Do You Have What It Takes?

        Learn the characteristics and habits of creative, successful entrepreneurs.

       Many successful entrepreneurs have similar traits and characteristics.  Learn what these are and what

       you can do to improve on your own.

       FICTION: To be an entrepreneur, you must be born that way.

       FACT: Anyone can learn to operate like an entrepreneur.

       What are the similarities of successful entrepreneurs?

·         Persistence

·         Desire for immediate feedback

·         Inquisitiveness

·         Strong drive to achieve

·         High energy level

·         Goal-oriented behavior

·         Independent

·         Demanding

·         Self-confident

·         Calculated risk taker

·         Creative

·         Innovative

·         Vision

·         Commitment

·         Problem solving skills

·         Tolerance for ambiguity

·         Strong integrity

·         Highly reliable

·         Personal initiative

·         Ability to consolidate resources

·         Strong management and organizational skills

·         Competitive

·         Change agent

·         Tolerance for failure

·         Desire to work hard

·         Luck

Many entrepreneurs also had a role model to influence them early on and parents who were

entrepreneurs.  Two traits necessary for successful entrepreneurs are creativity and innovation.

What is Creativity?

Creativity is being able to create new ideas and ways to solve problems that provide cool opportunities.

Characteristics of Creative People

·         Bright

·         Adaptable

·         High self esteem

·         Challenge-oriented

·         Idea-oriented

·         Inquisitive

·         Curious

Can you improve your creativity? YES! HOW?

Gather as much information as you can (read, talk with experts, etc.); brainstorm over time. Just think

about the problem or issue until an idea comes to you.

Is the solution reasonable? If so, try it. If not, keep thinking. Did it work? Is so, great. If not, begin the

process over again. Don’t put barriers on your mind. Put these steps to use.

Left Brain

Analytical

Rational

Right Brain

Intuitive

Artistic

You need both sides of your brain when being creative, as they complement each other.

What is an Innovation?

Something that is invented (ex. CDs), or

Something that is created from and existing idea or product (ex. Super Wal-Mart).

Where do innovative ideas come from?

Unsatisfied customers

Demographic changes in society

Luck

Imagination

Vision

Problem-solving

Remember:

Look for new ideas

Keep it simple, start small, try, try, try again!