Entrepreneurs are people who start their own business. They’re known for embracing risk, having big ideas, and making major innovations that change how others do business. While anyone who starts a business has a bit of the entrepreneurial spirit, true entrepreneurs are distinguished by a certain visionary quality — think of Steve Jobs, for instance, who reimagined how people would interact with phones and computers, or Mark Zuckerberg, who transformed how we stay connected with friends and family and absorb the news.
If you’re applying for a job that calls for an entrepreneurial spirit, or if you’re interested in starting a company, you’ll want to review this list of the top four most important skills for entrepreneurs, as well as an extended list of all skills that entrepreneurs tend to possess.
How to Use Skills Lists
You can use these skills lists throughout your job search process. You can use these skill words in your resume. In the description of your work history, you might want to use some of these keywords.
Secondly, you can use these in your cover letter. In the body of your letter, you can mention one or two of these skills, and give a specific example of a time when you demonstrated those skills at work.
Finally, you can use these skill words in your interview. Make sure you have at least one example for a time you demonstrated each of the top four skills listed here.
Of course, each job will require different skills and experiences, so make sure you read the job description carefully and focus on the skills listed by the employer.
Also, review our lists of skills listed by job and type of skill.
Top 4 Skills Every Entrepreneur Needs
Creative Thinking
Entrepreneurs are known for thinking outside of the box. Anyone can start an online business or a storefront; it takes Jeff Bezos to conceive of Amazon.com and expand an online book-selling business to using drones, streaming media, and supplying nearly any item under the sun. Creative thinking can take a smart, capable business owner to another level of success. In cover letters and interviews, emphasize this skill to show potential employers that you see connections and possibilities where others do not.
Leadership
Entrepreneurs often have an evangelistic quality. They have great ideas and are skilled at getting buy-in from investors and employees. If you’re applying for a role that requires an entrepreneurial spirit, provide examples of times you got staff on board with a plan that was a tough sell.
Risk Taking
Entrepreneurs often seem more comfortable with risk than other business leaders. It can lead to tremendous failures, but also stunning successes. Entrepreneurs are willing to live without a steady paycheck and make short-term sacrifices for a long-term payoff. That said, the risks that entrepreneurs take are calculated, and aren’t simply done for the thrill.
Strong Work Ethic
Being an entrepreneur may seem flashy and exciting. But a lot of hard work and long hours are required to launch something new. To be successful, entrepreneurs must execute. You’ll often hear stories of entrepreneurs who begin their workday well before sunrise or send middle-of-the-night emails. Entrepreneurs are relentless when it comes to completing projects and following through on the work required to turn ideas and plans into sellable products.
List of Entrepreneurial Skills
A – G
Analytical
Belief
Bravery
Business Storytelling
Collaboration
Confidence
Communication
Competitive
Compulsion to Succeed
Computer
Creative Thinking
Critical Thinking
Decision Making
Drive
Enthusiasm
Flexibility
Focus
H – M
Goal Oriented
Goal Setting
Initiative
Innovation
Interpersonal
Leadership
Logical Thinking
Management
Motivation
N – S
Negotiation
Nonverbal Communication
Optimism
Organization
Passion
Perseverance
Persuasion
Planning
Positive Attitude
Positive Image
Positivity
Presentation
Prioritization
Problem Solving
Relationship Building
Results Oriented
Risk Taking
Sales
Social Media
Stamina
Strategic Planning
Strategic Vision
Strategy
Strong Work Ethic
Success Driven
T – Z
Team Building
Technology
Think Outside the Box
Time Management
Transformation
Trend Setting
Vision
Vision into Action
Work Independently
Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/list-of-skills-entrepreneurs-need-2062391