Entertaining and eye opening write-up on what makes for a good BA:

http://3minus3.blogspot.com/2009/09/5-traits-of-virtuoso-business-analyst.html

5 Traits of a Virtuoso BA:

1. Curiosity

2. Smart/Get Stuff Done

3. Know Thy Craft

4. Know how business (and business systems) work

5. Be Flexible

(courtesy of Tom Copenhaver)

Phil