What Entrepreneurs Have that Most People Simply Don't

by. Scott McGlon

As an entrepreneur, everyday I treat each day as a new challenge.  Knowing my options are endless (play golf, watch sports, go fishing), if I elect to get up and work, I bring my "A" game every time.  So, what are some of the attributes an entrepreneur possesses vs. people who elect to work for someone else have?  The following are the "special" characteristics that run through the blood of every proven entrepreneur.   

• Fear.  Not many entrepreneurs will admit it in public but most possess the fear of failure.  Knowing that failure is an actual possibility becomes the fuel toward success.  The insignificant cost of failure is nothing in comparison to the huge cost of not trying.
• Thinking.  Not just regular thoughts but deep intellectual thinking regarding the start-up, established business, or ideas for the next project. Sure, everyone "thinks" but true entrepreneurial thinking is usually at a level that dissects the good, the bad, and the ugly and what it will take (sacrifices) to overcome all of the challenges defined. 
• Planning & Prioritizing.  The hours are countless when it comes to planning out and prioritizing the many tasks that make an entrepreneur successful.
• Strategy. The numerous hours breaking down the challenges surrounding an entrepreneurs business and the strategies to profit and counter them are usually home-runs to those who know how to implement defined strategies and differentiating factors successfully.     
• Execution.  Every entrepreneur I know spends more time actually executing vs. talking about executing.  Great ideas, great plans, and even great products & services must have a consistent and powerful execution engine behind them. The old saying "talk is cheap" applies to every person who want to become a successful entrepreneur.
• Strengths.  Most entrepreneurs clearly know their strengths but few consistently "sharpens their saw" on a regular basis.  Spending time and resources in personal development is critical if you want to separate yourself from others in the space you want to be successful in.  
• Emotional Intelligence.  Some folks call it "soft skills" but emotional intelligence is more appropriate.  This is an area I consistently find myself struggling with. Your personal attributes that enables you successfully interact effectively and harmoniously with other people is important if you want to open up the many doors that are in front of most entrepreneurs.  
• Mirroring.  Knock your self-pride out to the side every moment you can get.  More specifically, follow, watch, and study those who have the results that you want for your start-up/business.  Then mirror it - just better.
• Discipline.  From the time you wake up until the time you go to bed, make wise choices that optimize your resources - especially the time you have decided to focus on the business you want to be successful.  Choose when to use your computer, smart phone, tablet, text, and anything else that can completely destroy your daily plan.  Again, this is an area that is extremely challenging to a lot of entrepreneurs.  However, the ones that conquer being disciplined, are the ones that are usually the most successful.  
• No.  Be ready and willing to say "no" that do not fit your plan and/or strategy. Remember that each day has a time limit so always focus on your goals.
• Network.  Build a network that covers every aspect of your business and then invest in it daily by staying in touch and introducing your network to others.  You never know when your network will come in handy when you need a contact that has already been vetted.
• Time.  Consistently invest time with those who mean the most to you.  Sounds corny but staying grounded, loving, and respectful toward those who might not understand you but love you unconditionally is important.  Know that your journey must be supported by the ones that mean the most to you.
• Limits.  So many entrepreneurs hang on to their past relationships that won't or can't understand what you are wanting to accomplish with your business or the fact that you want to become a successful entrepreneur.  Trust me in the fact that the majority of people will not understand your drive, focus, or actions. Shed all the toxic, negative, and bad influences in your path and seek like-minded people that share your aspirations and drive.
• Respect.  Be respectful to everyone you meet.  You absolutely never know when the people you shrug off might come in handy somewhere down the road.  More importantly, being respectful to everyone defines your character from those who might be watching from afar.  
• Invest.  Be invested to both who mentor you and to those you end up mentoring. This circle should always be spinning and should end up as one of your most highest returns of being an entrepreneur.  
• Upload.  Whether its time you invest in daily or weekly, make sure you seek input, constructive criticism, and advice from those you know and respect well on areas you are not 100% confident with.
• Define. Understand yourself and your capabilities. Define characteristics that are important to follow daily and make it a discipline that you do not stray away from but get better every week.

Scott E McGlon is the President of McGlon Properties, LLC and the author of many blog post on MP Blog.  He has been a serial entrepreneur, investor, and president of many successful start-ups since 1998.