In a recent discussion among business counselors serving small business the topic turned to what are the attributes that indicate likely entrepreneurial success.  The collective wisdom of the group including a serial entrepreneur is in the following list of attributes we look for to predict success when we’re in our advisory roles:

• Passion that is reflected as a determination to suceed against all odds
• A positive attitude demonstrated by an entrepreneur’s day-to-day behavior
• Adapability shown by an ability to improvise and overcome obstacles
• Disciplined and focused with an ability for rigorous planning
• Has a hunger to learn, listens and seeks out experts as advisors
• Has a sales orientation and is rigorous about the sales process
• Knows his/her own strengths and weaknesses

If you just took out your pen or pencil to start checking off which ones you think apply, be sure to work the list in reverse, otherwise you might just be kidding yourself.  And what do you do if you find yourself coming up short?  You might just be better off working for someone else. Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur but sometimes through difficult circumstances like today’s market people feel as if there is no other choice.

According to a recent SBA statistic 1/3 of all start-ups fail in the first 4 years so it’s important that you be honest with yourself about your ability to be a successful entrepreneur.  Once you’re committed to the path pay particular attention to bullets 4 and 5 to get off to a great start.