10 Entrepreneur Character Traits Investors Look For

Your product idea may get you in the door, but strength of character is required to close the deal.

As I was watching the investor show Shark Tank on TV the other night, I was struck by how quickly and how extensively the Sharks focused on the background and character of the entrepreneurs, compared with the time spent evaluating their products.

I realized it was consistent with my own view as a former angel investor, that investors invest in you, more than your solution.

For example, if you as an entrepreneur come across as shifty and arrogant, most of the people you need to deal with in business, including investors, suppliers, and customers, will run the other way.

The attributes you need to demonstrate in every meeting, and live on a daily basis, are ones illustrating your strength of character. These can be honed over time, and can’t be easily faked.

Based on my own years of experience in big business, startups, and the investor community, here are the key habits and traits that each of us needs to continually improve to be perceived by peers and others as leaders and innovators in business here and around the world:

1. Be aggressive in aspirations but prudent in execution.

I want to see entrepreneurs who have a focus on the future, but the strength and perseverance to build realistic and well-laid plans, for follow-through daily. This means you set goals, milestones, and metrics, and are able to provide financial projections to support funding requirements.

2. Demonstrate social intelligence and concern.

Today’s world of business is highly driven by social issues and environmental concerns. Entrepreneurs with a strength in social intelligence are better able to use these to their advantage, in selecting the right solutions and the right market segments, and implementing effective marketing strategies.

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