Do you class yourself as an entrepreneur?

[Fred_the_frog]

Do you class yourself an an entrepreneur? (I'll learn to spell that word without a spell checker one day)

 

[vvaannmmaann]

That depends if you are refering to Richard Cantillons' definition or that of Jean-Baptiste Say?

 

[Fred_the_frog]

That depends if you are refering to Richard Cantillons' definition or that of Jean-Baptiste Say?

I'm not bothered, I asked if you class yourself as an entrepreneur, whichever definition you go by

 

[WJP]

Vvaannmmaann raises a valid point, and I think you should look into it Fred. I think the term "entrepreneur" is massively over-used, tired and misunderstood these days.

 

[Fred_the_frog]

Vvaannmmaann raises a valid point, and I think you should look into it Fred. I think the term "entrepreneur" is massively over-used, tired and misunderstood these days.

Well, in my terms, an entrepreneur is a person who is good at starting businesses. They don't have to be good at managing the business, as a manager can be brought in- this doesn't mean they aren't good at managing people, although I personally think this is a different skill. They are born with the entrepreneur skill, but it isn't always shown naturally- some people have to work on it.

Thats my basic idea. I don't personally class people who start businesses and keep them small as entrepreneurs. I'd say they are constantly looking for ways to expand the business.

You should vote on what you class as an entrepreneur. If you think you are one because you own a small business, then go for voting 'yes'. If you think you aren't an entrepreneur because you don't own a large company, then select 'No'.

It is entirely up to you and what you would say an entrepreneur is, and if you are one or not.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Maybe ask in here?
http://www.entrepreneurforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?20-Entrepreneur-Lounge

 

[Fred_the_frog]

Maybe ask in here?
http://www.entrepreneurforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?20-Entrepreneur-Lounge

But that will just be biased

I want to know if small business owners class themselves as entrepreneurs, thats all

 

[internetspaceships]

So basically another waste of time thread that you started when you were bored?

 

[Fred_the_frog]

So basically another waste of time thread that you started when you were bored?

Well, I was bored when I started it, but I still want to know.
Why don't you class yourself as an entrepreneur when you have started your own business?
(That's a general question, not just to you internetspaceships )

 

[internetspaceships]

Because, as people have pointed out to you already, it depends what you class as one.

 

[Fred_the_frog]

Because, as people have pointed out to you already, it depends what you class as one.

When you say 'you' do you mean me, or just 'you' as in general?

 

[iArtist]

Only pretentious plops use this phrase to define themselves whether they are or are not one as per dictionary /wiki or other definition.

 

[internetspaceships]

Only pretentious plops use this phrase to define themselves whether they are or are not one as per dictionary /wiki or other definition.

Isn't that a bit of a sweeping statement? Can you really show that all people that call themselves this are in fact pretentious or is it just because you think they are pretentious?

It's apparent that you don't like them and that's perfectly fine but that can't justify the statement you made on its own.

 

[RedEvo]

In my view starting and running a business doesn't make me an entrepreneur. Like many others I had a skill and decided to sell my skills directly instead of selling them to an employer. This IMHO doesn't make me an entrepreneur.

d

 

[internetspaceships]

In my view starting and running a business doesn't make me an entrepreneur. Like many others I had a skill and decided to sell my skills directly instead of selling them to an employer. This IMHO doesn't make me an entrepreneur.

d

I agree, I don't class myself as one either. I'm a businessman yes, but whilst I'm dubious of logos' logic I have to agree that the very word entrepeneur can often conjure up strange images.

 

[Fred_the_frog]

In my view starting and running a business doesn't make me an entrepreneur. Like many others I had a skill and decided to sell my skills directly instead of selling them to an employer. This IMHO doesn't make me an entrepreneur.

d

Just out of interest then, what would you say an entrepreneur was?

 

[Banned]

Richard Branson has to be the epitome of an entrepreneur. Starts a business then moves on leaving it to others to run. Some succeed, some fail and some are just bonkers/inspired e.g Virgin Galactic.

People like me running my crappy little shop and a dog walking business can't really be compared. We are the self-employed and create our own jobs, nothing more.

 

[iArtist]

Isn't that a bit of a sweeping statement? Can you really show that all people that call themselves this are in fact pretentious or is it just because you think they are pretentious?

It's apparent that you don't like them and that's perfectly fine but that can't justify the statement you made on its own.

I know plenty of wealthy successful people and rich and they don't need to talk themselves up because THEY ARE ALL THAT. Only insecure , insignificant gnat bites carry on like they're the big I am. End of.

 

[iArtist]

Richard Branson has to be the epitome of an entrepreneur. Starts a business then moves on leaving it to others to run. Some succeed, some fail and some are just bonkers/inspired e.g Virgin Galactic.

People like me running my crappy little shop and a dog walking business can't really be compared. We are the self-employed and create our own jobs, nothing more.

Exactly and I bet he doesn't go about saying 'I'm a fancy label...please notice me...'. He's there, doing that, doesn't need to label himself and inform people incase they haven't noticed him

 

[Fred_the_frog]

Exactly and I bet he doesn't go about saying 'I'm a fancy label...please notice me...'. He's there, doing that, doesn't need to label himself and inform people incase they haven't noticed him

So you're saying that 'entrepreneur' is just a fancy word that tells people you have lots of money?

(I'm not saying its wrong, I'm just trying to understand what you're saying )

 

[internetspaceships]

I know plenty of wealthy successful people and rich and they don't need to talk themselves up because THEY ARE ALL THAT. Only insecure , insignificant gnat bites carry on like they're the big I am. End of.

It's not "end of."

That's your perception of things. Just because you see things in a particular way and refuse point blank to accept anyone else's point of view does not make it final.

Whatever issues you have with people who are successful and/or label themselves in a particular manner doesn't make your opinion (because it is no more than that) the right one.

 

[Banned]

Exactly and I bet he doesn't go about saying 'I'm a fancy label...please notice me...'. He's there, doing that, doesn't need to label himself and inform people incase they haven't noticed him

I think that is the point, it's a title bestowed on someone. Start claiming you are one and you just look a right nob.

 

[iArtist]

So you're saying that 'entrepreneur' is just a fancy word that tells people you have lots of money?

(I'm not saying its wrong, I'm just trying to understand what you're saying )

No, I am saying that people who choose to introduce themselves as such -and label themselves as such are pretentious and most likely not all that because people who are all that don't need to do so.

To me the only entrepeneur worth being is a successful one. Starting lots of business ventures and NOT being successful may still attract the 'label' but it's pretty pointless because another equally appropriate label for people who start dozens of businesses, don't make a success of any of them is 'time waster'.

So which do you want to be Fred? Time waster or successful?

 

[Fred_the_frog]

No, I am saying that people who choose to introduce themselves as such -and label themselves as such are pretentious and most likely not all that because people who are all that don't need to do so.

To me the only entrepeneur worth being is a successful one. Starting lots of business ventures and NOT being successful may still attract the 'label' but it's pretty pointless because another equally appropriate label for people who start dozens of businesses, don't make a success of any of them is 'time waster'.

So which do you want to be Fred? Time waster or successful?

I see what you are saying, but I think its okay to introduce yourself as an entrepreneur. If someone told me they were an entrepreneur, then I would expect them to have at least two successful businesses.

I'm going to be a successful entrepreneur of course!

 

[RedEvo]

Just out of interest then, what would you say an entrepreneur was?

Someone who recognises a business opportunity and builds an organisation capable of delivering what that market needs irrespective of having any relevant subject matter knowledge.

For example, Richard Branson isn't a pilot, he doesn't design planes and he looks rubbish in a short skirt.

d

 

[iArtist]

So you're saying that 'entrepreneur' is just a fancy word that tells people you have lots of money?

(I'm not saying its wrong, I'm just trying to understand what you're saying )

I never said that..so no..not what I meant.

Meanwhile I assume you're asking the question because you either wish to refer to yourself as an entrepreneur or have already done so? In which case..no it's not appropriate that you do so until you've had a good level of success with a variety of differing ventures. And when you do...the label will lose it's appeal because you'll have acheived something solid.

What I would say from my own personal observation of you is that you appear to have entrepreneurial traits and so I do expect in the future for you to succeed in your chosen ventures.

 

[Fred_the_frog]

I never said that..so no..not what I meant.

Meanwhile I assume you're asking the question because you either wish to refer to yourself as an entrepreneur or have already done so? In which case..no it's not appropriate that you do so until you've had a good level of success with a variety of differing ventures. And when you do...the label will lose it's appeal because you'll have acheived something solid.

What I would say from my own personal observation of you is that you appear to have entrepreneurial traits and so I do expect in the future for you to succeed in your chosen ventures.

I'm asking because a few days ago, I thought an entrepreneur was just someone who sets up a business and runs it. It only occurred to me when I was reading something that entrepreneurs are good at setting up businesses- not managing them, so its not what I originally thought.

I haven't said I am an entrepreneur yet, but I have said that I want to be an entrepreneur.

Thanks for that last bit. I like that sentence a lot

 

[iArtist]

I'm asking because a few days ago, I thought an entrepreneur was just someone who sets up a business and runs it. It only occurred to me when I was reading something that entrepreneurs are good at setting up businesses- not managing them, so its not what I originally thought.

I haven't said I am an entrepreneur yet, but I have said that I want to be an entrepreneur.

Thanks for that last bit. I like that sentence a lot

Forget about wanting to be a 'label' and simply work on being successful at whatever you do.

Derek Trotter (of Only Fools and Horses) is the type of character who would introduce himself as an 'entrepreneur'. This says it all really.

 

[Fred_the_frog]

Forget about wanting to be a 'label' and simply work on being successful at whatever you do.

Derek Trotter (of Only Fools and Horses) is the type of character who would introduce himself as an 'entrepreneur'. This says it all really.

I don't know who Derek Trotter is :redface:

 

[iArtist]

I don't know who Derek Trotter is :redface:

http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/derek-trotter/27/913/894

"Derek Trotter

Owner and entrepreneur at Trotters Independent Traders"


I wasn't wrong was I !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Boy

"Del works as a market trader, running his own company — Trotters Independent Traders (T.I.T.) - either from out of a suitcase or out of the back of his bright yellow Reliant Regal Supervan. With a never-ending supply of get-rich-quick schemes and an inner belief in his ability to sell anything to anyone, Del embroils 'the firm' (as he calls the family business) in all sorts of improbable situations.

It is this unwavering confidence that led to his oft-proclaimed but rarely realised ambition "This time next year, we'll be millionaires!" Del's business acumen is probably best described by Rodney in the episode "Mother Nature's Son". During a time when Del is feeling depressed about his financial situation, Rodney states that "The old Derek Trotter could smell a fiver in a force 9 gale. They used to say that if Del Boy fell into a Viper's Pit, he'd come up wearing snake skin shoes."

 

[Fred_the_frog]

http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/derek-trotter/27/913/894

"Derek Trotter

Owner and entrepreneur at Trotters Independent Traders"


I wasn't wrong was I !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Boy

"Del works as a market trader, running his own company — Trotters Independent Traders (T.I.T.) - either from out of a suitcase or out of the back of his bright yellow Reliant Regal Supervan. With a never-ending supply of get-rich-quick schemes and an inner belief in his ability to sell anything to anyone, Del embroils 'the firm' (as he calls the family business) in all sorts of improbable situations.

It is this unwavering confidence that led to his oft-proclaimed but rarely realised ambition "This time next year, we'll be millionaires!" Del's business acumen is probably best described by Rodney in the episode "Mother Nature's Son". During a time when Del is feeling depressed about his financial situation, Rodney states that "The old Derek Trotter could smell a fiver in a force 9 gale. They used to say that if Del Boy fell into a Viper's Pit, he'd come up wearing snake skin shoes."

Oh, I know of Del Boy, but I didn't know he is called Derek Trotter

 

[WJP]

Oh, I know of Del Boy, but I didn't know he is called Derek Trotter

Bloody hell, how young must you be?!

 

[iArtist]

Bloody hell, how young must you be?!

He's 16