One could be only an organizer, or only a manager, or only a risk taker and still be considered on entrepreneur.
An entrepreneur could be the original thinker of an idea or an invention and delegate the organizing and managing to someone else.
One who puts a large amount of money into a business and does nothing except sit back and reap the rewards is a risk-taking entrepreneur.
All these words, organizes, manages, assumes risks, have a common denominator. They are all verbs, words of action. This is the meat and potatoes of all entrepreneurs. Add words such as dedicated, impassioned, creative, and fearless to produce men such as Donald Trump and Bill Gates.
Entrepreneurs aren't necessarily millionaires, most live quiet lives, perfectly happy with their small endeavor. They had a hobby or a dream and turned it into profit be it big or small. Remember Famous Amos? He started making cookies in his kitchen at home giving his now famous cookies to family and friends. He employed the perfect marketing concept.
If you want to become an entrepreneur, marketing research is very important before you jump in with both feet. Take your idea, product or business concept to family and friends. Suppose there is an abandoned building in your neighborhood and you would like to open a restaurant.. A good research tool is sending questionnaires through the mail or hand out flyers asking would people like a restaurant in that area. Ask why the building is abandoned. Why did it fail?
Large corporations are always looking for ideas. Send your idea to the marketing research department. Always, always get a patent on your ideas before distributing them to the general public. You can call the U.S. Patent Dept for information on how to patent an idea. There is a lot of information on the Internet also, just type in the word patent to do the search. The Internet can also be used to network with other Entrepreneurs. Many clubs and organizations have been formed for the purpose of sharing information.
There are many tools you can use to get started. Entrepreneur, Inc. is a magazine full of tips and ideas for the beginner. Your local library can be helpful with books on starting a business. Talk to other businessmen/women in your area, they are always willing to tell you their story.
In conclusion, it is a good idea to hire a business lawyer. You don't want to inadvertently break any laws, or be sued simply because you didn't have the right information. Then go for it! Remember, action is the word associated with entrepreneurs. Your dream can come true. The trick is to be informed, not clueless, cautious, but not fearful.
