The one-year anniversary of Steve Jobs’ death this month reminds us of the entrepreneurial spirit and American dream we all hope to achieve, whether we are considering opening up a business, already have one, or are working within a company as an employee.
Yet, the Small Business Administration says 49 percent of all start-ups fail within the first five years; and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for Milwaukee rose 0.1 percentage points in August 2012 to 7.9 percent. And even if we are one of the businesses to last and not be severely downsized, we may be wondering how we can keep that entrepreneurial spirit alive in our organization so that we are working synergistically, productively and enthusiastically towards our vision.
In my workshop and upcoming book called, “Advancing the Entrepreneurial Spirit,” I talk about the 15 traits of an entrepreneur and how these same traits must be carried on into an organization if that organization is going to thrive. Employees are now expected to go the extra mile, so all employees must be taught how to have the entrepreneurial spirit and take ownership in a company’s success.
Below are the 15 traits of the entrepreneurial spirit, regardless of position or ownership in a business:
- E-The Spirit of-Enthusiasm allows us to trust that passion within that calls us to an activity or the creation of something new. Entrepreneurial people and their cultures do not shoot down this enthusiasm, but instead encourage it.
- N-The Spirit of Novelty recognizes a need in the marketplace and thinks of a new twist for a product or service to meet that need. This takes the original enthusiasm and tests it by surveying potential customers to see if what you want to offer is really needed.
- T-The Spirit of Truth gives us an ability to trust your gut instinct and listen within for guidance. This gives us a continual connection with our inner knowing and the courage to speak our truth to others.
- R-The Spirit of Resiliency helps us move forward and face rejection and obstacles, without taking it personally. This can be difficult, when the idea is yours and you are faced with objections, rejection, and obstacles. Learning to look at rejection and obstacles with curiosity will keep you from taking it personally.
- E-The Spirit of Ethics gives us a moral compass and code of values to govern our behavior and decisions. Establishing this foundation will keep you away from the path of destruction.
- P-The Spirit of a Promoter enjoys sharing their product or service with others through networking, traditional marketing and web marketing you can learn more about at this vegan digital marketing review. There is a natural joy that comes from sharing your offering, whether directly in sales or not.
- R-The Spirit of Resourcefulness understands the difference between wants and needs, and finds ways to get the job done with limited resources by using creativity, partnering, networking, and bartering. Those that do not have this spirit will use the “not enough” excuse and fail.
- E-The Spirit of Execution enjoys the positive end result that comes from finding the right customer, overcoming objections and obstacles, and following through with promises made.
- N-The Spirit of Negotiation creates win-win solutions that are tailor-made in the areas of billing, shipping, receiving and product/service packaging. Having a collaborative nature is a must to meet the customer’s needs and create satisfaction.
- E-The Spirit of Energy isn’t about counting the hours or working 9-5, it’s about the willingness to go the extra mile and do what it takes to make it happen. This comes from a love for what we do.
- U-The Spirit of Unity reminds us that we are here to make a difference, and through partnering with our customers, community, and co-workers, we strengthen our success and create a feeling of oneness.
- R-The Spirit of Risk eliminates the word “failure” and replaces it with “process improvement,” which creates a willingness to try new things and learn from experiences, ultimately producing better results and growth.
- I-The Spirit of Ingenuity focuses on creativity as the means to success and eliminates fear-based thinking and decisions.
- A-The Spirit of Appreciation continually looks at what is working and upholds an attitude of gratitude.
- L-The Spirit of Leadership desires to give empowerment to employees, vendors and sub-contractors by way of the entrepreneurial spirit so they too have an ownership in the love, creation and growth of the original vision.
Challenge: Where can you improve your entrepreneurial spirit?
(The 15 Traits of an Entrepreneurial Spirit are copyright Susan K. Wehrley 2012, and part of the book, “Advancing the Entrepreneurial Spirit”).
Susan K. Wehrley has been a business development coach and consultant for 25 years. She is president of Susan K. Wehrley & Associates Inc. (www.solutionsbysusan.com). Her online growth community called, BIZremedies, offers resources and tools for entrepreneurs (www.BIZremedies.com). She can be reached at (414) 581-0449, Susan@solutionsbysusan.com.
