It’s surprising that many business executives who fit the entrepreneurial profile don’t categorize themselves as such. Maybe it’s because the common perception of an entrepreneur is one who initiates a great idea that becomes a passion or cause and then manifests into a great organization or business.
But what if you are all that except you didn’t actually start the business? You have the passion, drive and vision to push a business forward – yet you are not the “founder.” Does that mean you’re not an entrepreneur?
That may depend on your definition of entrepreneur. Wikipedia offers several definitions. One such definition suggests an “Entrepreneur is a person who started a new business where there was none before.”
That’s a classic definition, but does it tell the whole story?
Another definitionsays: “Entrepreneurs take initiative, accept risk of failure and have an internal locus of control.”
The latter speaks more to the entrepreneurial mindset rather than a specific role.
Let’s face it – some people were born entrepreneurs stopping at nothing to pursue their passion to innovate and build extraordinary businesses.Failure is just another step in the process to success. Whether big fish – small pond or big fish – big pond – BIG is their goal.
Like many entrepreneurs, I don’t completely fit that mold. I have chosen to venture into uncharted waters, though not necessarily set on reaching the Fortune 100.
Entrepreneurs like me can be foundin the office or at Starbucks with our laptops, iPads and Smartphones. We’repassionate people, but don’t need to flaunt it. Many are humble, yetwe’re all driven to make it on our own – with no safety net – only the assurance that our days, weeks and months belong to us. Our destiny is in our own hands.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may be among this specialgroup of business pioneers with entrepreneurship in your blood.
You may or may not have started a business, but you’re an integral part of leading a business and that’s worth celebrating.
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