Traits for successful entrepreneurs

Q:  The corporate track isn’t right for everyone.  In your work, what do you see as the required traits of successful entrepreneurs?  I think I would be nervous, but excited about starting my own business.  I am a senior in college now and can’t see myself in a very traditional company. 

A:  It sounds like you have the entrepreneurial bug!  Starting a business is fun, frightening, exciting, exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

Many entrepreneurs have grand ideas, which are just that — grand ideas.  Turning a grand idea into a profitable business can be a challenge though.

I am lucky in my role.  I have been able to work with many successful entrepreneurs across many industries.  I think the “must have” traits for a successful entrepreneur include:

• focus/determination/tenacity – able to focus on your business, and be determined in launching and building your business
• strong work ethic, WIT (whatever it takes) – few successful entrepreneurs are able to get it all done in 40 hours in a single week
• resilience/grit – able to pick yourself up after a setback and work through tough issues (few successful ventures are easy)
• understanding that missteps are part of the journey – failing is part of it, no journey is a perfect upward trajectory
• adaptable – flexibility in changing your path, based on what your customers tell you
• business development/networker – a pipeline of new business is key to most entrepreneurial ventures
• able to execute – taking an idea and putting a plan in place
• experience in the industry – knowing your industry and your marketplace will give you credibility
• listening skills – others will give you advice, you may not always agree, but always listen
• passionate – although an overused word in business, being passionate about business keeps you energized

I consulted Jon Carson, serial entrepreneur and CEO of CollegeVine and Carson added, “Entrepreneurship is often over-glamorized as there are many more losers than winners.  It’s pretty risky to go out on your own unless you have an idea you are truly passionate about getting strong response from the market with paying customers clearly in sight.  Unless you have that I would do it the old-fashioned way and work on it nights and weekends, preferably with a partner.  The best course for you to take may be to find a great early stage company getting traction and learn the ups and downs on somebody else’s nickel.”

Good luck in finding the best path for you!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.

Shoveling out a Colleague

Q: I work for a small start-up. All of us do everything all the time! Recently there was a snowstorm. Our building maintenance team did a poor job of plowing. There were a few employees who had cars that got plowed in. Our CEO asked us all to chip in to shovel out the plowed in cars so people could get out. I think we should have just paid for cabs for them to get home. Have you ever heard of employees being asked to shovel out the cars of co-workers?

A: Many of us have been stressed by snow storms this winter. The snow has created chaos with travel schedules, work commitments and the challenges of working at home when you are typically not a telecommuter.

As you mention, some employees have had their vehicles plowed in. I know some of my clients received mandates, which came from commercial landlords. In short, the mandate is "move all employee and visitor cars by X time or they will be towed." I am wondering if your CEO received such a message but perhaps did not communicate this instruction. Plows struggle with clearing parking lots if many cars are left there, especially for several days. As I recall, during a recent blizzard, there was a parking ban in Boston and cars were towed if they were left on the street overnight. My guess is that your CEO faced a similar situation.

I have heard of co-workers pitching in to ensure a colleague can move their car. Usually the shoveling is done on a volunteer basis and those with bad backs or other physical challenges are exempt. Often there are not enough shovels to go around so the effort is shared among many. Depending on the number of employee stuck and where they lived, cabs could get expensive. Additionally, cab service may have been hard to come by since cabs are often in great demand during storms. Start-ups are usually watching every penny so cab rides for all are unusual.

I just hope the groundhog is wrong! Go Pats!

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.