Entrepreneur Profiles & Characteristics BDI3C

Harold Warner  What frequently prompts an entrepreneurial venture is a circumstance of personal misfortune or change (Warner lost all his money in a real estate crash)  You do not need a lot of money to start (Warner was broke)  His venture grew out of an area of interest – his hobby  He had knowledge and experience in this area – he knew what he was doing

Harold Warner (cont.)  He doesn’t see himself as a major risk taker  He isn’t prepared to let life’s opportunities pass him by  He sees what he does as a challenge and it’s creative  He gets a real sense of personal satisfaction from what he does  He isn’t discouraged by problems  He doesn’t define success by money but by doing what he feels he was intended to do

Martha Sturdy  She turned her talent into an entrepreneurial venture  She grew up feeling as if she didn’t fit in  She didn’t end up doing what she perceived others expected her to do – she surprised people with her entrepreneurialism  She combined two ideas together – art and jewellery  She set goals and has exceeded her goals and expectations  For her, money isn’t the goal – her goal is a balanced, happy life

Peter Dalglish  His venture is a non-profit, not a “business”, but highly entrepreneurial  He made a personal sacrifice, giving up the goal of financial success, to do what he wanted and to feel personally fulfilled and satisfied. (Obviously motivated by achievement and not money)  He saw a problem (street kids) and sought an idea for how to do something about their plight  He found a new way to address an old problem

Peter Dalglish (cont.)  He sees the importance of self-esteem, self- confidence and self-respect in people  He needs a talented, skilled support team to achieve success ( a need of most entrepreneurs )  He’s “trying to change the world” through a creative, innovative venture  Success does not equal money  Success is doing what you want to do to be a happy, fulfilled human being

The “Top 10” Characteristics Entrepreneurs tend to: 1.Have a spirit of adventure 2.Have a strong need to achieve and seek personal accomplishment 3.Be self-confident and self-reliant 4.Be goal-oriented 5.Be innovative, creative, versatile

The “Top 10” Characteristics (cont.) Entrepreneurs tend to: 6.Be persistent 7.Be hardworking and energetic 8.Have a positive attitude 9.Be willing to take initiative 10.Have a strong sense of commitment