What does it take to become an entrepreneur? Β Do you think you could do it? Β There are a set of key charcteristics which many entrepreneurs possess, so if you can say “Yes that’s me!” to the majority of them, you might just be an entrepreneur (or at least want to have a go!). Β Here’s the short list from a MaRS resource on entrepreneurship:
Key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs excel at identifying business opportunitiesΒ and staying focused on opportunities, not problems.
They learn from their mistakes.
They are action-oriented. Β They like to get things done and love to turn their ideas into reality.
They understand what it takes to succeed and often have a high physical stamina to carry them through their lives and work.
Successful entrepreneurs seek outside help to supplement their expertise and their enthusiasm attracts people to their ideas, especially employees, creditors, investors and partners.
Entrepreneurs dream big, but follow up their dreams with action, determination and perseverance, often sacrificing income in the short term for a longer term gain. Β A great paper by Iowa State ExtensionΒ lists the 10 D’s of Entrepreneurs: Dream, Decisiveness, Doers, Determination, Dedication, Devotion, Details, Destiny, Dollars, Distribute. Β These elements of the entrepreneur’s persona are the core of what makes an entrepreneur, an entrepreneur.
How to develop the soft skills of the successful entrepreneur
Enterprising Oxford is a University of Oxford initiative to help connect people to the entrepreneurship resources they need, and to promote entrepreneurship across Oxfordshire.
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