Discussion 1: Entrepreneur Characteristics

For anyone who has a good idea and wants to start a business, it is wise to reflect on exactly what that entails. The process involves much more than simply getting a loan and opening for business. Most new ventures require a considerable amount of sacrifice and hard work to bring a new idea to fruition. It takes a strongly committed individual to make this happen. In this Discussion, you will examine specific characteristics that are common among entrepreneurs and why these characteristics lead to successful start-up businesses.

To prepare for this Discussion, complete the “Do you have what it takes?” quiz found on pages 12–13 in your textbook. After scoring your answers, take a few minutes and review the interpretation of your score. Do you think it is an accurate reflection of who you are as a potential entrepreneur?

By Day 3

Post a cohesive and scholarly response based on your readings and research this week that addresses the following:

• What do you think is the most important characteristic for an entrepreneur to possess? Why? Is this something that can be learned or developed? Why, or why not?

By Day 5

Respond to two or more of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
• Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
• Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
• Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
• Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
• Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you learned and/or any insights you gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments.