Do you occasionally feel challenged by entrepreneurship? Are you toying with a business idea you'd like to realise? Do you dream of success and wonder if you already have the right skills to write your entrepreneurial story?

After all, entrepreneurship is a challenging and demanding activity that requires many skills. In today's times, it is more important than ever to have the right skills to grow and develop your business. Below are ten essential skills common to successful entrepreneurs that are essential in the modern business environment.

1. Creativity

Creativity is very important for entrepreneurs as it enables them to find innovative solutions to challenges and problems within their businesses. A good example is Netflix, which revolutionised the way we watch TV and movies through the creation of a new distribution method and content production.

2. System thinking

Systems thinking is important for entrepreneurs because it allows them to understand and optimise the interrelationships and patterns in their business. By addressing problems as part of a bigger picture, entrepreneurs can remain successful in the long run. An example of this is Japanese company Toyota, which has built a reputation for using systems thinking to optimise its manufacturing processes.

3. Communication

Effective communication skills are crucial for entrepreneurs as they enable them to share their ideas with others and promote their business. Airbnb is a good example of a company that uses effective communication to promote its brand and engage its users in creating the brand experience.

4. Collaboration

Successful entrepreneurs understand the importance of collaboration and are able to effectively communicate and work with others to achieve their goals. A good example of this is Uber, which enables its users to effectively collaborate with drivers to provide convenient and reliable transport.

5. Adaptability

In the modern business environment, change is the only constant. Successful entrepreneurs are able to adapt quickly to changing conditions and identify new opportunities. A good example of this is Apple, which has adapted to changing market conditions by focusing on mobile devices and entertainment services.

6. Entrepreneurship

Successful entrepreneurs have an entrepreneurial spirit and are able to take risks and identify new opportunities. One such example is Elon Musk, who has founded several successful companies, including SpaceX, Tesla and PayPal.

7. Digital literacy

The modern business environment depends on technology. Successful entrepreneurs therefore have strong digital skills and understand how to use technology to grow their business. A case in point is Alibaba, a Chinese e-commerce company that has developed into one of the world's largest online retailers by making smart use of digital technologies.

8. Emotional intelligence

Successful entrepreneurs have high EQ and understand how to manage their own and others' emotions to make effective decisions and build relationships. An example of this is Oprah Winfrey, who became one of the most successful media personalities in the world due to her unique combination of emotional intelligence and business acumen.

9. Leadership

Successful entrepreneurs have strong leadership skills and are able to motivate and inspire their team to work towards common goals. An example is Richard Branson, who founded and expanded Virgin Group into a diverse and successful company through a combination of creativity, risk-taking and leadership.

10. Financial literacy

Successful entrepreneurs understand financial principles and can effectively make financial decisions to grow their businesses. An example is Warren Buffett, who built his fortune through smart investments and is considered one of the most successful and knowledgeable investors in the world.

21st Century Skills are the key to success!

These extracts from the 21st Century Skillset are essential for growing and developing your business in an ever-changing business environment. Creativity, systems thinking, communication, collaboration, adaptability, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, leadership and financial literacy are all important skills to have and continue to develop.

If you want to learn more about these, there are plenty of books available that can help you. Below are some book tips:

1. "Creativity, Inc: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace.
2. "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organisation" by Peter M. Senge.
3. "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't" by Simon Sinek.

So, invest in developing these skills! Increase your chances of success through reading and learning and grow your business in this challenging world.