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Be
An Entrepreneur
What
is an entrepreneur? It is an increasingly
important person in business, so let’s look at what an
entrepreneur is,
and how you can be one.Wherever You Are by Robin Wheeler, June 2007 An entrepreneur is someone with a particular stance towards the world, whether they work for themselves or an organisation. You can become one by adopting this stance as a way of life. The word “entrepreneur” has its roots in French and literally means “someone who undertakes” a venture. To do this, one has to be a risk taker who is prepared to see the venture through. As we can never know what we are in for, an entrepreneur is an explorer who lives the adventure of realising vision. Business Person Entrepreneurs are associated with business, whether small, medium sized, social or corporate. So to be entrepreneurial, you need to operate in a business arena, but not necessarily your own business. In fact, most entrepreneurs are not in their own businesses as such, because business is a communal and interdependent process in which we all work, trade and build with one another. Visionary Entrepreneurs know themselves, their potential, and what they have to offer. They also understand what the world needs, and have an enterprise that combines what they offer with meeting what the world needs. They have a vision where individual and collective potential is realised, and are in the creative process of manifesting this vision for a living. Innovator Entrepreneurs create, and thus innovate, in all they do. They have an inventive spirit that permeates all their endeavours. This stimulates inspiration and growth in the people they work with and the people they add value to through their businesses. Rebel with a cause As such, entrepreneurs influence industry and society. They are inherently rebellious, not only against mediocrity and stagnation, but for a purpose. That purpose benefits everyone involved. Leader Because entrepreneurs have vision and the tenacity to implement it creatively and flexibly, they always find themselves leading people and processes. They set an example of what they advocate, and teach others, often in challenging circumstances. Their influence is far reaching, for which they pay a price. They need to be responsible and to have fun. Service provider Entrepreneurs have something to give and they understand its value to the their market and to humanity. They help people live better lives. They are, ultimately, agents of evolution. Being an entrepreneur is a way of managing yourself and engaging with others that applies equally to people in the free market and in jobs. It is the key to personal fulfilment, business success and the future of the world as a whole. |
