What is an Entrepreneur?

The Evolution of the Professional Entrepreneur

Tom Richman in "Creators of the New Economy" hypothesizes that what has really occurred is that entrepreneurism has changed dramatically from amateurism to what he terms the professional entrepreneur.

What he is seeing is an evolution in entrepreneurism, not only because motivation from downsizing is putting more talented people out of work, but also because of the opportunities available from globalization and the virtual marketplace. Many very skilled people are joining the entrepreneurial ranks, raising the level of business knowledge and skill.He distinguishes the following differences between the two:

Amateur Entrepreneur

Local
Snap Decisions
Heart
Lone Ranger
Knockoffs
Idea
Knows the Trade
Secretive
Novice
Self-reliant
Pro-phobe (dislikes professionals)
Start-up
Organizationally Orthodox
Trade Association Member
Self-sufficient
Think Small
Small-business Founder
Seat-of-the-pants
Boss
Male
Supportive Spouse at Home
Automation
Intuition
Research Backwater
Price Takers
Personal Financial Plan is the Business
Art
Equity Control
Company

Professional Entrepreneur

Global
Consensus
Market
Networker
Innovations
Execution
Knows the Business
Open
Veteran
Inquisitive
Pro-phile
Start-up or Whatever
Organizationally Innovative
Web Surfer
Virtual
Think Big
Entrepreneur
Business Plan
Leader
Mixed
Spouse Runs Own Business
Innovation
Education
Research Mainstream
Value Makers
Business is Part of Personal Finance Plan
Science
Performance Control
Career

The clear conclusion from all this is that entrepreneurism is a dynamic, developing part of the economy at this time in history. Entrepreneurism itself is emerging and maturing. What it will be as a mature contributor to the economy is yet to be determined, but certainly innovation, knowledge and globalization are important factors.

To quote Tom O'Malia from his introduction to the book,Been There, Done That, "Entrepreneurs are about loving their journey, not their destination." For me, this sums up the excitement and fun of being an entrepreneur. And that is why it is not synonymous with being a small businessperson. The entrepreneurial mind set can operate in all sizes and types of businesses.

Does this fit with who you are? Then you have found the right place. That is what we are here for: to share, to encourage, to learn, to achieve our goals. I look forward to meeting you and learning about your hopes and dreams as an entrepreneur