Personality Traits of an Entrepreneur

Research done by Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business identified over 200 successful entrepreneurs.  Being successful was defined as being in business for at least five years with gross revenues of $1 million or more.  

 Judith L. Glick-Smith wrote an article for The Society for Technical Communicators Journal (STC), Intercom.  She identifies traits of a successful entrepreneur which include: good health, self-confidence, sense of urgency, comprehensive awareness, realistic outlook, low need for status, emotional stability and attraction to challenge.  The last characteristic I mention regarding challenge, should not be mistaken for risk.  Glick-Smith makes it clear that although the successful entrepreneur may look like he/she is taking risks, they infact, have “thoroughly assessed the risks”.  You can see more of Glick-Smith’s article by visiting stc.org.

What are your personality traits?

From an article by Brian Deagon which appeared in Investor’s Business Daily on January 26, 2009

“The single most important thing you need when starting a business is belief in yourself, that you can do this” Jason Nazar, founder and chief executive, Docstoc

From Investor’s Business Daily on January 26, 2009

“Conduct a diagnostic test on your business by examining four key indicators: Analyze cash flow, debt load, financial trends and industry condition.  It is important to identify vulnerabilities and address them”  Jeff Cornwall, professor of entrepreneurship at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.