5 Best Behaviors of Exceptional Entrepreneurs

from INC.com Zine 02 july 15 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

$100 to $100K. Not too long ago, I shared the story of how I built-a $100K Beef-Jerky business in 6 months – starting with less then $100. Since sharing that story, I’ve been contacted by 100′s of people asking various questions about getting started, the subscription model business, ways to market your product & various other questions.

I loved helping these people. Even the ones I suspected were just fishing for competitive data. It just feels good to help others in need, even if it’s something as simple as answering a question. It occurred to me that, while it wasn’t my goal, many of the people I have helped, have also helped me in return. Some of them have become subscribers, others have introduced me to new vendors and some have simply become followers of my posts.

The Returns. I’m not giving advice in return for favors, but consequently, it tends to happen. I’ve found that most entrepreneurs are exceptionally good about helping their fellow brothers & sisters in business. The entrepreneurial community is almost fraternal in that way by:

1. Helping others do better, makes you a better entrepreneur in return. I’m not sure anyone could argue against it. Along those same lines, here are four other endearing behaviors that drive entrepreneurial success:

2. Listening to others. Because of their strong sense of curiosity and fascination with how things work, entrepreneurs are exceptionally good at listening. Often times, people walk away from a conversation with an entrepreneur, feeling like it was the best conversation they’ve had, while realizing later it was because they were the only one talking. Strong entrepreneurs are listeners by nature. They genuinely care what others have to say.

3. Giving Credit, where credit is due. Last week I wrote a story about Product Hunt, which I described as today’s most important site for entrepreneurs. A good portion of the post was giving credit to its founder, Ryan Hoover. Of course he was humbled, but also made it very clear on Twitter that his team deserves the credit for the sites success. Great entrepreneurs are keenly aware that success is a Team effort, are exceptionally good at making sure that those that deserve the credit, get it.

4. Treating Customers like gold. A business without customers is a hobby. As I’ve said many times before, Sales is everything. You wouldn’t have a business without them. Successful entrepreneurs never forget the importance of each sale and genuinely appreciate anyone that’s willing to part their cash for their products or services. Often times you’ll see an entrepreneur go out of their way to please a customer, even if it means losing money or profits on the sale.

5. Sharing in their success. Entrepreneurs remember what it was like when they were flat broke with no income in sight. The struggle to make it is very near and dear to them. Often times, this is why – after some success – many entrepreneurs become angel investors and philanthropists. When great entrepreneurs start having success, the ones around them are usually the first to benefit.

Comments: What endearing behaviors have you seen from exceptional Entrepreneurs?