After 20 years in law enforcement, I wanted to be my own boss, set my own schedule, work in shorts and flip flops, and gain the pride of having satisfied clients,
The question implicates that entrepreneurs are created from good inspiration, I don't believe we have the right to call ourselves entrepreneurs, whereas I think of 'entrepreneur' as a state of mind or being, with a slight disregard for 'fear of the unknown' a title that is then bestowed by others...
Nigel, thanks for sharing information. I like what you mention above about the 'fear of the unknown'. =)
"What inspired* me to become an entrepreneur?"
AMPLIFICATION. Whatever you aspire to be, whether it be great at serving food or great at serving others, entrepreneurship allows you to do what you LOVE and to help others do what you love as well. I am just one voice, one person on this planet, my mark as a single person can only be so large.
Miriam-Webster defines an entrepreneur as "a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money." I don't like the money part of the definition. It should read, "a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to achieve a purpose."
The difference between those that succeed and those that don't is just that, purpose. Those who start out just looking for financial freedom may soon find themselves back in a box. Finding one's true purpose is the best part of life. Once you have found yours, the sky is the limit!
The lack of science and/or theoretical sophistication in leadership and leadership development.
Entrepreneurs are the artists of business - they study the masters, learn the trades and seek to create their own works of art in spite of the giant shoulder which they are able to stand on.
It's said that there are no new tales, only the same stories retold. Yet, it's amazing how these retellings by each new generation of entrepreneurs continue to inspire us.
p.s. Recently I've come to realize that the entrepreneur's journey is also what Joseph Campbell called the Hero's Journey - here's a great little video.. http://youtu.be/yZxs_jGN7Pg
Belief in the product which you will spend/risk money on in the hope of making it profitable and successful. If you are motivated when you build things, you are surely motivated to build a business.
Nikolai, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very inspirational and also it will help many aspiring entrepreneurs out there.
Initially (with my first business) it was about following and fulfilling a dream: the absolute unmitigated joy of being able to make it on my own as a creative spirit.
After my life-changing "dark night of the soul" I launched LiveYourLight.com to serve others on their awakening journey: http://www.liveyourlight.com/about.html
Because my mission is to help connect the collective towards our eventual expression of unity consciousness, I now see everything I do as a thread in this weave, whether that involves helping a business owner to brand and market a new enterprise, creating content for a website or blog, or coaching an individual or business owner (often one and the same!) to greater clarity and direction in their life and work.
For me, the foundation stones are inspiration and information: providing this crucial support in a way that serves others on their path.
The ability to own and create something that is truly your vision, and to use that to improve the quality of life of those around you.
The ability to prove you can build a better mousetrap.
If you watch "How things are made" you might be an entrepreneur.
Excitement and enthusiasm - about the business you want to start.
Passion - a burning desire to share your knowledge and skills.
Willingness and ability - to learn how to run your business.
I don't believe that you can be an entrepreneur by just being good at what you do. You really need to sustain that excitement and enthusiasm, and never lose the passion! Always be a 'sponge' for learning new business, people and life skills.
Becoming an entrepreneur is a reward for effort. Enjoy the journey!
Knowing that both my successes and failures are direct results of ME and by ME!!! The end result is truly in my hands. If I want to succeed, I must work hard. :)
Freedom to create my own destiny. My success or failures are my own. It is exciting to me to not be limited by my employer on how much income I make or what I do.
@Kurt, thanks for sharing your ideas. I like your line that is freedom to create your own destiny, t'was very powerful line and inspirational.
I do not play well in a box. I have an ability to see a solution or finished form when presented with a problem or prototype idea. At a very young age, I was consistently called upon to lead teams and groups. Also as a child, I was fascinated by entrepreneurs and spent years interviewing them, wanting to know what made them tick differently than their employees. I later applied what I learned to my own ventures and saw the successes I envisioned. I m a creative thinker, take responsibility for my ideas and actions and I strive to create results rather than just spend time. This is best accomplished by being an entrepreneur.
Knowing that I can help other businesses grow and succeed, providing the business owner and their people the life they are seeking- which gives me the life I am seeking. It is a win-win.
Absolutely Bernadette, sharing something that you have and something where other people can be benefited about. Very inspirational
Inspiration comes from the ability to be as creative as you want to be and show people something they potentially have never seen before. For a lot of people, it is about money, fame, freedom and all of that is absolutely realistic and fantastic, but i mostly do it for the excitement of being creative and thinking on my own. When you work for someone else, you are helping them with their own vision. If you are a true entrepreneur, that is all it takes to motivate you to have your own vision and make it a reality. Having a white board in front of you with a team of people that you threw together, trying to make it in a competitive world, makes it all more fun.
I think for me, on top of creativity, it is the ability to stay competitive. Trying to make it in the restaurant industry is virtually impossible, so why do we try. We try so we can see if we have what it takes. That competitive nature is what makes a great entrepreneur.
Yes, totally agree with your answer, because being an entrepreneur have the ability to become creative in your own way.
Being independent; develop and being in charge of a business you are passionate about.
Yes, I like your insight. Some of the entrepreneurs today wanted to be the boss and can manage their time wisely. Great thoughts. =) Thanks