5
Different Types Within the Entrepreneurial
Group
It
is fairly common knowledge that one
of the commonalities found in the hearts
of all entrepreneurs, is the drive toward
independence. This is certainly true,
but there are also degrees of this drive-and
these varying degrees offer a means
to define different “types”
of entrepreneurs.
Nearly
25% of Americans are directly connected
to the self-employed and small business
sector. The concept of defining types
of small business owners, will appeal
to these people directly, as well as
to their family and any employees. It
is progressive to consider different
types of self-starters, since there
are many variables and often these variables
can mean the key needed to succeed!
To lump all entrepreneurs together under
that label is like saying “all
women, or all men”. It’s
unfortunately considered highly acceptable,
but I’d like to challenge that
notion with a few clearly defined “types”.
There
are at least 5 distinct entrepreneurial
types, and this is a much more accurate
way to observe if you have the temperament
and personality to own your own business.
These types are so much more accurate
than those simplifies multiple-choice
questionnaires you find in small business
magazines. Those “quizzes”
serve one purpose: To puff up the ego
of the reader, and make them feel like
they definitely have what it takes to
start their own business, meanwhile
offering them “help” to
do so. They conveniently offer “help”,
(costing money of course!). This is
simply a marketing tool. The hard truth
is that we are not all designed to be
entrepreneurs, and starting your own
business is tough even with all the
skills necessary-without these innate
talents, it can lead to extreme frustration.
When
considering a franchise opportunity
as a business option, it’s important
to be truthful with yourself about what
you want to achieve, and what you have
to offer the franchise of your choice.
This can’t be decided by a quiz
or a test! It is your own thoughtful
consideration and thorough research
that will lead you to the best decision
for you. It’s good to take an
objective look at the traits you possess,
along with the talents and areas of
weakness you bring to the table. The
more familiar and honest you are about
these things, the more accurate your
decision on franchise purchase, or any
other business decision, can be.
Here
are a few very short descriptions of
the different types found amongst entrepreneurial
personalities. One type is not better,
stronger or more capable than any other-they
simply have different personalities
and traits.
Intrapreneur:
This type is an employee, but enjoys
the challenge associated with risk and
reputation. An example would be an employee
that excels at business take-overs or
the implementation of a new business
plan. He/She may be an employee, but
they function very independently, and
are successful in this capacity.
Franchisee: The person who functions
more optimally in this type, is someone
who desires full ownership and accountability,
with the benefit of full structure of
support behind him/her.
The
Business Opportunity Buyer: This person
is ready to have full responsibility
of the ownership of a business, and
relies on the support offered only for
a short time, leaving the fold once
they know the business.
The
Independent: This person goes into business
ownership completely independent of
support networks, knowing the business
from day one. Very confident in their
ability to handle the inevitable “surprises”,
they aren’t concerned with being
caught off guard.
The
Practical Visionary: This type rates
the highest on the independence scale.
This person follows their dreams and
their heart with passion, but they have
to prove their vision to the marketplace,
including the value of what is being
offered. This is why is requires the
most independence. It can be quite “lonely”.
With no support network, and no prior
businesses (at least not in the chosen
arena) to point to, it takes a person
of absolute conviction and unwavering
constitution to be in this type.
As
these are so vague, it cannot obviously
help you to define yourself absolute.
But these types are prevalent, and studying
yourself further to find your “type”
can only help you in your quest for
the right business! Be thorough in your
research both of yourself and your prospective
franchise or business, and honest with
the results, and you will find your
quest is filled with much less risk!
Best of luck!
