Entrepreneurs

What makes an Entrepreneur?

• Come up with a list of characteristics that would make an entrepreneur.

• Which characteristics do you possess?

• Entrepreneurs are agents of change

• They take calculated and controlled risks to increase their chance of success

• This requires them to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves

• They must set goals to help themselves stay on track

• To identify their goals, they look for something unique that will meet a need, satisfy a want, or solve a problem

• “What if?” or “Why not?”

Characteristics of Successful

• No two entrepreneurs are alike, but they share common traits

Self-Confident

• Realistic about what can be accomplished

• Believe in themselves and their ability to succeed

• Set attainable goals and approach them with confidence

Perceptive

• Intuitive – know what is going on

• Ability to identify problems as they arise and find creative solutions

Hard-Working

• Work long and hard hours

• Good physical and mental health

• Balance commitment to work, family and friends

Motivated

• Driven be internal need for accomplishment

• Seek opportunities for success

Able to Manage Risk

• See risk as a challenge to be overcome

• Will take a calculated risk – chance of success is greater than failure

Creative

• Look at the world in new and different ways

• Enjoy challenges• Do not sit and wait for

things to happen• Take charge

Goal-Oriented

• Once original goals are achieved, set new goals and begin the process again

• Personal satisfaction give them momentum to move forward

Optimistic

• Have a positive mental attitude

• Minor setbacks do not discourage them

• Enthusiastic about what the future holds

Flexible

• Able to adjust to the changing marketplace, technology, and competition

• If one idea does not work, they look for other options

Independent

• Freedom to make their own decisions and mistakes

• Do not like to be managed by others – often leave secure jobs

• Give them control over their own destiny

Visionary

• See how things should be in the future

• Allows them to continue step by step to their goal

• Able to communicate vision to others

Able to Get Along with Others

• Insight into the abilities and personalities of others

• Allows them to build an effective team

Entrepreneurial Skills• Communicate – listen, speak and write• Generate ideas• Identify opportunities• Plan• Organize• Make decisions• Solve problems• Negotiate• Network• Market their ideas• Keep records• Lead others

Activity

Identify situations in your life where you have demonstrated any five of the characteristics.