Other noteworthy findings of the survey include the mention of microfinance leader Mohammed Yunus who received 1 percent of the vote (and came in ahead of Mark Zuckerberg), as well as the lack of women named. Only two women — Oprah Winfrey and The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick — each received 1 percent of the vote.
When asked what makes a successful entrepreneur, most respondents said making money was a major factor, which makes sense given the average wealth among the top five entrepreneurs is $22 billion. Respondents also cited Branson’s constant innovation of new products and ideas as the main reason for selecting him as the most inspirational. “Even though these entrepreneurs are building businesses around innovative and cutting edge concepts, their inspiration still seems to come from more traditionally recognized role models,” said Philip Letts, co-founder of blur Group, in a company announcement. “However, some new names are emerging — we’ve seen the guys behind Facebook, Google, and Amazon in the list, and as we’re joined by more entrepreneurs from across the world we’re seeing people like Dhirubhai Ambani, and Mohammed Yunus getting more and more popular.”
Tags: Bill Gates, building businesses, donald trump, entrepreneurs, innovation, inspiration, new ideas, new products, richard branson, role models, start-ups, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett