So much goes into creating a successful company or career. The reality is, there’s no single secret to being a successful entrepreneur or business founder. It often comes down to a mix of elements such as having the right idea at the right time; the relevant skills, ability and attitude; the relentless work ethic, passion and focus; and supportive resources and team members. By observing fellow entrepreneurs, as well as knowing what has served me as a startup founder and CEO, Here are the qualities I think are key to launching and leading a successful company:
1) Have courage – You know that pit you feel in your stomach when you do something risky? Entrepreneurs embrace that feeling, believing the benefits outweigh the risks. This doesn’t mean that we do not feel fear. It means that in spite of our fears, we move forward.
2) Have vision – Successful entrepreneurs are visionary. They may see opportunities before others do, and move forward to capitalize on them. We see what’s around the corner, anticipating needs and creating solutions.
3) Use your instincts – Entrepreneurs often rely on instinct. If we feel strongly that an idea is something the market needs, it’s likely that we’ll trust our gut and go with it, no matter what the naysayers say.
4) Be analytical – The best entrepreneurs don’t rely just on their gut. We use data to prove that our instincts are correct. Market research, testing, sampling, surveys – just a few of the tools we use to gather information before we invest.
5) Be confident – The best entrepreneurs play to their strengths. Where there is weakness, they find others who excel and delegate tasks. This confidence allows them to make difficult decisions and enables them to lead.
6) Be empathetic – The best entrepreneurial leaders display empathy and authenticity, allowing room for others’ perspectives, even if they’re different than their own. They’re great networkers and relationship-builders.
7) Be passionate – Many entrepreneurs I know are driven by pure passion. We put our whole hearts into it, and this passion fuels the enormous energy that is required to start and run a business.
8) Be adaptable – Entrepreneurs expect the unexpected. This enables them to keep calm in the chaos. The ability to flex and adapt to a constantly changing marketplace is key.
9) Be resilient – Resilience allows you to overcome adversity. Bouncing back from setbacks is perhaps the most vital life skill. We all fail; it’s often the best way to learn. It’s what you do after the failure that makes the difference.
10) Stay focused – Successful founders are laser-focused in order to truly make our businesses flourish. The pursuit of excellence is a full-time job, so we don’t take our eye off the ball.
11) Be persistent – Even if you lack some of the qualities of the best entrepreneurs, if you’re persistent and have grit, it may tip the scales for you. Successful entrepreneurs maneuver around obstacles and create new paths. We don’t give up, and that is why we succeed.
This article was also published in Curated Chicago magazine (see image).
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So much goes into creating a successful company or career. The reality is, there’s no single secret to being a successful entrepreneur or business founder. It often comes down to a mix of elements such as having the right idea at the right time; the relevant skills, ability and attitude; the relentless work ethic, passion and focus; and supportive resources and team members. By observing fellow entrepreneurs, as well as knowing what has served me as a startup founder and CEO, Here are the qualities I think are key to launching and leading a successful company:
1) Have courage – You know that pit you feel in your stomach when you do something risky? Entrepreneurs embrace that feeling, believing the benefits outweigh the risks. This doesn’t mean that we do not feel fear. It means that in spite of our fears, we move forward.
2) Have vision – Successful entrepreneurs are visionary. They may see opportunities before others do, and move forward to capitalize on them. We see what’s around the corner, anticipating needs and creating solutions.
3) Use your instincts – Entrepreneurs often rely on instinct. If we feel strongly that an idea is something the market needs, it’s likely that we’ll trust our gut and go with it, no matter what the naysayers say.
4) Be analytical – The best entrepreneurs don’t rely just on their gut. We use data to prove that our instincts are correct. Market research, testing, sampling, surveys – just a few of the tools we use to gather information before we invest.
5) Be confident – The best entrepreneurs play to their strengths. Where there is weakness, they find others who excel and delegate tasks. This confidence allows them to make difficult decisions and enables them to lead.
6) Be empathetic – The best entrepreneurial leaders display empathy and authenticity, allowing room for others’ perspectives, even if they’re different than their own. They’re great networkers and relationship-builders.
7) Be passionate – Many entrepreneurs I know are driven by pure passion. We put our whole hearts into it, and this passion fuels the enormous energy that is required to start and run a business.
8) Be adaptable – Entrepreneurs expect the unexpected. This enables them to keep calm in the chaos. The ability to flex and adapt to a constantly changing marketplace is key.
9) Be resilient – Resilience allows you to overcome adversity. Bouncing back from setbacks is perhaps the most vital life skill. We all fail; it’s often the best way to learn. It’s what you do after the failure that makes the difference.
10) Stay focused – Successful founders are laser-focused in order to truly make our businesses flourish. The pursuit of excellence is a full-time job, so we don’t take our eye off the ball.
11) Be persistent – Even if you lack some of the qualities of the best entrepreneurs, if you’re persistent and have grit, it may tip the scales for you. Successful entrepreneurs maneuver around obstacles and create new paths. We don’t give up, and that is why we succeed.
This article was also published in Curated Chicago magazine (see image).