Thursday, 2 August 2012
It’s a question asked by many. How do you become an entrepreneur? Becoming an entrepreneur is easy. Becoming a successful one takes work. It’s more than just having a good idea.
Having established a number of successful businesses and social enterprises, I have made many mistakes, learned many lessons and experienced many victories. Here’s a breakdown of the attributes I believe one needs to make a good go of entrepreneurship and forge a sustainable and successful path.
Intelligence
How intelligent are you? You don’t need a PHD or even a degree but if you don’t have great instincts, intuition or street smarts, you are one step behind the eight-ball.
Imagination
As Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Optimism
You have to believe you can achieve what you set out to achieve and work to inspire others and those around you. Pessimism is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Vision
Be a visionary. Begin with the end in mind and refuse to be tripped up or slowed down by over analysing your actions, neglecting to make decisions or from fear of obstacles. Tackle every task head-on and with gusto.
Creativity
Always trouble-shoot to find an answer, an alternative and new and improved solutions to problems you face.
“Can-do” attitude
Always find ways of make things work when others only see the problem they’re facing.
Courage
Courage is when your strength overcomes your fear and you dare to ‘ask’ for what you want, need or desire.
Persistence
You will rarely take no for an answer and when you receive a no you handle it with grace and charm.
Resilience
When you fall, you fall quickly but you always get up and try again.
Collaborative
You can bring together the right people to support your idea and make it happen.
Opportunistic
Luck comes to those who are constantly looking for new and existing opportunities.
Realism
Many great ideas never see the light of day. Be realistic about what is possible. Don’t expect to get rich quick.
Competitiveness
Without a competitive spirit you will fall by the wayside.
Future-looking
You are a game-changer. You keep up with future trends and believe the future is full of potential.
Now you’ve assessed the attributes you have or need to develop, here are some actions you should take to get started:
Make realistic assessments of the demand for your product, system, service or process.
- Devise a strategy and document it.
- Gather a diverse advisory board of trusted mentors, senior leaders and colleagues around you. Listen to their feedback and thank them for their support.
- Find the right people to be part of your team and consider innovative ways you will keep them engaged.
- Start implementing as soon as possible. Don’t be put off by nay-sayers.
- Monitor your progress, test and fail. Make appropriate adjustments as required.
- Borrow as little as possible and try to retain equity.
- Manage – don’t stress – about problems you face.
- Continue your own development. Upskill yourself and those around you.
- Remain focused and be positive and passionate about your project. Smile and have fun!
Celebrate your achievements and reward great ideas and innovation.
Tania de Jong AM is a leading soprano, inspirational keynote speaker and award-winning social entrepreneur and business woman. She is the founder of Creative Universe, an organisation that offers a range of Australia’s best performers, speakers and creative leadership and team building programs. These innovative programs have been designed to unlock the creative potential lying dormant within all of us. Tania is also Executive Producer of Creative Innovation 2012, which is a major conference that takes place in Melbourne each year. Tania can be contacted at tania@mtaust.com and more information can be found at www.creativeuniverse.com.au and www.ci2012.com.au
