The DNA of Real Entrepreneurs

The word "entrepreneur" has become a cliche. Almost everyone wants to become one. We crave the independence that comes with being one. Freedom to changes things, to do what we love, to call the shots, freedom to get rich early on in life. There’s the status bit too. But who really is an entrepreneur and what truly separates the real entrepreneurs from the wannabes or what makes some successful where others fail. 

Real entrepreneurs possess certain attributes in their DNA:

-     - Curiousity addiction

Real entrepreneurs have pipes that supply information they need to make the right decisions. Some are born this way, others develop it. Having the right network of people, following your industry news and trends, asking  questions to determine the human factor behind everything you see are some of the ways to stay informed. If you didn't know of a coming change in government policy or a move by a competitor that may affect your business you cant possibly react well. If you don’t know about an opportunity, you cant possibly seize it. 

-     - Money behind ideas

I once share this point with a colleague and he added: “...and makes money from them”. So true but not in all cases. Several projects and product ideas will fail but real entreprenuers never stop taking risks and never give up trying. The beauty is that failure prepares people for success better than success itself. If you’re afraid to invest your money because you’ve lost some before maybe you’re not cut out for this. 

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      - Incredible boldness and self-assurance

Real entreprenuers are recklessly bold. The make huge demands and believe they can get anything they want. With this kind of mindset and determination they are most times able to bend the will of others in their favour seeming larger than life in the process. They’re never afraid to get a No.

-     - Create non-existing opportunities

Look around entrepreneurs and you’ll find things that came to life as a result of their effort. They create products, services and businesses from both favorable and difficult situations. Some get wealthy by latching onto an opportunity during a war others by redefining an existing industry. No resource is left untapped from money to relationships to skills. 

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-     - Know how to delay gratification

With a laser focus on earning revenues and spending prudently, real entrepreneurs know how to do it right. Most of the CEOs of successful technology companies have been known to be highly disciplined with resources. It takes a combination of discipline, sacrifice and purposefulness to create a profitable company. Wannabe entrepreneurs squander their little revenues in business and this easily sets them on a path to bankruptcy.

There you have it! Are you a real entrepreneur or a wannabe?