Entrepreneurs are they born or are they made? This age old debate can almost be laid to rest. A survey carried out at Northeastern University's School of Technological Entrepreneurship, confirms that they indeed are born. More than 200 US participants were surveyed and nearly two thirds of them were inspired by an inner desire to achieve their goals, and not through education or training. 42 per cent of the respondents launched their first venture in child hood. However, if you were not a child prodigy, then fear not. You can still develop a business mindset at any age.

There are are important qualities that are common amongst many entrepreneurs.

Take risks.

Venture outside your comfort zone once in a while, as this helps you to expand your mind and your business to a new level. When you take risks, you are removing the safety nets, thus eliminating fear from all angles. So if an opportunity comes your way, and you want to pursue it, then do it without hesitation.

Delegate or outsource

It's not humanly possible to excel at everything. Therefore, in order to free up your workload, find out where your strengths lie, and spend 90% of your time doing these projects. With the remaining 10%, undergo more training to increase your knowledge, delegate or outsource the work.

Make goals

Implement a business plan, which defines clearly your short term and long term goals, allowing you to make decisions constructively and wisely. Work towards your objectives through visionary exercises and the repeating of goals daily.

Have no regrets

If you pursued wrong business paths, or missed out on old challenges and opportunities in the past, then have no regrets. It will probably take a great deal of practice to forget about what could have been, and what should have been. By having regrets, it hinders your progress to move forward.

Socializing

Socialize with successful people. There are various social networking websites that you can sign up with. You can also attend business conferences and free seminars in your area. Use the search engines to locate ‘social network clubs for entrepreneurs' and see the available clubs in your vicinity. Socializing with other people enables you to share ideas, opinions and aspirations.

Giving and receiving

What you give out to the universe, you will get back. So don't be a selfish business person. Treat people fairly and with respect. Just as you receive help from others, be prepared to help others. Not necessarily financially, but it can be in the form of advice of some kind, or even a favor

Be flexible

Business never stands still. Your business will flow according to the economy, competition and consumer changes. You too as an entrepreneur cannot remain static, so be prepared to be flexible in your thinking and ride with change.

In conclusion therefore,entrepreneurs if not born-made, can still be successful, by applying the above skills. So go ahead and be an entrepreneur in the making.