Duality
There are two main types of entrepreneurs.
The first type is the Lifestyler. The Lifestyle entrepreneur opens his or her businesses because owning and operating that business is his or her dream. The Lifestyler wants to make money, sure, but more importantly the lifestyler wants to have fun, take it easy, explore new ideas, and live well. It is a good way to go into business. It leads to a cautious, enthusiastic management style and, assuming all goes well, leads to a great and fulfilling life.
The second type of entrepreneur is the Moneymaker. Moneymakers almost certainly have some interest, passion, or skill in his or her business’s product or service, but, in the end, the product is a detail. To the moneymaker video games, limousine service, or web design consultancy are interchangeable so long as the business model is sound and promises to create wealth. Most moneymakers have little interest in living out the rest of their lives at the head of the business they start now. They either hope to retire early, or sell their first business and use the capital to start bigger, more profitable businesses in the future.
There are certainly crossovers, half steps and subtle permutations, but these two main themes define the vast majority of entrepreneurs.
This is my recommendation, gentler readers: ask yourself which type you are, Lifestyler or Moneymaker. The answer is important. Knowing the answer will influence many of your decisions as well as defining the ultimate fate of your relationship with your business as it becomes successful.
Leave a Comment