Entrepreneur Traits

What sets successful entrepreneurs and creatives apart is their mindset - a unique set of traits and characteristics that enables them to overcome obstacles, take risks, and persevere through failure. While typically, these traits are used to start a business – especially a small business - they’re also essential life skills and employee traits that are valuable in a small business, the trades, or a large company. That’s why bringing Entrepreneur Education to schools is essential and why Entrepreneurial Education is beneficial when added to existing curriculums. It complements the basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic and benefits all students whether they pursue the trades or focus on STEM.

Whether starting a business, pursuing a career in the trades, or working in a big corporate setting, resourcefulness, problem-solving skills, risk-taking, passion, perseverance, vision, flexibility, adaptability, and courage are essential qualities for success in any industry. Individuals who possess these qualities are highly valued and can make a significant impact in their organizations. These qualities help individuals navigate challenges, find innovative solutions to problems, and stay ahead of their competitors in a constantly changing world.

The entrepreneur mindset draws upon innate qualities that can be improved, learned, and developed over time. Many creative and entrepreneurial skills are intrinsic and rooted in a person's natural abilities and talents. It is important to note that these entrepreneurial skills can be developed and honed through practice and experience.

For example, someone who is naturally creative may be more likely to come up with new and innovative ideas. However, they will still need to learn how to develop and execute those ideas to succeed. Similarly, naturally entrepreneurial people may be more likely to take risks and start their own businesses. Nonetheless, they will still need to learn to manage a business and deal with the challenges of running their own company.

In short, while some creative and entrepreneurial skills are innate, others can be learned and developed. The key is to help our youth identify their strengths and weaknesses, then focus on developing the skills they need to succeed when following their dreams and chosen paths.

Entrepreneurs versus Creatives

In the below discussion about traits, the Entrepreneur is used interchangeably with Creative. So what's the difference?

Creatives and entrepreneurs are two groups of people that, at first glance, may seem quite different. Creatives prioritize the aesthetic aspects of their work, while entrepreneurs prioritize business and financial success. Creatives often work in fields like art, music, and design, while entrepreneurs can be found in any industry. However, there are notable similarities between the two groups, and the list below mostly applies to both.
Both creatives and entrepreneurs are idea generators. They can often come up with new and innovative solutions to problems. They are also highly autonomous individuals who are self-motivated and can work independently. Additionally, creatives and entrepreneurs are risk-takers willing to try new things, even if it means potentially failing.

Despite these similarities, there are some differences between creatives and entrepreneurs. Creatives are more likely to prioritize their own personal vision and expression, while entrepreneurs prioritize market demand and profit potential. Creatives often work alone or in small groups, while entrepreneurs tend to work with larger teams and have a more hierarchical structure. Finally, creatives may be more likely to pursue their work for its intrinsic value, while entrepreneurs focus more on the practical outcome and tangible results.

So while creatives and entrepreneurs share some similarities, they are ultimately driven by different motivations and priorities. Creatives seek artistic expression, while entrepreneurs seek business success. However, both groups are highly creative and able to generate innovative ideas. Whether you are a creative or an entrepreneur, the ability to create new ideas is a valuable skill that can lead to success in any field.

The key point is that Entrepreneur Education focuses on the central traits of both, and it seeks to empower each student to find the path that suits them.

Vision and Creativity

Successful entrepreneurs have a clear vision of their goal and can think creatively to find innovative solutions to problems. They are constantly looking for new and better ways to do things and are unsatisfied with the status quo.

Having a clear vision means understanding what you want to attain and how you want to achieve it. This involves having a sense of purpose, direction, and goals that guide your creative work. Without a clear vision, creatives may struggle to create meaningful work or feel directionless in their creative pursuits.

Creatives with a clear vision can better focus their efforts and create work that aligns with their goals and values. They can make strategic decisions about their work, and they are better able to communicate their ideas to others. This clarity also allows them to be more efficient and effective in their work.

Entrepreneurs have the ability to think outside the box, to see things from different perspectives, and to find innovative solutions to problems. Creatives who possess this skill can often develop new ideas that others may not have considered. They can take risks and explore new territory, leading to breakthroughs in their work.

The combination of a clear vision and creativity allows creatives to push boundaries and create work that is both innovative and meaningful. They can see opportunities where others may see roadblocks, and they are constantly seeking ways to improve their work and challenge themselves.

A clear vision and creativity is essential for creating meaningful and innovative work, whether in the trades, leading a company, or being an individual contributor. These skills allow one to stay focused on their goals, think outside the box, and find new and better ways to do things. People who possess these skills are better able to make a difference in their fields and create impactful and inspiring work.

Passion and Perseverance

Entrepreneurship is not an easy path, and it requires much hard work, dedication, and determination. Passion and perseverance are two essential qualities that entrepreneurs need to succeed. Successful entrepreneurs have a deep-seated passion for their businesses, fueling their determination to succeed. They are willing to work hard to follow their dream and persevere through difficult times to achieve their goals.

Passion is the driving force that motivates entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. It gives them the energy and excitement to work long hours and make sacrifices to achieve their goals. Entrepreneurs who are passionate about their work are more likely to stay committed to their vision and persevere through challenges.

Perseverance is the capability to keep going even when things get tough. Entrepreneurs who possess this quality are better equipped to handle setbacks, failures, and obstacles. They can bounce back from adversity and learn from their mistakes, allowing them to grow and improve.

Entrepreneurship requires a great deal of hard work, determination, and resilience.  It is not well-suited for the faint of heart.  Successful entrepreneurs understand that their journey will have ups and downs and that setbacks are a natural part of the process. They can stay focused on their goals and persevere through difficult times.

Passion and perseverance are what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from those who fail. Entrepreneurs who are passionate about their business are more likely to find creative solutions to problems and innovate in their field. They are willing to take risks and think outside the box, which allows them to stand out from their competitors.

Passion and perseverance are essential, and entrepreneurs with these qualities are more likely to create successful businesses that make a difference in their field and, perhaps more importantly, in their communities.

Risk-taking and Courage

Starting a business involves taking risks, and successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to take calculated risks to achieve their goals. They have the courage to step outside their comfort zone and pursue opportunities that others may shy away from.

Risk-taking is essential for entrepreneurs because starting a business involves a lot of uncertainty. There are no guarantees of success, and entrepreneurs must be willing to take risks to achieve their goals. This may involve investing their own money, quitting their job, or making other significant sacrifices.

Successful entrepreneurs understand that taking risks is a natural part of the process. They know there will be setbacks and failures along the way, but they are willing to take calculated risks to achieve their goals. They're not afraid to try new things or experiment with different approaches, which allows them to innovate in their field.

Courage is another essential quality for entrepreneurs. It takes courage to step outside your comfort zone and pursue a new venture. Entrepreneurs who possess this quality can overcome their fears and take action, even when unsure of the outcome.

Courageous entrepreneurs are also better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks. They are able to stay calm and focused in difficult situations and make strategic decisions that move their business forward. They're not afraid to ask for help or seek advice from others when they need it.

Starting a business involves a lot of uncertainty, and entrepreneurs need to be willing to take risks to achieve their goals. Successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to step outside their comfort zone and pursue opportunities that others may shy away from. They can overcome their fears and take action, which allows them to innovate in their field and make a difference in their industry and community.