We know that unconventional thinkers see and perceive things differently. They see the bigger picture and thinks outside of the box. The unique characteristics of unconventional thinkers make them great entrepreneurs. Here’s why:
Great entrepreneurs focus on giving, not getting. Great entrepreneurs will tell you that it isn’t about the money or the fame. Not that they don’t want to be recognized and well-compensated for what they do, but their focus is on giving great service and providing extraordinary value. And when you do that, the money follows. It’s based on their intense desire to contribute to other.
Great entrepreneurs follow their gut instinct. Entrepreneurs need to tap their inherent wisdom and make decisions that others may not make. As real estate mogul Donald Trump said, “Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you’re generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don’t make.”
Great entrepreneurs have faith in the future. They aren’t constantly looking in the rear view mirror but focus on what is in front of them. Their decisions are not based on fears of past mistakes but possibilities that the future holds. They know that if they get resourceful and commit to action, the money, people, supplies, and connections they need will show up.
Great entrepreneurs form a posse. Successful entrepreneurs know that they don’t have all the answers – but they know that they can find people with the answers. They know that they can’t do everything themselves so they find others who can shine in areas where they aren’t as strong to team with. They don’t jealously cling to all aspects of their business to prove their worth. Instead, they build a team, empower their team, and delegate responsibility. They let others help them free up time so they can do the things that are most valuable and productive.
Great entrepreneurs keep learning. A true entrepreneur pays attention and is willing to learn and change. She’s not stuck in whatever she learned in business school but she pays attention and stays abreast of what is happening, not only in her own field but in the world in general. Of course, one of our best and most significant teachers is failure. Whenever we make a mistake, we create an incredible opportunity to learn.
Great entrepreneurs are innovators. Great entrepreneurs, especially those who are unconventional thinkers, do not take the beaten path. They may introduce something totally new or combine existing products or ideas in unique and creative ways. They tackle problems from unusual perspectives and find solutions that everyone else overlooked. They are willing to step outside of conventional analytical thinking.
Great entrepreneurs stretch themselves. People who are not cut out to be entrepreneurs tend to look for the easy way out. They prefer to do what takes the least amount of effort for the biggest reward. They are comfy in their comfort zones and feel no urge to explore beyond their current capabilities. But entrepreneurs feel stifled and suffocated within their comfort zones.
Great entrepreneurs live for challenge and expansion. They love being tested, facing new difficulties and overcoming them, exploring new frontiers.
Great entrepreneurs may start small but they usually don’t stay there. Most great entrepreneurs will tell you that they are driven to take their concept or product as far as it can go whether that means expanding its reach or enhancing its features and usefulness.
Great entrepreneurs love living on the cutting edge. As Howard King said, “If you aren’t living on the edge, you are taking up too much space.”