My 8-year-old announced she wanted to have a store (after the failed lemonade stand two years ago), so I commenced setting her up with the glass jars I’d been saving for rainy-
day crafts. Her pencil jars are a hit; she’s pocketed $13 plus $.50 for two hand-made magnets. She has an order for six more.
Now, that’s entrepreneurship.
A client of mine in 2008 declared that no one is an entrepreneur who doesn’t manufacture goods. I took that to heart; in fact, that ruined my impression that I, too, am an entrepreneur.
I’ve been launching companies since 1990; some with employees, health benefits and real office space and others, like Soulati Media, Inc., a virtual public relations firm that hires independent contractors and of which I’m an employee. Alas, I deliver professional services in public relations, social media and marketing. I am organized as a corporation and pay appropriate business taxes for my company and my person. I conduct my own business development to make money, and I do the work — you know, chief, cook and bottle washer.
Is that entrepreneurship?
Jobless claims jumped 12,000 to 500,000 last week, according to the U.S. Labor Department. This is the highest level in nine months. The Wall Street Journal (darn, if I can find that piece) recently wrote a story about the link between unemployment and lack of education suggesting a college degree is a must-have.
That said, how many people are starting home-based businesses to find alternative means of earning? This story suggests somewhere in the range of 38 million home-based businesses now exist according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or the U.S. Census Bureau.
Those who launch home-based businesses…are they entrepreneurs?
I don’t much like the definition of entrepreneurship in Wikipedia (and, neither does Wikipedia, if you open this link). How do you define entrepreneurship? The definition is no longer cut and dry.
Jenn Whinnem says
I’m rather puzzled by your client’s comment. My understanding of the word ‘entrepreneur’ was that it applied to anyone who undertook a new business venture. In my world, Jayme, you and your daughter both qualify!
Quite a few of the senior IT people I know from my previous jobs have moved on to starting independent consulting firms. In this economy, striking out on your own can often be the only viable alternative.
I think starting a business takes guts. Kudos to you for doing it and making it work.
Jayme Soulati says
Thanks for saying so, Jenn & Mark, too!
The definition doesn’t really matter in the end, does it? When you find and make your own money every day whether from goods or services you are an entrepreneur.
There, that feels good to clear up that confusion! As always, I value your visit; thank you.
Mark W Schaefer says
I agree with Jenn. If you start a biz, you’re an entrepreneur.
Jayme Soulati says
Perfect. Value your opinion in the greater scheme of things to set me straight. Thanks, Mark.