What is Strategic Behavior

Networking is a must-do activity for entrepreneurs as professional contacts link entrepreneurs with critical opportunities, support and resources. In consequence, it is essential to investigate entrepreneurial behavior in terms of networking practices and predictors. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an important factor in the prediction of entrepreneurial outcomes and behavior. Given the social nature of entrepreneurial activities, EI can predict entrepreneurial success. In this context, this chapter adds to the literature by evaluating how emotional intelligence supports proactive networking behavior amongst successful entrepreneurs. A quantitative and qualitative research study was conducted to collect detailed information about trait EI and networking behavior and activities of local entrepreneurs. Managerial implications of our research findings relate to the fact that emotional intelligence has positive effect on proactive networking behavior. This might indicate that entrepreneurs with higher scores in these components will proactively manage their professional networks. Therefore, this research offers several practical implications for understanding successful entrepreneurship and for entrepreneurship education.