Entrepreneurial success is determined by 5 traits:
What they are & HOW to build them:
What they are & HOW to build them:
After studying 100s of entrepreneurs it's clear -- the right soft skills matter MORE than hard skills in determining successful outcomes.
The best part?
You can build or strengthen these soft skills to improve your odds:
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
The best part?
You can build or strengthen these soft skills to improve your odds:
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
1. ACTION ORIENTED
Everyday wannabe entrepreneurs toss around billion dollar ideas...
Usually followed by 10 reasons "why it won't work" or that "Google will copy it."
These are excuses to avoid taking action -- and with action comes risk...
Both financial & reputational.
Everyday wannabe entrepreneurs toss around billion dollar ideas...
Usually followed by 10 reasons "why it won't work" or that "Google will copy it."
These are excuses to avoid taking action -- and with action comes risk...
Both financial & reputational.
Become action oriented by:
Taking small, calculated risks in the pursuit of data to drive further decision making.
It's not about having the 10-year plan figured out, it's about getting started.
The first step is the most important.
Taking small, calculated risks in the pursuit of data to drive further decision making.
It's not about having the 10-year plan figured out, it's about getting started.
The first step is the most important.
2. TRUSTWORTHY
Trust is the currency of successful entrepreneurs.
They know it's both powerful & fragile.
Being trusted by investors, employees, and customers accelerates success.
It removes (normally) rigorous vetting on the basis of previously delivered promises.
Trust is the currency of successful entrepreneurs.
They know it's both powerful & fragile.
Being trusted by investors, employees, and customers accelerates success.
It removes (normally) rigorous vetting on the basis of previously delivered promises.
But trust can be shattered with one word, and typically can't be rebuilt.
How to gain trust (and avoid losing it):
- Do what you say
- Own mistakes
- Deliver bad news honestly and quickly
- Never break a promise
- Never talk behind someone's back
How to gain trust (and avoid losing it):
- Do what you say
- Own mistakes
- Deliver bad news honestly and quickly
- Never break a promise
- Never talk behind someone's back
3. LIKEABLE
Humans are wired to associate with those we enjoy spending time with.
Building a company is hard. Having supportive fans rooting for you is critical.
In order to build a community of fans who promote you, you must be well-liked.
Humans are wired to associate with those we enjoy spending time with.
Building a company is hard. Having supportive fans rooting for you is critical.
In order to build a community of fans who promote you, you must be well-liked.
So how can you become more likable?
- Be responsive
- Be honest
- Bring high energy
- Be present in your interactions and conversations
- Be willing to laugh at yourself... publicly!
Don't discount the huge ROI on being liked -- it opens many doors.
- Be responsive
- Be honest
- Bring high energy
- Be present in your interactions and conversations
- Be willing to laugh at yourself... publicly!
Don't discount the huge ROI on being liked -- it opens many doors.
A trick that works:
When meeting someone new, commit to bringing energy, excitement, and most importantly - being PRESENT.
In 2022, being engaged while everyone else is distracted is competitive advantage.
Energy + presence = likeable.
When meeting someone new, commit to bringing energy, excitement, and most importantly - being PRESENT.
In 2022, being engaged while everyone else is distracted is competitive advantage.
Energy + presence = likeable.
4. OPEN MINDED
Success comes after 1000s of iterations -- which means there will be a lot of failure.
Open minded people remove their ego from their ideas and let the data (not feelings) drive decisions.
They accept they can/will be wrong...often!
Success comes after 1000s of iterations -- which means there will be a lot of failure.
Open minded people remove their ego from their ideas and let the data (not feelings) drive decisions.
They accept they can/will be wrong...often!
Open minded people surround themselves with opposing views.
My favorite example comes from US President Abraham Lincoln:
After being elected, he appointed 3 rivals to his cabinet -- an unprecedented move in US politics.
My favorite example comes from US President Abraham Lincoln:
After being elected, he appointed 3 rivals to his cabinet -- an unprecedented move in US politics.
How to become open minded:
When an idea is presented, commit to finding 3 reasons it WILL work, rather than an immediate "No".
Also, hire people with different life experiences. This is the main reason I am bullish on international labor.
When an idea is presented, commit to finding 3 reasons it WILL work, rather than an immediate "No".
Also, hire people with different life experiences. This is the main reason I am bullish on international labor.
5. OPTIMISTC
Excitement for the future encourages entrepreneurs to invest energy and resources into their mission.
But, that doesn't mean they're happy 100% of the time.
It means their belief/confidence in the future outweighs how they're feeling at any given moment.
Excitement for the future encourages entrepreneurs to invest energy and resources into their mission.
But, that doesn't mean they're happy 100% of the time.
It means their belief/confidence in the future outweighs how they're feeling at any given moment.
How to become more optimistic:
Write down all the hard things you've overcome in your business.
This way, when you're in the middle of a difficult time, you can see how you've navigated before.
For me, this is revitalizing and gives me the energy to push through.
Write down all the hard things you've overcome in your business.
This way, when you're in the middle of a difficult time, you can see how you've navigated before.
For me, this is revitalizing and gives me the energy to push through.
Successful outcomes will look different for each entrepreneur.
From solopreneurs to IPO's, everyone has different styles and goals
But the best leaders all have shared these traits.
Just like you've built out your toolkit of hard skills, focus on building these soft skills.
From solopreneurs to IPO's, everyone has different styles and goals
But the best leaders all have shared these traits.
Just like you've built out your toolkit of hard skills, focus on building these soft skills.
If you found this helpful...
Follow me @barrettjoneill for content on growth & business.
RT the 1st tweet so others can find it!
Follow me @barrettjoneill for content on growth & business.
RT the 1st tweet so others can find it!
Additional tip on being present:
Having your phone on the table upside down doesn’t count. Leave it in your pocket!
When it’s on the table, it’s possible to sense how badly someone wants to check it!
Having your phone on the table upside down doesn’t count. Leave it in your pocket!
When it’s on the table, it’s possible to sense how badly someone wants to check it!
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