Is it Possible for Anyone to Be A Successful Entrepreneur?
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This is a question that has no absolute answer. In many aspects of life an entrepreneurial spirit is useful. For our purposes, we will stick to the commercial and business areas and narrow the field of possible answers within this scope.
I believe that theoretically any person can be a successful entrepreneur. Unfortunately, this is far from true in the real world. Most people do not have the mix of drive, ambition, passion, fearlessness and creativity requisite in most successful entrepreneurs. Look at the lifestyle and career choices made by the vast majority of people. An aversion to risk, fear of failure and lack of confidence eliminate most people doing anything more than dreaming about seeking entrepreneurial opportunities.
It is very difficult for people to change. The successful entrepreneur is basically a risk taker, willing to put themselves, their ideas and egos on display in a highly competitive marketplace. They will hear the word no so often that they must become inured to that horrible little two letter word. Disappointment becomes their constant companion. Yet, they have a unique ability to keep pushing their project along, always seeing the glass is half or more full and a way will be found.
If success were easily achieved we would enjoy a whole lot more of it. I am always struck by how negative so many people are in every aspect of their lives. I have never seen a successful entrepreneur have a negative personality. It is an instant eliminator for anyone seeking to launch an entrepreneurial career.
So, we can be confident that successful entrepreneur’s are a different breed. They do not fear failure. The belief they possess in themselves, their opportunity and the benefits they will achieve from successfully launching their product is palpable. It drives them to overcome obstacles and find answers when none seem plausible. Anyone can attempt to become an entrepreneur. However, the evidence is powerful that success requires a unique set of personal attributes not possessed by most people.
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About the Author
Geoff Ficke has been a serial entrepreneur for almost 50 years. As a small boy, earning his spending money doing odd jobs in the neighborhood, he learned the value of selling himself, offering service and value for money.
After putting himself through the University of Kentucky (B.A. Broadcast Jou
alism, 1969) and serving in the United States Marine Corp, Mr. Ficke commenced a career in the cosmetic industry. After rising to National Sales Manager for Vidal Sassoon Hair Care at age 28, he then launched a number of ventures, including Rubigo Cosmetics, Parfums Pierre Wulff Paris, Le Bain Couture and Fashion Fragrance.
Geoff Ficke and his consulting firm, Duquesa Marketing, Inc. (www.duquesamarketing.com) has assisted businesses large and small, domestic and international, entrepreneurs, inventors and students in new product development, capital formation, licensing, marketing, sales and business plans and successful implementation of his customized strategies. He is a Senior Fellow at the Page Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Business School, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
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