Eight Character Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

What is an entrepreneur?

According to an article on Study.com, “an entrepreneur is someone with an idea who has the desire, courage and financial backing to take their concept from vision to reality.”

In addition, entrepreneurs are risk-taking trailblazers who defy convention and are not afraid to strike out on their own — regardless of the consequences. 

Entrepreneurs also come in all shapes and sizes and could be anyone from an artist or homemaker to an inventor or college student who would rather work for themselves than someone else.

What qualities distinguish those people who will become successful entrepreneurs from those who won’t?

Author Bryan Collins addressed this very question in his article, “5 Characteristics Of Successful, Productive Entrepreneurs” which was recently published on Forbes.com.

In his piece, Collins paints successful entrepreneurs as people who possess the following positive attributes:

1. They realize the importance of teamwork and strive to keep their workforce motivated.
2. They try to achieve a sense of balance between their work and home life and take time off when they need to.
3. They embrace their ability to think, act and draw conclusions quickly.
4. They don’t underestimate the impact data and statistics can have on their business.
5. They maintain their health and nurture their relationships with their family and friends.
6. They make time to cultivate their hobbies and outside interests.
7. They practice meditation and regularly reflect on their lives and careers.
8. They know how to distinguish their strengths from their weaknesses.

What kind of educational background does a budding entrepreneur need?

Overall, the educational requirements for becoming an entrepreneur are non-specific. However, having a good education will be essential to your success.

In conjunction, anyone considering becoming an entrepreneur would be advised to consider making one of the following subjects your major:

• Accounting
• Communications
• Computer science
• Finances
• Graphic design
• Business Law
• Marketing
• Psychology

Tell me more about Hocking College’s Business Management and Entrepreneurship Program

Hocking College’s associate degree program is designed to provide business and entrepreneurship-oriented training to students who are both new to the business world and established professionals who aspire to one day going into business for themselves.   

The training students receive prepares them for careers in the business management field and includes a practicum in an area business, industry or agency in addition to an optional internship or cooperative work experience.

With Hocking College’s smaller class sizes, students will receive the crucial one-on-one time with instructors they’ll need to develop the following business-related skills: 

• How to develop accounting records.
• How to make sound management decisions.
• How to understand the legal system as it relates to the business world.
• How to develop and implement appropriate marketing strategies.
• How to maintain high ethical standards in business dealings.
• How to assemble an effective staff.
• How to use effective quantitative skills in business activities.

What kind of jobs can I pursue with this degree?

• Mid-level management position
• Business consultant
• Sales representative
• Research and development officer
• Non-profit fundraiser
• Teacher
• Recruiter
• Business reporter

For more information on Hocking College’s Business and Entrepreneurship Program contact Program Manager, LaDora Ousley, at ousleyl@hocking.edu or (740) 753-7062.