entrepreneurs characteristics

15 Things all great entrepreneurs have in common

15 characteristics that we believe all great entrepreneurs have in common; from Henry Ford and Benjamin Franklin to Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Bezos.

Since the first day humans walked this planet there have been entrepreneurs. This incredibly small group has been responsible for improving the lives of billions of people over thousands of years. From the creation of the wheel 5,500 years ago to the creation of the world wide web in 1989, entrepreneurs have consistently pushed boundaries and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. While an entrepreneur from 3200 B.C. Mesopotamia is incredibly different from our modern day entrepreneur heroes like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, they do have several things in common. Below are 15 characteristics that we believe all great entrepreneurs have in common; from Henry Ford and Benjamin Franklin to Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Bezos.

Great entrepreneurs are driven by purpose, not money.
Great entrepreneurs focus on their goals, not their critics.
Great entrepreneurs always find the yes.
Great entrepreneurs are addicted to success and allergic to failure.
Great entrepreneurs outgrind, outhustle and outwork everyone.
Great entrepreneurs think outside the box.
Great entrepreneurs dream big, but always hustle harder.
Great entrepreneurs are innovators, leaders, risk takers and 2% crazy.
Great entrepreneurs work hard for years to become overnight successes.
Great entrepreneurs stop talking and start doing.
Great entrepreneurs fail because they took risks, not because they didn’t.
Great entrepreneurs always have an exit strategy.
Great entrepreneurs live their startup and work 24/7.
Great entrepreneurs are able to take their startup out of the red and into the black.
Great entrepreneurs are turned on (a little humor is good) by innovation.

Are we missing anything? If there is another thing that you believe all great entrepreneurs have in common please share it in the comments below.

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The 10 characteristics of effective entrepreneurs

There is no one right way to be an entrepreneur. Business leaders come from all sorts of backgrounds and have varying areas of expertise. You might be an entrepreneur if you have some of these personality traits.

There is no one right way to be an entrepreneur. Business leaders come from all sorts of backgrounds and have varying areas of expertise.

You might be an entrepreneur if you have some of these personality traits:

1. You think on your feet.

While you have a facility for planning and organization, you aren’t afraid to throw out the outline and go in a different direction.

2. You doubt yourself.

If you feel insecure, you know that it doesn’t mean you will fail. Instead, you channel that nervous energy. You can find that you have a renewed focus for the task at hand.

3. You are inventive.

Even if you don’t have the resources you think you need, you’re able to take a step back and use what’s at your disposal.

4. You have a mind for money.

Ah, yes, revenue. You are endlessly intent on making sure your venture is profitable.

5. You don’t fear controversy.

Being successful often means disrupting the status quo.

6. You take risks.

And you see the risks you take as fruitful possibilities and opportunities to grow.

7. You are active.

Constantly hustling and one the move, you understand that it is your drive that powers your company and energizes your employees.

8. You are open to change.

You know that your company will only triumph if you evolve and change as the customer and market demands.

9. You can sell yourself.

Promoting your vision is like second nature to you. Meanwhile, you often look inward to improve your performance.

10. You rise to the occasion.

When things get tough, you feel motivated and get into gear.

For five more signs you are an entrepreneur, check out the video above.

This article was originally published in Entrepreneur.com

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