Do you think you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? I was wondering the same thing myself on my recent trip to the mainland to address an array of challenges with my first entrepreneurial venture, KLH Properties, LLC.  The result was a “top ten entrepreneurial trait” list that I publish below.  See how you match up!

Being an owner and property manager for 4 properties is difficult enough, but even more difficult when they all scream attention at the same time and you are 6000 miles away. In a down economy real estate entrepreneurs are becoming more and more creative, finding ways to  “balance the sheet” and make ends meet, ensuring those stellar investments of times past don’t get the best of them. So on a plane I got, and 30 hours and no sleep later I ended up in Charleston, SC for four days of lugging boxes in dirty hallways, pulling weeds, barking orders, running errands and shelling out a lot of cash (just to mention a few things). The efforts paid off and in 4 hectic days, KLH Properties was back under control, houses were rented and cash flow was on its way again.

In the midst of all of this, I worked with two of my model entrepreneurial clients on special projects, making it a week-end worthy of reflections on the character traits of being an entrepreneur. Joe Breman, President of International Underwater Explorations, took the opportunity of my location in Charleston to set up a new business development meeting at the Naval Weapons Station. Frank Huebner, CEO of Westec Environmental Technologies, grabbed me on the way back across the country for a 3 day jam session in Chicago, setting up the communications department of this growing start-up. There is no rest for the weary and every opportunity is taken advantage of in the world of entrepreneurs!

So throughout all the madness, sitting in airports, reflecting on my experiences, listening to other entrepreneurs surrounding me on their cell phones and laptops in a crazy race to follow their dreams… I created a “top ten list for successful entrepreneurs.”

Entrepreneurs….

• Persevere at all costs; “no” is not accepted as an answer (at least not at first).
• Are resourceful; multi-tasking and an innate ability to be cost effective are key, and there are always multiple solutions to every problem.
• Think outside the box; forecasting market trends and recognizing open niches, the road less traveled often opens to the most success.
• Have clocks that never stop; tirelessly addressing their to-do lists, they garner non-stop energy from the buzz of their passion.
• Listen to their intuition; that inner voice is a gift, and by listening to it they have a clear expression of their calling.
• Know how to ask for help; identifying talented people with expertise to join their team, they add value to their efforts.
• Dream big; aiming high while they keep their feet on the ground, they take a balanced approach to making it happen.
• Are perfectionists; detail oriented, the rely on impeccable timing, perfect presentations, and expect the most from everyone at all times.
• Can part with their cash; they know that you get what you pay for, and you have to spend money to make money!
• Have fun with their work; happy people are successful people!

Tags: entrepreneurs, International Underwater Explorations, KLH Properties, WES

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