strategies, and career paths, all successful entrepreneurs share the same sets of virtues. Noble values that keep them at the top of their game. If you want to gauge your readiness for entrepreneurship and chance at business success, you should ask yourself if you have these attitudes:
Passion
Successful entrepreneurs have a bigger, more profound purpose for their business, other than making money out of it. Some feel a firm conviction to help a certain community through their social enterprise. Others believe that it’s their life’s mission to fill hungry stomachs and satisfy cravings.
When you have this kind of passion for your business, you’re able to put in longer hours and do the extra work. You can endure the toughest failures and uncertainties. Even if that means not getting the returns right away.
If you haven’t found your passion yet for your venture, do some soul-searching first before taking the plunge. Maybe talk to some seasoned entrepreneurs. Travel. Commit to a silent retreat. These can hopefully help you get in touch with that noble purpose for engaging in this arduous task.
Optimism
At every turn, at every phase in business, there’s a risk involved. You can be broke within months, weeks even. You may hire a liability in the company. You can’t be a hundred percent sure if your idea will appeal to the market. In other words, you have every reason not to be hopeful about your venture.
But successful entrepreneurs are. And that’s what separates them from the rest. They believe in their products. They trust their people. It’s not that they are ignorant of the risks. They’re highly aware of them. That’s why they make every effort to be prepared for failure. And that’s why they are optimistic.
If you haven’t developed yet this positive outlook and the ability to plan for failure, consider getting into less risky ventures, like franchising. If, by any chance, your passion is improving spaces, you might want to consider lawn maintenance franchises.
Creativity
Even if you choose to be in a ‘less creative’ industry, say, construction, manufacturing, or agriculture, you need to have this trait. You must be able to think outside the box. Because that’s what’s going to fuel innovation in your company.
That’s going to be the very thing preventing you from being stagnant and complacent. That will help you solve dilemmas in your organization. So how do you sharpen creativity? There are lots of ways. Read books. Jot down your ‘shower thoughts’ and Eureka moments.
Fill your office space with inspirations. Most importantly, take a break. The mind becomes more pliable to creativity when it’s not under pressure and is at rest.
Do You Have These?
Every successful entrepreneur is passionate, optimistic, and creative. If you haven’t developed these traits yet, start exercising them now. Plot it in your preparation game plan.
