Robert Saric

This question was posted on LinkedIn by Zale Tabakman a few months back and I thought I would give you some of my own insights and include a few of the more interesting responses from various LinkedIn members.  In my life I’ve had the opportunity to meet several entrepreneurs and I can easily say that, for the most part, there are numerous habits necessary for a successful entrepreneur – but for the sake of simplicity I will limit my response to three.

The most successful entrepreneurs, in my opinion, seem to practice these three very common habits (not necessarily in this order):

1.  Sell, sell and sell!

Everyone is your customer.  I attended a sales kickoff last July when Joe Roebuck, an ex-Sun VP of Global Sales wrote something on the black board.  It spelled out R.S.A.P. – Revenue Solves All Problems.  For an entrepreneur to get anywhere – they need to focus on selling. Their product(s), their business, service(s). Regardless of what type of business it is, no money is made until the sale is made. Many start ups get stuck working on the details of operations, they forget that selling is more important. When you’re in business for yourself, you have to work smart. You don’t have the time or resources to sell to everyone. The more you can define–and refine–your target customer, the better you can concentrate, and therefore maximize, your sales efforts.

2.  Always be networking!

Entrepreneurs, especially successful ones, must network constantly.  Use your friends for introductions. Join the local Chamber of Commerce. Get involved in something you are passionate in like a charity or volunteer committee (notice I said get involved, not just join). Whatever networking strategies you come up with you should always be on the lookout for new ones. Every public activity has networking potential, from a plane trip to an elevator ride to a stroll through the parking lot. It is much easier to approach people that you met before you make your pitch. Wouldn’t you like to make new friends more than you would like to make sales calls? Once you have met them and have learned more about them, follow up with them to see if you can talk about business. This works for any kind of business, even if you are just driving traffic to a retail store or a website.  Good networking habits are invaluable and will save you a great deal of time and resources.

3. Must Be Innovative – Avoid Being Status Quo!

The more innovative the entrepreneur, the broader their idea base – true innovators look for differences, while imitators look for similarities. This explains entrepreneurs’ open-mindedness and their willingness, at times, to think the unthinkable.

Here are a few of the selected responses from LinkedIn members.
For the entire thread and complete list of responses please see:
LinkedIn Answers (“What Are Three GREAT Common Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs?”)

Zale Tabakman, business success consultant says:
1) Having clear and identifiable goals.
2) Consistent and meaningful action towards some goal each and every day.
3) Forming and maintaining a Positive Mental Attitude to each and everything in your life.

HD Gupta, Enterpreneur, Managing Director at Island Resort Pte Ltd,Singapore says:
1) Courage to take risk which mostly cant
2) Ability to do much bigger than resources are available
3) LUCK factor-which know one has seen perhaps

Chad Everson, Owner of The Clay Empire says:
1) They have a vision and spend little time with those who they can not share this vision with.
2) Their passion is infective to those more talented and gifted they always surround themselves with.
3) They are already working on their next idea.

Dr. Deitra C. Payne, Founder & President, C. Payne Consulting & Training says:
1) Believe in yourself.
2) Positive mindset.
3) Be grateful.

Venkdesh Balasubramanian, Media & Communication Professional says:
1) Visionary Leadership
2) Business Acumen
3) Community Involvement

So now it’s your turn! What are the three GREAT common habits of successful entrepreneurs?  I’m interested in hearing what you have to say.

Respectfully,
Rob