What makes a great entrepreneur? What motivates someone to want to venture out in his or her own business? As business growth strategist this is a question I often ask my clients and myself during our initial get-to-know you phase. There are well-documented characteristic traits that describe great entrepreneurs like Opportunistic, Risk-Taker, Visionary or Problem Solver. However, understanding the emotional drivers behind these traits is as complex as they are unique.
Take myself for example. I possess the predisposed characteristics of your typical entrepreneur, but the reasons and actions behind why I do what I do are uniquely my own. My reasoning is grounded in my personal desires and goals (peace of mind, wealth, freedom, legacy) like most entrepreneurs, but my emotional responses and actions are what set me apart from want-to-be entrepreneurs and true entrepreneurs.
As entrepreneurs there are times when we are forced to embrace the unknown and step outside of our comfort zone. Our behavioral mindset and our ability to change reactive (static) habits into proactive (dynamic) ones is what truly set us apart.
If you have never woken up at 2:00am in a sweat, panic-stricken, heart pounding, on the verge of hyperventilating over an uncomfortable proactive action taken, you haven’t stretched beyond your comfort zone. You are crippled by doubt and fear of not knowing, with an overwhelming sensation that your decision stands to change the course of all you know…yet you continue to push forward. True entrepreneurs believe that if they are not making it happen…it won’t get done.
What sets true entrepreneurs apart from want-to-be entrepreneurs is Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is not a new theory, originally introduced in 1990 by Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer. Its application within the entrepreneurial dynamic and how it contributes toward success is often misunderstood and overlooked. Our ability to understand our emotions, what drive them and how we express them is what separates true entrepreneurs and the rest.
Emotional intelligence is the “something” in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we instinctively behave, interact with others, and make life-changing decisions. The majority of small business owners jump into the self-employed pool without the skill set needed to successfully run their business. They insist on doing everything themselves whether it be for financial reasons, misinterpreted abilities or lack of direction. Unfortunately the cost of self-performance can bankrupt the new entrepreneur financially, emotionally and physically.
It is important to explore emotional and behavioral tendencies when building a strong dynamic infrastructure for the growth of your new business. This might involve changing some behaviors to align with your dreams…that may take you out of your comfort zone. DAVNA’s Business Growth programs incorporate not only the educational component needed, but also the emotional and behavioral aspects that go into every strategic decision made.
Our Marketonomy® Business Growth Series is designed to guide new entrepreneurs through the business evaluation process and subsequent growth development stages to ensure success through training, one-on-one mentoring and accountability coaching. We offer a 2-day interactive workshop designed to kick-start small business owners equipping them with the tools needed to succeed. The next workshop will be taking place August 28th and 29th. For more information on signing up for Marketonomy® or to get more info on Emotional Intelligence and where to get help locally email dolivo@davna.com.
DAVNA Enterprises, LLC is a Florida based firm specializing in the development and implementation of strategic operational, marketing and business development programs locally and internationally. Whether a new business starting out or an existing firm seeking increased market exposure, rebranding or repositioning, DAVNA brings more than 35 years of experience and the expertise needed to successfully develop and execute strategies designed to achieve your ultimate goals. For more information visit www.davna.com or email info@davna.com
