Is there an entrepreneur gene?
The whole concept of Entrepreneurship is interesting but are they born or are they created? The entrepreneur gene as it were. Why does one person risk it all to do something differently – whilst another dream but never acts, and yet another person could think of nothing worse than running their own show.
The buzz in the room was electric and exciting. Each talking on top of each other about the opportunities that could arise as a result of a slow down. All looking at what opportunities would come their way, what businesses they could create or buy as a result of a new playing field.
On my return, I was reading the latest “Grow your Business” from Switzermedia.com.au and I thought it interesting to read Peter Switzer’s 29 characteristics that are ‘typical’ of those people who call themselves entrepreneurs – and Peter has talked to enough of them to know:
- Can’t work for anyone else – like to be the boss
- Egalitarian – like to be the boss, but they’re not elitist
- Takes action – They are not day dreamers
- Their business doesn’t make them a champion – from an early age, they are champions in the making
- Often launch with very little money
- Speak their mind
- Handle rejection
- Like to prove doubters wrong
- Know how to get around obstacles
- Believe in being hands-on
- Don’t mind being alone
- Can cope with failure
- Like control
- Future focused – don’t get caught in today
- They tick faster than the clock – they never watch the clock
- Adrenalin charged
- Manage time well
- Goal oriented
- Into self-improvement
- Often want to move faster than time
- Strong work ethic
- Having nothing is no barrier
- Often have a naive confidence in their own ability to do things
- Respect staff
- Understand the importance of systems in the business growth process
- Not afraid of making mistakes
- Make decisions even if they are wrong ones
- Don’t like to be penned in – look for challenges
- Retirement is not an option
Just because someone starts a business – does not mean that they are an entrepreneur. It is something innate, the ‘dare devil’ within. The question remains can it be taught. We need as many people as possible who see opportunity rather than negativity – people who say ‘let’s go for it.’
