The opinions expressed by business associates are their very own.
People always ask me, “What’s the secret to a successful business?” Honestly, there is no one answer to the whole lot. Playbooks are there to play it safely, and true innovation doesn’t follow a script. But when it involves investing, there is one thing that may make or break a company… Founder.
As a seven-time founder and investor in over 100 corporations, I’m not old yet, but I’m not the youngest guy in the room. Through baptism by fire, I learned what to look for. Some qualities of a founder are not immutable to me. I imagine every founder needs these specific traits to attain their best success.
So what are they? Let’s break it down.
1. Urgency
Diligence is the cornerstone of business success (and life, for what it’s price). The best founders move quickly and don’t waste time. They understand that point is money and recognize that opportunities don’t last without end. When you act with urgency, you seize the moment before it slips.
But let me be clear: urgency is not about rushing, being crazy, or hasty – it’s about being intentional. Founders driven by urgency move with intention and drive. They are challenged and laser-focused on what must be done every day. This make-it-happen mentality is pure gold in the startup world.
2. Authenticity
There is power in authenticity. Authenticity builds trust, and in business, trust is the whole lot. When the founder is real, then may be seen. This builds a following that is greater than just customers – it creates true, organic brand loyalty. When a founder is authentic, people imagine in them.
This applies not only to the founder, but to their brand.
I’ve learned the hard way that working with individuals who are not authentic or transparent will result in failure.
Both the founder and the brand should be authentic. When a founder tells their story and resonates deeply with people, they create a brand that is not about the product – it is about something larger. Consumers may notice a false mile, especially in the world of consumer packaged goods (CPG). They are smart. They know when something is off.
3. Immunity
In the world of startups, you’ll face challenges. Failures are inevitable. And guess what? You can be tested. You’ll soon know if your skin is thick enough to power up every day. But a resilient leader doesn’t let obstacles derail their vision. Instead, they push through. They adapt, evolve and move forward, regardless of how many road blocks are thrown their way.
Resilience is not only about rebounding; It’s about using every setback as fuel to propel you forward. A resilient founder sees challenges as opportunities for growth. Every time they face failure, they change into stronger, wiser and more determined. This is the form of leader who will thrive in the chaos of the startup world. Please don’t ask me how I know!
4. Passion
Passion is the secret sauce that makes the whole lot come alive. Consumers can feel the passion. When a founder is passionate about their product, mission or company, it is contagious. Passion is contagious. It spans employees, customers and investors.
Passionate founders don’t just tell stories; ignites movements. They speak with fire in their eyes and faith in their hearts. And when they talk about their company, you’re feeling the emotions radiating from them. Great founders share their stories, but each time it is with the same enthusiasm as if they were telling it for the first time.
Passion is not only enthusiastic; It’s about creating meaningful connections with your audience. It’s about making people imagine in your vision and feel like they’re a part of something larger than themselves.
5. Adaptability
Startup World is a rollercoaster ride. Things change quickly, and when they (*100*), the best founders adapt. They pivot as needed, but never lose sight of the end goals. Adaptability is not only about survival; It’s about blooming.
In my experience, the most successful founders are the ones who don’t cave in when things don’t go in line with plan. They focus on the big picture and are flexible enough to vary course when essential. Adaptability keeps them moving forward as the world around them changes. They embrace uncertainty and use it to their advantage.
6. Greediness
Resourcefulness is one of the most underrated traits of a founder. The best founders know the best way to make the most of what they have. They don’t wait until things are perfect before taking motion. They take what is available and find progressive solutions to make it work.
Agility is often associated with resilience and adaptability. It’s about considering creatively and using every tool at your disposal to make something occur. Whether they’re leveraging connections, finding creative solutions, or coming up with unconventional ideas, resourceful founders find a solution to keep pushing.
7. Responsibility
Accountability is the cornerstone of leadership. Accountability means owning your actions – good or bad. Yes, evil too. The best founders know that when they make a decision, they are responsible for the consequences and (*100*) not avoid them.
As an investor, reliability is one of the qualities I value most in a founder. I wish to know that when I contact the founder, they can be honest, approachable and proactive. Founders who take responsibility for their actions build trust with their team, investors and customers. And trust? It’s the foundation of the whole lot – literally, All.
Bottom line
At the end of the day, people invest in you – not only your brand, product or idea… it’s you, the founder, that makes the difference between a good investment and a great one. Your qualities, drive and vision attract people. When these qualities shine, you do not just attract investors – you encourage them.
What is the secret of a successful business? It’s not a perfect formula, but all of it starts with the founder. Invest in winners. Help them win. And remember, all of it starts with you.