Are there qualities or skills that you absolutely must have as an entrepreneur? You may have already asked yourself this question if you are planning to become self-employed or have just founded a company. Standing on your own two feet professionally is quite a responsibility. Especially when you not only have to stand up for yourself but also for your family (financially).
What training do you need to be an entrepreneur?
In addition to personal characteristics, it is primarily professional knowledge that you, depending on the industry, have to demonstrate as an entrepreneur. For example, you cannot set up a master craftsman for gas and water installation if you have no training and no master craftsman's certificate in this profession. In the hospitality industry or as a real estate agent, you must also present certain evidence to the relevant authority, which you should inform yourself about in advance.
Apart from that, as a prospective entrepreneur, you do not have to have any special training or professional requirements for your self-employment. You do not have to prove specific knowledge of business administration or marketing to the IHK, the tax office, or any other authority.
FUN FACTS
After all, today's extremely successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates or Richard Branson don't have a degree either. Of course, knowledge in these areas cannot hurt. Because self-employment is a real challenge that is better mastered if you have the right solutions ready.
But it is not only the specialist knowledge that makes an entrepreneur. On the other hand, the right attitude, motivation, passion, and perseverance, i.e., an entrepreneurial personality, are at least as important if you want to become a successful entrepreneur. There are certain traits that all achievers show. If you want to find out whether you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur yourself, you can compare yourself to the following list of characteristics of successful entrepreneurs and thus better assess yourself:
Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs
Certain skills are part of the entrepreneurial personality. The more of these qualities and requirements you bring with you, the greater your chances are that your business start-up will also be successful.
1. Set clear goals.
One of the personal requirements for starting a business is that you are able to define clear goals. It may sound simple at first, but it really isn't. Because many entrepreneurs and self-employed people cannot say exactly why they do what they do, So first ask yourself the "why" before you tackle the "how." Also, deal with the pros and cons of being self-employed and be aware of what this means for you.
passion and motivation
Really successful entrepreneurs are passionate about their goals and also accept problems. You know there are ups and downs. This passion and motivation is one of the personal requirements that entrepreneurs must have when founding their company in order to be really successful.
2. Stay tuned
This includes setbacks. You must be aware of this before you dare take the step to become self-employed. Only in really rare cases does everything go according to plan after the company is founded and customers and suppliers are completely enthusiastic about your product from day one.
Successful entrepreneurs do not let problems get them down, but see them as an opportunity. Because every problem gives you the opportunity to try another way and thus also be successful. With a bit of luck, this apparent detour will end up being even more efficient and give you an edge over the competition.
3. Show creativity.
Creativity is one of the characteristics of an entrepreneur. Of course, in order to find new ways, you also have to think flexibly and come up with creative solutionsso have to think flexibly and come up with creative solutions. You usually develop new products or ideas by thinking outside the box.
4. Involve employees.
You don't have to do everything alone. Successful entrepreneurs know when they have to hand over which tasks in order to devote themselves to their core businesses. If you still lack the financial means to hire employees at the beginning of your self-employment, you can get support from freelancers. You only hire these people for a certain period of time without having to bind them to a long-term contract.
5. Build a network.
Of course, the economic prerequisites for a successful company start-up must not be neglected. If you need money for your idea, you have to find investors or take advantage of appropriate funding programsney for your idea, you have to find investors or take advantage of appropriate funding programs. This is easiest if you have a large network and can approach people openly.
How can I make company-specific contacts?
To expand your network, you can also help others. For example, offer to mentor others with your knowledge, skills, and strategies. This is how you make more contacts and present yourself to others (potential financiers) as a successful entrepreneur.
6. Take risks.
If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to take risks. For most people, self-employment is not only self-realization and success, but often also a financial risk. New paths and innovative products do not invent themselves, and in most cases, they are not easily introduced to the market. You have to step out of your comfort zone every now and then to be successful in the long term. One of the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is that they are willing to question everything they do and trade and, if necessary, completely turn their company upside down.
7. Believe in you.
One of the most important qualities is also a good portion of self-confidence—that much is clear. After all, as a self-employed person, you have to be able to present and sell your products and convince others of your ideas, and this is easier to do if you have the necessary self-confidence.
But that's not all. Another requirement for starting a successful business is having an unquestioning and unwavering belief in yourselfg belief in yourself. Even with setbacks or mistakes, you must not doubt your idea or your skills as an entrepreneur. because hard times will also come to you during your self-employment. If you still manage to continue to believe in yourself and your decisions, you have an important characteristic of a successful entrepreneur. Because giving up is not an option for them.
How do I find out if I would be a good entrepreneur?
If you want to find out whether the founding spirit is slumbering in you, then you can find out exactly that with our start-up test. Simply answer a few questions and you will receive the result so that you can better assess the areas of competence in which you still need to get off to a successful start as a founder.
8. Be inquisitive.
A goal-oriented entrepreneur also means that you are willing to learn throughout your life. Because standing still is the end of successful self-employment and thus also of your company. However, if you know that your knowledge is also limited and there is always something to learn, you will be more successful than others. because new challenges are often best met with new measures.
9. Admit mistakes.
Those who make their own decisions make mistakes from time to time. This is inevitable and is only too human. However, you should admit that to yourself and not try to deny your mistakesinevitable and is only too human. However, you should admit that to yourself and not try to deny your mistakes. Because that's the only way you can have new experiences and find new ways, and that's what you need as a successful entrepreneur.