Whatever your personality type, if you possess the “entrepreneurial spirit”, your startup can succeed, writes Serenity Gibbons for Forbes.
Psychological tests such as the Myers Brigg Type Indicator suggest there are multiple personality types, but there is no “right” personality type for entrepreneurs.
It is vital to have “entrepreneurial spirit”, but the qualities required to set up and run a successful business can be cultivated, taking into consideration your personality type, according to Serenity Gibbons, Local Unit Lead for NAACP in Northern California.
If you want to run a successful business, whatever your personality type, follow these four steps:
1) Match your business to your personality. It might seem obvious, but don’t start an accounting firm if you are bad with numbers.
Studies show successful entrepreneurs are adept at spotting new opportunities where others do not, but this skill doesn’t have to be innate; it can be acquired through experience.
2) Become a better leader. The role of a leader is to utilise the talents of others to achieve results. To be a successful leader, you have to be aware of your own preferences, strengths and weaknesses and never let them stand in the way of progress.
3) Be curious. The best entrepreneurs are seekers of knowledge. You must constantly evaluate and re-evaluate all aspects of your business. How can X, Y and Z be improved? “Learn to love learning,” writes Gibbons.
4) Stick to your key principles but otherwise remain flexible. Make a list of the principles that are fundamental to the character and success of your business. Everything else is up for grabs. You must be open to new ideas and be willing to take risks and shift direction if necessary.
GET TO WORK
Take a look at the world’s most successful entrepreneurs: Bill Gates, Arianna Huffington, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey. Different personalities, but all driven to succeed, powered by “entrepreneurial spirit”.
Bill Gates isn’t an Oscar-nominated actress or an award-winning chat show host, and Oprah Winfrey doesn’t run a tech company, but like Huffington, Jobs, Musk and Stewart, they are both leaders with a thirst for knowledge, integrity and a willingness to work hard.
“Any personality type can become an entrepreneur, but only those willing to put in the work and acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses can become successful ones.”