|
Introduction
Table of Contents
About the Authors
Home Page
To place an order call
1-800-932-4438
e-mail requests@netique.com
Copyright/Legal Notices
Saxtons River Publications, Inc.
819 Monroe Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703)689-3700
Fax(703)689-3703 |
The following excerpt is reprinted
with the permission of the copyright owner...
Introduction
Entrepreneur -- the word evokes images of the adventurer,
the pioneer, an independent spirit in pursuit of the fulfillment
of passions and dreams, one who dares assume the risk of the
success or failure of a business venture. The entrepreneur's
journey from the starting point of an idea to the destination
of a successful business is a long one, filled with crossroads,
detours, and unexpected challenges.
This book for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs is
designed as a road map -- a guide to the most direct route from
the idea stage to the operational business. From firsthand experience,
the authors map strategies for anticipating and avoiding potential
road hazards, choosing the best option at forks in the road,
and enjoying the journey more by seeing the road more clearly.
This road map is written not only for the traveler who has never
embarked on an entrepreneur's journey, but also for the experienced
explorer who understands and appreciates the value of a road
map for guiding present and future journeys.
The Natural Thing to Do
- Being an entrepreneur is
the natural thing to do.
Being an entrepreneur is the natural thing
to do. From the earliest days of civilization, as we know it,
entrepreneurs have been building businesses. Long before the
days of corporate conglomerates, there were merchants, shopkeepers,
farmers, fishermen, and countless other tradesmen who ventured
to form their own businesses. Almost all of today's corporate
giants were at one time entrepreneurial start-ups. American business
was built by entrepreneurs and continues to grow because of new
entrepreneurs.
Following the entrepreneur's path is a natural choice on life's
journey. The essence of life is creativity and growth. Every
living organism -- from the single cell to advanced life forms,
such as the human being -- possesses the innate drive to create
and to grow. Likewise, the essence of being an entrepreneur is
to create and grow -- businesses.
Successful entrepreneurs do not have a stereotypical profile.
People of every age, race, sex, background and management style
have created successful businesses. Sometimes the entrepreneurial
drive is evident in a person from childhood. For instance, the
creator of Lionel trains built his first train at the age of
seven, tinkered with gadgets throughout his boyhood, and launched
his manufacturing company at the age of twenty-three. Other times
the drive is born suddenly because of something that occurs in
the person's day-to-day life or business career -- perhaps disillusionment
with an employment position ignites a burning desire to start
a business; or perhaps an annoying problem sparks a quest for
a creative solution, which leads to the invention of a new product
or service.
If you have that creative, entrepreneurial drive in your soul,
why just watch someone else reap the psychological and monetary
benefits of starting a business when you could be starting one
yourself?
Of course, the decision to start a business should not be made
blindly. The chosen business should be one that has real market
potential and the founder should clearly understand both the
potential upsides and downsides of the endeavor before jumping
into it. This road map provides guidance for deciding whether
or not to proceed on the path of the entrepreneur, assessing
the viability of various business options, and successfully converting
your chosen goal into a reality.
Entrepreneur v. Intrapreneur
- If you have the drive to
create, find an outlet for it, whether within your own business
or within the business of another.
There are many who have felt the entrepreneurial
drive but have chosen not to express it. Perhaps the timing is
inappropriate for assuming risks due to financial, family, or
other obligations; or perhaps the drive is there, but the idea
that would justify "taking the plunge" has not surfaced.
A fortunate alternative has emerged, which appropriately has
been dubbed the "intrapreneur." The intrapreneur is
the person who possesses the qualities of an entrepreneur, but
who expresses them while remaining an employee within someone
else's company or organization.
Companies that have recognized and promoted the intrapreneur
have created a "win/win" situation, benefiting both
the company and the employee. The company benefits by retaining
a creative employee and profiting from that person's ideas. The
employee benefits by having an outlet for creative expression
and increased financial reward without excessive financial risk.
This road map is written for the intrapreneur, as well as for
the entrepreneur. The underlying message for both is: If you
have the drive to create, find an outlet for it, whether within
your own business or within the business of another. For the
most part, the same principles apply in both settings. The primary
difference is that the potential risks and rewards are usually
lower for the intrapreneur than for the entrepreneur.
Road Map Format
You may skim a road map for a general perspective
concerning a particular trip or point of interest, or you may
carefully study a map to discover details and various travel
options for a proposed journey. This road map is designed to
serve both purposes.
Each chapter begins with a "Chapter Destination" that
capsulizes where the chapter is headed. Bold headnotes highlight
points of interest within chapter sub-sections. The "Summary
Tour" at the end of each chapter revisits key points. This
format was chosen so that the book might not only be read word-for-word,
but also might serve as a desk reference for basic principles
to guide decisions.
Enjoy the Journey!
- The goal should not only
be to end up with a successful business but also to enjoy the
journey.
As we begin our trek, we wish to emphasize
one important traveling ground rule. Namely, the goal should
not only be to end up with a successful business but also to
enjoy the journey.
The journey from the idea stage to a successfully operating business
may be a long one. Some businesses take years to succeed, while
others never achieve the hoped-for level of success. Neither
this book nor any other source can guarantee business success.
There is always the risk that an entrepreneur will not reach
his or her desired destination.
Attaining success, however, should not be the only goal in starting
a business. The journey, itself, holds many adventures and opportunities
for fulfillment. Savor the pleasure of each successful stride
and the invaluable benefits of the lessons learned from any faltering
steps along the way.
Summary Tour
- Being an entrepreneur is the natural thing
to do.
- If you have the drive to create, find
an outlet for it, whether within your own business or within
the business of another.
- ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
As you begin your journey,
don't worry about getting lost. There may be unexpected detours
or wrong turns, from time to time, but those should not stop
you from reaching your destination. That's why we call this book
a road map -- to help you get back on course.
To place an order call 1-800-932-4438
|
