As the owner of an independent community pharmacy, you know it takes hard work, determination and a passion for what you do to succeed in the business. Both financial and personal success requires setting goals and taking action.
Defining what makes a pharmacy successful varies from person to person, but those pharmacy owners who produce outstanding results have some common traits.
Here’s a list of 10 common traits of successful pharmacy owners adapted from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s traits of successful business people. Which traits do you have?
1. Passionate
When you have a love for what you do, it shines through. Zealous pharmacists don’t just worry about making a profit; they focus on finding ways to offer their patients the best care possible. Success builds from there.
2. Courageous
Owning your own business is a daunting, oftentimes difficult task. Successful pharmacy owners have the courage to take charge and face challenges without fear.
3. Trustworthy
Pharmacists continue to rank high in Gallup’s Honesty and Integrity survey. The 2015 survey marked the thirteenth consecutive year pharmacists have ranked in the top three most-trusted professions. Successful pharmacy owners understand that the trust they have cultivated is central to the prosperity of their businesses.
4. Tenacious
Sometimes your pharmacy may do better than at other times. Remaining tenacious through both smooth and difficult times is a trait of successful entrepreneurs.
5. Accountable
As a pharmacy owner, you have to be accountable for your business. Successful pharmacy owners are responsible for their own actions and take responsibility for everything from the pharmacy’s finances, to their own daily duties.
6. Flexible
As a pharmacy owner, you might be marketer one day, accountant the next and pharmacist in between. Successful pharmacy owners are capable of remaining flexible and willing to take on all of the tasks required for running a business.
7. Confident
Successful entrepreneurs are self-assured. Along the road to success you may face obstacles and doubt may creep into your mind. Successful pharmacy owners believe in themselves and have the conviction to keep going through hard times.
8. Self-disciplined
As the owner of an independent pharmacy, you’re often required to be on the clock 24/7. You manage a business, you’re the boss and mentor to your employees and you cater to your patients. Successful pharmacy owners stay on task, avoid distractions and work overtime to ensure the success of their business.
9. Decisive
You may struggle with uncertainty sometimes. Making smart decisions for the future of your business requires decisiveness and taking action to make things happen.
10. Forward thinking
Successful pharmacy entrepreneurs must be innovative thinkers. They’re not willing to continue to do things the same way just because that’s how it has always been done. They work to come up with creative ideas and they have the ambition to pursue them.
Establishing objectives, evaluating progress and an exceptional work ethic are just a few more qualities of successful pharmacy owners.
