Starting from Level Zero: Is there a "Secret Juice" to being an entrepreneur? (Part 1)

Is there a "secret ingredient" to becoming wealthy? And: Is this something learnable/teachable?

I asked a senior entrepreneur and accomplished author who graciously answered my questions (on condition of anonymity). Therefore not the raw exchange, but my summary. (Which will be a work in progress while I digest his advice and comments.)

The Chinese have a saying "會者不難" ("It doesn't seem difficult for those who know how to do it"). My impression is that veteran business people and entrepreneurs don't see how difficult it is for us "muggles" to understand the very basics of making decent money in the free market. This level zero is missing in most guidebooks and inspirational speeches.

1. The media paint a very misleading picture of entrepreneurs. Successful creators of companies are not so much artists, but have a highly systematic approach. It is this step-by-step strategy in combination with analytical skill, perseverance and a lot of hard work that brings their astonishing success.
2. In other words: This attitude is learnable, but/and there is no "philosopher's stone" or inborn magic. Attention to details and systematic way of proceeding are crucial.
3. To find the starting point for your enterprise, try to come up with products/services that are missing and that you could provide with your combination of skills and knowledge. What does the market not provide and you could?
4. At the same time, think also realistically about your personal situation: Maybe you have a family and a stable job with more free time and social benefits is actually a better choice at this point in time? The media are filled with successes, but most start-ups fail. And most entrepreneurs, especially those that "make it" at some point, will crash. Multiple times.

[More to come...]