All our lives we learn about the traits of successful entrepreneurs. I remember memorising persistent, innovative, passionate, and resilient as some of their qualities before a management exam. These also came with rambling descriptions of why one needs to be passionate and so on to become an entrepreneur; they seemed logical to read. But can entrepreneurship really be taught?
If yes, then why don’t all entrepreneurs act the same way? Why is Warren Buffet so different from Carlos Slim Helu?
The truth is there is no fixed formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur. Each has their unique way of solving things. Before discovering your own Entrepreneurial Quotient (EQ), a term I personally use to refer to entrepreneurial intelligence, it is worth clarifying that entrepreneurs are like scientists who are constantly inventing/reinventing ways of solving problems faced by the human race.
A garment factory owner is manufacturing clothes to provide people with a solution for dressing in exchange for profits. The everyday challenges he faces to be in the business makes him an entrepreneur.
Nothing about entrepreneurship is for granted. Nobody can vouch for the risk you’ll be facing so it is on you to save yourself and survive. That’s why being an entrepreneur is not easy as most people will tell you and very few will actually become entrepreneurs.
Since entrepreneurship involves doing things unconventionally, here is a list of strange traits capable of making you an entrepreneur. Which of these supposed weaknesses are your strengths?
Mutant: Having a tendency to disobey rules set by others portrays you as rebellious but it also shows that you are ready to break the norms to establish your own law. This is necessary for being a trendsetter and innovator.
Hyperactive: Being discontent with lethargy means that your mind is constantly thinking of something. It is a proof of an active mind that is much needed for entrepreneurs to be able to come up with quick solutions.
Occasionally robotic: You might come off as impassive to many for not participating in pleasantries. But you find these unnecessary and sluggish so you’d rather stay away. These are not signs of being unsocial; rather, it gives you a spontaneous image.
Frequently fired: Some people are too creative to work under someone. They want to carve their own path and let others follow. These are the ones who realise their entrepreneurial talent after losing a few jobs. If you have a similar history, maybe you shouldn’t lose hope just yet.
Addicted: Once you start on something it is impossible to let it go unfinished. This characteristic is the single most distinguishing trait of an entrepreneur; it shows undying commitment towards work which is needed for success. This is driven from extreme passion for what you do to the point that it becomes an obsession.