The ‘let’s go for it’ gene.

The whole concept of Entrepreneurship is interesting. Why does one person risk it all to do something differently – whilst another dream but never acts, and yet another person could think of nothing worse than running their own show.

I have just come back from an Entrepreneur Organization (EO) conference in Singapore. The buzz in the room was electric and exciting. Each talking on top of each other about the opportunities that could arise as a result of a slow down. All looking at what opportunities would come their way, what businesses they could create or buy as a result of a new playing field.

On my return, I was reading the latest “Grow your Business”  from Switzermedia.com.au and I thought it interesting to read Peter Switzer’s 29 characteristics that are ‘typical’ of those people who call themselves entrepreneurs – and Peter has talked to enough of them to know:

1. Can’t work for anyone else – like to be the boss
2. Egalitarian – like to be the boss, but they’re not elitist
3. Takes action – They are not day dreamers
4. Their business doesn’t make them a champion – from an early age, they are champions in the making
5. Often launch with very little money
6. Speak their mind
7. Handle rejection
8. Like to prove doubters wrong
9. Know how to get around obstacles
10. Believe in being hands-on
11. Don’t mind being alone
12. Can cope with failure
13. Like control
14. Future focused – don’t get caught in today
15. They tick faster than the clock – they never watch the clock
16. Adrenalin charged
17. Manage time well
18. Goal oriented
19. Into self-improvement
20. Often want to move faster than time
21. Strong work ethic
22. Having nothing is no barrier
23. Often have a naive confidence in their own ability to do things
24. Respect staff
25. Understand the importance of systems in the business growth process
26. Not afraid of making mistakes
27. Make decisions even if they are wrong ones
28. Don’t like to be penned in  – look for challenges
29. Retirement is not an option

Just because someone starts a business – does not mean that they are an entrepreneur. It is something innate, the ‘dare devil’ within. The question remains can it be taught. We need as many people as possible who see opportunity rather than negativity – people who say ‘let’s go for it.’