However you wish to define an entrepreneur they all possess several key qualities that make them successful. Being an entrepreneur is more about the can do attitude and focus on success than the university degree.

So what are the qualities that all successful entrepreneurs possess -

A confidence in their own ability – successful entrepreneurs are optimists at heart with assertive personalities. They are often referred to as arrogant or flamboyant when the reality is they are focussed and determined to achieve their goals.

An inner motivation to success – entrepreneurs are ambitious, big picture thinkers who set even bigger goals for themselves. They are driven to succeed and stay committed to their goals despite the obstacles that often arise. They search for a way to stay on course, not a way out.

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances – if something is not producing the expected result entrepreneurs will quickly make a change. They lead the way so are always ready to change where they see a new opportunity to stay ahead of their competitors.

A strong competitive nature – entrepreneurs thrive in a competitive environment with a focus on achieving goals and leading in their business segment.

A passion for innovation – all successful entrepreneurs are constantly searching for new ideas and processes to improve their product range and customer experience. They are resourceful, creative and innovative in their thinking.

An ability to listen to constructive criticism – because they are innovative leaders they are often confronted with the ‘can’t do’ attitude. Rejection and criticism are merely obstacles however if the criticism is constructive and adds value to their goals they will review and adjust their plans.

Strong motivation and energy – entrepreneurs are fast paced thinkers with an abundance of self motivation. They are always on the go and full of energy.

True entrepreneurs are confident, passionate, resourceful and driven to success. They are resilient to negative criticism and naysayers as they have a clear vision and are so focussed on achieving their goals.

This is a virgin post – no not a post to deflower virgins – the very first post of a wannabe netrepreneur who is struggling to understand the relative value of a blog. Who actually reads blogs? How do the serious bloggers attract an audience – well one that matters anyway? Is there a real purpose to blogging other than the author getting something off their chest to a massive audience of 10 people? So you can tell that I am not a skilled blogger or in fact a reader of any blog – damn. So what the @#$k am I doing here with a virgin post?

If you can’t understand them or beat them why not join them. So here I am to have a crack at this communication thing on a blog thing for who – you. Sorry I don’t know you and you are most likely wondering how or why you are still reading. Sad part is no one will be reading so I write for my own pleasure fantasy <insert reason here>. I know, I am developing a style – my style – what is that? Sounds like a half reasonable rationale for tapping out some letters into something that can be read and possibly enjoyed.

I suspect that blogging is akin to standing on the old fashioned soap box. Attracting attention in the 21st century to a potential global audience. ‘I have lots to say so I am going to say it – in my blog’. The global audience is a mystery though – perhaps your 10 readers are scattered over the globe – a couple on each continent. That’s influence – reaching someone outside your postcode. Yes I am an Aussie! But wait, if those 10 people casually mention (email, tweet or Facebook your link) your magnificent prose to just one VIP in their lives then you have an audience of 20, and if they do the same you have an audience of 30 – you get the drill. WOW – how long would it take to generate a really influential audience of 100′s, or 1,000′s or 10′s of thousands?

Who are we kidding here? What is an audience of influence in the global community? Mr Twitter Ashton Kutcher has a Twitter following of somewhere around 3 million twits – do we call that influence? You see I am so smart that I have no clue what the largest blog audience is. Whoever holds that ‘title’ should be immensely proud that they can entertain such an audience over time – congratulations whoever you are! I have no doubt that the global social network community have some stand out bloggers that have earned their following and do have real influence but what about the rest of us? What are we wanting to achieve by blogging? How would I know – the motivation for your blogging is your business.

So it looks like I have a bit, no a lot, more research to do and a learning curve that appears rather steep right now. Note to self – find your reason for wanting to tap letters into words, words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs and paragraphs into a BLOG. No reason no blog. Attention – Yes, Notoriety – Yes, Fame – what would I do with it? Thanks – that would be a simple way of offering encouragement. Oh you don’t want to encourage this ‘style’. Recognition – from my blogging peers – ah Yes but does that actually happen? You know what I haven’t yet found my reason but I think I should – if there is to be another post.

If you have some advice for a virgin blogger on how to develop an influblog in the bloggerverse then fire away. I am all ears – literally or should that be all eyes? I shouldn’t get my expectations up since this little collection of words is bound to be read by all of 10 people – my family (those that can read anyway) and none of them have a clue what a blog is!

If you have actually made it this far – I’m impressed.

Thank You.

Ferg