Good news is:
It doesn't require an MBA degree from a prestigious university to be perceived as an entrepreneur (unlike what you're thinking). In fact, it all comes down to mindset. So, if you're reading this blog now, chances are you're here for one of the following reasons:
- You're not willing to join the fast-paced entrepreneurial world soon, yet you're just testing the waters.
- You have set your sights on a goal as a soon-to-be entrepreneur and kickstart your own business in the near future.
- You are already an entrepreneur, but you want to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills and grow them to their greatest potential.
Whichever case applies to you—we've got you covered! You're in the right place.
Becoming an agile entrepreneur is not something that can happen overnight (only Harry Potter's wand can make it happen). However, successful entrepreneurs have some characteristics that make entrepreneurs think differently than other people; in order to identify these characteristics, we are going to break the entrepreneurial mindset down into three parts:
- They take total responsibility for securing themselves financially instead of looking for an employer or institution to take this for them.
- They understand that to achieve their financial welfare or success, they have to launch something valuable.
- They don't only focus on solving problems. Alternatively, they're interested in creating new capabilities.
Therefore, entrepreneurs have a unique mindset rather than the rest of the people, and these characteristics are at the core of any superstar entrepreneur but let's dive deeper into how they think:
- Keep on learning and growing
The sky is the limit when it comes to their personal and technical growth. They dedicate more time to learning, especially from those who came before them -to avoid costly mistakes- along with other activities such as reading entrepreneurial books, listening to business podcasts, approaching mentors, etc.
Myth: Successful entrepreneurs are people who got it all figured out, they know how to do it flawlessly, and they don't accept failure.
Truth: They're constantly learning and acquiring new knowledge and skills, and they accept to fail by learning from their mistakes and moving on. - Embrace taking risks
Entrepreneurs are not afraid of taking risks. They totally understand that there's nothing comfortable about being an entrepreneur and that risk is pivotal in their journey because it's what exactly leads to the gold nugget opportunities. Simply, they embrace taking risks rather than avoiding them.
- Listens to other entrepreneurs
The entrepreneurial mindset craves different perspectives, so much so that they surround themselves with energizing entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and positive peers who constantly improve their way of thinking and widen their horizons.
They are more interested in building relationships with people who have been in their shoes, finding mentors who they can learn through one-on-one consultations, networking, networking, and networking.
P.S. they're open to constructive criticism as they believe it cultivates their growth. - Set up goals for success
With an eye for long-term benefits, entrepreneurs tend to set their goals with prioritization. This can be applied to anything from following up with employees or even scheduling a breakfast with a friend. Actually, they set insightful goals that they care about and work incessantly to achieve - no matter how big or small they are. When they put their minds to something and have the ability to achieve it, that is exactly what makes them feel fulfilled and have control over their life. - Make meaning and add value
Entrepreneurs have an inherent desire to save the world and make it a better place. And rather than focusing on solving problems by exploiting customer/market weakness, they primarily focus on adding value for others. So, for an entrepreneurial mindset, making money is not the only ultimate goal they thrive to achieve; it's only a means to that end, not the end in itself. And they're least concerned with quick profits from in-and-out deals.
