While studies regarding entrepreneurial characteristics vary, most can be reduced to 14 traits. This is an invitation to measure yourself against these characteristics. Just rate yourself as "average", "less than average", and "more than average". This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. The purpose is NOT to discourage you, but to help you find out what areas you need to work on. This self rating will help you to develop a personal plan for self improvement.

The most common characteristics are:

1 EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
Some people measure their sense of worth and accomplishment internally. These people believe that achievement and setbacks are within their personal control and need no further motivation to pursue success. Such people make strong entrepreneurs.
On the other hand, there are many people who seek their sense of self worth from external sources. They need others to approve their achievement. They tend to believe that success depends on luck, fate or other uncontrollable factors. They tend to be perfectionists, never satisfied with their work until someone else validates their output. People who have a sense of external validation face challenges in starting their business. However, knowing that you generally seek external validation will help you develop your personal behaviors so that you deal more easily with rejection, setbacks and challenges to self-confidence. If you are conscious of how you develop your sense of self worth you are more able to modify your behavior. External validation represents a weakness, but not an insurmountable barrier.

2 ENERGY AND COMMITMENT
Entrepreneurs are generally recognized as having a high amount of personal energy and drive. They generally put in longer hours, work on weekends, work outside the "9 to 5" model, and such. In assessing yourself, be careful not to underestimate your energy level. If you have been stuck in a rut (such as a boring job) or if your life has been somewhat aimless (like being chronically unemployed) these instances are not good indicators of your drive and energy. Think instead of instances where you have experienced high interest and measure potential energy and commitment from these examples. Also, consider your state of health. Can you take measures to improve your energy levels?

3 LONG TERM INVOLVEMENT
Entrepreneurs get into business for the "long haul". This is the feature that distinguishes entrepreneurs from promoters

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Characteristics of a successful entrepreneur?
We want to hear your view. Write now!