6 essential character traits of a successful entrepreneur

Written by CONTRIBUTOR

culled from:http://www.capitalfm.co.ke
There is a myth that entrepreneurial success is all about innovative thinking and breakthrough ideas. But the truth is that there is a lot more that goes behind the public scene before you get the accolades.
I have been an entrepreneur since I was in primary school I used to sell sweets and biscuits and salt. Yes, salt. It was a boarding school. We used the salt to make our morning porridge taste better; one spoonful would go for one shilling.
My enterprise continued in Nkubu High school but mostly guided by my short term vision of getting cash to finance my youthful pleasures.
The point is; entrepreneurship is a long journey. Success comes when you only learn from your past mistakes and make the best of what you have.
Here are some of the traits that kept me going even when times were hard.
1. Risk taker
In 2009, I started my business with Sh60,000 which I used to rent an office. The landlady asked for Sh10, 000 as the rent and Sh50,000 for the goodwill. Reason being the office had the furniture and a computer.
I had business and personal expenses totaling Sh120,000. Though it was very difficult, it gave me the spirit of thinking Big. So I had to work for a profit of Sh120, 000 and more.
Now my company is a worth $1 million.
Take calculated risks. The higher the risks, the higher the returns.
2. Passionate
Passion will move men beyond themselves, beyond their shortcomings, beyond their failures. Be passionate about what you do and follow what you are trying to achieve.
This means you’re willing to sacrifice a large part of your working hours to the idea you’ve come up with.
Passion will ignite the same intensity in others who join you as you build a team to succeed in that endeavor.
And with passion, your company and clients are more likely to believe in what you are trying to achieve. Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.

3. Focus
Great entrepreneurs focus intensely on an opportunity where others don’t see anything. In this journey, I have faced some difficult moments. I have faced temptations that if I gave in, I couldn’t be who I am today. If it were not for the focus and the goals I wanted to achieve, I wouldn’t be here today.
The journey is not easy. It is full of challenges, frustrations, obstacles, enemies, distractions, and many people who don’t want to see you prosper.
The only thing that will keep you moving and your head up is your FOCUS. Every day Pray to God to guide you and give you wisdom to focus and see though the evil plans of the world.