Are you an Entrepreneur by Birth?

Are entrepreneurs born? Or is it something that is nurtured over time? Leave your thoughts in the comments…

Moving forward from the previous article where we discussed whether Entrepreneurship can be taught using conventional means of education, we now discuss another dilemma that so many people face:

• Are we entrepreneurs by birth? Or
• Do we nurture entrepreneurship throughout life?

Forbes certainly thinks so but they expand on the topic by saying that successful entrepreneurs have certain traits but it’s how they “use those traits that define their success”. We agree with these statements 100%. Everyone, regardless of their background, has a set of innate characteristics that can be used for good. However, learning to use those characteristics to one’s benefit is what separates the sheep from the goats.

It depends on a multitude of factors such as:

• the people you surround yourself with
• the education system
• family dynamics
• the mindset you inculcate

Surround yourself with people who empower and teach you

The importance of healthy surroundings cannot be ignored. An Entrepreneur relies on this circle in order to grow, survive, and even for emotional support. In your social and professional circle, you need to have a healthy balance of people who offer the following things:

• Advice
• Motivation
• Passion

According to Modern Impact, your “social circle influences the decisions you make and inspires you to do your best.” If you have friends who only bring negativity to the table, then you will start acting negatively. If you have friends who empower you and help you find your best version, you will go out determined to make an impact.

Erica Venton, in her research paper titled, “The Isolation Impact” for the Michigan State University — in which 1600 undergrads were studied over the course of 12 years writes, “There was one characteristic that distinguishes the happiest 10% from everybody else — the strength of their social relationships.”

When people have strong bonds that motivate them, re-energize them and create that vigor in them, they can confidently go out and find the energy to work on their goals and aspirations.

Once again, focus on building a social circle that “inspires, motivates, and educates.”

To read the full article on the factors contributing to entrepreneurial success, visit the PlayTru Media website.

Entrepreneurship can be nurtured by our education systems

We spend our entire learning years in schools. Education systems have a direct influence over nurturing the relevant traits that bring success in life. Consciously and subconsciously, there are a lot of qualities that schools and colleges help inculcate in us. But those qualities need to be imparted in a collaborative way — that is both the student and the teacher need to have open channels for communication and feedback.

Even though entrepreneurship isn’t a subject yet in colleges, colleges worldwide are working on adapting conventional means of education to better relate to the dynamic demands of said entrepreneurs. You, as an entrepreneur, can contribute to this change by consulting colleges or even starting your own blog.

We have identified three key areas that education systems need to work on in order to adapt to such demands:

• Integrate theory with practical work
• Make it a collaborative effort
• Provide ongoing support to people who have innovative ideas

Family support for an entrepreneur cannot be understated

Parents are the first form of education for anyone. They’re the first ones to notice our talents and so understandably, there needs to be a platform that allows them to nurture those qualities in advance.

The one variable commonly seen in the relationship between family dynamics and entrepreneurship is the appetite for risk. People coming from a high-quality background are more entrepreneurial given their sense of security stemming from a wealthy background. They don’t have to push for resources because they’re already there.

People who lack such resources avoid entrepreneurial activities because of the circumstances they find themselves in — whether the lack of financial resources, education, etc. However, provided the right conditions to thrive in, these people can often upset the typical social hierarchy and become successful due to sheer willpower.