There are an estimated 334 million businesses in the world. Each one has a unique DNA, complete with its own vision, culture, and product or service. However, these businesses do have something in common– they were started by an entrepreneur.
Across the board, entrepreneurs are risk takers and problem solvers. They are people who perceive opportunities and create organizations to pursue them. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my years working in business, but each one has given me a more complete understanding of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur.
At the start, I did not have all of the following qualities of a great entrepreneur. I had to learn new skills and develop different characteristics over time. If you’re passionate about being an entrepreneur, the odds are that you will naturally have several of these characteristics. Hopefully this list will inspire you to develop the whole set!
10 Qualities of a Great Entrepreneur
1. Dreamers
Successful entrepreneurs have a vision of the future and the ability to implement that vision. They are often idea generators. It is important for every entrepreneur to create the space to dream. Then, they must hover or dwell on the dreams that resonate just like God did in Genesis 1 as he was preparing to create the universe.
“The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:2
2. Decisive
Entrepreneurs have the ability to synthesize data quickly and make a decision. At a certain point, the hovering process has to end. Let your yes be yes. It’s okay to wait until you’ve figured out a direction. Once you make a decision, don’t look back.
”But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37
3. Doers
Entrepreneurs move quickly to act on their decisions. One of the secrets to success is to take action without fear. You don’t have to know the outcome before you jump. Mistakes will happen. Don’t jump with both eyes closed, but don’t fail to jump. Failing forward Some of the best ideas in the world are still in somebody’s notebook or iPad somewhere.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
4. Determined
Entrepreneurs have a total commitment to their business. They have a “don’t-quit” attitude and stand strong even when things get difficult. Be the kind of entrepreneur that looks at every option and keeps pushing towards the goal.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
5. Dedicated
Successful entrepreneurs have a blind ambition to succeed and 24/7 ambition. Because entrepreneurs often deal with ideas and possibilities, it’s necessary to be dedicated to the ideas you’re pursuing. Go and make things happen! Success will only come if you are willing to believe (sometimes blindly) and keep pushing forward.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
6. Devoted
One of the most vital qualities of a great entrepreneur is that they love what they do. Passion helps them view their work as a continual blessing, not a growing burden. So, don’t be an entrepreneur in an area that doesn’t excite you. When you find passion, love and joy will be your driving force.
For example, I love to teach and consult. It’s one of my highest levels of passion, but I didn’t always know that. It may take time to discover your passion in business, but after a time of trying things out, you’ll be able to identify what you want to be truly devoted to.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11
7. Detail Oriented
In order to succeed, entrepreneurs know that they need to be involved in every detail of the business. In the beginning, don’t listen to people who tell you to take a step back. Get dirty in every area. You won’t like every area, but you’ve got to learn and get a pulse on your organization. This will help you connect to and direct your employees, and you’ll be able to understand necessary project timelines and required resources.
“ Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” Proverbs 22:29
8. Destiny Designers
Entrepreneurs want to be in charge of their own destiny. They have a strong desire to be independent. You must have that sense of destiny and what you want in your life. This is what will keep pushing you forward.
“For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
9. Dollar Driven
Successful entrepreneurs need to know how to make money, period. Having a vision is not enough. You must know how to fund and scale it, too. For most entrepreneurs in the world, money is a primary motivator. However, there is a growing movement of entrepreneurs who are motivated by bettering social issues. The new social entrepreneurs in the world aren’t just concerned about what they can have, but what others can have as well. This is a great trend, especially when those entrepreneurs are financially savvy!
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:18
10. Distributors
The best entrepreneurs know they cannot succeed alone. They are willing to delegate, network, and distribute their success across a wide range of people. Consequently, they help a lot of other people succeed as well! Among all the qualities of a great entrepreneur, a commitment to serving others is the most important in the grand scheme of things. Serving and empowering others through your organization is where the real Kingdom impact is!
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28
