How to Spot a Super Entrepreneur

What comes to mind when I say the words Super Entrepreneur? Close your eyes for a moment. Whose face comes to you? Steve Jobs? Maybe Elon Musk or even Sara Blakely?

After working directly with entrepreneurs from near and far for nearly 13 years, I can tell you that working to identify an entrepreneur like this is like finding a needle in a haystack. It’s a pretty fabulous needle for sure, if you are looking for the next huge company and all the local economic benefits from that. But really, do you think all this activity and noise around entrepreneurship here in our own backyard is about finding one of these entrepreneurs? If so, buckle up. It’s going to be a long and often disappointing ride.

What comes to mind for me are many of my friends – and that is terrific news because these friends live her in our midst. They are employing many around the region, they are investing in other companies while building their own and they are advocating for others to come see all the entrepreneurial opportunity right here in our back yards

These Super Entrepreneurs may not wear capes but they are visible, if you just know what you are looking for. And my advice is that you should be looking for them. Because in order for these individuals to thrive here in our midst, they need you to care about supporting them as they grow.

So, what does a Super Entrepreneur look like? How can you spot them, support them and ensure they have the best shot of succeeding here -and not somewhere else just when things look really promising with their companies?

I have some great news. After 13 years working with high growthentreprneurs in our region, and after finding and supporting some of these very Super Entrepreneurs I am referencing, I have some serious clues you can look for starting today.

First, it is important to know where to spot them. Don’t look for Super Entrepreneurs at the myriad Start up events or other local business community events. They just don’t have the time and bandwidth to do that.   If you do see them there, it’s probably because they are hiring and looking for talent, they’ve been asked to sit on a panel as a favor to an investor or friend, they themselves have become investors and are looking for deal flow, or they are winning an award. You are much more likely to find them at work. But since that’s not terribly helpful for community builders, this column will help you find other ways to spot them.

And it’s important to note that not all successful entrepreneurs are “Super Entrepreneurs.” When I say “Super” I mean more than financially successful entrepreneurs. Super Entrepreneurs invest in other entrepreneurs with money and help, they fight to keep their company local when the pressure is on from the outside, they advocate for the region when they can, and they often start new ventures or even investment groups. They themselves give our region super charged energy in building our entrepreneurial communities.

When you do spot some potential Super Entrepreneurs look for what I call the Big Three:

Steady – this is the trait that astounds me over and over. It’s the ability to navigate company crushing – and sometimes soul crushing -pressure and not completely panic. The ability to deal with issues that can shut the company down and still keep calm for family and investors. Having faith that they can work it through the crisis, or if not, finding another path that might been better. Their Super Power is being able to stay calm in the inevitable twist and turns that come with significant growth. How do you spot this trait?  Look for entrepreneurs ho don’t’ get dragged into dramas or controversies of the day. They tend to be very “judge like” in their approach to these issues. By the way, for this reason they also make excellent board members and community leaders (if they can find the time).

Lifelong learners – this trait shows up when entrepreneurs are thirsty for outside perspectives. This means seeking sometimes contradictory advice to then glean from it what “makes the most sense” for their company. This ability to to sift, sort and adopt what works is a rare find. This Super Power allows them to make critical changes or “pivots” essential to getting ahead in a fast-paced marketplace. How to spot this trait?  Look for entrepreneurs who are hunger learns. They tend to be avid who love to share what works for them. And when you talk to them, they are actually quite curious about what makes you tick – their curiosity is genuine and not forced.

Relational not transactional. While entrepreneurs by their nature constantly need to seek out help, like capital, introductions, key hires and the like, the Super Entrepreneur naturally balances the “ask” with the “give.” They have this giver component as well not because it’s strategic but because it’s simply in their nature.  They have a longer-term perspective with both their professional and personal lives and don’t just look for what’s in it for them in the moment. This is a big Super Power because inevitably those who help entrepreneurs can start to feel used. This comes back to bite a long-term entrepreneur who needs true relationships and community to both succeed in their company, as well as enjoy a well lived life. How to spot this trait?  Look for entrepreneurs who are extremely dedicated family members and friends.  They also tend to only have a handful (or less) of organizations or initiatives they are involved with as they feel guilty when they can’t give things their full attention.

After reflecting on these traits, I’m hopeful you can think of some budding entrepreneurs who show signs of becoming a Super Entrepreneur. But please do more than spot them – help them. Because this precious group of entrepreneurial performers need to be supported. And after 13 years I can say emphatically that what helps them thrive the most is being with each other.  There is no magic list of things to tell them, no perfect investment round to help them (though they may disagree on a given day…) there really is no way to be all things to all these super people. What they truly need are caring peers to walk alongside them.

While I’ve just given you a lot to look for, the good news is these Super Entrepreneurs (or potential Super Entrepreneurs) are out there right now in your backyard. And while there is a lot to do to spot and support them, it’s worth it.

And all of this is a heck of a lot easier than spotting the next Bill Gates. I am Super Sure of it.