I came across an interesting article in Business Dictionary about three weeks ago that talked about the top four traits of successful entrepreneurs. As most small retailers are entrepreneurs I thought the article (with my own comments added of course) would make interesting reading. So whether you are or want to be an entrepreneur, this article offers some good ideas.
Becoming an entrepreneur takes a specific type of personality, though, according to the article, it includes traits that can be developed.
ONE: As an entrepreneur you need to be a problem solver who can look at problems as an opportunity. If you can solve your customers as well as your employees problems, or learn how to understand their wants, needs and desires you can provide solutions that will make people happy and make you successful and profitable.
TWO: An entrepreneur takes calculated risks. The article reminds us that risk-averse people do not, as a rule, make very good entrepreneurs, though on the other hand neither do reckless people who leap first and look later. To be a successful entrepreneur you need to evaluate and minimize risk.
Also, entrepreneurs need to learn from their mistakes and then move on. It doesn’t help to waste time on what ifs. Analyze what went wrong and go forward.
THREE: An entrepreneur is self-motivated. It’s about getting done what has to be done, even though you may not like some of those tasks. In fact get the tasks you don’t like done first. You also have to be constantly looking forward, creating plausible plans to create more opportunities and ways to succeed.
FOUR: An entrepreneur is confident. Fear can make you back away from projects that could be ultimately successful. If you aren’t confident you will have a harder time getting others to see the value in your business, service or products.
I have added a fifth rule to this group of four and that is surround yourself with people who have entrepreneurial tendencies. People who, while they don’t have their business, are creative and understand the need to innovate to move forward.
Keep growing your entrepreneurial spirit.
A tip of the glass from me to you
E Column
by Elizabeth “E” Slater, In Short Direct Marketing
A recognized expert in the fields of direct marketing and sales in the wine marketplace. Slater has taught more wineries and winery associations how to create and improve the effectiveness of their direct marketing programs and to make the most of each customer’s potential than anyone in the wine industry today.
