What lessons can we learn from people whose priority isn't necessarily to be an entrepreneur?

Question

or is DonBald Rump the most inspiring person in the world?!?

Answer 1

Complicated question.
I think MAYBE entrepreneurs spend all their time, efforts and energy towards one goal only : to succeed at whatever they are best at.
Those are real workaholics and might neglect other important things in life like friends, hobbies, other interests like improving themselves or enriching their minds via different means (media, books, art, various interestsetc).
They derive pride in being driven by a single goal : to succeed for fame , money or just whatever interest they are into (scientists...philosophers.....) . They might not necessarily be businessmen.
They may have a very linear of thinking and concerns which really involve and revolve around whatever they are into.

They might be geniuses in their field but lacking in other fields like on how to relate to people. Some might get big-headed and some might not (saw an interview with Richard Branson.....surprisingly low key and modest....the way he sounded anyway).
They have talent, energy, are highly driven that might be lacking in other people.
I would not begrudge some of them.....there are all kind of entrepreneurs.
Is a book writer an entrepreneur too ? I bet this occupation takes most of their life....
Achievement in whatever field (whether it is an honorable one or not......depends because the term is too vague) could be their sole motivation in life.
That's all right for loners but pretty risky for people who have families.
Honestly, I would not put down entrepreneurs altogether....they created progress, big companies, inventions.........it might not be necessarily "evil".

It all comes down to what you would call entrepreneur. Most people think of business-minded people which kind of the correct original term anyway.

Some entrepreneurs do partake a big section of their earnings too for good causes. They might not be the majority.

But there are various degrees of entrepreneurship. The guy who owns a corner store, a shop owner is also an entrepreneur - and usually has a family and I expect they get their priorities right , dunno. Somebody who works for themselves at home (whatever it could be : accountancy....) can also be called an entrepreneur. And it does not mean that sole objective in life is monetary or recognition....

Doesn't Canada encourage people to start their own business ? Seems that lots of people get fed up with working for others and would rather work for themselves too.

So when the term "entrepreneur" comes to mind : people automatically think of the biggies : Donald Trump, Martha Steward, Richard Branson and all the big business holders. But I think this idea must be expanded now.

But not being an entrepreneur does not mean "inferior".....people are different and have different priorities in life. They also give but in more personal ways and are not recognised or "famous", making the front page of some Fortune magazine.

Big charities have been started by entrepreneurs also.

Whatever works for everybody.....nobody is the same and we all have our own unique talents and weaknesses.

Entrepreneurs have qualities too : risk taking, strong belief in themselves, courage (they might or might not succeed), originality might be involved too to succeed, independent thinking, self -reliance, courage to try to beat the odds, thinking outside of the box.....etc.....

People love to hate the "biggies"...would there be an element of jealousy ? Lots love to see them fail (look at Martha Steward's demise).......but why not try to elevate one self instead of bringing other people to our level so that we feel more comfortable.

Sure some are ruthless and do not recognise the value and worth of the people who work for them. Some would not have made it big (have exemples in mind but prefer to keep for myself) if it was not for the expertise and cleverness of some their employees. Some are entrepreneurs just because they have nothing to lose : they were born into money already so owing a business is like a hobby.

Some people prefer to be civil servants and are comfortable in their 9 to 5 jobs (or more here....very often) but doesn't mean they are inferior........different values and priorities.....guessing.

Seems I am taking Devil's advocate here....but trying to view at all angles.

Oh it is too hot and humid today......to think properly :-). Just tried to look at the pros and cons.....for a balanced view.

Rambled thoughts..........!

PS: if it were not for the entrepreneurship and genius of a young Chinese-American guy, you would not be able to post this question now :-)

Answer 2

No disrespect to Mr.Trump, but I will take a stab...

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, and many entrepreneurs work full time for an established company (not theirs) after they sell their business. The main lesson is:

Do not underestimate the stability and quality of life most likely found working for a large established company.

True entrepreneurs make a TREMENDOUS sacrifice and look many times into a dwindling checking account and a pile of debt.
Some people, even former entrepreneurs, would rather have the stability... and their hair (Sorry couldn't help myself)

Answer 3

There are two roads on this path. Either you would rather work for someone else (and let them have all the stress and headaches of running a business) or you are altruistic in nature and want to be a Mother Teresa.
If altruism is your goal.. awesome. There are a lot of hurting people out there and we can use more who want to make the world a better place instead of making their personal world a better space. But to achieve this goal also takes massive determination and focus.
Working for someone else all your life and getting a pension when you retire isn't so bad either.. if that sounds good to you. Not everyone desires wealth and fame. Someone has got to be "the masses".

Answer 4

If your priority is not to be an entrepreneur, then what is your priority? You do not have to follow the dream of having your own business, because that is truely not for everyone, but you need to decide what in life you want to be, and what you choose to offer of yourself. So, to ask what lessons can we learn, it's all in the person. We can learn from everyone around us, just from some people, we learn what NOT to do. However, what ever you decide, just never forget that life is a journey, not a destination....

Answer 5

Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur. We all have different assets that are utilized in different work environments. Entrepreneurs have to deal with the stress of running all aspects of their business which includes long hours. Whereas the everyday worker, has less stress, a specific number of hours to work, does a good days work and goes home at the end of the day. It all depends what you are looking for . Good luck in your choices

Answer 6

Why do we take someone to be a voice of authority just because they have more money than someone else? Sure money is useful, but surely a means to an end rather than the sole purpose of life?

We can learn that however you dress it up, getting by in big business always involves shafting someone. Corporations actively encourage and reward those displaying antisocial, borderline psychotic tendencies; bullying, greed, and narcicissm are all seen as ways to get on in the corporation.

Answer 7

The main question is simple. Anyone may claim to be an entrepreneur. And they become one if enough people follow that person

Answer to additional:

Apparently enough people follow Mr. Trump, so he is powerful (also very rich). Therefore, I can not doubt his capabilities.

Answer 8

That your work should fit your personality. Why should entrepreneurship be valued above other things. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. I'd rather be him that that obnoxious, notwithstanding rich, egomaniac Trump.

Answer 9

The personal life is more important than the professional... when you're a happy person, you perform better in your job even without noticing.

Answer 10

That immitation is a dumb person's way of saying "HEY HEY!11 LOOK AT ME!!1"