Comments on: Defining an Entrepreneur

By: Small and Home Business Blog Carnival - February 2009 « Small and Home Business Carnival

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:55:03 +0000

[...] Biz Bee presents Defining an Entrepreneur posted at Small Biz Bee, saying, “What is the definition of [...]

By: smallbizbee

smallbizbee — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:13:27 +0000

@Steve
Hey Steve, as somebody who’s been an active contributor here for quite a while I really appreciate that! I think you’ve read everything here, and that means something.

Thanks,
Matt

By: Steve | trade show display booths

Steve | trade show display booths — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:29:48 +0000

Hey Matt,
I think this is one of the best posts on your blog!
I tend to agree with you and Webster. I think a fundamental element of the definition is “assumes the risks”. Starting a business (and committing to it) is a risk, and few people are willing to take that risk.
I can’t say exactly what an entrepreneur is… I just know one when I see one.
Well, I’m not sure if my comment is really adding to this conversation, but again, the key is “willing to assume the risk!” Who raises the capital and how much they make is not the issue!
~ Steve, aka trade show display booths

By: Richard McLaughlin

Richard McLaughlin — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 09:17:13 +0000

Someone who takes an idea, finds a market for that idea, creates something (good or service) and finds a way to monetize that something.

By: Wayne Liew

Wayne Liew — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:31:41 +0000

Entrepreneurship is also linked to intrapreneurship, which is the entrepreneurial mindset being linked to someone working for others.

For me, entrepreneurship is not about whether you are having or running the business but rather, the mindset to brainstorm for new ideas to do things (products, strategies, services, etc.) as well as the courage to bring them to life.

By: smallbizbee

smallbizbee — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:51:12 +0000

@Ryan
You make a great point. Many, if not all, entrepreneurs failed at some point. Edison invented and tried to market concrete furniture and houses for crying out loud, and I don’t think anyone would take the title of entrepreneur away from him.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/edison/fail_1

Matt

By: smallbizbee

smallbizbee — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:38:08 +0000

@Eydie
Exactly the point. How can I say in good concious that you are not an entrepreneur, or less of one than our “offended” reader? We’re all at different places with our businesses, but we all took the risk to start one and stick with it. That’s an entrepreneur in my book.

Thanks for coming by,
Matt

By: smallbizbee

smallbizbee — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:34:57 +0000

@Dee
$1 million is certainly successful, don’t think anyone would argue with that…but I think your definition more closely alighns with what it means to be an entrepreneur. Whether you make a million or a buck, if you’re in biz for yourself you’re an entrepreneur in my book!

Appreciate your thoughts,
Matt

By: Ryan Kazinec

Ryan Kazinec — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:21:53 +0000

Matt,
You are absolutely right. Entrepreneur and success often go hand in hand but failing doesn’t mean that individual was never an entrepreneur. It takes a special kind of person to take on serious risk for the sake of pursuing something they’re passionate about.

Great post and I hate to break it to your reader but I think he/she is confused and unable to distinguish the difference between success/accomplishments and one’s willingness to take on risk for the sake of an original idea.

By: Gerald Weber

Gerald Weber — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:49:35 +0000

@Eydie,

I’m actually looking for a VA. Maybe you can get in tcontact with me.