Employee or Entreprenuer?

It is not necessary to own a business to be an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur is all about your mindset. To be an entrepreneur, you don’t have to be a CEO or even own your own business, but the entrepreneurial mindset attracts success.

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that.. there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being an employee. Straight-up! Okay? Entrepreneurship entails envisioning, designing, launching, and managing a new venture. Entrepreneurs have the vision and leadership skills to turn a business idea into a reality. Not everyone is born with the ability or the desire to be an entrepreneur. It all starts with having the right mindset because without it, you won’t be able to succeed in business. There will be different types of workers in every organization:

– Employees with an Employee Mindset

– Employees with a Business Mindset

Lets break down the contrast in the mindset of an Employee (someone who works for a company for a salary) versus an Entrepreneur. Obviously, these are broad generalizations that do not apply to every individual, and some people will exhibit traits from both columns. There’s no need to be offended by what follows… its just plain ole’ straight talk… and the goal is to describe the mindset required to be a successful entrepreneur. Let’s look at some key distinctions between employees and entrepreneurs.

– Employees fantasize about their freedom.
– Entrepreneurs value their independence.- Employees think about  “it” and talk about “it”,  but they never get past the first stage.
– Entrepreneurs begin without hesitation.

– Employees crumble after failure. 
– Entrepreneurs come to terms with failure, and accept it as part of the process.

– Employees work to improve their flaws. 
– Entrepreneurs hone their abilities.

– Employees exchange their time for money. 
– Entrepreneurs create Value for Money.

– Employees are waiting for the right moment. 
– Entrepreneurs jump in without considering the best time.

– Employees strive for advancement within their organizations. 
– Entrepreneurs strive for the advancement of their organization.

– Employees see Security as being risk-free. 
– Security, as seen by the entrepreneur, is taking calculated risks.

– Employees fantasize about their future plans. 
– Entrepreneurs make plans for their dreams.

– Employees expect their boss to resolve issues. 
– Entrepreneurs solve their own business problems.

– Employees are concerned with money and position. 
– Entrepreneurs are concerned with time, money,  significance,  and value.

– Employees aspire to be the most knowledgeable person in the room. 
– Entrepreneurs desire to be surrounded by people who are smarter than they are.

– “Payday” is an employee’s favorite phrase. 
– “A Business Opportunity” is what Entrepreneurs live for.

– Employees look forward to the holidays as a reprieve. 

– Entrepreneurs look to vacations to help them strengthen their beliefs.

So… who are you? Do you consider yourself an employee? Or are you entrepreneur material? If you stay within your comfort zone, both paths can produce incredibly satisfying results and benefits. Spend some time taking inventory of yourself and honestly assessing not only what career field you should pursue, but also how you should pursue it: as an employee within a pre-defined, existing structure or as an entrepreneur where you set the stage to do things your way.

Either way… MUCH SUCCESS!! Let me close with a terrific quote from Steve Jobs, who once said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be fully satisfied is to do what you believe is great work and the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

-President Clint Peek.