ENTREPRENEURIAL SOFT

SKILLS
Dr. Mercy Funke Salami
Introduction
• Entrepreneurship is not just about having a great business idea
- it's also about possessing the soft skills necessary to navigate the
complex landscape of business.

• We will explore the soft skills that are essential for

entrepreneurs to succeed: …..adaptability, communication, problem-solving,
leadership, and resilience

• We will also discuss strategies for developing these skills and

provide real-world examples of entrepreneurs who have
succeeded by leveraging their soft skills.
Adaptability
• The ability to adapt quickly to
changing circumstances is crucial for
entrepreneurs.
• In today's fast-paced business
environment, entrepreneurs must be
able to pivot their strategies,
embrace new technologies, and
adapt to shifting market conditions
Adaptability
Here are some strategies for developing adaptability:

• Stay informed about industry trends and developments

• Build a diverse network of mentors, advisors, and peers

• Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning and feedback

• Experiment with new ideas and be willing to fail fast

• Build flexibility into your business plans and strategies

Adaptability
Real-world example:

• Elon Musk's ability to adapt and pivot his business strategies has been
crucial to his success.

• He has shifted his focus from PayPal to SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity,
adapting to new technologies and market trends.
Communication
• Strong communication skills are essential
for entrepreneurs to inspire their teams,
build relationships, and negotiate with
stakeholders.

• This includes verbal and written

communication, as well as active listening
skills
Communication
Here are some strategies for developing • Real-world example:
Steve Jobs
communication skills: • He was a master
storyteller and used
simple, powerful
• Practice public speaking and presentation skills language to convey his
• Take courses in business writing and communication vision.
• Seek feedback on your communication style and
effectiveness
• Build empathy and emotional intelligence to
understand others' perspectives
• Network and build relationships with a diverse range
of people
Problem-Solving
• Entrepreneurs must be able to identify
and solve complex problems with
limited resources. This requires a
combination of critical thinking,
creativity, and resourcefulness.
• Here are some strategies for
developing problem-solving skills:
• Practice creative problem-solving
techniques like brainstorming and
mind-mapping
• Take courses in design thinking and
innovation
• Network with experts in your field to gain
diverse perspectives
• Learn from failures and setbacks to
improve future decision-making
• Seek out challenging experiences to build
resilience and problem-solving skills
Leadership
• Strong leadership skills are essential for • Here are some strategies for developing
entrepreneurs to inspire and guide their
teams, build relationships, and make tough leadership skills:
decisions.
• Take courses in leadership and
• This includes the ability to motivate others, management
manage conflict, and build a positive
company culture. • Seek mentorship from experienced leaders

• Build self-awareness and emotional

intelligence

• Practice active listening and empathy

• Develop a clear vision and mission for your

business
Leadership
• Real-world example:
• Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is known for his exceptional leadership
skills, including his ability to inspire his team to achieve ambitious goals
and his focus on customer satisfaction.
• He has also demonstrated resilience and long-term thinking in navigating
challenges and setbacks.
Resilience
• Entrepreneurship is a challenging
journey
• Resilience is crucial for overcoming
setbacks, learning from failures, and
staying focused on long-term goals.
• Here are some strategies for
developing resilience:
• Build a support network of mentors,
peers, and loved ones
• Practice self-care, including exercise,
healthy eating, and mindfulness
• Develop a growth mindset and
embrace learning and feedback
• Set realistic goals and celebrate small
wins along the way
• Learn from failures and setbacks to
improve future decision-making