Top Qualities of A Startup Entrepreneur

Two weeks ago, I joined a startup software company as a project management intern. I'm thrilled because I am given opportunities to work for a wonderful entrepreneur. Meanwhile, I also have the chance to witness how other startup businesses grow. It has been a fun learning experience for me.

The startup company provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and other tech solutions for small and medium corporations. It is part of the ATB project X. Through working for the CEO of the company and observing other startup owners, I came up with a list of 11 top qualities that a successful entrepreneur has. You will be inspired as I did: these traits explain how they are differentiated from the crowd of the ordinary.

#1. Confidence

If you ever talk to startup entrepreneurs, you will notice most of them project great confidence and self-esteem even in the small talks. Confidence makes them believe in what they do. It's their foundation to success, especially during infancy.

#2. Deal with fear and pressures

Who doesn’t have butterflies in their stomach when starting up a business? An entrepreneur has a lot to accomplish during each day, and he or she mostly experiences pressure from uncertainty. When it happens, the CEO just deal with his or her own fear, pressure, and continues advancing upstream in the face of adversaries.

#3. Present the Best of Him/Herself Despite of physical discomfort

We all feel sick once in a while. When feeling physical discomfort, a determined entrepreneur won’t quit an important plan simply because of not feeling well. Especially when it comes to recruiting talents, you won’t spot a seam of physical discomfort from a sick CEO during the interview.

#4. Function with Minimum Sleep

Personally, I enjoy 7- 8 hours sleep everyday. Through chatting with some startup owners from ATB project X, most of them sleep less than 6 hours. However, all of them look energized during the day. In fact, you brain can be trained not to feel tired so that your body can adapt the workload. It’s all in the brain.

#5. Do More with Less Hours

Having a clear plan for the day is important. A solid and detailed plan makes a productive entrepreneur. Some startups have the ability to handle multiple things at one time. If you are able to handle multiple tasks and do them efficiently, then do it. However it’s not for everyone.

#6. Positivity

You know what breaks people? Negativities. Startup CEOs know this way too well. They incorporate positive talks and thoughts into team building, daily conversations, and business development. Even during their downtime, their positive energies touch your inspiration and motivate you to move forward.

#7. Smile

Human interaction is a live example of ‘mirror effect’: you smile at others so others smile back at you. To startups, relationship building is among the most important aspects. Relationship building is not a rocket science. It's an art. Smile is a universal language. A genuine smile opens up so many doors for you. Trust me.

#8. Active Relationship Building

If you are working with (for) a startup CEO, you will notice she or he is always in and out. Why? A startup entrepreneur spends about 40% of his or her time networking with other business or industrial experts. Relationship building allows them to generate new ideas, thus expand the business and ensure its sustainability.

#9. Execution & Figure Out What's Next

Startups never delay execution. As long as they have ideas, they execute as they figure things out. In the world of entrepreneurship, no one falls behind, but everyone advances on his or her own pace. Successful startup CEOs won't delay their plan but always figure out what's next.

#10. Just Do It

When I stayed late one day evening, I had a conversation with a young startup CEO who’s in her very earlier 20s. She is a current business student at the University of Calgary, and also running her own business at the same time. She told me she felt very scared every single day, but she kept following her institution without quitting. I asked her:” did you think you’ve known enough before jumping into the water?” She answered: “Not really. I’m learning everything on the fly. I had an idea earlier this year so I decided to try it out. I know at the end of the day, it’s the money that comes out of your pocket. To me, nothing is failure, I only learn.”

#11. Get Help from The Pros.

There are too much to know in a business. Startup CEOs literally would exhaust themselves to learn them all. Well, it’s nearly impossible for them to know everything! For such reason, it’s key for them to get the support from the right people (Pros). Part of the secret to succeed a business is not to learn everything all by yourself, but to get the right people to help you.

Working for a startup company allows me to witness the bravest spirits, positive energies, and the determination to live one’s life to the fullest potential. In other words, everything is possible if you go for it. Startup CEOs are amongst those people who would inspire you the most.

Before I close, I'd like to ask you:"what are your thoughts on the list of 11 qualities?" Feel free to leave me a comment below, as I enjoy learning from you!