I have been fortunate to have worked with some extraordinary entrepreneurs in my career. Some were short-term projects like working with Ben Cohen from Ben & Jerry’s when we made a Rachel’s Brownies Ice Cream together. Another was with digital marketing legend Gary Vaynerchuk who spoke to a wine marketing conference in April of 2011 at the Culinary Institute in St. Helena, California. In both experiences, I had a front row seats with some legendary entrepreneurs and got to observe how they behaved in the world. I even got to spend many years working with Randy Savage who was not only the Macho Man in professional wrestling but was a surprisingly savvy entrepreneur who wisely managed his brand and various licensing arrangements.
Entrepreneurs are often considered people who like to take risks. I think the opposite is true. They tend to be risk averse. Entrepreneurs do have a gene that many people don’t share. They are action-oriented.
They do new things. They get stuff done. They try a different approach.
They are inclined toward testing and trying new stuff out because they want to avoid the risk of doing nothing. They like the test, try and learn approach so they are continuously improving their knowledge, their brand, and the business.
The riskiest thing for an entrepreneur is standing still when the world around them spins at a dizzying rate.
Entrepreneurs and start-ups leaders in general, know that they have a problem that needs to be solved. If they do nothing, they understand that isn’t a solution. They had stillness and a lack of inertia.
Seven behaviors of Exceptional Entrepreneurs
- They seek out expertise outside of their base of knowledge. If they understand sales and marketing, they seek out financial and operational guidance.
- They ask very challenging and difficult questions. Somehow, they see the flaw in a plan quickly and recognize that a project needs rescoping.
- They believe in data and intuition, never just one. They have the ability to flow between both sides of their brand seeking logic and trusting their gut.
- They listen better than most business people. In meetings, they ask questions and don’t just talk to repeat what they already know. They want to learn. Entrepreneurs are extremely curious about very narrow topics.
- They are stubborn and set in their ways yet can be convinced to change when presented with a cogent argument.
- They appreciate when advisors articulate what they have been thinking but couldn’t put it into words.
- They are always leaning forward, acting and moving toward their goals. They hate sitting still and sitting on the fence. They acknowledge how much luck plays in their success.
Did I miss any behaviors you observe in exceptional entrepreneurs?
Need help with marketing strategies or tactics? Work with a successful entrepreneur who can help you succeed. Text me at 919 720 0995 or email me at jeffslater@themarketingsage.com –
Need data? I can help you like I helped these folks, or just follow your instincts.
Photo credit Dan Carlson – https://unsplash.com/@dan_carl5on
