AKRON—In general, successful
entrepreneurs tend to be creative individuals who are adept at problem solving. But there
are other characteristics that can be learned, according to David Glass, president of the
Ohio Society of CPAs Akron/Canton Chapter. Here are the 10 key traits of the successful
entrepreneur, according to Glass:
Goal driven. Staying focused on a clear goal, and keeping
employees focused on that goal, is often one of the most difficult tasks of the
entrepreneur. In fact, one of the most important lessons business owners learn early on is
that their company can't be all things to all people. The more focused the company is on
producing what it makes best, the more likely it will succeed.
Customer focused. Without customers, you cannot build a
business. The successful entrepreneur spends time understanding the interests and buying
trends of potential customers and views the company's products or services through the
customers' eyes.
Team oriented. Most successful entrepreneurs recognize they
can't build or run their business alone. Delegating responsibilities to teams of employees
or even outside consultants will not only allow the company to focus on its core
competencies but also will improve the efficiency of its operations and provide avenues
for creative ideas to filter their way to management.
Skills oriented. Each team member must have demonstrable skills
that can contribute to the company's overall performance. The astute entrepreneur makes
sure his team possesses a diverse skill base—one which complements his or her own
skills and can create synergies in a team environment. The entrepreneur is committed to
employees maintaining their skills by providing ongoing educational opportunities.
Techno-knowledgeable. Virtually every aspect of a business, from
manufacturing to financial management to marketing, requires technological proficiency.
The entrepreneur must possess some knowledge of technology and take the initiative to hire
individualswho can implement technological plans and programs.
Global thinking. More and more businesses today are going
international. Operating in a global environment means entrepreneurs must understand the
trends as well as the economic and legal issues which have an impact on international
markets, products and local customs. Even if you don't anticipate expanding your business
across continents, understanding how companies similar to yours operate in other parts of
the world can provide valuable information which may be put to use in your own business.
Flexible minded. The successful entrepreneur is sensitive to the
changing marketplace, competitor strategies and customer preferences and adapts products
or services, accordingly.
Bottom-line oriented. Making money—and profits
—requires managing money successfully, being financially astute, carefully managing
vendors and suppliers and hiring the right team of financial advisors.
Socially responsible. Being socially responsible can also
contribute to acompany's -success. In today's business and social climates, entrepreneurs
who are looking to provide a social benefit by making a commitment to serving the
economically disadvantaged, protecting the environment or adopting some other social
cause, are more likely to be favorably perceived by end-users of their products and
services.
Future oriented. Successful entrepreneurs don't get overwhelmed
or consumed by day-to-day problems. They have a vision for the future of their company and
make an effort to understand the trends and forces which will impact upon their ability to
achieve that vision. Thanks to the World Wide Web, more and more customers are expecting
businesses to be accessible 24 hours a day. For the entrepreneur, that means making a
commitment of time, energy and resources to be responsive to customer demands and needs.
- from The Akron West Side Leader
"To be a success in business, be daring, be first, be different."
- Marchnat
"If you lead through fear you will have little to respect;
but if you lead through respect you will have little to fear."
- Anonymous
"The few who do are the envy of the many who only
watch."
- Jim Rohn
The Treasury of Quotes
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