Top 10 Must Have Skills to Become a Successful Entrepreneur

By: Kathy King, RD

In a 2008 World-Wide Survey of Entrepreneurial Dietitians with 1278 respondents, here are the results from dietitians who made more than $70,000 per year to the inquiry, "List your two best skills or attributes for your success."

1. Hard Work and Persistence.

This is very important-the most successful entrepreneurs believe that their effort contributed more than anything else to their success. That means that each of us is capable of being more successful if we want to put in the time and effort!

2. Personality.

Like Meryl Streep once said, "I thought life would be more like college-based on skills and knowledge-but it's not, it's more like high school." People like to be around someone with a personality that sparkles in some way: fun, confident, interesting, trustworthy, credible, talented, natural leader, etc. Work on your best traits!

3. Caring/Passion.

This isn't an endeavor for when you want something light and easy. The most success entrepreneurs think about their businesses and their clients 24/7. You have passion because you care so much!

4. Networking/Relationships.

The basis of business is relationships. People choose to buy from others they like/respect/feel are most skilled. Networking is recognized as the most effective way to become known in your local area or profession, find a job, or rise through the ranks in business.