In terms of taking action, I heard someone the other day quote (I think it was a Dan Kennedy quote) saying that what you do doesn’t have to be good, just good enough. I know I’m trying to remember to take action, and not waiting to get it 100% right.

They put the resources they employ in the venture (including their own time + energy = sweat equity and their own money, plus opportunity cost) at risk, and may bring additional resources/capital under their control by convincing third parties to share in the risk in return for shared rewards.

Best wishes – Alex Schleber

I think the basic definition of an entrepreneur is pretty straightforward. It’s basically a person hard-wired to think a bit differently from the norm. Instead of a person that thinks of getting a job done, an entrepreneur asks even before starting “How can I do this different, faster, better, cheaper, cooler”…and it applies to everything, all the time. There is no off switch.

On the other hand, I think the definition of a successful entrepreneur is a lot more difficult. If you think about all the characteristics necessary to lead a business, the list is pretty daunting. What’s more, the traits needed change depending on where you are in the business cycle. The very thing that makes you a successful startup will crush you in the growth and maturity phases if you don’t seek help.

Having created several startups, both successful, and total disasters, I would define it this way. A successful entrepreneur is a person who has the unrelenting need to build a better mouse trap. They need to be smart enough to see what others don’t see, they need to be humble enough to recognize what they suck at and seek help, they need to be arrogant enough to stand in front of everyone and say why they are better, they need the perseverance to stick through all the crap, and they need the overwhelming urge to just GO and get started. Lastly, and IMO most importantly they need a plan. Without that, you are a monster truck with no tires.

Just my not-so-humble opinion. Would love to see the ideas of others who have been through the trenches.

EG

I recommend it to many people to read but I know that some, despite my urgings see the “Internet Business” tag and decide to miss out when many of the lessons in the Internet Business Manifesto are relevant to all businesses.

Any chance of a version that strips away some of the Internet marketing clutter to raise your profile in the general small business market.

I know as a Business Growth System “graduate” that much of the program is just as relevant to non-Internet marketing businesses as it is to Internet marketers as you teach the underlying business building skills.

Great to have you back with a blog as well. You have been a bit quiet recently.

Paul Simister
Small business coach