10 ways Entrepreneurs diff. #1

by Colleen McMorrow London Globe-Mail 1/06/11 Enhanced by Peter Wiz4.biz 3/13

Often, Entrepreneurs are characterized as the “rock stars” of the business world. This romantic vision is appealing but, like most stereotypes, a far cry from reality. So, what makes a good entrepreneur great? There’s no entrepreneurship gene. But leading entrepreneurs do share common traits, beliefs & approaches that empower them to drive innovation – and business – around the world.

1. They’re made, not born. Fifty-eight (58) per cent of entrepreneurs we surveyed have “transitioned” to entrepreneurship, and one-third say their experience as an employee enabled them to build a successful enterprise of their own. You may not be an entrepreneur yet – but you could be one soon. And everything you’re learning now at your boring company, will help along the way, so put up with it.

2. They believe Knowledge should be shared. More than three-quarters (3/4) of Canadian respondents are mentoring other entrepreneurs in some form. They value the lessons learned from these relationships, and they pass that knowledge on. Collaborating like this benefits the teacher, and the student.

3. They know keeping an eye on the Prize pays off. Accessing funding is the top challenge facing entrepreneurs today, and a real stumbling block to startup success. Those who succeed, do so by building strong relationships and thinking outside the financing box, looking for alternatives & opportunities long after the first “no.”

4. The best realize there’s no “I” in Team. Good entrepreneurs surround themselves with good people – who not only have the technical & business skills to take the company forward, but also share the leader’s values. Survey respondents say finding people who share their vision is challenging, but critically important.

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