In preparation for next week, which is Global Entrepreneurship Week, I have been giving some thought to the word entrepreneur. It’s a word that is used so often these days and I wonder if its definition needs to change.
So what is entrepreneurship?
Wikipedia says an entrepreneur is “an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.”
However, I beg to differ.
I think that entrepreneurship is a way of being, rather than a business model.
It is a way you view the world and a way that helps you guide your decisions.
I think it’s about following your interests and passions, playing to your innate strengths, doing something you love and thus really making a difference to those people around you.
I also believe that to be an entrepreneur you don’t have to set up your own business.
You can be an entrepreneur in someone else’s business as long as you are able to be true to yourself and use your skills and desires and experiences as you want.
You could be a volunteer in your community and still be entrepreneurial.
Someone who sets up their own social enterprise is also an entrepreneur.
So I challenge the focus of entrepreneurs on being about money and risk and being a business owner.
Let’s think about entrepreneurship being about passion and strengths and interest and giving the true and unique you to the world, and by doing that bringing about positive change.
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I’m excited to be a part of Fresh Poppies, a network that has been set up to share and support young girls and women think about entrepreneurship & business from a global perspective. We’re having two webinars during Global Entrepreneurship Week to share ideas, learning and top tips. Register here.