Redefine ‘entrepreneur’ for modern times

We often think of “entrepreneur” as synonymous with “owner,” and although this is technically true, I have come to learn that there is much more to this term. When we associate entrepreneurship in a linear fashion, we forget that there are many people among us who, although not in an ownership capacity in their company, they act much like a business owner through their attitude.

When we hire, we often list “entrepreneurial spirit” among the key criteria. What are we actually seeking? Drive, determination, self-assuredness, confidence, risk-taking ability and an intrinsic sense to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Can these traits exist in someone who isn’t the business owner?

Absolutely, and sometimes the employees directly responsible for the day-to-day interactions, projects and outcomes of each piece of the company exemplify more of these traits more consistently than the actual owner. At times, the owner is absent, traveling, or otherwise detached from daily happenings and it’s up to the team to make the machine run smoothly.

Entrepreneurial spirit goes so far in moving a company forward. When each person is trained and nurtured in a way that encourages creativity, idea generation, hands-on involvement in each step of a project and connectedness to other team members as well as customers, they begin to reflect the beauty of what entrepreneurs tend to have naturally: determination.

This responsibility and open-road format leads employees to feel confident that they can make calculated decisions for the betterment of their customers and the organization. They learn to readily accept their mistakes and not hide behind others or pass the buck. Entrepreneurs who are successful know that acceptance of their own faults is essential if they are to build trust and rapport with those they serve.

Entrepreneurial spirit

If we think back over people we’ve worked with or employed whom we would deem “entrepreneurial,” several traits may stand out: dependable, willing to go to bat for the organization, great communicator, ambitious, takes ownership in everything they do. Yet, when we think a little bit longer, we find that entrepreneurial spirit in employees is sadly a trait that may end up punishable by the protocol and dysfunctions of owners and organizations. Such employees all too often are reprimanded by threatened owners for trying to “take over” the workplace, and jealousy and backstabbing can result when team members see “spirit” as “brown-nosing” to get ahead.

Where do we draw the line? If your organization wants to develop leaders and a functional succession plan, it’s imperative to place entrepreneurial spirit – the spirit of success and of wanting to continually grow and change a business – on the list of what is important.

Some may argue that you can read books, go to seminars, participate in networking groups and join clubs that define and create entrepreneurial spirit, but I disagree. You cannot teach someone to have entrepreneurial spirit; they either have it or they don’t. If they do, then you can develop this spirit to be stronger over time, both through assigning more responsibility as well as giving consistent feedback to reward the behaviors that are positive and beneficial to the company.

When this spirit is present, it is something insatiable. Those with it either need to do their own thing, or at least be in a company that encourages their spirit to grow and flourish.

Team Entrepreneur

I’ve always thought that unless you control everything and “own it,” you are not able to express the entrepreneurial spirit. However, having recently closed the business I owned for many years to join a progressive, thriving, creative agency in a senior employee capacity, I have realized that, indeed, we can be very much in control of our activities, successes, clients and projects while not necessarily paying the bills and running every piece of the company. Finding a company that fosters personal and professional growth while delivering innovative and tailored offerings allows people like me to spread their wings wide and thrive as a part of a team.

There is much to be said for going it alone, pushing through hard times, and being resilient. Looking back, all of the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur were exhilarating, humbling and truly a learning experience. When we allow ourselves to not be held hostage by our own business and open our minds to new ideas, people, concepts and industries, we can truly experience what it means to have entrepreneurial spirit.

We go to the next level of success by recognizing that everything runs its course and nothing in business is permanent, nor should it be. The world is an ever-evolving place and to align with it most eloquently, we must remain open to change and pursuant of opportunities that will not only benefit us personally, but will allow us to make the world a better place.

Take a moment to look at your own situation. Are you happy and content with what you’re doing as an entrepreneur or is it time to make a change? By thinking clearly through all of the opportunities around you and allowing yourself to shift your thinking, you can realize that entrepreneurial spirit will never die, it just might take a different direction and shape. And this is truly the magic of entrepreneurial thinking.

Dawn Duncan is now Senior Account Manager for A-Train Marketing in Fort Collins. She can be reached at 970-419-3218 or dawn@atrainmarketing.com.

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