Last Update – December 8, 2014
While networking for business and pleasure, it is safe to assume that 99% of the time people will present you with the antiquated “filler” question… “So, what do you do for a living?” Fortunately, a job description doesn’t quite cut it.
For those who took a daunting leap from the corporate ladder to entrepreneurship, it’s time to practice your elevator pitch. The fact is, when you’re just getting started you will hold numerous “job” titles.
The entrepreneurship roller coaster
As an entrepreneur, you take on a huge responsibility when you decide to go out on your own. In retrospect, I’d liken it to one of the tallest roller coasters you’ve ever ridden. As you inch your way up the platform your sweaty palms grip the rails––adding no comfort.
Then you realize something exhilarating is about to happen. With a gratifying smile, an upset stomach and pure joy you close your eyes, and yell ”Bring it on!” or ‘Oh s…!”
Then the wave of anxiety passes, for a brief moment, and you feel safe. You can now open your eyes and enjoy the view from the top. It’s a view like none other.
Sure, you’ll have to take risks and it will make you uneasy, but you will learn more than you ever learned on the corporate hamster wheel—trust me.
The difference between employees and entrepreneurs
As an employee you are, by definition:
- employed by another usually for wages or salary and in a position below the executive level
As an entrepreneur you become:
- a person who starts a business alone.
- a person who takes risks.
- a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, esp. a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.
- an employer of productive labor; contractor.
The transition from employee to entrepreneur means that you will have to learn a variety of new skill sets and apply your intrinsic talent to new endeavors. As a small business owners it is imperative to take productive risks. It seems daunting … but is it impossible? Not at all.
Leaving corporate America behind
Leaving Corporate America behind and setting out on your own exploration is scary—yet coveted. But let’s face it—business ownership is not for the faint of heart or risk-adverse whiners.
It’s tough work, diligence, persistence, goal setting and new opportunities that reset with each breaking dawn. Looking back, it is totally worth it.
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