Written by: Betsy Kauffman, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What is the special sauce to being a successful entrepreneur? Some will say it’s hard work, while some will say it’s luck. But I think the right answer is that it’s a little bit of both. Let me explain.
To succeed in entrepreneurship, business, or even in life, I have a few simple characteristics and skills I subscribe to as being vital building blocks on the road to success.
Adaptability: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” And you could easily add entrepreneur to that list. Rarely does something go according to plan, but what separates the successful from the unsuccessful is the ability to adapt. Having alternate plans and improvising, evolving, or changing course altogether is a vital trait — but a difficult one to master.
Persistence: Almost a continuation of being adaptable. While being adaptable is important, being persistent is just as vital. There will be ebbs and flows, ups and downs in business and life. Being persistent in chasing your dreams and accomplishments, no matter what obstacles are in your way, is a must if you want to succeed.
Consistency: Something that many people struggle with. This may be one of the most difficult characteristics because it requires several other traits like self-discipline, focus, and determination. Just like we explored with persistence, there will be ebbs and flows — but the trick is to remain consistent through the peaks and valleys. Consistency is a trait that may be underutilized and underappreciated in today’s world. It’s always about innovating and finding “the next big thing.” But there is value inconsistency and being able to stay the course to achieve your goals.
Passion: This is the icing on the cake for the other traits I listed above. If you don’t have passion, you don’t have a chance. You absolutely need to be passionate about what you are doing and accomplishing your goals. No one can instill that desire within you or give you that intrinsic motivation to reach your dreams — it has to be YOU!
The second step underneath passion is to learn how to convey what you’re passionate about to investors, employees, clients, etc. Start by trying to write your “why statement.” Why do you do what you do? Here’s mine, for example: I create workplaces where people wake up each morning feeling motivated and inspired by their work so that they end their days feeling fulfilled and valued.
Once you can communicate your passion to others, it will be much easier to stay the course. That “why” will become your de facto mission statement, guiding your decisions and choices throughout your journey.
You can make your own “luck” by using these helpful tips, creating new opportunities, and capitalizing on the hard work you’ve put in toward reaching your goals.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making your dreams happen!
Betsy Kauffman, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine
Betsy Kauffman is a globally recognized Leadership and Organizational Agility Coach with more than 20 years' experience working in Fortune 500 companies. Her company, Cross Impact Coaching, helps leaders create innovative, aligned, disruptive agile organizations. Betsy has observed and worked side by side with hundreds of CxO leaders. She has seen just about every variation of how Leadership Teams operate and execute (both successfully and not so successfully). She deeply understands and has experienced firsthand when the team of individuals charged with leading the organization aren't aligned, focused, and working as one; the rest of the organization suffers. She is a published author providing thought leadership to both agile and project management communities and speaks internationally on leadership, corporate culture, and organizational agility. She just completed her first TED talk - “4 Tips to Kickstart Honest Conversations at Work” in September 2020 in conjunction with the TED@PMI partnership and was selected by the TED editors to have her talk brought to the mainstage– check it out at TED.com!
