My Wife says successful Entrepreneurs are 'born' I say that is Bullsh*t

74 replies
My wife and I have had an ongoing discussion over the years about what it takes to be a successful business owner and entrepreneur.

Personally. I have always had an inclination to own my own business since I was a young boy, and when I started IM 7 years ago it was something that was natural for me.

My wife thinks that all people who are successful entrepreneurs have some kind of innate and natural business skills and intelligence to do this stuff and that is why they are successful.

I will tell you from my experience and from many fellow entrepreneurs this is not always the case.So I always hammer this home to her LOL

( Of course, I do have to side with her in the fact that there are always going to be a certain number of people who for some reason or the other just do not or cannot 'get it' )


But it is a fact that I know of a number of success stories of people with different backgrounds who had no business experience or any skills related to starting a business.

You want to know why they became successful ?

It's this simple,,,,,,,,They had a desire to better themselves in Life and they developed a clear Path and Vision of how they were to do this and then folks guess what they did next?

They.went to work and never stopped until they found success and reached the goals they set for themselves..

ACTION ( with a clear Plan) is a word never to be underestimated.


- Robert Andrew
#born #bullsht #entrepreneurs #successful #wife
  • Profile picture of the author nik0
    Banned
    Can't those people with different backgrounds been born with entrepreneus skills but never discovered it before?

    I started working for myself when I was 25, before that I felt no need for it.

    Sometimes people just have to run into something before their "skills" reveal it self.

    Not that I have any very specific skills but somehow I do seem to be born for success (with falling and standing up in between but that's only natural when trying new things I guess)
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  • Profile picture of the author onSubie
    Every example you have used backs up your wife's argument.

    The people who are successful are those with an 'inborn' desire to work and succeed.

    If you look at every successful entrepreneur the key to their success came from within themselves.

    Some say "I was not born for this, I am naturally shy", or "I was not meant to be an entrepreneur, I was born with a disability", "or I don't have a natural instinct for selling".

    What successful entrepreneurs have is an inner ability to overcome obstacles, whether that is a personal disability, high barriers to a market or uncooperative mentors. This cannot be taught.

    You can teach "how to" overcome obstacles, but you cannot teach the tenacity required to overcome obstacles.

    It is in born.

    Take a successful entrepreneur. Take away his learning and his mentor. Could he still "make it"?

    99% will say "Yes" because it is in their nature.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by onSubie View Post

      Every example you have used backs up your wife's argument.

      The people who are successful are those with an 'inborn' desire to work and succeed.
      You are misreading what my wife said.
      I should know because I am with her 365 days a year

      She says an 'inborn' aptitude and intelligence NOT desire.
      Huge difference

      That's her whole argument. To her it does not matter how much desire you have, whether it be born or developed. To her you will not be successful if you do not have the God given ability some successful entrepreneurs are blessed with.
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      • Profile picture of the author onSubie
        Originally Posted by discrat View Post

        You are misreading what my wife said.
        I should know because I am with her 365 days a year

        She says an 'inborn' aptitude and intelligence NOT desire.
        Huge difference

        That's her whole argument. To her it does not matter how much desire you have, whether it be born or developed. To her you will not be successful if you do not have the God given ability some successful entrepreneurs our blessed with.
        Well, I guess what I was describing falls under 'aptitude'.

        I would also agree that there is a minimum threshold for born intelligence in order to be able to read, write and function.

        So you are saying that anyone could be successful entrepreneur no matter their attitude, intelligence or work ethic?

        Then why isn't everyone? It certainly isn't because the information is hard to find. Or opportunities do not exist. Or teachers and educators can't be found.

        So why does Person A make it and Person B does not make it if it is not a characteristic of their personal make up?
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        • Profile picture of the author discrat
          Originally Posted by onSubie View Post

          So you are saying that anyone could be successful entrepreneur no matter their attitude, intelligence or work ethic?

          Nope, not at all !
          Originally Posted by discrat View Post

          ( Of course, I do have to side with her in the fact that there are always going to be a certain number of people who for some reason or the other just do not or cannot 'get it' )
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  • Profile picture of the author Sitestomp
    It's a hard question to answer. I think some people are born with more drive than others, whereas some people are completely content doing the 9-5 grind and have no aspirations for anything more their entire lives.

    Then again, some people aren't born with a entrepreneurial spirit but they gain a drive and passion later in life to build and create. I worked many horrible jobs over the years and then started my own business about 7 years ago. I would say, for me, the drive came later when I wanted more out of life.

    I think it vastly varies based on the individual tbh.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom Addams
    I see what you're saying, but I think its like anything: some people can paint a work of art, others can figure out new theories in quantum mechanics, and others still can operate as an entrepreneur. Take me, for instance. Sure, you could give me a thousand lessons in art, but I'd never be that great. I have my abilities; and I'm actually okay at art but no Van Gogh, never will be. I'm wired the way I am.

    Tom
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  • Profile picture of the author bigt41gopeay
    sorry will have to agree with your wife. you are born with it. it jsut takes time for it to come out. that type of drive is not learned is coming from genetics. and some of use just dont use it that is all
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  • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
    Tell you're wife she's full of it

    Humans can be trained. They adapt to situations. In life they evolve due to their circumstances.

    I'm sure many entrepreneurs have been baptised in the fire of necessity. Job loss or a sudden inheritance of a business asset being examples.

    Everyone can get better at what they do. If they want it bad enough, they'll get it done, no matter what the goal.
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    • Profile picture of the author hollyda31
      Originally Posted by PerformanceMan View Post

      Tell you're wife she's full of it

      baptised in the fire of necessity.
      This is my new favorite quote.
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  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    +1 For Your Wife....

    Not everyone can run a business ....
    You Either have that Entrepreneurial drive/skill or you don't....



    Originally Posted by PerformanceMan View Post

    Tell you're wife she's full of it
    Same could be said for ....

    Originally Posted by PerformanceMan View Post

    can be trained. They adapt to situations. In life they evolve due to their circumstances.
    Of course humans can be trained (so can dogs,parrots,chimps etc by the way)
    And we as a species are able to adapt very well
    That still does not guarantee that every person on this planet can run a business successfully..

    Originally Posted by PerformanceMan View Post

    sure many entrepreneurs have been baptised in the fire of necessity. Job loss or a sudden inheritance of a business asset being examples.

    Eveyone can get better at what they do. If they want it bad enough, they'll get it done, no matter what the goal.
    Straight out of the IM'ers bible of BS and self assurance...
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

      [SIZE="7"]

      Straight out of the IM'ers bible of BS and self assurance...
      And I thought I hammered it home to my Wife LOL
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      • Profile picture of the author salegurus
        Originally Posted by discrat View Post

        And I thought I hammered it home to my Wife LOL
        PS. Robert,Have you been sleeping on the sofa lately ? (LOL)
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        • Profile picture of the author Tom B
          Banned
          I think it comes down to persistence and focus.

          Anyone can learn this stuff. This isn't rocket science nor is there any genetic traits, like in sports, that are required to be successful.

          What is required is not giving up and being able to focus on the things that will allow us to attain our goals.

          I think with many entrepreneurs, the thought of having to work for someone else is the worst thing in the world. With those ideas floating around our heads, we know that we must make it work or live a life of terrible compromise.

          I always produced more when my back was against the wall. In times that were more plentiful, my production wasn't as good. That is why I do believe in putting yourself into positions that require you to make it work.

          I have burnt many a bridge which put me in a positions of either starving to death/being homeless or making it work.
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          • Profile picture of the author Sangfroid
            Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

            I think it comes down to persistence and focus.

            Anyone can learn this stuff. This isn't rocket science nor is there any genetic traits, like in sports, that are required to be successful.

            What is required is not giving up and being able to focus on the things that will allow us to attain our goals.

            I think with many entrepreneurs, the thought of having to work for someone else is the worst thing in the world. With those ideas floating around our heads, we know that we must make it work or live a life of terrible compromise.

            I always produced more when my back was against the wall. In times that were more plentiful, my production wasn't as good. That is why I do believe in putting yourself into positions that require you to make it work.

            I have burnt many a bridge which put me in a positions of either starving to death/being homeless or making it work.
            Very interesting. I should do well since I am up against it right
            now. I am not sure if I will slack off when the money starts to
            flow. Maybe...................
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            • Profile picture of the author Tom B
              Banned
              Originally Posted by Sangfroid View Post

              Very interesting. I should do well since I am up against it right
              now. I am not sure if I will slack off when the money starts to
              flow. Maybe...................
              I got faith in you. Tough times can show you just how much you can really accomplish. Setting aside our egos because of necessity can lead to great things.
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              • Profile picture of the author Sangfroid
                Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

                I got faith in you. Tough times can show you just how much you can really accomplish. Setting aside our egos because of necessity can lead to great things.
                Thanks,Thomas! It does seem that we all go thru difficult times.

                Perhaps the path of an Entrepreneur? Most give up but those who
                don't emerge successful...
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                • Profile picture of the author Tom B
                  Banned
                  Originally Posted by Sangfroid View Post

                  Thanks,Thomas! It does seem that we all go thru difficult times.

                  Perhaps the path of an Entrepreneur? Most give up but those who
                  don't emerge successful...
                  I've learned and grown the most in difficult times. I truly believe the worst thing that can happen to an entrepreneur is success right from the start. It's hard to duplicate that success because you haven't failed enough to know what does or does not work.

                  Not only do you learn more, you also become more confident knowing you can handle most situations and even rebuild if needed.

                  There has been some great posts in this thread. It has me rethinking my stance even though I do believe people can accomplish just about anything they want if they truly want it

                  I guess, for me, I can't see myself doing anything different. I love creating stuff. I love creating stuff that helps people. I would die a slow death if I ended up back in a cubicle coding banking systems. haha

                  Maybe this is something that is just in your blood. Still, I have learned many different skills that I can honestly say I wasn't a natural at.

                  Lot's of great posts to think about here, but like anything, it comes down to how bad you want it. Even gifted people have to work at it.
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                  • Profile picture of the author discrat
                    Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

                    I truly believe the worst thing that can happen to an entrepreneur is success right from the start. It's hard to duplicate that success because you haven't failed enough to know what does or does not work.
                    Same goes with Stock trading
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                  • Profile picture of the author Sangfroid
                    Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

                    I've learned and grown the most in difficult times. I truly believe the worst thing that can happen to an entrepreneur is success right from the start. It's hard to duplicate that success because you haven't failed enough to know what does or does not work.

                    Not only do you learn more, you also become more confident knowing you can handle most situations and even rebuild if needed.

                    There has been some great posts in this thread. It has me rethinking my stance even though I do believe people can accomplish just about anything they want if they truly want it

                    I guess, for me, I can't see myself doing anything different. I love creating stuff. I love creating stuff that helps people. I would die a slow death if I ended up back in a cubicle coding banking systems. haha

                    Maybe this is something that is just in your blood. Still, I have learned many different skills that I can honestly say I wasn't a natural at.

                    Lot's of great posts to think about here, but like anything, it comes down to how bad you want it. Even gifted people have to work at it.
                    Excellent points! I don't have to worry about immediate success!
                    And it seems that most very successful Entrepreneur's have been
                    thru many failures and difficult times.

                    As for me, I just love the Internet business. My mother says I am
                    addicted. Maybe. But, I love it so................
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    • Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

      +1 For Your Wife....

      Not everyone can run a business ....
      You Either have that Entrepreneurial drive/skill or you don't....
      I agree. Most people simply dont have the mojo to be an entrepreneur. Being successful on your own ventures requires a degree of thinking out of the box, sense of opportunity, etc that cannot be trained or acquired.

      Not everybody has the artistic sensibility to be a poet. And not everybody has the sharpness to be an entrepreneur.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        I learned from a young age that Money=Happiness, (And, it does to a certain extent.)

        One year around Christmas my Mum put some money aside in a Bank Account thinking it was secure only to find out that it wasn't. I don't think I was born to be an Entrepreneur however I think my life experience made me into one.
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        • Profile picture of the author lerxtjr
          There may be more truth to the statement that successful E's are born. There are just as many skills, components, and sheer luck in life experiences that are required to be a professional football player as there are to becoming a successful E. Sure, you can "learn" all of the skills. You can "buy" many of the components. But, there are just situations in life that happen or don't happen that can be up for debate as being what makes someone capable of being successful or falling short.

          Plus, if there are certain things about you that simply cannot be changed, there is the possibility that those shortcomings may prevent you from being equally as successful as the next guy. I'm thinking of things like a pleasant smile (some people look like they're frowning even if they're happy), a full head of hair, height, natural charisma, quick wit in a conversation. Sure, you can work your whole life to develop in these areas but we all know the dudes at the top and they seem to have just everything all packaged together with a big bow on top.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    First, you need to watch your language when you talk to your wife.

    Secondly, you have lot to learn if you think that you can win an
    argument with your wife.

    Thirdly, your wife is right. You're born with the gift.

    Now you need to go and apologize to your wife.

    -Ray Edwards
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom Addams
      Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

      Secondly, you have lot to learn if you think that you can win an argument with your wife.
      What I wrote earlier in this thread is my opinion; the statement above by Raydal is fact. ha

      Tom
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    • Profile picture of the author Terrance01
      Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

      First, you need to watch your language when you talk to your wife.

      Secondly, you have lot to learn if you think that you can win an
      argument with your wife.

      Thirdly, your wife is right. You're born with the gift.

      Now you need to go and apologize to your wife.

      -Ray Edwards

      I think the man knows what hes talking about...you may just be in a no win circumstance. You should just cut your losses and apologize. Save it for the "Man Cave"

      -Terrance
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  • Profile picture of the author Adrianhenry
    I think this all depends on how you define "entreprenuer". Much has been written about this topic by many great economists, psychologists and sociologists. If you buy into the paradigm of entrepreneurship suggested by Joseph Schumpeter then your wife is correct in that it requires a very specific set of skills (Liam Neeson?) to become an entrepreneur as you will have to come up with an idea and innovate it through a process all the way to market. That process has a lot of prerequisite skills which will come easier to some people than others, therefore have been "born" as an entrepreneur.

    On the flipside if you see entrepreneurship through the same view as Israel Kirzner then you are correct as in this paradigm the entrepreneur doesn't need to create anything new but instead noticed opportunity and leverages that opportunity in their favour. In that case you cannot be "born" as an entrepreneur as some people will be given opportunity while others won't. The actual innovation is done by someone else and the entrepreneur takes it to market.

    I personally believe that anyone can be an entrepreneur but I also believe that some people have more entrepreneurial skills than others, just like some have better musical abilities and such. But just because it comes easier to some doesn't mean you are "born" as an entrepreneur. Anyone can do it, just with the right guidance.
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  • Profile picture of the author Geeked Labs
    I think anyone can learn the skill. Though saying all that I'm what one would consider to be a "born" one. Started first business as a child. Etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author eac113
    I would say that if you grow up in an entrepreneurial household it might feel more natural to strike out on your own than if you were raised by career types but the itch can hit anyone.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sangfroid
      That is a tuff question! I would say that in theory any could
      be an Entrepreneur.

      But, tho' many may have the intelligence and desire, not
      many have the grit and fiber to fight thru the difficulties.

      It also helps if you don't want to be a corporate slave!
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      • Profile picture of the author kilgore
        It's seems like a lot of people are confusing necessary conditions with sufficient conditions.

        To my way of thinking successful entrepreneurs need four things, some of which you're born with, others you can acquire and some of which just happen to you:
        1. Natural talent
        2. Learned skills and knowledge
        3. Hard work
        4. Luck

        Not one of the above is sufficient in itself to guarantee success, but all four are necessary.
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      • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
        As far as I know, scientists have yet to discover an entrepreneur gene. However, I think it's undeniable that some take to entrepreneurship more naturally than others, either because they've grown up in an environment that by encouragement and/or example, brought out in them the necessary traits, or because it's part of their personality.

        Natural entrepreneurs don't have to be reminded to focus on or persevere with a project. It's in their make-up to do so. It's the others who aspire to become entrepreneurs who need to make the effort, and many simply aren't cut out for it.

        There's nothing wrong with that. Everyone has different strengths and aptitudes. The trick in business (and in life) is to know yourself and understand what it is you really want. Some learn that lesson sooner than others.


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  • Profile picture of the author newbieleoling
    How can successful entrepreneurs be born without any help or self development. They still need action and smart mind to be successful. And how these action and smart mind develop is from the moment they born, how they are taught by the surrounding people.

    What affect their thinking is the people around them that make them to be different kind of person.

    Just my thinking.
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    • Profile picture of the author heavysm
      I used to think that almost anyone could be a successful entrepreneur as long as they had the right mindset. I've since changed my mind.

      I can't say it's a gene or something special that makes entrepreneurs different but there's definitely a different level of persistence and vision in highly successful businessman that the average person just doesn't have.

      It's my belief, after long conversations and lots and lots of contemplation, that those successful businessmen who trained themselves to be persistent with a vision just uncovered what they had in themselves anyway.

      Many times it's just an reconditioning process to get rid of the limiting beliefs that we often grow up with. They're brought up in the limiting mentality and they have to shake off the thoughts and anchors of belief that hold up their true potential.

      Because it's such a tiny portion of society that combines vision + persistence to create a flourishing entity: a thriving business, I am forced to believe that these people have something in them inherently that the rest of society simply lacks.

      You also have to consider having the right combination of persistence and vision as well. Many try to be entrepreneurs but very few make it in the long run = the vision failed out and the persistence dried up.

      There has to be a good article on this somewhere that I've overlooked. But this is a damn good topic to discuss considering so many of the hopefuls on this forum looking to make it big.
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    I think your wife is right: Entrepreneurs are born not trained. You have to LIKE taking a risk; you have to like making decisions and living by them, right or wrong.

    Running your own business and living by your wits is something entrepreneurs thrive on, but would keep non-entreprenurs awake at night. You can't be trained to enjoy that sort of tension - any more than you can learn to like Marmite if you hate it.
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    • Profile picture of the author cooler1
      Originally Posted by spearce000 View Post

      I think your wife is right: Entrepreneurs are born not trained. You have to LIKE taking a risk; you have to like making decisions and living by them, right or wrong.

      Running your own business and living by your wits is something entrepreneurs thrive on, but would keep non-entreprenurs awake at night. You can't be trained to enjoy that sort of tension - any more than you can learn to like Marmite if you hate it.
      That thinking seems too black and white. So in your view if someone who isn't born an entrepreneur, tries to start a business. What is the result? Are you saying that 100% of such people fail?
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  • Profile picture of the author tonylest75
    No one specialist born, only situations and experience make them specialist and success depends on the luck their might be more skilled and education people who are working under an un-skilled business owner.
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    Having the desire to do hard work is genetic, being an entrepreneur is not. There are a lot of "examples" you can follow to succeed, you don't have to reinvent the wheel...

    This quote illustrates what i'm trying to say: "Being an entrepreneur is living a couple of years of your life like no one else wants, to live the rest of your life like no one else can..."

    Same goes for sports people, many talented one's with seemingly natural born talent fail, just because they didn't have the drive to live like one.

    Your wife is wrong imo.
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  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    Both you and your wife are correct.

    Some success stories are the result of pure luck. It's just simple statistics that if you have a diverse group of people starting businesses, some of the meat heads are going to accidentally choose the right business and be at the right place at the right time and succeed. In those cases the only question is if they can rebuild what business trends destroy over time. Can they accentially catch lightning in a bottle twice? Probably not.

    But forget about those cases of luck and give this a listen about where the truly successful come from.....

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    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

      Both you and your wife are correct.

      Some success stories are the result of pure luck. It's just simple statistics that if you have a diverse group of people starting businesses, some of the meat heads are going to accidentally choose the right business and be at the right place at the right time and succeed. In those cases the only question is if they can rebuild what business trends destroy over time. Can they accentially catch lightning in a bottle twice? Probably not.

      But forget about those cases of luck and give this a listen about where the truly successful come from.....
      Luck can be duplicated by trying often enough, luck always evens itself out, I was "lucky" 3 times already and I will be unlucky and lucky more times in the future.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    I tend to side with your wife, although you are also correct on some points. The main reason I think innate qualities are more of a determinant of entrepreneurial success is because of the supreme importance of personality traits.

    It's not intelligence although there must be some threshold that more or less enables or allows success to happen. Related to intelligence is the ability to learn the necessary skills for business. Just about anyone can learn the skills; the kind necessary for doing business online, for example.

    But it's the collective personality traits that either propel a person to succeed or, in most cases, result in either not trying or quitting before success happens. And this is true or applies to just about all other areas of endeavor; succeeding in the arts, writing on a higher level, sports at a higher level, politics, rising in the corporate management ranks and so on.

    I'm the poster boy (hombre?) for the person lacking in critical personality traits for entrepreneurial success even though I've had numerous instances of the beginnings of that type of success. I could write a book about it.

    The one thing I'm most proud of and can legitimately point my finger toward and smile is my tenacity. I'm not done, yet. I'm currently positioning myself to start an online business. I certainly have the knowledge and skills, and certain personality traits have blossomed. It's just that getting them nurtured so they can bloom required me to go through absolute hell. But I'm on the other side of hell and things are cool now.

    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author NeedBucksNow
    I would just say "yeah, & I'm 1 of them"
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  • Profile picture of the author himanuzo
    Successful entrepreneurs are results of talents which developed with good habits from zero in many years.

    So you CAN TOO!
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Why do you need to win an argument with your wife? Can't you have differing opinions?
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  • Profile picture of the author Delboy Trotter
    Internet marketing is in the DNA
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  • Profile picture of the author somedevil
    If your wife was right then 90% of entrepreneurs in the world would never be entrepreneurs.
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  • Profile picture of the author benjamenjuan
    don't you just nod and say yes dear

    even without half a thought your idea about seizing opportunity and working toward achieving your goals makes more sense than ''oh, they must be born that way...''
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  • Profile picture of the author topnotch12
    No one is born to be a entrepreneur , you have to work hard and know what you want in life.
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  • Profile picture of the author benjamenjuan
    so to extend the argument, one might be able to say that a newborn baby could be a better business owner than a full grown adult if the baby was ''born with it'' and the adult was not.

    it just doesn't work

    business owners aren't even necessarily smart or intelligent. theres no threshold, everyone has skills at a different level and it takes work to grow those. some people are fortunate in time and place, some people leverage connections, some people hustle from the bottom up, etc.

    each success story is different, but its not because they are born to be business owners, that's silly.
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  • Profile picture of the author DenEdBiz
    People are learners by nature, and adapt to the environment they're in.

    I grew up in a home that stressed scholastic and that continued into my 20's as I pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. I was all set to begin my last year of education and head into a cushy job, punching the time clock each day. However, I decided that I didn't want to be a lemming so I broke free and discontinued my studies to pursue an entrepreneurial career in the health/nutrition industry and have been growing my business for sometime now.

    My entrepreneurial success was not inherited nor was I born with it. No, through life experience I learned along the way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    Some people are 'naturally' born with business and people skills yes!

    And some are naturally born leaders, yes!

    And some are great with self discipline (more than the majority) yes!

    But does this really mean that successful people are all born that way?

    No that would be Bullshit with a capital B.

    Why?

    We as human beings are geared to 'stay away' or 'avoid' pain.

    Those who succeed would have faced more pain if they decided to Quit pursuing their dreams.

    Others who quit make the decision to do so because the pain of the 'learning curve' was greater than just 'settling' for their current circumstances and lifestyle.

    Conclusion: Some of the most successful people in IM (and in generally speaking), have NOT been 'Born Entrepreneurs"!
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  • Profile picture of the author Roth
    Banned
    Originally Posted by discrat View Post

    I have always had an inclination to own my own business since I was a young boy....
    Ummm you proved your wife's point. If you started young and always had an inclination for it...then you were born like that.

    It's nature and nurture. But the short answer is that successful entrepreneurs are the result of virtuous circumstances and natural "talent".

    Most people who are dirt poor...stay poor. Thems the breaks. Meritocracy and autocracy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim_Carter
    I don't think it is as cut and drued as that. Every single member of my family is self employed (father before he died, sister, brother, uncles) and of course me since 2002.

    Success is subjective, but I guess it is some kind of drive we all share. But we all learned as we went along. Don't think it was anything we were born to.
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  • Profile picture of the author axus_auto
    What would qualify someone as a successful entrepreneur.
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  • Profile picture of the author Amer123
    I dont agree! it all depends if you have that entrepreneurial drive and skill. So many successful entrepreneurs i know are rags to riches,kind of stories.
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  • Profile picture of the author Carlos Stratton
    I think like this one:

    People ask, 'Are entrepreneurs born, or are they made?' I think it's a combination of both.

    Robert Herjavec
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  • Profile picture of the author Pedro Lopes
    Originally Posted by discrat View Post

    My wife and I have had an ongoing discussion over the years about what it takes to be a successful business owner and entrepreneur.

    Personally. I have always had an inclination to own my own business since I was a young boy, and when I started IM 7 years ago it was something that was natural for me.

    My wife thinks that all people who are successful entrepreneurs have some kind of innate and natural business skills and intelligence to do this stuff and that is why they are successful.

    I will tell you from my experience and from many fellow entrepreneurs this is not always the case.So I always hammer this home to her LOL

    ( Of course, I do have to side with her in the fact that there are always going to be a certain number of people who for some reason or the other just do not or cannot 'get it' )


    But it is a fact that I know of a number of success stories of people with different backgrounds who had no business experience or any skills related to starting a business.

    You want to know why they became successful ?

    It's this simple,,,,,,,,They had a desire to better themselves in Life and they developed a clear Path and Vision of how they were to do this and then folks guess what they did next?

    They.went to work and never stopped until they found success and reached the goals they set for themselves..

    ACTION ( with a clear Plan) is a word never to be underestimated.


    - Robert Andrew

    I don't think anyone is pre-destined for stardom or failure.

    Although I do believe our belief systems which are developed within our surroundings can have an impact, but still...

    I think anything don't know can be learned and anything you've been taught can be unlearned.

    It's just a matter of want and desire.

    In the grand scheme of things, LIFE is about learning and unlearning.

    Cheers!
    -Pedro Lopes
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    • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
      Anyone can start a business, but relatively few people can build a profitable, sustainable business. As for why, I think it's a combination of personality traits and external circumstances. Sergey Brin and Larry Page are successful entrepreneurs, but would Google exist if they hadn't both gone to Stanford when they did, or if one or both of them had decided not to go to college at all? Maybe they'd have built something else, but not necessarily anything as successful as Google. In the case of Google, and many other successful companies, it seems to be the result of the right people in the right circumstances at the right time.
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  • I agree with the last post. A lot of perseverance has to happen before success is achieved particularly online. Some don't believe in luck but if you constantly try and try and try repeatedly, you definitely give yourself a greater chance of seeing some "luck" . But its not something a person is born to do.
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  • Profile picture of the author svetod
    From my experience, entrepreneurship is not for everybody.

    I think entrepreneurs are just born with the ability to think out of the box, desire to better themselves all the time and overcome every obstacle along the way. But of course, everything can be learned if you want it bad enough.
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  • Profile picture of the author elcidofaguy
    Discrat should be given credit for being really brave considering the wife's opinion lol... A true hero if the discussion meant being on the sofa for a couple of days - to prove a valid point LMAO...

    Saying that he's right......... I say that as every human being has the innate instinct for survival... I've been to countries where I've seen street kids speak multiple languages and really well considering the total lack of formal schooling only to make a buck... poor people buying and selling stuff and making deals on the streets etc in order to live another day... Deep down when push comes to shove most people have it... The instinct on how to survive... Imagine if there was no environmental situation to cause that then I am sure no action would be taken for most folks... So environmental factors are in my opinion are dominant.... it doesn't matter if you know a little about technology, IM or how to sell apples....

    We as humans would never have evolved and adapted otherwise....

    That said complacency is something else when you look at some folks... But that is because their are generally not in the s*** and are happy with what they got or just don't care.... Move them down the "maslow hierarchy of needs" to the poverty line or below and I guarantee you'll see something else... entrepreneurs coming out of the wood works... In fact in times of economic depression is when you see the best of new entrepreneurs leading the charge...

    The entrepreneurial spirit to advance, improve one's lives is with of out a doubt is with most humans when push to comes to shove... as mentioned it relates to complacency to accept or fight to improve one's situation.... and tolerance levels...................

    Suffice to say that's my opinion.... We can all be who we want to be.... and shouldn't that be the right thing we tell our kids??? Teach them motivation, aspirations and so forth and encourage them and you'll see ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author mjon34
    In the second sentence you are proving your wife is right or maybe you wanted to give a little background about yourself.

    I think people are born with certain talents and some just decide to work harder to achieve similar talents.

    For instance I heard of people losing their main source of income and they come across IM and become very successful, does that mean it was innate all along or survival mode?
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  • Profile picture of the author alsenyseck8
    I think everyone can be ENTREPRENEUR and be succeed.
    Hard working is important!
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  • Profile picture of the author redcontenido
    Originally Posted by discrat View Post


    It's this simple,,,,,,,,They had a desire to better themselves in Life and they developed a clear Path and Vision of how they were to do this and then folks guess what they did next?

    They.went to work and never stopped until they found success and reached the goals they set for themselves..

    ACTION ( with a clear Plan) is a word never to be underestimated.


    - Robert Andrew
    wow robert you are right your wife is wrong.


    I ADD . They work smart too.levereage from other people
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    Online Business The Right Way
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  • Profile picture of the author BradCarroll
    Effort, hard work, and drive. That's it.

    There are plenty of people who are born with all kinds of gifts, who take a few stabs at entrepreneurship and fail.

    There are some others who are pretty average all-around. But who have more than average drive and who simply won't stop until they succeed.

    There is more to the actual process, of course. But as far as the only essential factor, it's not a case of being born an entrepreneur (or an artist, musician, etc. for that matter).

    Effort, hard work, and drive. That's it.
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  • Profile picture of the author fast2net
    I think she's right.

    I know several people who just don't understand the concept of making money from home. They feel that's it's a risk.. Of course it is, but they seem to want the comfort of working for someone else. These type of people are not suited for IM or being business owners because they don't have the desire to make something for themselves.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr Bill
    It is absolutely ludicrous to believe that anyone is born with the skills required to become an Entrepreneur. Entrepreneurial skills are attained and can be taught. No one is born with business skills. It's laughable to even suggest such a thing.
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  • Profile picture of the author hollyda31
    I think it could go either way. I was probably "born" to be an entrepreneur - I love working on project-to-project basis, get bored doing the same thing too long, and am not risk-averse. Entrepreneurship & freelancing is a perfect fit for me.

    My husband, on the other hand, is NOT a "natural-born entrepreneur". But he said something to me a couple months ago, just as he was beginning his entrepreneurial journey. He was in the freaking MILITARY for goodness' sake! Everybody always said that the military was "stable", and he's always been a fan of stability. But with downsizing, even "stable" careers like the military aren't stable anymore. And he said, "These days, it looks like the only way to have stability is to make it yourself." For him, he had to be PUSHED. He eventually came to the realization that the only way to really have job security and a stable income is to work for yourself, and to realize that entrepreneurship or freelancing is (in a lot of ways) more stable than working for a company. When you work for others, you're interchangeable. You're replaceable.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sangfroid
      Originally Posted by hollyda31 View Post

      I think it could go either way. I was probably "born" to be an entrepreneur - I love working on project-to-project basis, get bored doing the same thing too long, and am not risk-averse. Entrepreneurship & freelancing is a perfect fit for me.

      My husband, on the other hand, is NOT a "natural-born entrepreneur". But he said something to me a couple months ago, just as he was beginning his entrepreneurial journey. He was in the freaking MILITARY for goodness' sake! Everybody always said that the military was "stable", and he's always been a fan of stability. But with downsizing, even "stable" careers like the military aren't stable anymore. And he said, "These days, it looks like the only way to have stability is to make it yourself." For him, he had to be PUSHED. He eventually came to the realization that the only way to really have job security and a stable income is to work for yourself, and to realize that entrepreneurship or freelancing is (in a lot of ways) more stable than working for a company. When you work for others, you're interchangeable. You're replaceable.
      Yes, I think you are right. We can make a case for both arguments.
      Some may have more of an aptitude or affinity towards being an
      Entrepreneur but most of us should be able to develop and improve upon
      our current abilities.
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  • Profile picture of the author troy23
    Your wife is pretty much correct.
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