4 Must-Have Characteristics for EntrepreneursWant to be a successful entrepreneur? Start acting like one.

Martin Zwilling, an angel investor and startup mentor in Phoenix, recalls an event he attended where recently laid-off workers were inquiring about entrepreneurship. When they started going around the room making introductions, he could tell within a few seconds who had a chance at success—and nine out of 10 didn't.

"They typically said something like, "I've had this job for 20 years, and I would love to be my own boss, but I don't know what it takes to do it,'" Zwilling says. "There was only one person who said, "I've been working on this project on the side for a while, and now that I don't have a job holding me back anymore, I'm raring to take this opportunity to start my own business.' Having the right mindset means a lot."