Get All Access for $5/mo

The 15 Characteristics of Effective Entrepreneurs What makes an entrepreneur really tick? Here are some answers.

By Nina Zipkin

There is no one right way to be an entrepreneur. Business leaders come from all sorts of backgrounds and have varying areas of expertise.

You might be an entrepreneur if you have some of these personality traits:

1. You think on your feet.

While you have a facility for planning and organization, you aren't afraid to throw out the outline and go in a different direction.

2. You doubt yourself.

If you feel insecure, you know that it doesn't mean you will fail. Instead, you channel that nervous energy. You can find that you have a renewed focus for the task at hand.

Related: Successful Entrepreneurs Do These 5 Things Daily

3. You are inventive.

Even if you don't have the resources you think you need, you're able to take a step back and use what's at your disposal.

4. You have a mind for money.

Ah, yes, revenue. You are endlessly intent on making sure your venture is profitable.

5. You don't fear controversy.

Being successful often means disrupting the status quo.

Related: Success Will Never Come to Entrepreneurs Who Do These 10 Things

6. You take risks.

And you see the risks you take as fruitful possibilities and opportunities to grow.

7. You are active.

Constantly hustling and one the move, you understand that it is your drive that powers your company and energizes your employees.

8. You are open to change.

You know that your company will only triumph if you evolve and change as the customer and market demands.

Related: 50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur

9. You can sell yourself.

Promoting your vision is like second nature to you. Meanwhile, you often look inward to improve your performance.

10. You rise to the occasion.

When things get tough, you feel motivated and get into gear.

For five more signs you are an entrepreneur, check out the video above.

Related: 5 Killer Lessons I Learned from Interviewing World-Class Entrepreneurs

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Is One Company to Blame for Soaring Rental Prices in the U.S.?

The FBI recently raided a major corporate landlord while investigating a rent price-fixing scheme. Here's what we know.

Side Hustle

This Former Starbucks Employee Started a Side Hustle That's Making More Than $70,000 a Month — and He's Not Done Yet

When Tom Saar moved to New York City, he spotted a lucrative business opportunity.

Devices

Stay Focused at Work with These $110 Beats Fit Pro Earbuds

Lock in with a great deal on earbuds with spatial audio and active noise cancellation.

Franchise

'Unpredictability in Various Forms' — How Franchisees Can Adapt and Protect Themselves From Election Year Uncertainty

Franchising can be both exciting and challenging, especially during times of unpredictability — like a U.S. presidential election year.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Amazon Has a Blank Book Problem: Buyers Report Receiving Fakes of Bestselling UFO Book

The book looked fine on the outside, but the inside was out-of-this-world.