Are You A “Big E” Entrepreneur? Do You Have An Entrepreneur’s Vision?

What Makes An Entrepreneur?

Are you born an entrepreneur by nature, or does one evolve to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit?  Is it the desire for freedom and the rewards of risk that drives one to become an entrepreneur, or is the desire for stable financial security that drives one away from entrepreneurship?

We all know that kid who had a paper route at 10, a small business before they were 18, and had a successful company by 25.  It did not matter to them what the business was, they were destined to be an entrepreneur.

Do You Have An Entrepreneurial Vision?

Any person who owns, or is looking to start their own business should evaluate and formalize what their Entrepreneurial Vision is for themselves and their business.  It is what I call a “Big E” Entrepreneur, because they have a vision for the “Big” picture, that is their business and their future.  This is not only a great tool to identify your strengths and direction as an entrepreneur, but also areas or weakness that you will want to fortify with support and outside resources.

• Entrepreneur: The Big “E” Entrepreneur leads their organization through innovation, creativity and an effective vision for their business. The business does not run them or rule their lives…..
• entrepreneur: The little “e” entrepreneur is a business owner, but the business really runs him or her. They have not found the secret to effectively leading people and managing their business.

It is also the blending of your Personal Vision and your Entrepreneurial Vision that will give your the building blocks to develop the “Business Vision“  you need to plan your new dream business or determine how your existing organization needs to evolve and transform in the future to survive,  grow ans prosper.

What Might Motivate a Person to Become an Entrepreneur?

Most entrepreneurs evolve and develop over time, motivated by a variety of factors.  Many scholars and business leaders have published a variety of the motivating factors that come into play in the development of an entrepreneur.

The following are what I feel are the four fundamental freedoms that stimulate entrepreneurship.  These are not listed in a specific order and even though most are influenced by all four, the degrees of motivation are based on the person.

Financial Freedom

• The opportunity and desire to make more money.
• The desire to control their financial destiny.

Personal Freedom

• The freedom to pursue ones passion and interests.
• The freedom to live the lifestyle of their choice.

Environmental Freedom

• The freedom to work from where ever you wish (home, office, factory).
• The freedom to live where ever you wish.

Corporate Freedom

• The freedom to work when ever.  (escape the old 9-5)
• The freedom to be your own boss

So What Are The Characteristics of an Entrepreneur?

Along with the four fundamental freedoms that motivate an entrepreneur, there are also a number of characteristics that are beneficial to anyone who is interested in an entrepreneurial career.  I do not write this to dissuade anyone from starting their own business because they may not feel that they have one or more of the following characteristics.  On the contrary, the purpose of this is to give you insight and to learn your strengths and weaknesses that you can count on and compensate for as you grow your business.  This may encourage you to bring on a partner, a strategic consultant, or other adviser as part of your Support Team to help compensate and strengthen your organization.

Confidence and Determination

• Willing to bet the farm (risk all) on their vision and plan.
• You against the world.
• Not deterred by the word “NO”.

Decision Maker

• Ability to make tough decisions and act upon them (without perfect information).
• Able to “Go with your gut” and not over analyze every decision you have to make.
• Know that you will be wrong sometimes and respond accordingly.

Flexibility

• You have to be willing to step in where ever needed.
• Always learning – Understand the duties of CEO, operations, marketing, sales, etc.
• Able to evolve and adapt to changing conditions.

So What Are The Characteristics of a Non-Entrepreneur?

I also want to identify some characteristics of the non-entrepreneur.  Some people are just not comfortable in, or able to handle certain situations or responsibility.  As part of your self evaluation you need to ask yourself not only your strengths but also your weaknesses.

Afraid of Failure

• Fear of failure is stronger than drive for success
• Cannot face people if something goes wrong

It’s Lonely at the Top

• “The Buck Doesn’t Stops Here” Need consensus to move forward, struggle to make tough decisions.
• Do not like working alone

Like Structure and Conformity

• Like to know you have a place to go and a specific job
• Like to be part of a group

Risk Adverse

• Like the stability of a big company
• Need security of receiving a  a paycheck every week

Voice of Negativity

• Can not handle the word ….NO!
• Feelings that you can not shake that paralyze and hamper your ability to work.

Taking Effective Action

So if you consider yourself an entrepreneur, or see entrepreneurship in your future then take the time to ask yourself and develop the answers to these five questions.

• Am I an entrepreneur?
• Do I desire to be an entrepreneur?
• What is my motivation towards or away from entrepreneurship?
• What entrepreneurial characteristics do I have?
• What non-entrepreneurial characteristics do I have?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions.  The idea is to stimulate thought and look inside yourself in order to determine what you want out of your life and your career.

We all have strengths and weaknesses, and the ability to identify what we do best and where we need help is a critical component to success in any organization.  So take the time to ask these question and use the information above as a guide to help you develop what will become your Entrepreneurial Vision.

Bill Sifflard -  With over thirty years experience as an entrepreneur, an executive, an author and as a business consultant, Bill Sifflard has a long history of experience bringing innovation, efficiency and success to large and small businesses adapting to evolving markets. As a premiere Sales and Marketing Innovator, Bill is changing how business integrates traditional marketing strategy with the power and potential of the internet utilizing his "Velocity for Success" matrix. To learn more about Bill and Bssential Small Business Solutions you can visit http://www.bssentials.com and register for his Free eNewsletter or follow all of his blog posts by clicking on the RSS feed button above.

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