My blog posts are generally about the challenges and opportunities of the Internet, and its impact on society. But there is a trend I have been witnessing that has necessitated a brief divergence from my tunneled musings. I am going to refer to the aforementioned trend as “narcissistic entrepreneurship”, and it is characterized by inflated egos, superiority complexes, and a certain intolerance / indignation for anyone who is not “working for himself or herself”.
First of all, let me state that none of us ever truly work for ourselves. We work for our employers, customers, shareholders, investors, employees, families and most of all for the state (have to pay those taxes folks!!!). Trade and commerce are symbiotic in nature, and the complex interweaving of dependencies is often forgotten (or ignored) by most.
Secondly, entrepreneurship is a compendium. There are several types of entrepreneurs; all of which must be understood and appreciated for what they are worth. Now let’s take a look at some of the different types:
1. The Octo-Boss
These are the brave and adventurous souls (or so they think of themselves) who have started a small enterprise and take on numerous roles — strategic, tactical and operations — to keep the company afloat. They market the business, manage the books, answer the phones, meet with potential investors, serve the customers, and anything else that is required to be successful. Work-life balance maybe an issue, but who cares. They are their own boss. Right?
2. The Obstinate Artist
These individuals are generally ‘anti-system’ and committed to freely living their passions. Albeit, many of them are starving or not making enough money to eke out a comfortable existence. Still, they are the ‘free spirits’ among us — the painters, musicians, budding fashion designers, etc. — who enjoy being untethered and have made a statement by rebelling against the man and his wage labor oppression. Fight the power! Umm, I guess.
3. The Freelancer
This person runs their life as if they are actually working for a company. They are so highly skilled and effective that they only work on a contractual or project basis, They maintain flexible working hours or work remotely, negotiate excellent remuneration and a litany of perks, and pretty much still enjoy all the benefits of being an employee (without actually being one). Some of them even secure such large contracts that they can outsource the work to others. All power to them.
4. The Simplistic Frugal
He/she has a simple business model. They have found one thing that they’re very good at and committed to (e.g. Selling coconuts, snow cones, fruits, nuts, grilled fish, etc.). They generally have mastered their supply chain, or have very little overheads, and profit margins are substantial. They are not extravagant by any means, save most of their money, and have made some very shrewd investments. Over an extended period, they have build significant wealth, but one would not know from seeing them. Be careful who you judge.
Some of you maybe wondering what is the point I am trying to make. It is simple. There are many entrepreneurs who think their path is so much more righteous than the road travelled by those in the money-for-labor system. But every entrepreneur is not a success, and every success is not an entrepreneur. For those beating themselves up because they haven’t started their own company, think about where you fit on the compendium. Landing on the cover of Entrepreneur or Fortune is not the only route. Every single one of us has the ability to create something. And we all can succeed if we find our niche and perfect our craft. One love and best of success!
Niel Harper 