Successful entrepreneurs or successful business?

Abstract

Success in entrepreneurial activity is the result of the interaction among the individual, the organization and the environment. An analysis by a case method and in-depth interviews with a representative panel of successful entrepreneurs in La Rioja have allow to identify a number of personal traits, characteristics and business activities involved. The results show the impact of the level of training on entrepreneurial companies based on knowledge and the characteristics of their projects. The experience of the entrepreneur and his/her family history largely depend on the type of activity. Motivation, personal achievement and independence account in many cases for the perception of personal success. As these businesses are recent initiatives, it is possible to identify some weakness in their financial and organizational structure, but also a large projection in their corresponding industries and activities. In spite of the current gloomy environment of economic crisis, the results show that entrepreneurs use the resources and aids made available to them and are capable of conveniently deploying their social and economic networks.