Anyone who has an inner drive to start a business has a spirit of entrepreneurship. I myself have always had this entrepreneurial mindset. But, entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing lots of people in the business world and especially find that I connect with fellow entrepreneurs.
This has allowed me to discover a variety of different approaches that people take in starting businesses. As the old adage says, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat!” Do you see yourself anywhere in this list?
- Idealists: The idealists are arguably the most common type of entrepreneur. These are the entrepreneurs looking for innovation and creativity. The idealists are visionaries who love tackling new things and cultivating a dream for the future. This is also the type of entrepreneur who will probably start many businesses as they are truly starters. After an idealist starts a business and gets it running, he or she may look to put a good manager in place so that other visions can be started. Pro Tip: Make sure to hire good managers so that your legacy lasts!
- Developers: These are the type to really build into their small business and make something of value. Their primary satisfaction comes from creating and improving their own business or venture. Unlike the idealists, who are constantly dreaming of bigger and better and varied things, the developer really focuses in on one particular dream. They are constantly looking for ways to improve their business because they’re in it for the long haul. Developers love to see a community built around their business and want to be a part of that community. Pro Tip: Be careful to not box yourself in where you’re at. Scaling is always a good idea.
- Energizers: Entrepreneurs who identify as energizers are the hard workers who put in the long hours. They are the Energizer Bunnies of business and everyone who’s not them wonders how they do it! Energizers love challenge and aren’t afraid of elbow grease. This type is the most likely to slip into a workaholic lifestyle, but they are also the type to profit the most from their work. Pro Tip: Even with your boundless energy, you need rest and family time.
- Dynamos: These entrepreneurs are similar to the energizers in that they have just that: energy! They’re a bit different, though, in that they don’t primarily thrive on long, hard work for long, hard work’s sake. Instead, this is the entrepreneur who becomes crystal clear in a crisis. Dynamos love working under pressure, handling everything, and juggling action items to make deadlines in time. Where as energizers stay on top of their work, this type thrives on the edge! Pro Tip: Some things need to be done ahead of time and done well, so make sure you have a team who can help you in that.
- Equalizers: This entrepreneurship-addicted person is the most cautious. Equalizers are the kind of people who believe in leveling out work and life responsibilities. They work carefully to keep their work balanced and separate from the rest of their world. They aren’t looking to grow numbers but rather to maintain their standard of living. This type of entrepreneur is the one who runs a small business and likes to keep things as they are. Pro Tip: Times change and so do businesses. Make sure that you are still learning and able to adapt to big changes in how business is done.
I could fall into several of these categories, but I tend to relate best with the “idealists” of the entrepreneur world. What about you? What kind of entrepreneur are you?
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