20 Skills That All Successful Entrepreneurs Have

1. Exercise curiosity about the surrounding world.

2. Define problems, opportunities, and solutions in terms of value creation.

3. Assess and manage risk.

4. Persist through and learn from failure.

5. Demonstrate resourcefulness.

6. Anticipate technical developments by interpreting surrounding societal and economic trends.

7. Identify new business opportunities.

8. Apply creative thinking to ambiguous problems.

9. Apply systems thinking to complex problems.

10. Examine technical feasibility, economic drivers, societal and individual needs.

11. Act upon analysis.

12. Collaborate in team settings.

13. Understand the motivations and perspectives of stakeholders.

14. Communicate technology solutions in economic terms.

15. Substantiate claims with data and facts.

16. Pursue personal fulfillment as a member of a profession that creates value.

17. Identify personal passions and develop a plan for professional development.

18. Fulfill commitments in a timely manner.

19. Discern and pursue ethical practices.

20. Contribute to society as an active citizen.

Individually none of the skills listed above are remarkable, but if you master all of them, you will be a positive force within your company whether it is a startup or a blue chip.

Undoubtedly, startups are cool and the economy needs them. If you have that fire inside you, don't let the statistics stop you from trying. You may very well be in the right place at the right time with just the right idea. However, your odds of being a success in any venture you choose are greatly improved if you develop an entrepreneurial mindset.