6 Not to Obvious Common Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

[toc]You’ve probably heard it many times that in order to find success in business you must have these virtues: strong business ethic, perseverance, motivation, intelligence, foresights and drive. These are the standards or usual entrepreneurial traits that are often followed by traditional businessmen. But on the contrary there are less obvious common virtues or traits that successful entrepreneurs possessed and by differentiating them will tremendously help any struggling entrepreneur or those with startup businesses.

Through understanding the profile of ten outstanding entrepreneurs of our time like Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Richard Branson; and from the interviews of 20 most successful online entrepreneurs there are noticeable distinct patterns in their business habits and characters that are subtle and very hard to figure out. This article will give you an insight on these newly discovered traits to success, learn them, acquire them and use them to your advantage!

1. Down to Earth Attitude

One great attribute of these successful iconic businessmen is their down to earth disposition. In spite of amassing huge chunks of wealth- you will never see them flashing their richness all around. Low key profile, subdued lifestyle and the ability to always be in perspective allow them to enjoy their life with such simplicity. It is really a virtue to never be controlled by money it should be the other way around. Don’t let money get into your head!

The greatest and current examples of this are the two youngest billionaires Facebook founders Zuckerberg and Moskovitz. Given the fact that they could virtually afford almost everything, Mark Zuckerberg bought his first home just last year for just 7 million- for the fact that he can even afford to buy a castle. While David Moskovitz still pedals his way to office with his bicycle.

But why? It is because that successful billionaires are not produced overnight but the truth of the matter is they devoted their talent, time and effort to get them to where there at right now. Giving importance from where you came from or started from, will let you value every earnings you’ll make and basically live modestly and spend wisely.

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2. Successful Businessmen are Naive

Most people thought that being naïve is just like being ignorance. Naivety can closely be defined as inexperience, lack of judgment and vulnerability. A person that is naïve can be lead to so many things without further realizing the outcome. It’s like jumping into the water without realizing how deep it is. Most of these successful entrepreneurs have been naïve in the beginning. They dream big without analyzing the outcome. Actually, this trait is a great source of uncertainty but it could also be attributed to being optimistic. Optimism is a powerful attitude that no matter what the consequence, one believes that a positive outcome will bind to happen.

Most successful businessmen act on impulse and just being naïve when they have a great idea- they will push through with it without realistic expectations. Most of them failed from the start but this experience prepared them to handle obstacles and challenges ahead and in return made them what they are today-billionaires.

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3. Luck is on their Side

Luck plays an important role to gain success. Luck means being at the right time and at the right place to have an opportunity to grow and improve. Let’s take into consideration the story of the younger Bill Gates. Back in 1968 when he was studying in middle school his luck just came in. His school invested on state of the art computer equipment available to few students- and he was one of the lucky few who first used it when he was just 13 years old. This is when his interest to technology developed and rest is history.

“I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” – Oprah Winfrey

When luck comes knocking, you should not let this chance get away. As the old saying goes- opportunity only knocks once! The reality is that everyone successful has luck that they encountered in some point in their life. But for most people they are responsible for their own luck and they find ways and make efforts to attract luck into their life. Successful entrepreneurs continue to create their own luck and are luckier than the average Joe.

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4. Successful Entrepreneurs are Masters of Nothing

In an established business several employees are needed to fulfill a particular duty. A startup business would require several employees to fill in positions for the company. An entrepreneur has a vision for his business but would need others to carry it further to succeed. Most successful businessmen are good on a lot of things but in reality they lack certain expertise on one thing that is why he will need to hire people from different disciplines and skills to perform tasks that he cannot do. Therefore we can say that, these highly successful entrepreneurs are jacks of all trades but masters of none.

Just like these high profile personalities and successful entrepreneurs did, as their businesses are growing the more they need to hire people for specific roles. This is not a bad thing-in fact employees are considered assets in any business.

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5. Top Entrepreneurs are Compassionate Beings

It is a common misconception that high profile business people are ruthless and heartless. It is easier to say that a successful CEO just sits around all day and bossing people around- his only concern is how to make huge profits.

But this is not the case for the successful entrepreneurs mentioned above because the stereotype connotation does not exist in their persona. In order to grow a business, you should care less about profits but care more about the products, services, customers and the people working for you. With genuine care and kindness towards employees, products and customers, you are basically building a good reputation and a good business.

Take the case of Richard Branson, he is a great example of compassionate businessman. He takes time to send personal letters to his employees showing that he truly cares. He is also joined several causes like his fight against AIDS, climate change and nuclear weapons- this is one way to show his social responsibility and compassion for worthy causes by pledging his wealth amounting to billions.

6. Top Entrepreneurs are Unique and Different

In 1997 Steve Jobs took the position of CEO to head the Apple company and he made a new slogan for Apple- “Think Different.”

With this slogan many new innovations took inspiration from this creative slogan and the pod shaped iMac was introduced into the market. After came the iPod, iPad, and the most popular gadget of today the iPhone.

Long before Steve Jobs joined Apple as a young boy he was very different and would rather play with circuit boards than play basketball. By the time he entered college he chose to stay in India and live on an apple orchard rather than do the usual stuff.

Jobs is really different but on a tamer level as compared to others business tycoons like Howard Hughes or Mark Zuckerberg who have antisocial habits very far from being normal.

Successful entrepreneurs are people who accept their differences and use them to their best advantage. In a 1994 interview conducted by PBS, Steve Jobs pointed out that being different is very important and he went on saying:

Now that the secrets of the top entrepreneurs are revealed you must learn from them and acquire these traits to be successful in your endeavors. Ponder on these traits and characteristics, and apply them in the areas of your life that will help you achieve your goals.

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