These days, everyone wants to call themselves an entrepreneur. It might seem as simple as having an idea and a website, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It takes talent to get an idea off the ground, no matter how amazing that idea is. And while anyone can be an entrepreneur, the word itself is becoming dangerously overused.
In this article, we’re looking at the key qualities that make up the modern entrepreneur, the skills required, and the steps you can take to start thinking like one.
Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses
An entrepreneur has the courage to back themselves. They’re confident in their ideas and the execution of those ideas – yet they remain humble. They recognise and embrace their strengths, but at the same time, they know their weaknesses. A good entrepreneur has the foresight to seek advice and help from industry experts when they need it. Cultivating a successful business requires a team approach, and an entrepreneur will surround themselves with a group of professionals who can help them succeed. Ultimately, they understand that no matter how much they already know, there will always be more to learn, and that invigorates them.
The Importance of Vision
An entrepreneur crystallizes problems that most of us didn’t even know we had and then delivers the ‘must have’ solution to satisfy them. True entrepreneurs are visionaries, forward-thinkers. They’re able to see the future and visualise where the world is heading. More importantly, they are able to inspire and engage others with this compelling future shared vision and commit them with the passion to make it happen.
The Creative Spark
You need creativity to succeed as an entrepreneur. Your business will be nothing without an original, authentic idea behind it. But there’s a huge difference between being innovative and being entrepreneurial. Innovation is the first step toward entrepreneurialism. A true entrepreneur is a good facilitator, enabler and motivator. They inspire the right people to make sure each element of their idea comes to fruition; they encourage smooth implementation; they take an idea, monetise it, create an audience, stimulate their need for it, and then turn that into a successful, sustainable business.
Being a modern entrepreneur requires more than just a great idea. It takes persistence, hard work and a massive amount of dedication. But that doesn’t mean it’s beyond you. If you have the determination and the right mindset, you can turn those ideas into a successful, scaleable and sustainable business that makes a dent in the universe.
If you’re in South Australia and want to see entrepreneurs in action, register your seat to Australia Post’s Regional Pitchfest on the 28th of July to hear some innovative pitches and watch our own Bushy Martin as MC and stage host. Tickets are free, but the experience will be priceless.
