The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur authors are their very own.
Hi! I’m Dima, the founder PitchBob.ioAI co-pilot for entrepreneurs. We create a product that will have a positive impact on the success of entrepreneurs.
This motivates me to repeatedly research aspects that can increase the likelihood of entrepreneurial success. Most investors emphasize the primary importance of the team and the founder, but rarely specify what qualities they consider needed.
I used to be intrigued by the idea of analyzing this factor in the investment decision-making process and comparing the characteristics of successful, world-renowned entrepreneurs with the characteristics of on a regular basis individuals who have not yet achieved significant success. The goal of this exploration is to find patterns of character and behavior that can distinguish proven success from unfulfilled potential.
After reading the biographies of Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and many other successful entrepreneurs, I noticed a recurring theme: many of them weren’t people we might call “nice” in the conventional sense. Perhaps their success changes our perception of their behavior, but it raises a thought-provoking query:
Do you have to be a jerk to be a successful entrepreneur, or is it just a side effect of the intense demands of building something extraordinary?
The truth is not black and white. Many approachable, genuinely kind people succeed in entrepreneurship, but there is an undeniable pattern of distinct – and sometimes irritating – traits among successful people. Investors whose livelihoods depend on betting on the right founders often consider these traits to be key indicators of resilience and determination.
Here are ten such traits that can make an entrepreneur come across as either a jerk or a visionary leader, depending on your point of view. Whether you select to simply accept, avoid or adapt them is entirely as much as you.
1. Unlimited pragmatism
Startup founders thrive where others see limitations. They navigate bureaucracy, discover legal loopholes and adapt to difficult circumstances. Their ability to creatively solve problems without crossing ethical boundaries allows them to succeed where others fail.
Why investors love it: (*10*) signals resourcefulness and adaptability, which are key to overcoming the inevitable obstacles of entrepreneurship.
2. Arrogance
Entrepreneurs must imagine that their ideas can change the world. While arrogance can discourage people, it also increases the confidence needed to proceed when no one else believes in their vision.
Why investors love it: Self-confidence – bordering on arrogance – convinces others to imagine in the founder’s vision, attracting customers, partners and investors.
3. Strategic egoism
Entrepreneurs put their goals above all else, sacrificing weekends, personal time, and sometimes even relationships. Thanks to this focus, nothing distracts them from building their vision.
Why investors love it: Being committed to the mission gives investors confidence that the founder is fully committed, reducing the risk of abandonment.
4. Assertiveness bordering on rudeness
Entrepreneurs know methods to push boundaries and demand what they need. What sets them apart is their ability to barter difficult negotiations and secure resources, even if it sometimes seems rude.
Why investors love it: Assertiveness results in results. Investors value founders who can secure deals and fight for their startups in a competitive environment.
5. Taking risks without overthinking
Looking ahead without over-analyzing risk can result in breakthroughs. Entrepreneurs who take decisive motion often discover opportunities that others miss.
Why investors love it: Risk takers are more prone to achieve extraordinary results. This quality, balanced with a willingness to vary direction, may be invaluable.
6. The art of charm
Entrepreneurs master the art of persuasion. Whether you are convincing an investor, inspiring a team, or closing a company, charm is a strategic tool they wield effectively.
Why investors love it: A charismatic entrepreneur can unite stakeholders and secure the resources of his startup to grow.
7. Hyperactivity
Entrepreneurs continuously switch between ideas and tasks, quickly seizing opportunities. While many ventures may fail, their energy ensures that at least one will stick.
Why investors love it: Hyperactivity reflects a relentless drive to experiment and find what works, a key trait in the iterative world of startups.
8. Low empathy
Entrepreneurs often lack time to dwell on the emotions of others. Their focus on achieving goals could seem cold, but it enables them to make difficult decisions without hesitation.
Why investors love it: With this focus, founders select results over distractions, making them simpler leaders.
9. Contradictory nature
Successful entrepreneurs continuously adapt, sometimes contradicting their previous decisions. They see it as flexibility allowing them to vary as circumstances evolve.
Why investors love it: The ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions increases a startup’s possibilities of survival.
10. Selective forgetting
Entrepreneurs have an amazing ability to “forget” past failures, which allows them to maneuver forward with optimism. This resilience motivates them and instills confidence in others.
Why investors love it: Selective amnesia allows founders to focus on the future and learn from mistakes without dwelling on them.
First of all, resourcefulness
Entrepreneurs don’t take “no” for an answer. Standing in front of closed doors, they deconstruct obstacles, improvise solutions, and use their networks to search out a way forward. This resourcefulness defines their approach to challenges.
Are these traits the hallmarks of a jerk or the toolkit of a successful entrepreneur? The answer depends on your point of view. Investors see these characteristics as indicators of the founder’s ability to navigate the chaos of building a business.
Whether you select to emulate these traits or find your personal path, one thing is clear: these traits impact results. Success doesn’t all the time come with a friendly smile, but entrepreneurs often have an unwavering determination to make their vision a reality.