What Does It Take To Be An Entrepreneur?
Every once in a while, I am asked the question, “What does it take to be an entrepreneur?” and I find myself digging for a response that will satisfy the asker. It’s a topic that many are interested in hearing more about because they want to know if they, too, can pursue a career doing something they love, which is the reason most entrepreneurs begin a business in the first place. So then begs the next question(s): Can entrepreneurs be born? Is it something you can learn over time? What qualities do entrepreneurs possess that make them different?
I began wondering how other entrepreneurs would answer these questions when I read an interview from Retire @ 21 with Pete Cashmore, founder of Mashable.com. It was his response to this question that caught my attention…
Let me emphasize where he says, “Personally, I’m just not good at obeying authority figures.”
I immediately grinned upon seeing this, knowing that I struggle with the same issue. Even from the time I was really young, I always wanted to do my own thing and be completely independent.
So, is this a bad thing? I don’t think so, given that one still maintains respect for important figures of authority. Generally speaking, it may often times be personalities like Pete Cashmore’s and my own that make better leaders than followers. And I think that statement stands true for many successful entrepreneurs.
Here are what a few of my Facebook friends had to say in response to my posting of the interview above with the following question – “What are some qualities that you think entrepreneurs possess? Do you think entrepreneurialism can be learned?”
Entrepreneurs cannot help themselves I believe. It leaks out. Can they be learned? I haven’t given that much thought but I think it is a character trait and you just cannot stop yourself. You can get in the way of yourself…but not stop yourself. Can every person be creative? Is everyone a good creative thinker? I like what Pete has to say. – Lori Abercrombie, Lather & Lace
I feel it is absolutely both. I think about my personal story and how I was raised to go to school, get good grades so you can go to a good school, so you can get good grades so you can get a good job. Very both methodical yet so wrong. We are all put here to find ourselves. I went to school to be an Engineer and very quickly realized I could not fulfill life long goals of changing the world as an engineer. I taught myself how to be an entrepreneur. – Arthur Tubman, D4Y Brand Builders
I think that an entrepreneur is someone that can see their vision so clearly that not much can throw them off track. Sure there will be detours but they just keep moving forward. I think it’s that inspired persistence that very often keeps us going. I have always been one that will figure out a way, in fact, I think that’s all part of the fun of being an entrepreneur. – Marie Taulbee, LaRaedo Horse Farm Management
I think being an entrepreneur can be learned, yes, like anything can, but the ones who are really successful have an innate talent for it, just like artists, sports figures, actors, etc. I think they have a lot more tolerance for risk taking, and also have a high level of self-motivation and self-discipline. They also need to have a fair amount of creativity, not just in developing business ideas, but sometimes in making things work financially when times are lean. They also have good business acumen and good people skills too, since they are much more “out in front” so to speak. – Carolynne Smith, PixelGraphix Design
Personally, I’m a little torn. I think that the desire and drive is something that has to be in you – however – I think that natural entrepreneurial spirit and drive can be crushed if you’ve suffered some major setbacks or failures, either personal or professional that can leave you questioning that inherent quality. Thus, that ability to take the risk and push forward can and must be re-learned. – Thea Dreisbach, Dirt Road Daughters Magazine
I definitely think it takes the right kind of person to really believe in themselves and follow through with their goals and aspirations, I have always been a serial entrepreneur so as far as it being something that can be learned I’m really not sure! But it takes lots of time and dedication to start-up and maintain a business you have to be 100% self motivated! – Lynzee Beach, SugaRein
What do YOU think it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?
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