Adrie's Blog

Entrepreneurs - everywhere, at all times

I read an article in the magazine 'Fast Company' about the number of entrepreneurs in the US vs. those in Europe http://www.ccr.com/About-Us/Leadership-Team-1775.html
which poses a number of interesting, surprising even, facts. The US is always seen as the country of entrepreneurs, and rightly so, but Europe really isn't all that far behind. And of course it is very interesting to see how Asia equates to both of these.

The big question always is, "why do some people become entrepreneurs?" - nature vs. nurture. I have become a big believer in the "nature" side of the coin, ever since I discovered that my dad wasn't my dad. And whereas I had always been the only entrepreneur in a family full of employees, my real dad turned out to be from a long line of entrepreneurs. It explained a lot!

So why do some people become entrepreneurs?
Is it in their blood - like apparently it existed in mine? It can take a while to show, but eventually it finds its way to the surface.
Is it because one simply has to survive, like in many parts of the world where there are no jobs to have, no other way to bring food on the table then to fend for oneself - resulting in many (small) businesses.
Is it because of greed - which to me is very one-sided and the chance of hitting the jackpot are so small. I always wonder if those that start a business for this simple reason actually enjoy what they are doing.
The last group, are those that worked for companies quite happily but were tempted by their organisations to become a consultant to that company. Great trick on the company's part since now those people are no longer on their list of employees (no more benefits to pay either) and can simply be hired and fired as they please. This group is suffering badly at the moment, in this downturn, as they generally speaking or not real entrepreneurs and don't have the skills necessary to survive.

I find the first two groups the most interesting - these are the entrepreneurs we have all know throughout centuries. People that explore the world, that set sail to find new countries, created new jobs settling in outposts across the globe and for whom their literally wasn't a sea too high to cross. They came from Europe and Asia in the old days, now they come from Silicon Valley, Hong Kong and India where real entrepreneurs are conquering the world with new technology instead of ships and soldiers.

Entrepreneurship exists in many shapes and forms and, like the people it is made of, changes with the times. Entrepreneurs are curious. creative and know no end to their determination to succeed in their quest.

I am proud to call myself one of them.