Through talking with aspiring entrepreneurs on an almost-daily basis and by
going through the entrepreneurial process myself, I have discovered something:
There is a mystique associated with launching a business.
Simply said, many people believe that successful entrepreneurs are born with
specific personality traits that others don't have, like movie-star charisma or
an unusual tolerance for risk. This just isn’t the case. Though some successful
individuals may have these traits, other entrepreneurs may be shy by nature or
financially conservative.
At the same time, I’ve also discovered that there are, indeed, certain
behaviors and traits that can aid an entrepreneur’s success. Fortunately, most
of these are learned behaviors, so you don’t have to worry about being
genetically pre-disposed to an entrepreneurial life.
I’ve observed the following three elements to be key factors in achieving
success.
Clarity Regarding Your Life Goals
It's critical to put your thoughts in writing and express them out loud.
Many experts and successful business owners talk about the importance of stating
our intention--what we intend to do if we want to make progress in our lives and
achieve our life goals. To do this, it’s essential to truly clarify what,
specifically, you want. It isn’t enough to say, “I want to be a successful
entrepreneur.” Instead, you should examine what is driving this goal. Is it:
- To have financial independence?
- To set your own schedule?
- To work from home?
- To provide a solution to a problem and help others?
You must get as focused as possible to fully understand your motivations.
This will paint a picture of your "Living Dream." Then, once you’ve stated your
intention, you need to back it with concerted effort and take action.
Understanding What You Seek to Build
Knowing and speaking your Living Dream will help you lead your life as
opposed to conducting your life in an unplanned or accidental manner. Women in
particular have varying motivations for becoming entrepreneurs. Some do it
because they want to find an outlet for their creativity that’s lacking in their
personal lives or their current work environment. Others do it to provide a more
flexible lifestyle--one that gives them more time with their children. Still
others do it to create wealth or to satisfy a vision.
Whatever your motivation, it’s helpful to understand it clearly in advance.
The mom who wants to run a part-time business--and keep it that way--will
require a different style of leadership than the mom who wants to build an
international business. This understanding will help drive the way you run and
grow your company.
Drive, Passion and the Will to Do Whatever It
Takes
Your background, marital status, financial status and religion are all
virtually meaningless predictors of your success. Successful entrepreneurs come
from every walk of life and every situation. More critical is who you are today
and how you approach a challenge. Among the hundreds of entrepreneurs I’ve
consulted, interviewed or read about, a few specific characteristics are
universal:
• A drive to succeed. • A passion for what they are doing. • The willingness
to do whatever it takes to ensure their success.
What does that mean, specifically? On a good day, starting and running a
company take an incredible amount of commitment, time and hard work. When you
add in the unexpected obstacles--tapping out your financial resources, dealing
with personal problems, coping with unscrupulous partners or vendors--it can be
tempting to throw in the towel.
However, if you believe fully in your idea and you are unwilling to give up,
you will inevitably find solutions to whatever stands in your way. This belief
and conviction that you will succeed will ensure that you continue to move
forward and that you will look at problems as opportunities instead of
obstacles.