With entrepreneurs getting fame, recognition and success globally right now, you might be wondering if you have what it takes to join their ranks. To lead that lifestyle. While it’s possible for everyone on the planet to become a successful entrepreneur, some will find it a lot easier than others.
There is a class of natural entrepreneurs and it starts very young. While some of them are suppressed very early, others don’t take no for an answer.
It’s no surprise then that entrepreneurs and troublemakers go hand in hand. If you consider the pattern that most of the world’s current billionaires were able to get to their lofty heights without a university degree, sometimes without completing high school, you’ll begin to see how genuine this link to being a troublemaker is!
Recognising Fellow Troublemakers
Do you ever think it’s strange that teachers in classrooms don’t embrace and encourage the natural talents of every student? I’ve never heard a teacher say to the class clown, ‘If you keep up that behaviour you will tour the world on stage, be a known comic genius, sell books, DVDs and earn a living having fun and making people laugh.’
Troublemakers don’t seem to get recognition for their brilliant characteristics in the classroom either. If principals were aware of the potential of these students, I’m sure they’d choose different words during those office “chats”.
‘Matt, I’ve noticed you don’t fit the standard mould, you’re always looking for ways for things to be more inclusive, or searching for a fresh angle, or pulling things apart. You really seem like a natural born leader. I see a bright future for you. Did you ever consider a life as an entrepreneur?’
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
I’m living proof that if you have a natural talent for being a troublemaker, chances are you also have the characteristics of an entrepreneur.
Tip-off: You don’t fit the mould.
This is good because: Successful entrepreneurs are leading global change through innovation. Just look at people like Tesla CEO Elon Musk!
In the current marketplace whole world really is at your doorstep. This is the place where people who think outside the box thrive. Time and time again success (and I’m talking multi-millions worth of success) has come from people who see the world differently, who bend and break the rules to reach a new level, a new audience or to be seen. They leave those non-troublemakers scrambling in their wake, to mimic, copy and mainstream what you created.
Tip-off: You know how to stay the difficult path.
This is good because: Successful entrepreneurs are practiced in fighting their battles and hanging on tight to their dreams and aspirations, no matter what discomforts are thrown their way.
You already know what it takes to fight for your vision. Standing behind your beliefs, values or goals can come with consequences. Being hauled over the coals, ridiculed in front of your peers, sent into solitary confinement or missing out on dessert (or even dinner) is the hard path, the one of greatest resistance.
You know how to ride out an uncomfortable situation. When you’re in your own business, no matter how well you do or how brilliant your plans, you are going to face challenges.
A true entrepreneur going against the grain will meet with resistance from competitors, and possibly even friends and family who want to keep you safe. You will need to stand your ground even if it’s not to people’s liking. You may even miss out on dessert from time to time in the pursuit of your goals!
Tip-off: Your tribe has your back.
This is good because: Successful entrepreneurs are leaders.
Troublemakers inspire change and their passion and presence naturally act like a beacon to others. If you had a label of ‘bad influence’ in school, chances are you will be naturally influencing people the rest of your life. I remember when I was expelled during Year 12, the whole year level walked out in protest, and I got to sit my HSC!
When people feel lost they look for guidance. It’s your dedication, focus and passion they believe in. Not what you wear or what car you drive. You might not have been mainstream as a troublemaker but you have the respect of your peers.
Knowing the difference between these two are vital credentials of an entrepreneur. It’s not about what’s popular, (that will be taken care of by the non-troublemakers in the world), it’s about living a life of passion and purpose and trusting that the right people will follow, invest, partner and become evangelists your product.
Tip-Off: You are outspoken.
This is good because: Successful entrepreneurs are seen and heard.
You know what it’s like to be centre of attention for good and bad reasons. Sometimes by your choice, other times the spotlight has been thrown at you from another source; your class teacher, the school bully, you mum or dad.
Either way, the troublemaker is comfortable under pressure. Some of you might even like it a little, or maybe a lot. Entrepreneurs need to handle the spotlight, often for good reasons such as newspaper articles, interviews and showcases, other times for bad…
The troublemaker and entrepreneur both know how to stay humble, step up to play a bigger game, be cheeky, honest and own the spotlight, so that even negative instances turn into entrepreneurial wins
Tip-Off: You ruffle feathers.
This is good because: Successful entrepreneurs are world changers.
Entrepreneurs are all about feather ruffling. Armed with actions and creative thinking, troublemakers and entrepreneur both ruffle feathers. They won’t accept the status quo.
We find that the majority of the community are fearful of change.
A troublemaker only sees what’s not working and looks to set it right. They won’t even realise that there is a change in place to be fearful of.
While the non-troublemakers panic and fluff, trying to keep everything steady, entrepreneurs and troublemakers both make decisions fast and change their mind slow.
They see change as positive, necessary and desired. Of course, as soon as that product is on the market and people see the benefits, most feathers are smoothed and you are congratulated, “hey look, there was nothing to be afraid of!” Of course, the troublemaker and entrepreneur knew that the whole time. It’s your courage and persistence that will change the world…
Stay troublesome,
Matt Catling
