PERCEPTIVENESS

                                                  John Alfred Paulson

Many believe that being a risk-taker is a quality of a successful entrepreneur. This is somewhat of a mistruth, as successful entrepreneurs are anything but risk-takers. Of course, there are many risks when starting a business, however, thorough planning and foresight can alleviate many of these risks.

Examples such as hedge fund manager John Paulson demonstrate that being an entrepreneur involves being alert to and aware of business opportunities that may arise. Paulson were perceptive in identifying a business gap as it emerged and decided to act on it.

A perceptiveness entrepreneur knows how to guide a small business by keeping an eye on political and economic developments. Ultimately, knowledge is the best policy to limit risk and thereby increase the chance of success.