What makes an entrepreneur?

So business is going good for me.  Having thrown the towel in on my corporate career just over a year ago, I stumbled around in the dark for a bit. Slept late, did some jobs around the house that I’d been putting off since I bought it (7 years ago), and then dropped into a bit of interim work.  After that I drifted into freelancing and finally in November I set up my company – more to appease the tax man, that because of any major intent to ‘build’ a business.

It may be true to say that after going through a similar exercise about 10 years ago and being tempted back into the world of work, I had it in the back of my mind that this time I would fill my boots and grow something this time that extended beyond ‘just me.’  But that was it.  No driving ambition.  No laser sharp business plan.  And still no damn business cards.  (Just can’t seem to get round to sending them to print).

But all of a sudden it is more than just me.  A couple of people helping me deliver (and impress) clients.  A web site on the way.  And I’ve even caught myself networking a bit.  Which led me to reflect on the whole ‘what makes an entrepreneur?’ question.

I did a bit of research on the web (after the fact) and found a couple of interesting links.  This one may make you chuckle.  And this one doesn’t offer any surprises, but gives a good summary.

But for me, having met a few successful entrepreneurs, and now wearing some shoes that see me taking decisions for the good (and growth) of my own business, it comes down to a couple of very simple traits:

Entrepreneurs are good at spotting the opportunity. And by that I don’t mean some high brow, rarified talent.  They spot jobs they can do and, importantly, they can see the money to be made from a piece of work or sale.  And the other thing is that they are prepared to take risks (large or small) and put themselves out there.  In most instances that means that once they’ve spotted the opportunity, they are quick to grab it and say ‘yes’.  They are prepared to answer the question, ‘How the heck am I gonna do that’, after the work is secure.

Sara is a marketing specialist with a wealth of on-line and traditional experience. With award winning credentials as an advertising writer, her career also spans the disciplines of planning and strategy for both B2B and consumer clients. Having worked for one of the the UK's biggest non-London agencies, Sara now works on a consultancy basis for clients large and small. http://www.smallbizpod.co.uk/blog