Ee 056 A Certain Set

EE 056: A Certain Set of Skills, a Specific Blend of Character Traits and a Hefty, Hefty, Hefty Bag of Tricks

You may be asking yourself what an EXECUpreneur is right about now.  That would be a natural reaction to seeing what is most likely a new term in your vocabulary.

EXECUpreneur is a hybrid word.  I like to use it because the principles I will discuss in the EXECUpreneur’s EDGE apply to those in the entrepreneurial space as well as corporate executives.  Hence, EXECUpreneur is a perfect term to use. 

Both roles take a certain set of skills, a specific blend of character traits and a hefty, hefty, hefty bag of tricks

The entrepreneur takes on a different set of risks than the executive, indeed. But they both take risks in their day-to-day.  They are both high-achievers.  And they are both visionaries to a degree. 

The executive has some degree of bridled freedom, confined to their company’s policies, procedures and culture.  While the entrepreneur has a little more freedom to roam.

Freedom…A True Seductress

Freedom sounds so liberating, doesn’t it?  It is the seducing influence that captures many an aspiring entrepreneur’s heart, and what drives them to set out on their own after working for others.  But freedom is a double-edged sword. One must pair freedom with discipline when building and guiding an entrepreneurial venture.Neither role is simple.  Nor do they come without sacrifice

It takes a very special someone to go for it within the corporate structure.  Internal competition for promotions, waiting around for committees to actually get something done, and perpetual passing of the buck are daily obstacles in the life of a corporate executive

The entrepreneur is faced with a whole host of unknowns.  If they are forging a new path, there is no handbook to consult, no manual to Google, and no wizard behind the curtain.  They are out in the elements, often alone.  And the truly entrepreneurial spirited thrives all the while.

We all know the statistics.  They do not favor the entrepreneur in any way.  Now most entrepreneurs set out with “Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams”, only to run the risk of ending up in a tight tailspin sipping tap water and choking down ramen noodles from a nasty Styrofoam cup. 

Anyone in their right mind would wonder…”Am I cut out to be an entrepreneur?”

First things first, entrepreneurs as a whole, are not in their right minds.  And that my friend, is a compliment.  It takes one to know one when it comes to this rebellious, often a wee bit on the crazy side tribe of humans.  We just aren’t right and that’s exactly how we like it.  Heck, it’s exactly how we need to be to set out on this wild ride in the first place. 

I’ll let you in on a secret…come in closer…anyone can become a successful entrepreneur with the right mindset. The mindset of successful entrepreneurs is different from everyone else, but has some mirroring qualities to the high level executive.

There are many ways in which the executive and entrepreneur will think and act differently. Each person has their own nuances as well.  When you know what you are looking for, you can begin to think and act like a successful EXECUpreneur.

Cool thing is that most are not born an EXECUpreneur.  They become one.  On purpose, or purely by accident.  (I just love hearing people’s EXECUpreneurial stories, don’t you?)

Now when it comes to creating a successful business of your own or with a team of others, like any journey, you need to have a plan. Having a clear vision of where you want to go will help you plan how get there in the fastest time possible.  Knowing exactly where you are now and what tools you have in your toolbox will assist you in forging a solid path.

The four-module EXECUpreneur’s EDGE training strategy is meant to be your blueprint.  It is designed to help you become a successful EXECUpreneur, as fast as possible.

To be truly successful, in anything that you do, you have to possess the right mindset. This is true whether you are an elite athlete, have a corner office, or live the life of a billionaire business owner. All of these people share a specific mindset.  If you want to be a successful EXECUpreneur and be successful in life, you will need to develop this same, robust and focused mindset.