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