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7 years ago
Top 10 characteristics of successful small business owners
You’ve written your business plan, secured funding, premises and staff but have you got what it takes to make a success of your small business?
New research has revealed the top traits of entrepreneurs.
The study, by Vistaprint scrutinised the similarities and differences among small business owners (SBOs) with less than 50 staff and full-time employees (FTEs).
Defining characteristics of successful business owners were empathy, confidence and passion for their job. Full time employees were more likely to be motivated by money and less likely to value work-life balance.
Ambition was revealed to be a stronger characteristic among small business owners with 20.5 per cent listing it compared with 15.8 per cent of employees. Owners also possessed greater independence and desire to help people.
Here’s the full rundown:
| Characteristics | % of SBOs who claimed these traits | % of FTEs who claimed these traits |
| 1. Independent | 45.8% | 31.8% |
| 2. Passionate about work | 31.3% | 16.3% |
| 3. Desire to help people | 30.6% | 26.9% |
| 4. Desire to make money | 30.1% | 29.1% |
| 5. Love for job | 29.6% | 14.4% |
| 6. Unique | 27.5% | 22.9% |
| 7. Empathetic | 26.6% | 23.4% |
| 8. Confident | 25.3% | 15.8% |
| 9. Strong character | 22.6% | 14.1% |
| 10. Ambitious | 20.5% | 15.8% |
The survey was conducted among 1,600 respondents, split between 800 small businesses owners and 800 full-time employees.
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