The Personal Characteristic Nobody Wants in a Partner

Many a deal with the potential to make a difference for dealmakers and for the world has been soured by a single personal characteristic. Working with several entities who want to help entrepreneurs succeed has brought this deal killer to light again and again.Arrogance is the personal characteristic no one islooking for in a partner. Investors do not value arrogance. Corporate partners do not value arrogance. Connectors do not value arrogance. Customers do not value arrogance. Friends and lovers do not value arrogance. It's a mystery why an entrepreneur would want to cultivate a characteristic that is almost universally offensive.Among many other options, Thesaurus.com offers these synonyms for arrogance:disdainaudacitygallself-importanceegotismblusterhaughtinesspretentiousnessprideconceitnerveswaggersmugnesscontemptuousnesspomposityscornfulnessDo you see terms there that are "off-putting?" Your potential partners definitely do. It's not necessary to be "warm and fuzzy" but it is necessary to be perceived as a collaborator, not an adversary.While entrepreneurs have every reason to be proud of their offering and must have nerve to pursue the path of a startup, those are only some of the better synonyms for arrogance. Even a bit of swagger may be entertaining to some people.Most of the antonyms for arrogance (caution, timidity, servility) are not the direction you want totake as an entrepreneur but humility is one that deserves consideration. There is a tendency with some experts to not recognize that people without the technical expertise they have do haveexpertise in fields they're not familiar with - expertise they need. Success is a product of a well-rounded team, not a matched set of experts.In case after case, connections have been made for entrepreneurs and broken by arrogant behavior. Snubbing the connector in the presenceof a sought after business partner sends a loud and clear signal to all but the arrogant one that collaboration is not likely. Obvious disdain for the non-technical potential partner is a flag an entrepreneur does not want on their file. Scorn forprotocol and for boundaries are definite deal breakers.Recognizing opportunity and treating it with respect and enthusiasm are far more appealing approaches to building relationships. A firm handshake, eye contact, a sincere smile, and a listening attitude go a long way toward opening doors, minds, and checkbooks.Not making the connections you want to make? I can help.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joy_Montgomery/205422