Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes and personality types.  Some are full of big ideas while others are better at execution.  Some take big risks while others play it safe.  But there are a few things most successful entrepreneurs have in common.

The most common entrepreneurial traits include a strong desire to be your own boss, the drive to implement your ideas, and a thirst to control your own destiny.  Entrepreneurs are inordinately determined to be successful.

Problem Solving

Running your own business is an ongoing puzzle, a long series of problems to be solved.  If you don't like constantly solving a multitude of problems, then an entrepreneurial career might be difficult.

Creative and Persuasive

Successful entrepreneurs have the creative capacity to recognize and pursue opportunities.  They possess strong selling skills and are both persuasive and persistent.  They persuade others to lend them money, work long hours, buy new products or services, and sell products on favorable terms.

Motivated

Entrepreneurs have high energy levels.  They continually think about their business and how to increase market share.  Most have experience in the type of venture they start and are confident about launching and operating the firm.

Intangible Assets

Successful entrepreneurs rely on their business skills, know-how, and contacts.  Evaluate your current talents and your network.  Will your skills, contacts and experience readily transfer to the business idea you want to pursue?

Doing What It Takes

What about support needs?  Most corporate workers are surrounded by staff ready to support their activities and are accustomed to having people attend to their needs.  Entrepreneurs do not have the luxury of hiring staff support, especially when starting a venture.  Instead, they wear many different hats, performing tasks ranging from opening the mail in the morning to emptying the trash at night. They do everything that needs to be done by themself if necessary.

Risk Tolerance

Risk is involved in making any entrepreneurial venture successful. Entrepreneurs take calculated risks and reduce the risk factor by thoroughly researching their business concepts, industry, and market. Don't ask friends if they think your venture idea will work.  Instead, ask customers to give you a letter of intent to purchase which forces them to seriously think about whether they would buy it.  If you are unable to obtain a letter of intent, you may not have a viable idea.

Preparation

If you have the drive to research the industry and your market and write a business plan, you have significantly increased your chances of starting and operating a successful venture