A first-quarter survey of nearly 2,000 CEOs by LegalZoom revealed a whopping 91 percent were “confident” or “very confident” that their companies would become more profitable in the coming 12 months. Nearly half anticipate hiring more employees in that time. In fact, confidence is one of the essential personality traits for successful entrepreneurs.
“Any natural entrepreneur is bursting with confidence, both in him- or herself and in the conditions they control. Confidence is one of the five key traits shared by successful entrepreneurs,” says Corrine Sandler, founder and CEO of Fresh Intelligence Research Corp, a global market research agency, and author of “Wake Up or Die,” a new book that applies lessons from Sun Tzu’s ancient classic, “The Art of War,” to contemporary businesses. “Entrepreneurs need risk to thrive, so believing in themselves and the people they’ve put in positions of responsibility is essential. There’s no room for doubt and second-guessing yourself.”
Sandler also says true entrepreneurs share these other four personality traits:
Passion
“It can’t be developed through leadership training, but everyone has the capacity for it,” Sandler says. “It’s the source of incredible energy that feeds on one of our most powerful emotions and compels entrepreneurs forward with excitement and enthusiasm.”
A Fighter’s Instinct
“The best fighters have studied their competition, identified their strengths and weaknesses, and used that knowledge to develop a strategy to beat them. They’re determined to give it their all whether they’re winning or losing,” Sandler says. “When things are going well, the entrepreneur who thinks the fight is over and he has won will quickly find himself knocked to the mat. Equally important is having the mental fortitude to keep fighting when you’re at the bottom, bruised and bloodied.”
Vision
“Successful entrepreneurs are always thinking ahead – planning the future with imagination and wisdom. Having a vision means being able to manifest original ideas. Strategic coaches can help you define your vision, if that’s not your strength,” Sandler advises.
Rebel
“Entrepreneurs are agents of change; they predict the future by creating it. You can’t be content with maintaining the status quo, you must push the limits. Use intelligence to quickly and accurately identify – and act on – market trends,” she continues. “Dare to be different!”
Not everyone was born to be an entrepreneur. But if that’s what you believe you want, do an honest self-assessment. If you’re lacking in one of these traits, address it.
