Aaron Hoos

What makes an entrepreneur successful? I believe there are 18 traits. I’ll look at one each day for the next 18 days.

Small business success secret #9: Business owners remain true to themselves.

In today’s global marketplace, it can be tempting for a business owner to act bigger than they are. And, in a world full of opinionated gurus, it can be tempting for a business owner to take the aggressive, opinionated (and even obnoxious) role of the diva expert. Don’t do it if that’s not you. Be yourself. It’s easier to sustain and far more enjoyable.

What makes an entrepreneur successful? I believe there are 18 traits. I’ll look at one each day for the next 18 days.

Small business success secret #8: Business owners enjoy what they do.

Work can feel like drudgery. That’s one of the many reasons why the drive to own a business can be so strong. But entrepreneurial work can sometimes drag, too. If you don’t love what you do, stop doing it.

What makes an entrepreneur successful? I believe there are 18 traits. I’ll look at one each day for the next 18 days.

Small business success secret #7: Business owners say no.

One of the most challenging things for new entrepreneurs to do is turn down work, especially since the promise of new revenue is on the line. But taking on too much work – or the wrong work – is not the best long-term choice, even if it seems to be a great short-term choice.