Entrepreneurship has become a major buzzword over the past decade, primarily due to the rise of the internet, social media and affordable digital technology. Just about anyone with a laptop, an internet connection and $100 in his pocket can create a website and call himself an entrepreneur. It’s an interesting phenomenon. But not everyone has what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Here are three characteristics that all successful entrepreneurs have in common, and everyone considering starting a business should examine themselves to see if these ideas describe them.

Entrepreneurs Make Terrible Employees

First, most entrepreneurs are terrible at working for others. They can’t help it. Entrepreneurs love being innovative, solving problems and driving business growth.

As a result, they often have a hard time following rules and procedures that they don’t agree with. Those with an employee mindset typically don’t care, but an entrepreneur can’t stand the idea of being inefficient or of annoying customers with rules that they think are stupid.

Entrepreneurs Aren’t Afraid of Failure

By definition, entrepreneurs are risk-takers. Knowing that most new businesses fail within the first couple of years, they strike out into the unknown, often risking their life’s savings and financial stability in the process. It is this ability to overcome their fears and push forward that sets entrepreneurs apart from the rest of the workforce.

Entrepreneurs Always Want More Responsibility

Entrepreneurs are easy to spot at work, as they are the ones always asking for more responsibility. That responsibility may come in the form of more hours, more work or just more overall duties. An entrepreneur can spot areas that need attention and they are quick to offer their help in order to remedy the situation in a way they see fit.

A lot of people today dream of starting businesses and calling themselves entrepreneurs. But not very many people have the desire and temperament to start a business from scratch and grow it into a profitable venture.

Unlike their counterparts — who are content to punch a clock to get a steady paycheck — entrepreneurs love to put in extra work and extra hours to make a business succeed. They thrive on the challenges that come with running a business, and they aren’t afraid to take risks.