You have probably heard, and maybe even participated in, the debate about being born with an entrepreneurial destiny or creating one for yourself. Born or made is the debate. Researchers have studied entrepreneurial trends for decades to identify whether DNA impacts your ability to start and successfully run a business. This is what you should know.

Made Entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, you have probably studied business management and creation. You may have also studied effective communication, marketing, accounting, and any number of other subjects. You also gleaned skills and knowledge from your experience in other companies and the world. You can continually learn new skills, such as market analysis. Your drive and willingness to gain these skills give you a leg up because you can leverage them into business success.

You can also change personality traits that make you less likely to start a company, such as introversion. Your experience with poor bosses or dishonorable companies may also encourage you to start a business or become self-employed. You can find the motivation to start a business from anywhere.

Born Entrepreneurs

Some studies have focused on the innate characteristics they found in entrepreneurs. Not every one of these individuals created successful businesses, however. These institutions did not address the level of success in their studies.

They found that your genes could impact how likely you are to start a business or become self-employed. They found that some characteristics make you more open and able to recognize opportunities. Characteristics like extroversion also help because they help you connect easier with others.

Although many business owners have college degrees, most found that their educations did not impact their decisions to start companies. The researchers often used twins in these studies because their DNA was similar or the same (fraternal and identical, respectively). These studies were especially beneficial when the twins did not share the same upbringing.

The Results

Although most entrepreneurs share similar characteristics and genes, no evidence suggests that these similarities result in success. Most successful entrepreneurs do not share these similarities. Instead, they leverage their experience and the knowledge, skills, and abilities they have developed into business success.

Even if no one in your family has ever started a business, you can do so successfully no matter what your DNA says. Although success is not guaranteed, with drive, knowledge, experience, and skills, you can become a successful entrepreneur.