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ENTR 452 (Entrepreneur Definitions & Discussion). WHAT IS DRIVING THE BOOM?. Entrepreneurs as Heroes Entrepreneurial Education Economic and Demographic Factors Shift to Service Economy Technology/Internet/E-commerce Outsourcing/International Opportunities Independent Lifestyle.
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ENTR 452 (Entrepreneur Definitions & Discussion)
WHAT IS DRIVING THE BOOM? Entrepreneurs as Heroes Entrepreneurial Education Economic and Demographic Factors Shift to Service Economy Technology/Internet/E-commerce Outsourcing/International Opportunities Independent Lifestyle
ENTREPRENEURIAL PROFILE • 1 Desire for Responsibility • 2. Preference for Moderate Risk (try to avoid risk) • 3. Confidence in their Ability to Succeed • 4. Desire for Immediate Feedback • 5. High Level of Energy • 6. Future Orientation • 7. Skill at Organizing • 8. Value Achievement over Money • High Degree of Commitment • Tolerance for Ambiguity • Flexibility • Tenacity
DEFINITION: ENTREPRENEUR Not one clear definition – many books and people use different examples Book Definition: “An individual who takes initiative to bundle resources in innovative ways and is willing to bear the risk and/or uncertainty to act” NOTE: I would include the term “venture” and would downplay the role of “risk” Opportunity and Opportunity Recognition are central no matter what definition you choose
ENTREPRENEURSHIP STATISTICS Only 3% of NFIB entrepreneurs took out over $75,000 after 3 years while 28% reported taking out less than $10,000. The most current estimates of failure rates show that approximately 50% of new firms fail in the first 5 years – 10% each year.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP BENEFITS • 1. Opportunity to gain control of your own destiny • Opportunity to make a difference • Opportunity to reach full potential • 4. Opportunity to reap large financial gains • 5. Opportunity to contribute to society and be • recognized for your efforts • 6. Opportunity to do what you enjoy doing
ENTREPRENEURSHIP DRAWBACKS • 1. Uncertainty of income • 2. Risk of losing entire investment • 3. Long hours and hard work • 4. Lower quality of life until business is established • High levels of stress • Complete responsibility • 7. Discouragement
POWER OF “SMALL” BUSINESS 99.7% of U.S. businesses are “small” (fewer than 100 people) Small companies employ more than 50.2% of the U.S. private workforce - have created 79% of net new jobs - other research shows between 60-80% of all net new jobs However, 6% of small businesses are responsible for 70% of job growth (gazelles) – “mice” never grow
WHY NEW BUSINESSES FAIL Management Incompetence Lack of Experience Undercapitalization Poor Cash Management Lack of Strategic Management Weak Marketing Effort
HOW TO AVOID THE PITFALLS 1 Know your Business in Depth - experience - use business consultant - read/research 2. Develop a Solid Business Plan 3. Manage Financial Resources - adequate startup capital - ongoing cash management
HOW TO AVOID THE PITFALLS • 4. Understand Financial Statements • Learn to Manage People Effectively • Set your Business Apart from the Competition • Keep in Tune with Yourself/Positive Attitude