If you Google “definition of an entrepreneur”, it says:
“A person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risk in the hope of profit.”
This sounds like quite a dreary definition – “in the hope of profit”. So, there’s no strategy around the business – just hope!
Dictionary.com offer a slightly better definition, we think:
This definition doesn’t suggest that an entrepreneur has to start a business. Instead, they suggest that it’s usual, which we agree with.
However, we have a different view on what a modern-day entrepreneur is.
What is a modern-day entrepreneur?
It’s safe to say that the world of business has completely changed in the last few years. People are not doing MBAs before they launch a company; some are not even doing degrees at all.
Many are launching businesses from their bedrooms and using social media alone to maximise sales.
Old school business gurus probably still can’t get their heads around it. In fact, many will probably knock this generation of entrepreneurs and say it’s not “real business”.
Well, we are definitely impressed with what some of these “mavericks” have achieved and they are definitely the type of people we want at N0BS! People who think outside the box, are prepared to hustle (healthily!) and bootstrap their way to success.
We believe that the term entrepreneur should extend quite far these days. It should refer to anyone who identifies opportunities, takes initiative and transforms ideas into reality.
They could be doing this with products, services or even through their personal brand.
What types of professions are entrepreneurs?
So, anyone who is a business owner is considered to be an entrepreneur, but here are some other professions we consider to be entrepreneurs too:
Content Creator
Many content creators have not set up a business; they are just themselves. They may even have full-time jobs elsewhere, but they show up online and create content.
They could be bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, social media content creators.
They often create content for free and so many wouldn’t consider this entrepreneurial as they don’t make money.
However, this content can lead to a big following, which they can then monetise through brand deals and payments via platforms directly.
Of course, not all content creators see this success, as it requires months and often years of hard work with no payment to start! So, only those who truly love what they do will succeed at this!
Authors
The world of publishing has drastically changed. Back in the day, you had to have representation to get a book deal, and it was tough! But now, you can self-publish, and there are lots of independent publishers producing books.
We’re not a fan of some of the cowboy publishing houses, as they prey on people who are desperate to be authors. BUT, we do love the ambition of many entrepreneurs who self publish and then have to work their butts off to sell copies of their books.
And how do they do this? Through marketing, personal brand work, events, networking etc. Tell me that’s not entrepreneurial!
Even with traditional book publishers these days, they often require you to have a bit of an online presence so you can do your own marketing for your book.
Athletes
Many athletes are all about the sports and they do not become entrepreneurs, but what about the ones who go on to create their own products, coach others, write books and inspire others to be better?
Many athletes are looking for more than just sport as they know their career will come to an end at some point, so they want to prepare themselves for their future.
It’s even more prevalent these days with social media contracts. Each sportsperson is their own brand – getting brand deals, collaborations and sponsored posts.
The ones who do the best in these areas are the most entreperneurial.
Am I an entrepreneur?
We’ve already had lots of conversations with people who aren’t sure if they’re right for the club because they don’t consider themselves to be an entrepreneur.
We believe that if you’re someone who’s trying to make a difference in the world, contributing to helping others, making content, driving innovation and change, then you will likely fall under the category of entrepreneur.
You may not have a business (yet), but you are building up your own personal brand. Your business can be you!
We think that the term entrepreneur is changing, and we’re embracing this change and want to help budding entrepreneurs become confident in calling themselves entrepreneurs.