Features or Characteristics of an Entrepreneur | UNIT 1-Entrepreneurship: Concept and Functions

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Features / CHARACTERISTICS of An Entrepreneur| A topic from Unit1- Entrepreneurship: Concept and Functions

Key points of entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is defined by results and not by attributes. It is a passion and all about commercial risks.
How many Senses does an entrepreneur have? Is he born with these?
A true entrepreneur uses not only his/her senses one to five, but six, seven, eight and nine. Six to nine do not really exist, but he/she develops them through his/her exposure, experience, failures and following the concept of listening to understanding.

Evolution of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship (starting and running a business) has changed over time.
In the past, people saw business differently based on what was happening in the world economy at that time. Earlier, Entrepreneurship used to be product-centric, but now it’s more idea-centric.

Product-centric business- Product product-centric business creates or sells a specific product, and the business revolves around making, selling, and improving that product. The aim is to create the best product and sell it to as many customers as possible. Example: Think of a company that makes and sells a smartwatch. The business is all about improving the smartwatch, its features, design, and how well it works.

Idea-Centric Business- Instead of just making a product, the idea-centric business is driven by a unique idea that solves a problem or fulfills a need. The idea can lead to creating many products or services over time. The goal is to continuously innovate and create new solutions based on a core idea, which might lead to new products or services in the future. Example: Think of a company like Uber. The idea was to make transportation easier and more affordable through a ride-sharing app. Uber didn’t just focus on one car or service, but on the entire idea of changing how we travel.

Accordingly, a wide range of small and mid-sized businesses have emerged and gained popularity with the affluent middle class, determined to spend more, as well as derive value out of every rupee spent.

The Concept of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur, and Enterprise

Origin of the word Entrepreneur- The word „entrepreneur‟ is derived from the French word „entreprendre,‟ which means „to undertake,‟ i.e., individuals who undertake the risk of a new enterprise. The word was coined by Richard Cantillon, an Irishman living in France.
Definition- An entrepreneur is a person who starts an enterprise and converts a situation into an opportunity. He/she searches for change and responds to it.
Different experts have different views about what an entrepreneur is:
• Economists say entrepreneurs are the fourth important factor needed to run a business, along with land, labor, and money (capital).
• Sociologists believe that some communities or cultures encourage people to become entrepreneurs. For example, in India, some communities (Marwadis, Gujratis, etc.) are known to be naturally good at business.

Unit1- Entrepreneurship: Concept and Functions

Features/ Characteristics of an Entrepreneur

  • Develops and owns his own enterprise;
    The entrepreneur starts and runs their own business. It’s their idea, and they are in charge.
  • Is a moderate risk taker and works under uncertainty for achieving the goal.
    They are not afraid of taking risks, but they don’t take foolish risks. They work even when the future is uncertain. they always look for new and better ways to do things.
  • Is innovative- they always look for new and better ways to do things.
  • Is a persuader of deviant pursuits- They convince people to try new or different things, even if those ideas seem unusual or risky at first.
  • Reflects a strong urge to be independent- They like to work for themselves, make their own decisions, and not depend on others.
  • Persistently tries to do something better- They are always trying to improve—whether it’s a product, service, or way of working.
  • Is dissatisfied with routine activities- They don’t like doing the same thing every day. They want variety and challenge.
  • Is prepared to withstand the hard life- They are ready to face difficult situations, long hours, and stress to reach their goals.
  • Is determined, but patient- They have a strong will to succeed, but they also understand that success takes time and they don’t give up easily.
  • Exhibits a sense of leadership- They know how to guide and motivate others, and take charge of the team or business.
  • Exhibits a sense of competitiveness- They want to do better than others and stay ahead in business.
  • Takes personal responsibility- If something goes wrong, they don’t blame others. They own up and take action to fix it.
  • Is oriented towards the future- They always think ahead and plan for long-term goals, not just short-term success.
  • Tends to persist in the face of adversity- Even when things get tough, they don’t give up. They keep trying until they succeed.
  • Definition of Entrepreneurship- Entrepreneurship may be defined as a systematic innovation which consists of the purposeful and organised search for changes, and a systematic analysis of the opportunities that such change might offer for economic and social transformation.
  • Definition of Enterprise- An enterprise is the business organization that is formed and which provides goods and services, creates jobs, contributes to national income, exports and contributes to the overall economic development.

Difference between Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship

BasicsEntrepreneurEntrepreneurship
MeaningA person who starts and runs a businessThe process or activities involved in starting and running a business
NatureAn individual or a group of individualsA concept or process
FunctionCreates and leads a new businessThe act of creating, managing, and growing the business
GoalTo bring about change and growthTo create value and achieve long-term success
ExampleA person like Elon Musk, who starts innovative venturesThe activities involved in launching SpaceX, Tesla, or a new startup
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