These days, a successful entrepreneur needs more than an MBA to reach the top. In this age of increasing market volatility, many individuals who strike out on their own find that a diploma alone is not enough to help them achieve their goals. In fact, they often need toughness and tenacity in equal amounts, plus the ability to make connections and keep improving, despite obstacles.
In a recent article for Inc. magazine, six prominent business leaders (only one of whom appears to have an MBA) identify what qualities are needed to differentiate entrepreneurs in the industry. Interviewees range from the CEO of an e-commerce site to the executive chairman of a facility management service provider to the president and CEO of a trucking and logistics solutions provider. Not surprisingly, an abundance of grit and an ability to understand the basics are essential to being successful entrepreneurs, but top-notch businesspeople must also build relationships, strive for constant improvement, and set an example in whatever they do. Lastly, the capacity to stay on course is critical for anyone at the helm of an entrepreneurial initiative, though some may find this a difficult task, given today’s market challenges.