The Definition of An Entrepreneur

It’s really common to see the “word” entrepreneur on a resume or bio. But what does it mean? What makes someone an entrepreneur? Is it something you can study? Is it a profession? A lifestyle? A thing?

It’s a question that probably has no consensus answer. And it does not have to.

Here is what the dictionary thinks:

Notice: nowhere does it say that an entrepreneur has to be loud, has to tweet a lot, has to abide by a certain type of culture.

I think the big thing to take away from the dictionary definition:

RISK.

Risk is interesting.

Here is why I care about this:

People spend lots of time trying to become a better entrepreneur. Schools spend a ton of resources building a better entrepreneurial environment. I’m not entirely sure what this means.

To me, an entrepreneur is a business owner. (of course there are caveats). but simply put, an entrepreneur must be someone who owns or is running a business. And if you are not in that category, then what makes you an entrepreneur?

How can you be interested in entrepreneurship without building a company?

Maybe it’s more that one is interested in the community…

I’ve struggled with this.

But I think much of the community is great. But there are many aspects as well that are just pure distractions. And not part of any definition of what is necessary to be a founder.

I like the term founder much better than the term entrepreneur.

What does the word entrepreneur mean to you?