Much of the hype around entrepreneurship today focuses on ‘hero entrepreneurs’ – the stereotypical image of young CEOs like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram’s Kevin Systrom.
Those entrepreneurs that do it well certainly should be acknowledged for how great it can be. It’s also great that we have such a supporting culture for people that take on risk to do something meaningful.
Yet, at the same time, there is an element of embellishment and glorification that has permeated throughout the environment because this picture does not accurately reflect day-to-day life as an entrepreneur. It does not tell us about the way ideas are born or the networks, systems and skills – not to
mention plain luck – on the road to success.
The aim of this post is to unmask the day-to-day realities of being an entrepreneur in my community.
Entrepreneurship is actual work
We need to hear more about the process. Not what returns these entrepreneurs received from their initial investment, not how much they make a month, not more motivational platitudes, but the real substance that led to those results.
On the flip side, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a real one, you need to stop glorifying our own experiences. Sure, sometimes it’s fun, risky, and exciting, but we are not helping the next generation by making it seem like that’s all there is to it.
Entrepreneurship is not only about money, fame, or glory
Entrepreneurship is not just about raising money. It is also about serving the community and creating sustainable, long-term value. Money, fame or glory are the consequences of success in your venture and it is certainly not guaranteed.
The idea that anyone can achieve great wealth and independence through entrepreneurship is what’s over-hyped and glorified. Learning to be a great entrepreneur is a long road.
Entrepreneurship is not reserved for a select group of people
The truth is; entrepreneurial people are everywhere. In fact there are far more entrepreneurial people in this world than you could imagine. But there’s a problem. Most of us became victims of the great deception that is – entrepreneurship is reserved for a select group of people.
Entrepreneurship is not taught in class
The tools of the trade can be taught. How to raise money, how to read a balance sheet and all that. The core of being an entrepreneur however, making great decisions, being obsessively dedicated to steering a business to growth, is instinctual. One learns to be good at this through trial and error and sometimes through mentor ship.
Entrepreneur is not for everyone
There are so many incredibly exciting, established companies. Some tiny. Some huge. Some in between. And it’s okay to want to work within one of them, too. Sometimes owning a business and doing the work that inspires you may be two different things. And it’s totally possible to be successful, financially secure, inspired, and enjoy your work…all while working for someone else.
So who is a Entrepreneur?
According to Business Dictionary, entrepreneurship is the capacity and willingness to develop, organize and manage a business venture along with any of its risks in order to make a profit.
It could be you.
Regardless of the path you have chosen to walk in life I know that within all of us resides the spirit of entrepreneurship. With the calendar wiped clean of events for the time being, you really might as well go for it now.
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