Traits and Skills of Successful Internet Entrepreneurs

There are certain traits and skills that many successful online entrepreneurs have in common. Some of the ones mentioned in this article may seem simple, but don’t overlook their importance.

You may not personally be strong in all areas, but you can get by as long as you can delegate tasks that require them to someone on your team.

• Good Communicator Whether you are communicating via email, your website, ICQ, web-based forums, or whatever, you (or someone in your organization) need to demonstrate good communication skills, especially good writing skills. Unfortunately, many online communications are very weak in this area. I’m not saying this is critical, but to point out an area for improvement that we can benefit from by paying attention. Since we are all human and prone to mistakes, our communications may not be flawless, but the clearer and more precise we convey our message, with fewer spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, the more likely our prospects will get our message and take the desired action, and the most professional image that we will project. However, that does NOT mean that we should try to impress people with complex language. Research has shown that plain and simple language outsells complicated language.
• Calculated Risk Taker True entrepreneurs are not necessarily reckless gamblers or risk takers, but they tend to be willing to take carefully calculated risks after careful thinking and planning (thus reducing risk). This is better than lingering too long, suffering from “analysis paralysis”, wasting precious time analyzing things too much.
• More of an Entrepreneur Than a Dreamer Having dreams and aspirations about becoming a successful entrepreneur is fine. The problem is that it is much easier to dream than to roll up your sleeves and be busy making those dreams come true. Only when we do more than dream will we be successful.
• Persistent As I’ve seen startups come and go online, and others (including my own) come and GROW, I’ve noticed that persistence is a key missing ingredient in many failed businesses. And some are on the brink of success when they quit!
• Cautiously optimistic Instead of having a negative outlook on life (which will eventually carry over to prospects and clients), successful entrepreneurs generally tend to have a “can do” attitude and see opportunities where others only see problems.
• Goal-oriented entrepreneurs take great satisfaction in setting and achieving business-related goals. This is not surprising, since all human beings have a natural desire to find satisfaction in their achievements.
• Customer-oriented Hit and Run entrepreneurs don’t typically last, but those who focus on understanding and satisfying their customers’ wants, needs, and buying trends tend to thrive.
• Passion for the type of business Entrepreneurs are not only motivated by the desire to earn a living. They are usually so interested in your line of business that it rarely seems like work. It helps them put in the long hours that starting a business sometimes requires.
• Flexible Things change quickly, especially online. The successful entrepreneur is willing to overcome mistakes, face new challenges head-on, and adapt to change. Doing so can mean the difference between success and failure.
• Marketing Expert In business, as the saying goes, “Everything is marketing.” The world cannot and will not find its way to your door to buy your “best mousetrap” if the world doesn’t know about it. Regardless of the business you are in, marketing is the tool you use to present the solutions that your products and services offer to the rest of the world.

As the legendary promoter PT Barnum said: “Without promotion, something terrible happens, NOTHING!”

Like any other skill, your marketing can be improved through increased knowledge and practice. Invest in expanding your marketing knowledge. Doing so can serve you well throughout your business career. Benjamin Franklin put it well, when he said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Of course, there are many other skills and characteristics that successful internet entrepreneurs have at their disposal, but the list above covers many of the most important ones. To help you find success as an online entrepreneur too.