Securing funding from a venture capitalist can often be a difficult process. There is a large amount of competition to go through, as well as the difficulties of starting the business itself. Whether you are a beginner in business or a veteran of industry, there are certain skills that are requisite to receiving funding.

While, finding the right venture capitalist can be a tricky job, with enough perseverance you will be able to find the right funding for you and your company. In the meantime, it may help to review some traits that nearly all successful entrepreneurs have.

1. A big picture thinker

Imagine the CEOs of some of the most successful businesses in the world. These CEOs were not successful because they could do everything correctly; they were successful because they were able to see the big picture. For example, a CEO may not be able to program or code, but she or he will have the foresight to recruit the best programmers that they can for the task at hand.

It is true that many founders of small companies are required to do simple things, such as looking for website hosting. But these are not necessarily the skills required of a good CEO. A CEO does not have to be the best at any one thing. Their main advantage is that they have some proficiency in all things, and are able to tie those categories into a coherent whole.

2. Insatiable appetite for improvement

There is a word in Japan that means ‘constant and never ending improvement’. Unfortunately, this word does not have an adequate English counterpart. Nevertheless, this is a principle that is hugely important for success in business. The top athletes in the world apply this principle as well, putting in strenuous effort to improve a little every day. If you intend to get funding from a venture capitalist, you must possess the quality of improving relentlessly. The main result of this behaviour is that all these little actions add up. By continuing to build on something that you have worked on consistently, you will see massive improvement. There is a sense that you cannot be satisfied until you reach your goal.

3. A people person

This may be easier said than done, but you will soon come to realise that you are not going to get far in the world of business unless you have strong people skills. People skills are the lifeblood of a leader and an organisation. They are critical for respect and an open work setting. It may seem counter-intuitive, but companies that are able to create a relaxed working environment tend to get more done.

You may also find that you are able to better understand your employees too. This leads to an easier job for you, saving you time. Time is one of the most critical assets for someone who is starting a business. People skills can be developed, but it does take practice. Whether showing interest in a person’s life or talking to a coffee barista, it pays to build up social capital.

Overall, these are just some of the qualities that a venture capitalist is looking for. They can each be acquired through diligence and hard work. Though securing funding from a venture capitalist can be a difficult process, mastering these skills will surely give you a leap on the competition.