In Pursuit Of Entrepreneurship

A quick reference to Webster’s Dictionary tell us that an entrepreneur is a person who is willing to organize, operate, and assume the risk in a business venture in expectation of gaining a profit.

Just about everyone is familiar with the concept of a 7 year old in a neighborhood cul de sac with a table, a sign and container full of lemonade looking to make a few dollars.

In the most uncomplicated of ways this reflects the seeds of entrepreneurship.

The same can be said of the enthusiastic smile of the 5^th grade Girl Scout who knocks on your door to secure an order of delicious famous thin mint cookies?

All entrepreneurs must move against the status quo in order to see a dream or goal become a reality. In many ways entrepreneurship is like art when it comes to business.

The inspiration to begin and succeed is often as fluid and flexible as the imagination of the children above.

However the stakes are much more menacing when it comes to such pursuits as an adult. This may explain why many never get started. The fear of failure and the uncertainty of risk outside of a steady paycheck can often cause the dream of entrepreneurship to go unrealized.

Realizing the Dream

As a result of modern technology and the Internet there are a variety of businesses that can be undertaken by the aspiring entrepreneur.

Let’s take a look at a possible low risk option of entrepreneurship models that can be started on a part-time basis while maintaining a full time job.

The great thing about these choices is they can both be highly leveraged through technology. This helps to minimize one of biggest hurdles to the business start-up, the ability to locate and engage prospective customers on a limited budget and to build a sustainable long term cash flow.

Of course without a product, service or idea of some kind to sell to a customer we are not in business.

Become a Freelancer

If you have a passion and expertise in a particular field you can offer the knowledge of that as an independent freelance contractor.

Don’t let the thought of “being an expert” dissuade this option. As long as you are enthusiastic and competent you’ll find others who will give you an opportunity to do something they can’t or prefer not to do themselves.

You’ll be amazed at the range of basic to more complex things that others will purchase from you in the Freelance business model.

Everything from the world of web design and graphic arts to computer programing, copywriting, editing, proofreading, music recording, video production and many other knowledge based skill sets can be offered virtually.

Then there are physical brick and mortar freelance endeavors such as a wedding planner, student tutor, or personal assistant to shop, prepare meals, and clean, or hundreds of other practical things you can offer as a freelance contractor.

Again, it will only be your creativity that limits the potential of offerings. Along the same lines are opportunities where the marketplace itself helps to guide the direction of your business.

Become a Consultant

Similar in nature is the opportunity of offering consulting services to help improve or enhance other existing businesses.

Instead of preforming specific activities or tasks as the basis for the business you are providing advice, coaching and recommendations based on your experience and specialized knowledge.

A consultant much like a freelancer positions themselves as a solution provider on a performance pay basis.

In other words, revenue and compensation is based on the results you deliver within specified parameters which are set by your customer or client.

As a consultant your key asset is your ability to analyze and make recommendations of ideas that will solve problems and bring net results to the bottom line.

Whether we consider freelancing, consulting or any other knowledge based business the key is to utilize the expertise, experience and skill sets we have acquired during our lifetime.

Therefore everyone has something that can be packaged, marketed and contracted as a business service to someone somewhere! Translation - Yes You Can!

Take a Step

We can start as a pure independent contractor or choose to work through sourcing websites like elance.com or freelancer.com

These communities bring customers and providers together, as well as offer training, best practices, industry insights.

Reach out for help, take little steps, don’t be afraid that you can’t try unless you know and understand everything.

Remember it’s all about being willing to take a calculated risk, step out and take action in order to become an Entrepreneur.

StayPos!