Anyone who has the desire to create a business to solve a social challenge can become a social entrepreneur. As Indiana University Professor Siri Terjesen tells her students, “Just as there is not one definition of social entrepreneurship, there is also not just one definition of a social entrepreneur.”

That being said, Prof. Terjesen explains there are several personality traits that seem to be most prevalent in social entrepreneurs.

Check out this list of characteristics and ask yourself, “Does this sound like me?”

1. Innovative: Social entrepreneurs tend to be innovative in terms of developing new ideas.

2. Achievement oriented: Social entrepreneurs set personal goals and work to achieve them, and measure their progress.

3. Independent: Social entrepreneurs are very self-reliant and may prefer to work alone.

4. Sense of control over their destiny: Social entrepreneurs perceive that they have control over their destiny and are not at the mercy of others. They tend to see their environment as one characterized by opportunities rather than threats.

5. Low risk-aversion: Social entrepreneurs do not necessarily seek out risk, but they are tolerant of risk and seek to find ways to mitigate risk.

6. Tolerance for ambiguity: Social entrepreneurs are generally more comfortable in situations that are ‘ambiguous,’ that is where a solution is not always certain.

7. Community awareness and social concern: Social entrepreneurs see that there are social rewards from solving problems, and devote their energies to these rewards.

If these traits describe you or someone you know, maybe it’s time to think about putting these natural characteristics to work, creating a business that helps improve our world.

If you need help getting started, consider exploring free online resources, like HP LIFE eLearning, which can help you learn the essential business and IT skills to put your idea in motion.