Many people identify themselves as entrepreneurs. It is highly likely they are wrong!
People are confused about the real definition of an entrepreneur.
Let’s have that discussion first.
“I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.”
– Steve Jobs
An entrepreneur has an idea, a vision, a big dream and brings it to life. The business is not about them individually, rather the business is fully around their idea, their vision, their big dream. When the business is up and running there are people running the business. In the environment which exists now, it is highly likely money will be coming in 24 x 7 in some form or another.
“If you decide that you’re going to do only the things you know are going to work, you’re going to leave a lot of opportunity on the table.” – Jeff Bezos
Yes, failure! Failure is part of the entrepreneur’s life.
In fact many will say to you that if they are not failing often enough something is wrong!
Many entrepreneurs have a vision of changing the world or changing the way people live (or survive might be a better word) in the world.
“Going from PayPal, I thought: ‘Well, what are some of the other problems that are likely to most affect the future of humanity?’ Not from the perspective, ‘What’s the best way to make money?'”
– Elon Musk
In actuality, most people who have their own business are freelancers not entrepreneurs.
Let’s come up with a definition of sorts for a freelancer. For starters if the person does not work, they do not get paid.
The type of work and the payment is typically by the hour or some other contracted rate for a service by the actual person. Again the person must do the work and the reason there is a contract and money is passing hands is because the client or customer wants this person, not their employee, not a substitute.
Why does any of this matter?
This is about mindset, goal setting and much more related to your business. For us to have a rock solid understanding of where we fit in and what the expectations are around this understanding. Keep this in mind as it matters way more than you think. No one is able to be everything to everyone. How you identify yourself to the marketplace does matter in terms of how you are viewed by others.
“Remember: Jobs are owned by the company. You own your career.”
– Earl Nightingale
Mitch runs a boutique consulting firm based in Stamford, CT. The main focus of the business is Leadership Development, Executive Coaching and Business Advisory.
Contact Mitch Here
