There is no a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to the question. However to assess if you're an entrepreneur, you need to scrutinize yourself, think about your personal character and ask yourself if you can make links where others can't - because that's the characteristic of a true entrepreneur.

You may have the right qualities; you may be driven to succeed, but a truly great entrepreneur is someone who has vision - and can bring that vision to life. According to Peter Earl, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Queensland, Australia, entrepreneurs have creative thoughts as well as the ability to interpret where there is money to be made by making particular connections. To succeed as an entrepreneur you need to meet a real market objective that others have missed - but that can be easier said than done.

To make connections, you need to ask the question: 'Where is there opportunity and how do I take advantage of it?' It is this continuous 'connection making' thought process that will allow you to spot gaps in what people want or need. Cited: Elona Hlatshwayo, 2011.

James Adams a prolific tech writer adds that successful businesspeople have many traits in common with one another. They are confident and optimistic. They are disciplined self starters. They are open to any new ideas which cross their path. Here are ten characters of the successful entrepreneur.

1. Disciplined

These individuals are focused on making their businesses work, and eliminate any distractions to their goals. They have overarching strategies and outline the tactics to accomplish them. Successful entrepreneurs are disciplined enough to take steps every day toward the achievement of their objectives.

2. Confidence

The entrepreneur does not ask questions about whether they can succeed or whether they are worthy of success. They are confident with the knowledge that they will make their businesses succeed. They display that confidence in everything they do.

3. Open Minded

Entrepreneurs realize that every event and situation is a business opportunity. Ideas are constantly being generated about workflows and efficiency, people skills and potential new businesses. They have the ability to look at everything around them and focus it toward their goals.

4. Self Starter

Entrepreneurs know that if something needs to be done, they should start it themselves. They set the parameters and make sure that projects follow that path. They are proactive, not waiting for someone to give them permission.

5. Competitive

Many companies are formed because an entrepreneur knows that they can do a job better than another. They need to win at the sports they play and need to win at the businesses that they create. An entrepreneur will highlight their own company's track record of success.

6. Creativity

One facet of creativity is being able to make connections between seemingly unrelated events or situations. Entrepreneurs often come up with solutions which are the synthesis of other items. They will repurpose products to market them to new industries.

7. Determination

Entrepreneurs are not frustrated by their defeats. They look at defeat as an opportunity for success. They are determined to make all of their endeavors succeed, so will try and try again until it does. Successful entrepreneurs do not believe that something cannot be done.

8. Strong people skills

The entrepreneur has strong communication skills to sell the product and motivate employees. Most successful entrepreneurs know how to motivate their employees so the business grows overall. They are very good at highlighting the benefits of any situation and coaching others to their success.

9. Strong work ethic

The successful entrepreneur will often be the first person to arrive at the office and the last one to leave. They will come in on their days off to make sure that an outcome meets their expectations. Their mind is constantly on their work, whether they are in or out of the workplace.

10. Passion

Passion is the most important trait of the successful entrepreneur. They genuinely love their work. They are willing to put in those extra hours to make the business succeed because there is a joy their business gives which goes beyond the money. The successful entrepreneur will always be reading and researching ways to make the business better.

Successful entrepreneurs want to see what the view is like at the top of the business mountain. Once they see it, they want to go further. They know how to talk to their employees, and their businesses soar as a result. So, being an entrepreneur is not about who you are or where you come from - it's about what you do. It's about taking the necessary action to push through an idea into reality. It's about making good connections that spark the creativity to see where opportunities lie.

 
Sources:

• Under30ceo
• MSN Businessnews

Page Updated: 20 February 2012