Get All Access for $5/mo

'Shark Tank' Judges Say Successful Entrepreneurs Share These 5 Traits We asked the judges to weigh in on which characteristics can lead to wealth.

By Jonathan Small

Rodin Eckenroth | Getty Images

Succesful entrepreneurs consider themselves mavericks and disruptors -- people who shatter the status quo. And it's true that most of them made their fortune by thinking differently.

But the truly successful may not be as unique as they'd like to think. According to the Shark Tank judges, they all share common characteristics, good and bad, that have made them very rich. Here's their take on millionaire-billionaire traits.

Related: The Biggest Risk 4 Judges on 'Shark Tank' Ever Took

They fail forward.

"The most succesful people I know bounce back, are resilient and use failure as a learning experience. They don't fail twice, and when they do fail, they fail fast! I also find that successful people have a passion to accomplish something bigger than themselves. Maybe it's for family, maybe for the community, maybe to change the world -- but they are driven by something other than themselves and money. Passion can fuel you through good times and bad as a business owner."

-- Robert Herjavec

They need attention.

"Successful people have a tremendous need for attention -- which means they were injured as a child, didn't get enough attention or something went awry. They also have a huge amount of energy. If you don't have the energy, you're not going to work an 80-hour week."

-- Barbara Corcoran

They don't take no for an answer.

"A no is a definite maybe. They will move on. They'll get up before everybody, they'll go to bed after everybody, and nobody can stop them, no matter what."

-- Daymond John

Related: The Motivating Morning Routines of 4 Successful Sharks

They're type-A.

"Everyone knows everything, everyone's an expert and everybody's aggressive."

-- Bettheny Frankel

They're visionary.

"Most successful people are very confident, driven, risk-takers, highly motivated, decisive and they don't take no for an answer. They see possibilities where others see obstacles and they're creative thinkers that think outside of the box. They tend to not follow a normal path but blaze their own trail."

--Lori Greiner

Jonathan Small

Entrepreneur Staff

Founder, Strike Fire Productions

Jonathan Small is a bestselling author, journalist, producer, and podcast host. For 25 years, he has worked as a sought-after storyteller for top media companies such as The New York Times, Hearst, Entrepreneur, and Condé Nast. He has held executive roles at Glamour, Fitness, and Entrepreneur and regularly contributes to The New York Times, TV Guide, Cosmo, Details, Maxim, and Good Housekeeping. He is the former “Jake” advice columnist for Glamour magazine and the “Guy Guru” at Cosmo.

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

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Growing a Business

Why Business Owners Should Streamline Their Operations Now for Success in 2025

As the holiday season and year-end approach, business owners face heightened operational demands, from inventory management to spend control. By streamlining these processes and partnering with flexible suppliers, businesses can maintain efficiency, meet customer needs and focus on growth while navigating this busy period.

Growing a Business

5 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business's Online Presence

Boosting your online presence in 2025 is the key to success for businesses looking to grow. Working on your branding and reputation management is important to drive more sales and improve conversion.

Marketing

He Pitched His First Business at 12 and Sold a Company for 8 Figures When He Was 23. Here's This Gen Z Marketing Expert's Next Big Move.

Griffin Haddrill built a marketing empire working with artists like Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X. Learn how he tapped into Gen Z's digital culture and turned viral campaigns into a business model.

Business News

Apple Is Adding ChatGPT to iPhones This Week. Here's How It Works.

ChatGPT will take over questions that Siri can't answer.