Entrepreneur.

Self-employed. Small business owner.

Whether it's a pizza shop owner, a barber, a landscaper, a copywriter- call it what you will, but our country is founded on the spirit of this.

So, what is "this"?

Let's take a look at the definition.

Jokingly, someone once defined "this" in the sense that, 'entrepreneurs are un-hirable'

Funny, right? Here's the true meaning...

dictionary .com defines an entrepreneur as:

- noun

1. a person who organizes and manages any enterprise (1) , especially a business, usually with considerable initiative (3) and risk (2).

How about we break this down the definition a little further, shall we?

(1) Enterprise, what's that?

As defined, again, by dictionary.com:

–noun

1. a project undertaken or to be undertaken, esp. one that is important or difficult or that requires boldness or energy: To keep the peace is a difficult enterprise.

2. a plan for such a project.

3. participation or engagement in such projects: Our country was formed by the enterprise of resolute men and women.

4. boldness or readiness in undertaking; adventurous spirit; ingenuity.

5. a company organized for commercial purposes; business firm.

(2) Risk

I think we all know what it means. In a nutshell, it means taking a chance. Whether it's a financial, physcological, or time-consuming chance.

- Financial

Sure, that's easy. It just means that we spend money on equipment, training materials, or whatever in hopes of seeing a return on that investment (R.O.I.)

Simply put- PROFITS.

- Time-Consuming

How can spending time involve a risk, or taking a chance? If you have a family and a job, you need to be careful and learn how to balance a schedule.

What do I mean by that? Well, after work, a lot of us come home to the family and have dinner and then spend time with them.

Learn from my mistakes! I did everything 'bass-ackwards'. Instead of spending time with the family first, and then work on stuff, I would come home and go straight to the PC to check my e-mails, etc.

Not spending enough time with my family nearly cost me my family. Let me repeat that. Not spending enough time with my family nearly cost me my family!

If you haven't done this yet, you need to train yourself and set aside time to work on your business wisely. Maybe it's on the weekends (only), or early in the morning before heading to work, or later at night after the kids are in bed.

But, remember- balance is the key? Too much time spent on your business can really effect the family.

- Psychological?

How can starting a business involve psychological risk? Ever worry that your receivables are not what they should be? Concerned about your overstock in inventory? Just those two questions alone can help you understand the toll of having your own business can take on your mind.

Enough said on that mini-topic.

So, we covered one aspect of being an entrepreneur; risk. Now let's look at the other; initiative.

(3) Initiative

Again, taken from dictionary.com:

–noun

1. an introductory act or step; leading action: to take the initiative in making friends.

2. readiness and ability in initiating action; enterprise: to lack initiative.

3. one's personal, responsible decision: to act on one's own initiative.

Simply stated- taking action. If you want to build and grow a business, start now! Don't put it off. As Brian Tracy says, a lot of us live on this imaginary place called "Someday Isle". 'Someday I'll start a business'; "Someday I'll do this, someday I'll do that".

My two favorite quotes are from:

1- Mike Litman

"You don't have to get it right, you just have to get it going."

2- NHL Hall of Famer, Wayne Gretzky

"You always miss 100% of the shots you do not take."

So, what's stopping you?

Lack of funds?

Don't know what to sell (products), or what service to provide (for sale)?

Don't know how to start?

Well, have no fear.

This is why I created this blog- to help you get started. To hold you by the hand, and to guide you as best as I can.

Sure, I'll make mistakes. I am, after all, human. But that's what feedback from you folks will be all about. To discuss strategies, tactics, business plans and to help each other along the way.

Here, we will promote your business; whether it's by sending out interviews to our subscribers, or directing you to their sites.

We are here for you.

Let's enjoy this ride- together.

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