Passion for Business vs. Passion for the Business

What possesses Azrak to put money behind an idea? "When I think an idea has merit, a lot of it has to do with the people behind it. It's [also] the passion," says Azrak.

Clearly, it takes a certain type of personality -- and a willingness to embrace risk -- to continually embark upon new business ventures. "This type of entrepreneur is always looking for challenges, saying to himself, 'I could do that,'" says Martin Lehman, a counselor with nonprofit small-business advisors Score NYC.

There are many people who can concentrate on two or three different ventures at one time. It depends, however, on their level of participation in the business, explains Score chairman Herbert Winkler. Investing in several businesses, like Azrak does, is much different than running a business completely on one's own. An investor can work with or hire people who have the knowledge of the particular field -- similar to a doctor who has a manager to run the office, take care of the appointments and get new business, explains Winkler.

The Passion Itself

While some are attracted primarily by the thrill of starting a business, there are others driven to start businesses by their unique, individual tastes.

Doni Freundlich, for instance, founded ABF Beverage, producer of Herbal Mist Tea, a new line of all-natural iced teas infused with healthful herbs, in August 2006.