There are probably as many answers to that as there are entrepreneurs. Popular opinion, however, holds that there are some similarities: entrepreneurs are seen as brash risk-takers, somewhat abrasive, always impulsive (we’re thinking of you, The Donald).
But are such generalizations fair? Probably not. Personality traits aside, the one thing that motivates most entrepreneurs is that which forms their signature achievement: the urge to create.
The specifics of that are varied. Some build companies within their fields of expertise because they’ve developed valuable innovations. Others enter unfamiliar markets when they sense a challenge or opportunity. But in every case they are inspired to create a new entity — their own unique company — where none had existed before.
Brash? Maybe. But certainly not in any negative sense.
As for risk-taking, the risks are inherent. Every venture risks failure or worse. But when entrepreneurs stake their fortunes and reputations, will they gamble with undue risks? Not likely.
It’s far more accurate to say that an entrepreneur is, whenever possible, a risk eliminator. An entrepreneur evaluates risks, weighs outcomes and chooses the path that offers the highest return with the best chance for success.
That chance for success is ultimately the most driving motivation for entrepreneurship. Maybe it requires a dash of brashness and a modicum of risk-taking. The payoff is worth it, though, for the entrepreneur and for all of society.
Bring on the brashness, we say, and hooray for the entrepreneurs.
The C4:
- Entrepreneurs are creators at heart.
- They are not intrinsically brash risk-takers.
- They rock at starting but not necessarily at maintaining new ventures.
- Without them, we would all be in big trouble.
