Explore Careers in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the practice of setting up a business and the person leading that effort is an entrepreneur. This individual typically bears most of the risk of this process, but in return can enjoy the most rewards from doing so. Key responsibilities of an entrepreneur are to create the business plan, hire labor, provide funding, and ensure there is management of the business.
What Type of Entrepreneur Are You?
There are four types of Entrepreneurs: the Builder, the Opportunist, the Innovator, and the Specialist.
The Builder
Fast growth · Revenue-focused
The Builder creates new businesses quickly, building systems and teams to generate significant revenue within 2–4 years. They thrive in fast-paced environments and are comfortable with risk and rapid change.
The Opportunist
Market timing · Exit strategy
The Opportunist spots well-timed market opportunities and moves decisively. They often enter and exit businesses at peak profitability, while holding onto ventures that generate residual income long-term.
The Innovator
Unique ideas · Impact-driven
The Innovator brings new ideas or products to market. Success comes from creativity rather than financial motivationThey focus on impact and solving problems no one else has cracked.
The Specialist
Deep expertise · Niche networks
The Specialist builds a business on rare knowledge or a highly specific skill. Growth is slower but steady, driven by professional networks and affiliations built up over years of mastering their craft.
No matter which type of entrepreneur your interests and personality most align with, all entrepreneurs need to anticipate times of setbacks and learning. To help through those emotional times, future entrepreneurs should work on strengthening their growth mindset and overcoming fears.
Steps for Becoming an Entrepreneur
- Consider how profitable this could be.
- Look for problems that you can solve with this business.
- Know your market. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there similar businesses already operating?
- Will they be competition?
- Do I know what trends have been happening in this market?
- What are my future customers’ needs?
- What would my future customer want?
- For templated plans visit The Small Business Administration site https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan
- What methods will you use to fund your business?
- Bootstrapping: where you personally provide all the funding
- Venture Capital: Where you raise funds by receiving investors
- Remember to research the legal tax considerations in your specific state and chosen industry.
- Name your business
- Define your brand. Ask yourself these questions to help you make consistent branding decisions:
- What is the business’ mission?
- What are our core values?
- What is your brand’s personality and voice?
- Define your brand. Ask yourself these questions to help you make consistent branding decisions:
- Following a defined growth strategy can help guide decision-making. Find suggestions at https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/10-growth-strategies-every-business-owner-should-know/452857
- Build a strong working team. Hire those with the skills and team dynamics you need for an efficient and effective business.Consider networking. Connecting with other businesses can help you have someone to collaborate with, can bring in customers, and can help you fill your hiring needs.
- Consider getting a mentor who has entrepreneurial business experience
Key Skills and Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
Financial Acumen
Persuasion & Communication
Self-Awareness
Problem-solving
Risk-taking
Goal-Oriented
Resilience
Confidence
Discipline
Creative
Curious
Leadership
