ADD/ADHD – A Positive Entrepreneural Trait? – Why Is It That Such A Large Percentage of Successful Entrepreneurs Have To Deal With & Succeed Despite the Challenge?

Why is it that such a large percentage of successful entrepreneurs (up to 25% of the US population according to the National Institute of Health NIH) exhibit to a greater or lesser degree some symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (AHDD)?

Could it be that one or more of the symptoms of what ADD does to over 25% of the American population be a benefit to people who have learned to live with ADD as they consider establishing a business vs. working for someone else?

Is AHDD a negative trait? I’d say just the opposite. Their high energy level, willingness to put in the hours, and ability to do a great many things is a recipe for success in business if the individual can also manage his/her time effectively.

Again much depends on whether the person who has AHDD is committed to starting or expanding his/her own business.

Could it be that the personality traits that often are seen as counterproductive in an employee working for someone else are positive influences to individuals who can use them to build their own successful business?

Maybe it is because AHDD sufferers often have trouble working for others? Why? I’ve found that individuals suffering from AHDD find it difficult to concentrate on one job – rather jump from one to another. Thus employers find it difficult to manage/control these people as they see these traits as counterproductive

I have found that individuals with ADHD have difficulty in focusing attention on one thing for very long. Thus you can imagine how often this individual might have difficulty in finishing a job or a project.

So how do ADHD entrepreneurs manage and do so well? Often their secret is a technique of dealing with the challenges by using a very carefully managed calendar. That means that they live/breath and work to the tune of a tightly controlled schedule of things to do today, tomorrow and beyond. Most will agree that the moment they start to deviate from that schedule, their ability to be productive and get “stuff done” is negatively impacted.

Entrepreneurs throughout history acknowledge that starting or growing a business is anything but easy for anyone – someone with ADHD or anyone else for that matter. It requires a commitment to put in whatever time, energy and money (yes $’s are needed) to make the business successful. Entrepreneurs also understand that there has to be a on-going focus on business development (sales), on maintaining a accurate financial management system, on developing and nurturing a positive bank relationship and in delivering the products/services that the business sells at or above market standards for similar companies. Right?

I’ve worked with many clients who are fully aware of their having ADHD. Some of them have become clients because of their concern that they’re having problems in focusing, in sticking to a calendar, in getting work done, etc. Others tell me that they feel there is something wrong with what they are doing — and seek direction. In just about every case, I have found that there are solutions often based on structure.

Being ADHD and being an entrepreneur can be a GREAT combination. I, for one, feel it is a good recipe for success.

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if you are an entrepreneur who feels you may be challenged by ADD/ADHD, consider contacting

Craig Stimmel, SPIA @ (978) 640-0803
or email Craig @ cstimmel@spiainc.com.

Craig has the knowledge, skills and in-depth understanding to help entrepreneurs who maybe challenged by ADD/ADHD. Call and lets talk.

Or,. if you know of an entrepreneur who might benefit from working with an expert, please refer Craig. Thank you.