Friday, July 15, 2011

New Series of Articles Starts Today: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Series

Introduction


What exactly is the Entrepreneurial Spirit?

Does it mean going out and starting your own business? Or is it more like owning your own career path? Maybe it’s being responsible for your professional development. Does it require money…scads and scads of money? Who can have that spirit? Where do you get it or are you born with it? Maybe it can be developed. Or does it choose you?

At any rate, it’s a term we are hearing more and more. History tells us the word “entrepreneur” is of French origin. If interpreted literally it means “between jobs”. Do you suppose that meant “unemployed” back when it was first coined? Interesting…

Entrepreneurs don’t think of themselves as unemployed. Many work harder than if they had an 8 to 5 job. Do all entrepreneurs have the Entrepreneurial Spirit though?

Research has shown me that entrepreneurs, ones with the true spirit of it, love what they do. They have a real passion for their work. And that’s the secret to their success. Passion. Entrepreneurs have fun at what they do. That takes passion. Think of Richard Branson, founder of the “Virgin” mega brand. His passion extends from business into his personal life. So, once again…are you born with it or not?

People with that Entrepreneurial Spirit seem to be curious all the time. It’s easy for them to observe what’s happening, where the world is moving, where the opportunities exist, what the potential is for their ideas and how they can capitalize on that market niche. Maybe it’s an idea no one has thought of yet. Or maybe it’s a way to do something in a better way. How many times have you said something could work better if done differently? Did you do anything about it or just muse to yourself?

How do you view challenges? Do you think positively and view obstacles or challenges as just another opportunity for growth? When things change, do you see that as new possibilities? Adapting to whatever is thrown in your path is just one more trait entrepreneurs possess.

Is taking a risk an impossible issue for you or are you willing to put yourself out there? I’m not talking about being reckless or a day dreamer. But can you risk trying something and failing? Or can you persevere when others may think you are a little crazy for trying something new? Do you have a vision, one that creates some value? Or do you think you should stay at your day job…because it’s safer?

As this series develops I will interview entrepreneurs, searching for those with the “Entrepreneurial Spirit”.

They may be social entrepreneurs…those who are motivated by a desire to help, improve and transform social, environmental, educational, and economic conditions. Those people do not accept the world as it is. Or maybe I’ll find serial entrepreneurs…ones who continuously come up with new ideas and start one new business after another. Or possibly I’ll find lifestyle entrepreneurs…those who place passion before profit when they launch a new business. Typically they combine personal interests and talent with the ability to earn a living.

What am I looking for? What do they have in common?

Not sure…stay tuned.

This series of articles was commissioned by Upward Trend and written by Wendy VanHatten, a nationally published author, editor, and writing coach.

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