Entrepreneurs come in various types.

See a Case Study by Peter Sergeant in the Knowledge Base.

Entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs, but there are differences.

The word “entrepreneur” is pretty broad and often abused. What kind of entrepreneur am I, and what kind of entrepreneur are you? I don’t necessarily have the answer to this question, which I have struggled with for many years. I can only conclude that an entrepreneur is an entrepreneur, irrespective of the label you put on them. 

We can turn to Wilson Harrell, a famous entrepreneur and author, to simplify all the labels. He said, “There are two kinds of entrepreneurs: buccaneers and farmers. It’s not important which one you are. The transition from Buccaneer to farmer is difficult; few entrepreneurs make it. It’s better to be a happy buccaneer than a miserable farmer”.

Many entrepreneurs see the world as their oyster; some are not ambitious.

Well, as entrepreneurs, I guess we are not perfect, and maybe we all have a little bit of all the types described here inside each of us. Being an entrepreneur means being different things at different times to others, making life very challenging and exciting.

Some days, I am a manager or administrator, which is not what I like doing. I enjoy working on the big picture, solving problems, and motivating and inspiring people. I try to balance my life and avoid extremes; I am not a high-risk taker. Establishing the type of entrepreneur you are is essential to becoming more focused on what you want to do and become.

However, the literature does reveal several labels.

 What entrepreneurs are not

Entrepreneurs are not over-optimistic maniacs with a mission or super salespeople who don’t listen, as some would have us believe. Stop and consider the many misconceptions about entrepreneurs that you have experienced.

The ‘would-be if they could be’ entrepreneur. 

Within minutes of meeting a ‘would be if they could be’ entrepreneur, they will tell you about their lousy job and how they will start their own business. They are usually frustrated and bored, waiting to give their entrepreneurial spirit a run for its money. These people will have been working in other people’s businesses and will probably always work with another company, often in the same industry.

Sadly, all they need is a great idea, enough money to stay alive for a few years, permission from their spouse and a guarantee that they will make a significant profit. Unfortunately, that isn’t precisely how an entrepreneur thinks and behaves.

Quotable Quotes.

“Businesses, non-profit organisations and communities thrive when people think entrepreneurially”. Peter Sergeant

“Knowledge comes by taking things apart: analysis. But wisdom comes by putting things together”. John Morrison