What is an Entrepreneur?
What is an Entrepreneur? I’ve posed this question to at least a million people in close to 100 countries over the course of my career.
What I’ve learned is that each of us define it as we see it. There’s a dictionary definition, or course — you can look that up.
What has come clear to me over my years of supporting organizations and entrepreneurs is that entrepreneurship is a mindset.
It’s not about putting payroll on a credit card, or taking risks, although sometimes those things are part of it. The main thing about the mindset is how you look for a problem, provide a solution, or look for an opportunity to provide some value.
Of course, there also are different types of entrepreneurs:
- Those who have no choice
- Those who have the luxury of choice
- The tech-based/place-based
- The underserved/underrepresented immigrant minorities
Each category has a different need or want, and requires a different support system to launch a business. But it still comes down to the mindset of the individual and what they are planning to do.
This is why it’s important to provide support on the Entrepreneurial Mindset. The best way to do that is by providing various support systems based on the company background, company stage, segment, the founder’s background, just to name a few aspects.
Mixing them up can potentially mean a positive result for the entrepreneur, but harder for the facilitator and program creators.
I encourage you to find ways to mix them up because in the mixing, innovation happens, and I do know that it takes a skilled facilitator to ensure that the people participating in mixed programs are being challenged and encouraged to support each other in the process.
BEFORE YOU GO:
We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.
- What does “Entrepreneur” mean to you?
- What can you find support as an Entrepreneurs?
- How can you provide support for entrepreneurs in various stages of business?
_____
Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.
#entrepreneurship #leadership #entrepreneurialprograms #farisalami
