“Entrepreneurship is not even an option, it is a national necessity. It is the only way through which we can strengthen our currency, cure joblessness and uplift our standards of living”, Edwin H. Dande CEO Cytonn Investments. This is close to what Nicole Martins, an e-commerce Entrepreneur, says “An entrepreneur is the person who sees a problem in the world and immediately focuses on creating the solution. They’re the leaders that strike out on their own to improve society. Whether they’re creating jobs or a new product, they constantly take action to ensure world progress. As a result entrepreneurs create jobs, create change, give to society and add to the National income” While I couldn’t agree more, I thought, ‘leadership is a skill that an entrepreneur must have in order to succeed’ or simply put a successful entrepreneur must ‘lead’. We explore a few characteristics of “The Leading Entrepreneur’.
Focus;The leading Entrepreneur must focus on something. Steve Jobs returned to lead Apple in 1997. Upon his return, Jobs found that Apple had widely diversified its product lines. He concluded, “Apple is in serious financial crisis and we can’t afford to do anything extra…we have got to focus and do something we can be good at.” Under his direction the company reduced its offering to just four computers; two desktops and two laptops. This narrowed focus contributed to Apples remarkable turnaround. Could it be time for you to be honest and say, “we cannot afford to do anything extra…we have got to focus”
Influence;The leading entrepreneur influences. “The true measure of leadership is influence-nothing more, nothing less” John Maxwell. As an entrepreneur your measure of leadership is determined by their ability to influence the resources at your disposal. Key among these resources is people and they include; customers, employees, suppliers, investors, directors, family and friends. Your success is dependent on all or most of these resources.
You are the product; The leading Entrepreneur makes ‘People buy into them’. “People at first don’t follow worthy causes. They follow worthy leaders who promote causes they can believe in” John Maxwell. This is true in entrepreneurship-people will need to believe in you before they believe in your product or service. You are the product-sell yourself first!!Give people a reason to ‘buy into you’ before buying what you are offering.
Character; The leading entrepreneur exhibits character. “The only thing that walks back from the tomb with the mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man. This is true. What a man is survives him, it can never be buried.” J.R. Miller. Character communicates consistency, potential and respect. As an entrepreneur you need to deliver what is expected day after day. It is important to note that talent, passion, great idea and commitment must be reinforced by character.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]