Why would you choose to be an entrepreneur?

Essentially, an entrepreneur is someone who takes risks for the purpose of creating change. It’s certainly not always the easiest path, so what are the payoffs?

1. Significance. True entrepreneurship is not about survival (making a living) so much as it is about significance (making a difference). It’s about solving problems, challenging the status quo, and creating change.

2. Service. Entrepreneurship is people-centred. You use your personal strengths and passions to contribute to the greater good, to give people the services or products they need.

3. Freedom. You can call your own shots and be in charge of your own destiny; there’s no limit to your potential progress. Theoretically, at least, you can create your own schedule, choose what hours you work, and take time off when it suits you.

4. Opportunity. Entrepreneurs are always in search of something or going after something. When you recognise a need, you search for a solution to meet that need – and if you have an idea for a great product or service, you look for the people who have a need for it.

5. Autonomy. Entrepreneurs get to avoid the daily grind that goes along with a career which isn’t self-sustaining, and to make all the decisions about where best to take the business next. They are able to use all their skills and talents and evolve with the business as it grows.

6. Innovation. You see an opportunity which others do not fully recognise, to meet an unsatisfied demand or to radically improve the performance of an existing business. You see a new answer or a new direction and are able to follow it through.

7. Impact. You have the satisfaction of knowing that every action you take has a direct impact on the outcome of the business – each and every thing you do could make or break it – and on your employees, as well as your customers.

8. Control. There’s a sense of security that comes with being in full control of your daily work and of your long-term destiny. You are solely responsible for creating and maintaining your own vision both for the business and for your life.

9. Change. It’s a powerful reward when you see that what you’re doing directly provides value to your customers, enhancing what they’re doing to make their lives better or more efficient.

10. Accomplishment. Achieving your personal and business goals, daily and monthly and annually, provides a deep sense of accomplishment.

11. Legacy. Entrepreneurs have the satisfaction of knowing that they leave a lasting legacy. What you’re doing, however large or small your business, impacts on other people’s lives and makes a difference for ever.

There is, of course, also the fact that as an entrepreneur you determine your own level of income. However, while a business obviously needs to be profitable to survive, for most entrepreneurs money is just one of the rewards rather than the main purpose or goal of the venture. You are choosing to use your life to do something you really care about.

Author : Fiona Rom from Emerging Stars