I have been supporting and coaching professional people a long time. Nearly 25 years. I’ve been building businesses even longer.
In that time I have made a number of observations about the characteristics that distinguish entrepreneurs and small business proprietors. I share them with you in this video:
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As you begin the process of finding the perfect business for yourself, understanding the distinction between the entrepreneur and proprietor is vitally important to you.
While you can certainly create astonishing success as either one of them, knowing which appeals to you and aligns best with your goals and what you want to invest your energy doing will help you understand the business systems and processes you will want to plan on implementing.
It’s probably clear to you now that if you design or organize your business with you in role of proprietor when what you really want to do is coordinate the activities of others you will end up frustrated and unsuccessful, no matter how much money you make.
Likewise, if you are most interested in building your business around yourself and your ’secret-success-sauce’, then placing yourself in the role of the entrepreneur will be equally dissatisfying.
Which are you?
Do you think you can be a little of both?
Please share your comments and any questions you might have here on this blog. I will do my best to personally answer them.
Okay, that’s it for today.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this 1st short lesson and put it to good use. Please be sure to comment below.
Just making this one simple decision will help you make serious forward progress with you business or business concept.
Stay tuned for lesson number two where I’ll reveal another important distinction that will make a world of difference for you.
I’m standing for all that is possible for you in life and business.
Sincerely,
Steve
ThePerfectBizFinder
PS- In the meantime, if you want jump on the fast track and you’re ready to have me, a 39 year veteran of business building success, help you find and create the money-making business of your dreams FAST, then check out ThePerfectBizFinder Program.
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Interesting and insightful distinction Steve, Thank You.
In addition to determining which best suites the function an individual desires to play within the organization, it also might help to see a vision where an individual can play both roles, proprietor and entrepreneur; as the are not mutually exclusive of each other.
In fact, there is much leverage potential in the way of leading by way of leading by example, and as such, an individual seeking to be an entrepreneur may find it beneficial to also be a proprietor in a very explicit sense.
Again, thank you for your brilliance.
Much Luv
Michael
Steve, I\’m already a small busines owner as I am a licensed real estate appraiser. Would like to do something of more monetary value, however mlm i\’ve tried & it is not for me.
Thanks,
Donna
Hi Steve,
glad to have found you.I can imagine myself as one or the other.
Haven’t managed yet to align my natural gifts and talents fully in such a way that they radiate prosperity and the freedom I seek in my life.But I am working on it. Your message might be the ‘missing link’on my journey to truely unfold my potential. So,thank you for sharing your wisdom and looking forward to hearing and seeing more of you.:-)
Maria
Hi Steve,
I thought I was an entrepreneur (or \"stepinmanure\" given the present challenges in the real estate market); however, per your definition- I am more the proprietress. I love what I do, and believe myself to be good at the application end of it, but am struggling with other aspects. Hopefully, your series will help clarify how to get the results I am looking for.
-Lynn
Hi Steve,
I’m glad also to have found you listen to your first video make me really think. I am an entrepreneur. I do not have my own business yet. But as I listen to your pointer, I’m sure I will have what I look for and love doing it.
Cynthia
Hi I have experienced both sides of the coin. I like the feeling of or sense of accomplishment when I completed the work or task myself. But I understand you must have the ability to communicate with people clearly to make things happen.
Steve,
Regarding this video: So far, so good. What’s next?
Regarding the survey for which I have recieved my results: I suspect that there may be elements of great value. But for busy, ADD people like myself, it needs to be presented more streamlined, readable, and concise. I am refering to the content as well as the visual presentation. If your familiar with successful direct response copywriting principles, you’ll be familiar with the concept of “eye relief.”
Pete
I was in a family business bar/restuarant for 15 yrs right after college. Also developed a self storage business. Since selling it a few years ago. I have tried selling RE, internet marketing and had no success at all. I agree with the survey, but what business to apply it to? I don’t feel like I have the means to start a business now, and I have been “unemployed” so long would anyone hire me? Thanks..!
Steve:
Thanks for the great vids. I recently sold my first business. For years I thought I was an entrepreneur, but it wasn’t until this past year that I realized that I was just a small business owner or sole proprietor.
I’m definitely an entrepreneur and have been struggling to find the best next venture for me to start.
I’ve been studying Marcus Buckingham, but am still having a bit of trouble finding that perfect business for my strengths.
Looking forward to your other vids.
Thanks!
Massive Success Always,
JP
Thanks for being so available to us. I find that in order to use newly learned skills in life coaching and councelling one is forced into business for him/herself. It is reassuring to be lead to start out considering a point that seems a logical distinction to be made based on personal attributes, habits and desires.
Thanks for the videos and survey, Steve. After watching your “entrepreneur versus proprietor” video, I know that I am definitely an entrepreneur, as it is my goal to develop a business to the point where it runs on autopilot, with any necessary work being outsourced rather than done by me. After trying several MLMs, and not succeeding largely because of the hype and the need to convince people (and the general anti-MLM sentiment in our culture) I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not for me, so now I’m doing Internet marketing – affiliate for now but trying to develop my own products too. There’s so much to learn! SEO, SEM, PPC, AdSense, AdWords, copywriting, websites, blogs, Web 2.0, squeeze pages, keywords, analysis, testing, video, audio, and on and on and on. Big big learning curve. But I feel certain that I’m on the right track.
As for the report generated by your survey, I think the information needs to be presented more succinctly. And, the information from the six categories needs to be compiled into one final section showing the overall strengths and weaknesses. I found that some of my categories canceled others out. So there needs to be an overall summary that adds everything up. And, the whole thing just needs to be way more succinct. One good way to do it would be to have all the main results on the first page and the explanatory stuff for each session in the remaining pages.
I didnt know there was a difference between proprietor and entrepreneur till now. I enjoyed taking the survey, rescued me from some house cleaning,hahaha. I did find it very imformative as well as the videos. I am building my buisness little by little, each month putting a little more into it. I have a fiber/crafting buisness which started as a hobby of mine. I have started with one fiber alpaca,then another. Then progressed to processing my own fibers into yarns for resale, taking orders for specialty hand spun specialty yarns, to offering other fibers,such as Llama,yak,silks,angora. I then started adding knitting needles and crochet hooks as well as hand made pewter jewelry . I also order spinning, crocheting,and knitting lessons. I just wish I had tons of money right now for my own store, but right now, having 5 children I am limited on what I can put back into it. Once I make enough money to quit my day job and afford my own insurance I will go it at full force. I believe your videos and your survey gave me more of the information I needed to get there quicker, Here is a link to my 360 page. My web site isn’t completed yet. http://360.yahoo.com/profile-2mENg8Izd7Ed5OzP5cWb4C0-?cq=1
Steve,
Really fantastic information you have given out. I even read the report for commenting
very eye opening for me! Some the strengths it sees are the same ones I see, but most importantly is me focusing on those strengths and succeeding with them.
I am in the process of putting up a training site and was worried I wasn\’t suited for it, but after reading the report I see that it IS the right way for me to go.
Thank YOU for this!
And I am looking forward to the rest of the videos you have.
keep up the great work!
Laura
Hi,
I’m both. I sold my business 5 years ago. After 5 years of freewheeling, I’m ready to start a business again. I’d like to do something quite new, so I’m looking forward to the survey.
Thank you for the distinction – it makes it a bit easier to figure out what it is I am searching for!
Thanks for creating this website and for this great message in these gloomy times. Your intention I perceive as really helpful and encouraging. You really want to share your success!?
I liked the survey and the report, the result was correct for me, it indicated those roles which I am already doing and planned to be doing in my business.
I am about to start my small company, realized I am more of a proprietor than an enterpreneur. It is a very useful viewpoint and distinction. Thanks very much again for caring. Looking forward for the coming videos! It is the best time for me to get such advices, right at the start.
Steve,
Enjoyed your style as you discuss what it takes to be successful. I believe I am an entrepreneur but after taking the survey it was what I scored lowest in. I learned at an early age that I would quit when things became difficult and that turned into not completing tasks later in life. The survey is helpful. I look foward to reading it more in-depth tonight. Thank you for your input, teaching and encouragement.
Regards,
Jim
This is great, thankyou. I am trying to find my nitch in this competitive world and although I have a good idea of my strengths I am lacking the understanding of the web I have been negotiating to bring my goals to fruition. I have owned a couple of businesses in the past and each of them have been just so so and I think this is because I was missing a vital ingredient and that is my strength. I want to move forward now and make it happen so I am all eyes and ears for your advice. Again thank you.
Very nice. I have been involved in a few mlm projects…some better than others. I’m willing to listen to what you have to say…then we’ll talk
Thanks
Walter
A very important distinction.
I\’m thinking that big picture people like me should be clear that they need an entrepreneurial situation so they can bring in the wide range of people required to assemble all the necessary parts.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your generous offerings of wisdom and knowledge from your experience on video , the survey, etc. I find myself in the midst of quite an ‘adventure’ of needing to find ways to make income to live on immediately, with no savings to fall back on, due to big changes in my personal life. I want so much to love and thrive in my work, but the immediate income need , coupled with my age of 57, keeps me feeling stuck at ‘just get a job!’ and therefore not free to take the time to develop my own business and research what that would be anyway!
Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you and blessings to you in your important work,
Marion
Thank you, Steve, for the distinction between entrepreneur vs. proprietor. After completing the survey and reviewing the report, it has provided much more clarity about where my strengths are and how best to apply them.
With this in hand, I feel more confident about stepping outside my comfort zone and opening myself to new possibilities.
Steve,
I am a freelance writer, but also employ other writers and artists as I need them. I also write novels and would like to learn more about marketing those (i.e.: finding the right markets/readers, getting into outlets, etc.). I also own my own magazine: Entertainment Engineering. So, I operate on several levels. I’m enjoying what you have to say so far and am interested in seeing where it might take me.
-Terry
I get it – lawn maintenance – $20.00 we pay 3 workers $5 each and profit $5.00…
I missed out on that one – now that we have the current financial condition, what other advice do you offer?
– and Hey – i’m not complaining – I appreciate insight – wherever it is from.
GT
You are right…I have not heard this distinction presented quite in this way so bravo to you. Interesting that the survey pegged me as an entreprenuer which I agree with, however, I felt stronger and more empowered as a manager in a Fortune 500 company. Really no financial success yet with my entreprenuerial endeavors.
Wether you are a proprietor or entrepeneur depends on circumstances under which the enterprise is operated and some of them will be beyond your control.
Hi all – More great comments … lots of forward looking inquiry.
I will promise you this….stick with me for the next 30 days or so and you will be crystal clear about all of this and on your way to your perfect business success.
It is an amazing blessing to have you here and a great honor to have this opportunity to serve you.
Thank you all.
Steve
Hi Again Steve,
I think I should be an entrepreneur according to the definition you put forward but it does’nt feel like it.However with the info from the survey and your explanation maybe that’s what I am.Now all I need is the “perfect business” to start. Thanks again for the videos.
I watched this video twice. In the past, I thought a Proprietor was someone who had a physical business while the Entrepreneur worked out of the house and kept his/her own schedule. As someone above said, I eventually want what I am doing to also be on autopilot…on the Internet. I am trying to determine my personal niche. At the same time I do not want to answer to a time clock. What I hope to do seems to be more Proprietorship then anything else. It would illuminate things for me to know how you view what you are doing here.
I like the way you explain the difference. I have always known the difference, but saw it a little differently. I kinda felt that Proprietors are the guys who build the castle, surround it with a mote and make sure nobody discovers their secrets to protect their position. I always wanted to find somebody to teach what I was doing so I could go on to do something else. I guess I would be the Entrepreneur.
Hi!
I really want to be a life style coach myself, so that would be the propietor!
Clear!
Love!
Saskia
I had not thought of being entreprenuerial and being a small business owner as to separate things. I just thought that you started a business and grew the business to a size where you were comfortable and that was that. To look at it as a particular structure for business put a whole new meaning to growing your business.
In humbleness, I echo so much of the above, and I will continue to study these responses, at this time!
Thanx
Hi Steve,
The definitions that you provide sound very similar to Robert Kiyosaki’s Cash Flow Quadrant. It sounds like the Proprietor would be the ‘S’ quadrant and the Entrepreneur would be the ‘B’ quadrant. Based upon how you described it, I believe I’m more in the Entrepreneur area, although I’m currently working in the Proprietor area.
Thanks,
Andy
The information is of great value to me. I look forward to learn more from what you have to offer.
Well, to be honest, I could have written the eval myself. All the way through I’m saying “yep, that’s me”. That being said, it is important that one be forced to look at it. I’ve actually read it 3 times. Took a tad to figure out the scoring system……hey, I got by on looks not smarts! LOL.
You said a 24 page report, but I only got 18 pages…..You trying to tell me something?
God bless
Hi Steve,
Again, a great bunch of info. Proprietor that’s me! Thanks for the info, I’m hoping to continue finding clarity!!!!
This helps when combined with the distinction between Lifestyle Guru and Growth Maven. I think I can now more accurately describe myself as a Small Business Proprietor and Lifestyle Guru, planning to later migrate to Entrepreneur as defined here.
Hello Steve:
This is extremely valuable information. I have recently made the decision to become my own boss (Small Business Proprietor/Lifestyle Guru). I am reminded of the saying, \"Be it days months or years, when the student is ready the teacher appears.\" I am so happy and grateful that I have come across your information and I am taking action on it. Thank you very, very much.
How lucky am I?? To have received a link to you… your knowledge and your insights! I feel very lucky.
In deciding which of the two distinctions appeal to me:
“Managing and leading others to the creation of value in the fulfillment of your vision or performing the primary functions of your business yourself.”
I would have to say, for me, it’s the first distinction that appeals most, but somewhat similar to you, I believe I will start with performing the primary function which will lead me to managing and leading others.
This sentence (quoted above) got my attention and I had to listen to it over and over so I could quote it properly. I believe it’s a very important phrase thrown in among so many others during this session – and it called out clearly for my attention.
This is a wonderful journey and I feel the need to thank you sincerely, from my heart, for providing it to me.
Tammy
Hi Steve,Thanks for pointing out the distinction. I’m in the process of being an entrepreneur. I’ve never been this excited to start my business in the early part of the new year. There’s a lot of truth to the saying, “When the Student is ready, the Teacher will appear.” Talk about divine timing.I wish I could personally talk to you. You would be a Great Mentor.Wishing you continued Success!
Hi Steve-Thanks for the insights. I would rather do everything myself, but know I cannot. What we all need is a “mind-meld” system so that we can effectively transfer what we want from others without stuff getting “lost in translation,” so to speak. I can bring great passion and energy to any chosen venue. The trick is discovering not only what suits me, but what I won’t be sick and tired of doing years down the road. (And, yes, I am a “been-there-done-that-not-going-back” MLM alumnus, too.)
Hello again Steve,
I, too, want to thank you for the insights you are sharing. Such perfect timing in my life. One of the most beautiful things is the feeling of not being alone in being my age and once again, after a very full and rewarding life to this point, wondering what I want to do/be when I grow up. It appears this is a scenario that repeats itself with people like me! After recently trying many MLM organizations, I am actually in a great business but can’t seem to get past my blockages. From my survey, it appears that I am in a very good place for who I am yet seem to be experiencing many hurdles to success. I’ll stay tuned!
Thanks again, Steve. I did not know the difference between an entrepreneur and a proprietor. Since I am a distributor of organic superfoods, and my clients/customers have primarily come from my own efforts (that is, the business revolves around me), I am definitely a proprietor. I would eventually like to be more entrepreneurial though.
HiI agree with everything you said I have been doing this for a while
Thank you sir for doing this. This particular lesson was a great eye-opener for me, and thought me that as an artist (proprietor) I should not follow the lead the entrepreneurs are suggesting, but in the same time become more strategic in regards to engaging alternative resources as a source for increase leverage or value I bring into the marketplace.I have one tip: for all of us who are learn more from texts than videos, as well as those whose English is not mother tonque, it would be great to have transcripts of your videos available as a link under the video. In that way many of your users can take more advantage of your valuable lessons.Thank you again and bless you,Natalija
I am you Steve. In fact your presentation is a tool I would use to help those who I choose to support in their ventures. What a time saver! My over-arching goal is to support others in doing exactly what you do. I see myself as a resource who provides working capital and mentoring for people who want to use my enterprises as a training ground. At the same time I get the benefits of the services provided by the enterprises and its all a wirte off.
Hi Steve,This helped me realize that I have been the business owner when I should have been functioning as the entrepreneur. I am at a transition of leaving a profession (which I scored on the analysis as being one of my best areas to be in) into what I currently have going and developing. The analysis combined with this video – which is excellent – is helping me gain more insight to myself and Lifestyle is where I really want to be in a very comfy state in every aspect of my life. Currently I have the ability to name my own hours, travel to where I need to as I need to, so I can help those who need my services – I just have to get better at what I’m doing. Sharon
I would like to own and control cash generating assets.
I definitely am a proprietor ( I am a keyboard player, composer) this si a good thing to discuss. In reading business book, the idea of being a proprietor is often poo-pooed, yet I know playing and writing is what I love to do & there would be no attraction if I wasn’t doing those things
I’m like you said Steve, starting as a Proprietor as I have to do many things myself as there are not many people out there to help me in this stage. However, whenever I get the chance “Finanially capable” to hire more people to share some of the work I do and build my business network, I think I will be in the position of moving into Entrepreneur through leveraging other people’s knowledge and outputs.
Cheers,
I have been trying to figure out how to get myself on a positive financial track and have been wondering about doing an internet business. I have done the survey and was surprised by the results. After hearing your video about entrepreneur or proprietor. I believe I fit in as a proprietor. I am a kind of ”fly by the seat of my pants kind of person” and do not always take the time I should to make a decision. I have made bad decisions in the past. I just suck it up and move forward. Do you have any suggestions as to what books or what web sites I may look at to get some ideas on what kinds of internet businesses I can get involved in? I have an idea, but need some help in getting it started with very little money.Thanks for your web site and blog. Your info came to me right when I needed it most. Must be the law of attraction at work!
Steve, Wish I had your insite when I had my craft business years ago. Guess I’m more of a small business owner, but would like to be able to move to the next level. Looking to start another business with my husband and maybe some friends. Just trying to discover the right business for us. I hope that I will be able to use your insites for this endevor.thanks, Patrice
Thank you it was a great help to clarify the difference between entrepreneur vs proprietor and to take a look at my strengths to know where to go from where I am at . Gave me real insight and things to think about as I am moving into the next phase of my business journey
My husband and I have been in business for 15 years doing excavation and landscape construction. This explains the huge differences we have about growing the business. He wants to be deep in the middle of every aspect of the physical running of the business. I think it would be a better to use his time managing employees and doing sales. He wants to be a proprietor, I would rather be an entrepreneur.
GREAT! Observation Victoria!
You have captured the very essence of this exercise.
Fantastic thing to know isn’t it?
So the question is, how can you use what you’ve just learned to most effectively transformyour current business into a perfect business?
Neither of you is wrong. Both perspectives add tremendous value in terms of the options available to you.
Do you see that?
So how could you organize your business so use your proclivity for leveraging other resources and his for leveraging his ‘artistic’ talent to your mutual advantage?
Thanks for the comment.
Steve
Totally enjoyed the video Steve. In past years I have been both proprietor and entrepreneur. I like the way you add distinction between the two. A few years back, I purchased a flower shop, which was going into bankrupcy for a mere $4,000. (I bascially purchased the accounts for there was very little inventory.) After having my wife help manage it, about a year and a half later, I opened up a second one in a mall. By the third year our gross combined sales topped $250,000. When in an entrepreneur mode, one must not be afraid to selling anything. Both our florists sold gifts, bonsai trees, and the mall shop sold artificial Christmas trees. My advice is to find niches and go for them. Both of our flower shops still remain successful with their new owners! The most successful entrepreneur, are those who dream and then work like crazy to live their dreams… Thanks Again for another wonderful video. My only complaint is that they are too short….
Thank you for your encouraging feedback Steve. I appreciate you sharing your story too.
Yes indeed some of the lessons are short. Trust me, there are plenty of longer ones coming.
Best Regards,
Steve
“The more I help others succeed the more I succeed” Ray Kroc
Steve: Yes, you have delivered the distinction between the proprietor and the entrepreneur and I do hope that most of us got the idea that being transform the business from the level of proprietorship into a entrepreneurship will be much better than to be just a proprietorship alone. So just as you’ve said that we must leverage our resources, skills, talents, capital and creativity. Perhaps in the coming blog of yours will be more helpful for all who wants to become a entrepreneur than merely a proprietorship. Thank you and looking forward to hearing and watching your blog in the coming days.
Interesting and insightful distinction. Thank You. Essam
Steve,Thanks for the distinction and the survey. I have been thinking about starting my own business for some time now but had never really thought about whether I wanted to be a proprietor or an entrepreneur. Thanks to your survey pointing out my strengths I now see that I am more suited to be an entrepreneur.
Have read my report only once, and it appeared to be saying the same thing over and over in each section, and some of them canceled each other out. I got a numerology report that sounded much like it two weeks ago……That said: Thanks for making these videos. I am a combination of the two, Proprietor and Entrepeneur, and am cautiously establishing an online presence since I am just learning the lingo. Teri, above, tossed off more glossary words than I know yet, though I do remember hearing them in a Marathon teleseminar last week. As I keep on keeping on one step at a time, following instructions from terrific mentors, all is falling into place for me. As the older actor used to say at the end of his 50’s sitcom, “See you real soon.” (Who was that guy?)
I believe that you are doing a great job at reviewing baic business philosophy. Thank you for the review.
Hi Steve,A very valid distinction I think and one that illustrates the big difference between working ‘in your business’ as opposed to ‘on your business’. I always try to outsource or delegate as much as possible so I guess that makes me an entrepreneur.I’m enjoying your videos, you have a lovely voice which I could listen to for hours so how about a new joint recorded product where you do the voice over for me lol!Best Wishes,Claire
Hi Steve. I like your distinction. I guess I´m more of an fullfiller, propriotor, not so much entrepreneur. It could be because I´ve got 25 years as an employee. On the other hand I is very suited to work lonely. I don´t need, or must not at all have company all my time awake.
Hi again, Steve! Vey interesting distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor! I never really thought of the two being different until I watched the video, much like others here. However, it was immediately apparent which category I fell into, or at least until toward the end of the video. Here are my “random” thoughts:On one hand, I am an “old school” type with work ethics, probably borderline workaholic. Work hard, play hard, and take AND give great rewards along the way. But in trying to manage people in my field; I find myself intolerant of being late, wasting time, doing nothing, no shows, doing a poor job, etc.. Most people are put off with the time, energy, hours, and dedication I expect of them and myself, even though so aptly rewarded, most of them have to get out to “have a life”; while I’m quite content “living the life” everyday. So in that respect, I much prefer being the Proprietor. On the other hand, I naturally fall into the Entrepreneur category in that my business’ success is also dependent upon what my suppliers, installers, workroom, upholsters, etc. do and don’t do. These people can either make or break me – so which category am I NOW in? Hmmmmm. What do you think? Mary
Hi all – Mary makes a very interesting observation that is worth exploring. In your case Mary would say it appears that your experience (that is what you do) and your desire (that is what you want) are not the same. This may be why you find it frustrating to work with others. So the more useful answer to which you are is probably woudk be applied to the what you want condition as opposed to the what you experience condition.One sure fire way to tell which you are is this:Can your business operate unhindered without your personal involvement day to day?If not, then somewhere along the way, you are playing the role of a proprietor.I am sure you can see that wanting to be an entrepreneur but living as a proprietor espcially when your believe others will not perform without you there, is profoundly frustrating and terribly unrewarding.Another observaton I would make is that it seems that you have a number of big sweeping beliefs that are the principle contributors to your experience.For brevity I’ll spare the detailed comentary in that regard, but will offer two perspectives for all to consider:1. Succes does not require long hard hours of sacrifice, struggle, and strain. True success is instead effortless and abundantly rewarding.2. Others can only be as big as you see them. When you see people as incapable or unwilling to deliver, they will never meet your expectations. If on the other hand you take the responsibility of empowering them to deliver, they will always come though.Thank you Mary. for a very thought provoking submissionSincerely,Steve
Hi Steve, the video was very interesting. I did not know there was a difference either. But I’m at crossroads: I have a small business designing and selling contemporary pet furniture. I’m more of a proprietor because I’m not a good leader (I’m not a good communicator and find empowering others difficult). Ideally, I would like to sell only through my e-boutique http://www.reeyong.com but I’m afraid the quantities will be too small so I’ll need to sell to retailers too. But for that to be successful, I need agents. I’m still not sure what to do… Sincerely, Ree-Yong, Hong Kong
Bravo Steve! You’ve rooted a basic concept towards success in a tangible form. Something visionary’s struggle with. Great ideas begin in the mind of a single individal outside the prevailing paradigm. The challenge for a conceptual thinker with a million dollar idea is how to “ground” the idea, maintain its integrity in delivery to the market. This is helpful as I launch my concept which meets the requirements of helping others leverage innate ability to improve the quality of life. As a writer with the ability to synthesize broad concepts and provide contemporary relevance, visionay acumen and the ability to push the creative envelope - your keen insight helps my ideas take tangible form.
Right now I would probably be called a proprietor versus an entrepreneur. I tend to like to do things my self, but realize that I need to leverage off the strengths & gifts of others. According to your Perfect Biz Finder Report, I have a natural fit with Management, Counseling and Medical. This confirms my choice of going into the coaching business. I recently launched my website at http://jaucoandassociates.com and I’m learning new ways to leverage the internet in building my business. I probably can do more in leveraging the skills of other people especially in the seo marketing realm.
Judging from the distinction made here, I think I may be more of a proprietor than an entrepreneur.
the video had more breakages which did not make me get the message correctly.
Steve!This was something to think about. Am I a proprietor, perhaps? Hardly not posible to find any product for me. I´ll start with affiliates, anyway.
Hi Steve and all, I have not thought about the distinction between the two functions until this video. I believe that I am functioning as both, but I am a very small business as of now. I am branching out to include other aspects and products in relation to the same theme “natural health.” I now think that it is important that I understand the difference between the two roles. I would like some clarification from you in regards to the following. As a practitioner I have the knowledge, the knowledge is a product, as an author I am packaging the knowledge as a product and I am also conceptualizing another product called flower essences. I will be hiring people to bottle and package the product, I will also be hiring people to produce videos and DVD’s to teach about the products as well as hiring myself out for lectures and seminars. I want to be able to produce this and turn it over to others so that I can be the entrepreneur and conceive other products. I need guidance in how to do this. Thanks, Angela
I appreciated the distinction. I am more aligned with the goals of being an entrepreneur. My disposition and the results of the survey validate that I am srong in managing peoples for the purpose of shared decision making and service focused on getting others to use their gifts to maximize worth, value and profit. I am certainly not adverse to the sole proprietorship, considering when I needed to make money in my colleges days, the motive of a proprietor centered on what I can do for me, mattered most. The entrepreneur appeals more to my character of motivating and guiding others to explore thier possibilities, at the same time producing profit from the idea to action. Thank you for your descriptive clarity Steve
Thank you Steve. I am grateful for the clarity. I have been a proprietor too. My scores do show that I am ready to carve out an entrepreneurial niche. I worked for twelve years as a business owner selling to c-stores. Scratching around daily like a mad gerbil with it’s little red cape on fire – all the while performing in a circus. “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““` As of last April 2008, I lost my business proprietorship of twelve years and my total inventory from a lightning strike – a housefire in my brand new dream home. For the first time I had to think and ponder where I would obtain food, other stuff, and how to move on with life. I am ready to creat an entrepreneurship my new business using other peoples efforts. My goal is only to build residual income and avoid ever being without an income source for any reason. I am considering an MLM, a website, or blog using Wordpress to market my mlm, or to sell online through adsense or affiliate stuff, and generating good content for a book and e-bookin’ it. However, I have never managed others or worked with others as a leader. I just know that I want to grow as a man, and become more valuable to others. Currently I am an independent agent who sells door-to-door to local businesses. I will continue to follow you and your wisdom. Chris
Steve, I’ve always been an employee. Employers always want the best people, I understand that, but the pay is always disappointing. I have helped make the places where I worked better than what I found them, my reward – a paycheck. I’ve tried many things outside of the employee realm with no success, so I must lack certain skills and know-how. I was at a mens group recently and they did the roundtable ‘woe is me’ thing and I hear some of that here. What I observe is the desire to do greater things and talent to get things done, but there seems to be no way for us to connect with one another and make something happen. Now if that was possible, connecting the various talents, I could see great things happen. Isn’t that what entrepreneurship is about?
Hi Bill –
I understand your question. The bottom line is that as long as you work for someone else, by definition they cannot pay you as much as the open market would. The business owner makes his money collecting more money for the work being done than he pays for having the work done.
There are LOTS of people out there lamenting what they have not done. That is one of the motivators for my creating this program. The interesting thing you will learn throughout the next 20 lessons is that the things that keep you, and your associates in the men’s group stuck are not what you might think.
Stick with me for a little while and use the techniques I am going share with you in authenticity and you will experience breakthroughs.
Entrepreneurship is, strictly speaking, the process of creating a superior way to provide value using a collection of existing tangible resources. So, to the extent that the meeting of the minds you describe could focus their individual strengths and talents on the creation of value, then yes, it is indeed what entrepreneurship is about. The ones who organize those resources into the provision of value are the entrepreneurs.
Beware though….there are lots of businesses that allocate and utilize lots of resources and provide little or no net additional value.
Glad you’re here Bill.
Steve, My friend e-mailed me your web-site and it is FABULOUS what you are giving to us. (the world) I am reinventing myself as I write to you. I’m …….years old and it’s never too old to find your passion. Mine is in Co-Active Life Coaching and I can hardly wait to begin. Life is BIG and I’m living it to the FULLEST. Thank you. You are an inspiration to me and I’ll be awaiting your next video with great anticipation.
Steve; I enjoyed the information in this video. It pretty much confirmed what I already thought about the differences between being an Entrepreneur and a proprietor were. I am in the Network Marketing Industry my challenge seems to be the ability to convey the Big picture as well as picking up the telephone and calling people I don’t know, you might call it ” cold calling. ” This is pretty much it.
This is just a correction in my website I neglected wsfletcher part
Hello Steve,
Thank you for your survey and comments. As a retired psychologist I appreciate your efforts. The results of the survey mostly reinforced what I know about myself; however, it did give a few new insights.
I appreciate the distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor. I find that I probably am more a proprietor. My interests lie with opportunities to be creative. What I need is to find ways to make these increasingly insistent creative processes lucrative.
I look forward to the next installment.
Thanks again.
Thank you again.
According to the e-myth the technician or “proprietor” who becomes the center of his business is cruising for a world of pain unless he outsources some of the work. Not only is the person doing the work they may have done for someone else at a job, but now they have to manage payroll, marketing, etc. and a host of other tasks that didn’t used to be part of their job description.
Hello Steve,Once again, you are right on. To coin your terminology, I recognize that, at present, a lack of both experience and capital warrant that the beginning of my business journey I must be a ‘proprietor’; however, my expectation of growth will mandate transition to an entrepreneurial enterprise [a freedom to which I look forward with great anticipation].I have a technical background. I used to be of the opinion that I was best-suited to performing most tasks of a ‘high expense’ nature that occurred in my life, or that of my family. Through my lifetime I developed practical mastery of numerous technical skills that, while gratifying intellectually, actually cost far more than alternatives were I to have assigned even a modest value to my time. When a task fell outside of my given expertise, I was generally ‘comfortable’ assimilating new subject matter, often yielding for me a significant depth of understanding. This process had unconsciously formed an engrained philosophy. Having come to recognize this, my epiphany thus enabled me to address and correct what for me had been a flawed premise that directed my thinking, my behavior, and therefore, the actual prospects for my future.There are many that I may credit for a fundamental change in my thinking, most notably Robert Kiyosaki and Michael Gerber. In terms that Robert Kiyosaki has employed, I had recognized the need to transition my aspirations from the ‘S’ to the ‘B’ and ‘I’ quadrants. While there remain in me residual traces of the ‘technician’ [as mentioned in the E-Myth (and referenced in the comment by Brian above)], I believe that these may actually serve me for the relatively short time I expect to operate in the mode of ‘proprietor.’Should all go as planned, success as a proprietor should lend sufficient justification through, if nothing else, the inevitable overwhelming volume of activity associated with increasing business. Proper strategic planning should incorporate those milestones that will serve to indicate when it will be necessary to ’staff and delegate’ or to outsource respective business activities, as appropriate.This is indeed an interesting exercise, Steve. Well done . . . let us continue to ride this wave.Glenn B in Cleveland, OH
Wow…My initial thoughts to the perfect biz survey results was mixed. Some of the answers were right on and a few were so far out that I questioned their validity..Then, your short video distingquishing between sbo and entrepreneurship made comeplete sense of everything. Thanks…I’m more excited about who I am then ever.
Steve,
YEAH!
Thanks for sharing that.
Steve
Hi Steve,I am enjoying your blog. Just after watching a few videos from you, I now know I am a proprietor and I am definitely a life style guru.I have owned and operated my own small travel agency for 11 years and 2 years ago, I have moved to home office. I love working from home but I have lost interest in doing the same business for so very long. I need a change and I have been looking for my perfect business for 2 years. I am going to order your 21 day program to help me do that. I know that marketing is the key to success once a person finds their perfect business, does your program teach and assist with marketing after the business is up and running?All the Best,Sandy Kimball
Hi Sandy
Glad to have you with us your background sound really interesting. I would challenge you to review you entrepreneurial strengths survey results and see if you can find the things about your role in your travel business as it is now that conflict with your natural strengths and interests. I am betting that when you moved to your home, something changed about your role in the business and the reason you are dissatisfied is that you are now forced outside your area of strength and interest.
That is not to say that you should not seek another enterprise if you like, but you will still want to tune-in on this distinction so you do not (re)create it in your next endeavor.
ThePerfectBizFinder Program will give you access to everything you need once you know what it is you are up-to, including access to my rolodex of experts if necessary.
Thanks again for your comment and welcome aboard.
Sincerely,
Steve
Steve,Your site and process is an important one. I first exposed to this thinking in the late 70s and have struggled with it since. I have taken numerous Briggs-Meyers tests and the results are very consistant. First reaction was a black & white interpretation and kind of derailed me for a time. I attempted to move in the direction the test results indicated which was a very technical, creative nature – architectural design. I struggled in this direction for many years fighting the issue that I did not have the required technical training. I attempted to get that training but the duties and reponsiblities facing me did not allow me to pursue it and I slowly slid down the pole as my life style and needs headed in the opposite direction.The suggestions I would give a person is that you need to include your current status and life style and in the information that is reviewed. Some directions can be altered succesfully, but the unique and specialized factors of the target career need to be carefully identified and evaluated in the process as well.The final part of the plan must be developed and the costs, both monetary and life style commitments have to be throughly indentified and planned for. Unfortunately, many career paths have pre-requisites that must be taken in a pre-set order and trying to jump steps in that order because of personal situations will not be accepted.I am fascinated with this whole personality-career matching and I was planning on doing my master degree research in this field, however economic conditions prevented me from completing it. I also believe this area is highly useful at a time when it is hard to produce good results – high school and early college.I am gong to continue with your program because I still think that something can be gained from this process at any time. Know how you think and react to given situations can be extremely helpful when properly understood.
Thanks Steve. Your Survey and report was of great help to me, I knew that I was strong in those areas, but you showed me some of my weaknesses too. With your help I was able to see things much clearer. Currently I am in the travel industry, things are slow, just like everything else. I beleive this too shall pass, we just need to have more faith in God. Thanks you.
Hi Patrice
Thank you for your comment. It is not uncommon for people to perceive a conflict in this survey report.
While the report may appear to give you conflicting data it actually is giving you a very accurate picture of the role fit for you in various business functions or roles. It is not attempting to ‘classify’ into one role or another, but rather reveal to you which portions of each role you are best aligned with.
This is a very empowering perspective when you think about it.
The illustration I provide in the survey result explanation video is just one case. It is the same for all role. You may have a partial role fit and use this information to organize your business to either obviate the need for the portion of the role you do not make, or find other people or resources to fill it.
The key is that while you focus on your strengths and they focus on theirs, you business grows and succeeds because everyone is contribution maximally.
Make sense?
Thanks
Steve
Your survey report is of great value to someone either looking for a business or who already has one but needs to know which business activities to focus on. My report gave conflicting information so my overall scores were the almost the same in each category. I’m still not clear on your distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor. Can one be both?
Great job.
Good video in explaining the distinctions. Thanks.I have a question about the Perfect Biz Finder Report.My results say that I am an introvert AND innovative.Innovative introvert sounds like an oxymoron.
In each explanation these two are quite opposite and they contradict each other so how can a person be both???Thanks.Laura
Hi Laura,
Thanks for your post. I completely understand your question and can see how you might be get confused by the report. In fact, yours is the exact illustration I use in the ‘Survey Results Explanation Video’ I published.
Here is what you want to keep in mind. The Entrepreneurial Strengths Survey is not intended to ‘classify’ you in one category or another like other surveys do. Instead it reveals your strengths as they relate to key business roles. This empowers you to invest your time and energy on your strengths and ‘fill in’ an area you may be challenged with other resources (people, system, techniques or practices).
So in your case, the fact that you are introverted and innovative does not indicate a conflict nor does it mean you cannot succeed as an entrepreneur. It simply means that you are strong in only part of what makes the most successful entrepreneurs excel. In other words there is a partial fit.
With this information you can ‘augment’ your strengths with systems, practices, other resources or people to fill that (missing) ‘extrovert’ portion of the entrepreneurial role…
That way you remain focused and excel in your strengths (introvert and innovative) and (perhaps behind the front lines) innovate and communicate powerful business strategies and visions for your business while another person or surrogate resource excels in fulfilling the ‘extrovert’ portion of the entrepreneur role.
The net effect is you excel in your strength, they or ‘it’ excels in theirs, and your business realizes the power of a powerful and visionary entrepreneurial leadership function.
So you see, these do not actually conflict at all. Instead they reveal ways you can super-charge your personal success while also guaranteeing the success of your business.
Make sense?
Thanks
Steve
Sir, Saw the video and Thanks for letting us know the distinction between an entrepreneur and proprietor. I look forward to finding my own path. I think an mlm opportunity ideally suits both the above descriptions.With Best Wishes & RegardsKrishnakumar
My approach to business has always been to develop the business and then train a manager to run it while keeping an eye on it so I have been free to do other things {like flying an aircraft} and other things. Now I find I am trying to develop a new business but I need specific instruction how to do it using limited skills on a computer i.e. specific how to point by point. Thanks. David.
I had not heard the distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor before. Very interesting. The last successful business I owned was definitely entrepreneural, while I’ve been seeking to begin a proprietorship but spending more money than I’m making doing it! I’m anxious to learn how to move forward and begin making more than I spend! I’m eager to create my business as a part time venture and leverage it into a full time career that affords a good lifestyle.
Hi there Steve,This is all very thought provocing stuff!! I too am an introverted innovator. This kind of makes sense as I’ve spent 50% of my working life as a “right hand man” to entreprenuers (but never getting the rewards or even any acknowledgement) and the other 50% as a proprietor.In both cases I’ve been frustrated (especially when things are running smoothly – I usually wind up throwing a spanner in the works just to make things a bit more interesting & give me a problem to solve) and thought the internet would, perhaps give me an outlet that makes the most of my two, apparently, conflicting abilities. Unfortunately, it seems that my “introvert” style is against me here as well, as my copywriting just doesn’t do the job as I find it almost impossible to write hyped up copy that gets the imagination going.I guess I need to find someone who’s the opposite of myself to form a synergistic relationship, but haven’t a clue how to go about it.Anyway, enough rambling. Thanks for the profile and videos, as I said earlier, they’re certainly thought provocing and have lead to interesting self-analysis.Look forward to more.Regards,Frustrated Steve
WOW…Steve, this is good stuff. I have to admit the word “entrepreneur” has always been a little scary for me. Not because of the role but the risk. It always implied high risk to me. I have been working at an online venture for 2 years now with no success and am going back to a job to cover my expenses. I’m not giving up on the idea of owning a small business some day however, I think I need a clean look at what I really want to do. The survey help to identify my strengths and I think will help drive me in the right direction. <!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Cambria Math”; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:”CG Times \(W1\)”; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-alt:”Times New Roman”; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:”CG Times (W1)”,”serif”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>
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I am looking forward to your videos to help me cristalize my path forward. Thanks so much Steve.
I have observed this dichotomy in various professional arenas throughout my adult life. I see this at work in the non-profit I am currently associated with. The key players are fixated (and dedicated) on technical aspects and are not leveraging the opportunities they have to make the organization a real success. They are not using their strengths to enhance the oprganization. (The leaders are managing rather than leading.) Thanks fo rthe though-provoking video. I will stay tuned…Life is good…just a bit short!”Ginn”In Sunny Santa Fe
I’m impressed. This is a concept I’ve never thought of in this way. It’s enlightened me and I’m rethinking my approach. Thanks. Teresa
Steve, I must admit I have never known there was a difference and if I had been asked I would have said they were one and the same. After listening to your informative and insightful video, I realize I am both. As a psychic/medium, I am the small business owner who offers a service and a product (my books and classes) I am the only one who can give the services I offer. I am it. Because of my passion for a certain company’s products I am also in network marketing. This will create the residual income I am looking to retire with. Because of your survey, I know that my strength in network marketing includes a soft close and that my real strength lies in teaching and counseling other into their greatness. This is where it comes together, teamwork and assisting others into their success.By the end of 30 days, I am sure to learn more to pass on to my team. Thank you very much.Sincerely,Susan Norgren
G,DAY STEVE. LISTENED TO YOUR VIDEO AND IT HAS PUT SOME LIGHT ON WHICH WAY I AM GOING AT THE MOMENT IN MY BUSINESS. I AM A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER AS YOU HAVE DESCRIBED AND BEEN THIS WAY FOR 10 YEARS. WOULD LOVE TO LEARN THE INSIGHTS OF TURNING THIS AROUND INTO AN ENTRPRENEURAL BUSINESS SO I CAN LEVERAGE MY BUSINESS MORE EFFECTIVELY AND FREE UP SOME MORE OF MY TIME. THANKS STEVE.
Hi All, First: Was the video only 5:15+/-? You seemed to be cut off in the midst of a sentence. I found that disturbing — what did I miss? Where did the MLM references in others’ notes come from? Second: I’m one of those whose survey seems to cancel itself out. I think I’d rather be an entrepreneur because I’m an introvert and would not be sociable enough to keep employees happy. That said, before Steve showed up (through someone else, and thank you for sharing), I’ve been working through Timothy Ferriss’ “4-Hour Workweek”, which walks the reader through each step: find an (internet sales) idea, how to test the market (5 days only!), set up automation, use technology to keep in touch from anywhere, before and after leaving your regular job (if you have one), including finding someone to manufacture, or who does manufacture, what you want to sell. It’s an amazing book (I’m reading the library’s copy). I keep scribbling ideas across the tops of pages while I take notes. The book’s been out since 2007 — any comments on this, Steve? I hope your vids and info will be “value added” to what I’m learning elsewhere. And thank you so much.
Hi Steve, thank you for the insights. I seem to be very interesting the way it is said.I thank you for the opportunity to discovered my strength and weakness. listened to your video put some light on which way I am heading. Iam working on building my strength and ability around my work and life. thank you Steve.H
Wow! Light bulb moment for me. At this stage, as a fine art painter and workshop instructor, I am a proprietor. I realize that selling a painting definitely is a matter of perceived value on the part of the buyer. There is not much material cost in the painting. I’m looking for a good way to bridge that gap.My workshops, also, perceived value. I’d like to expand my business. The “starving artist” concept is for the birds.Thanks so much,Diane
Steve,Greetings from St Louis. Thanks for clarifying some to the distinctions. I believe my disposition is more suited to operating as a proprietor, but I like the idea of (though am not sure i have all of what it takes) assuming an entrepreneurial approach. If I had deep knowledge or great expertise, I’d most likelygo the prop route (at least initially, as you did). But since i do not, I’ll prob have to develop the abilities to gather resources (a process with which I’d need help), uncomfortable and “unnatural” for me as it may be. A bit of a dilemma it seems.
I have been a business owner over a great many years and am trying to decide whether I want to go back into business for myself. It is great to get the insites of someone who has been working full time with business owners. Thanks for the video.
Steve,I have started several small businesses in the past. I was not particularly sucessful in any of them. That’s why I am here. I don’t have any fear of starting a business and look forward to working with you. I completed the strength survey but I must admit that I still don’t know what my strengths are. Maybe you can give me some guidence in this are. Thanks for letting me join the program.Jim Body
I’ve operated as an independent, sole proprietor Insurance Producer. So far I’ve been fortunate to keep in good health. I would like to build a business that is not 100% dependent on my efforts.
Steve, It almost sounds like your distinction is actually between someone who is self-employed (they do the work, and work for themselves) and a business owner (someone who hires staff to do most of the work). This presents an additional factor for work that must be performed on a recurring basis (for instance, your example of a medical practitioner): if the proprietor doesn’t work that week, no income is generated. Of course, that’s not the case if you have an automated drop-ship business or some such, so I’d tend to put that in the business-owner category.I guess my question is this: since the attitudes you describe as the proprietor are closer to mine, where do you see opportunities for permanent income (income that continues when you take the week off)?
Hi Steve,Thanks for showing the difference. It has helped me to be able to define exactly what it is that I really want to do.
Steve,
Thanks for your insightful value & Top Producing training to a community who needs some hope in these difficult & changing times!
As Will Garcia once stated, “The first step toward change is acceptance. Once you accept yourself, you open the door to change…Change is not something you do, it’s something you allow.”
Your survey confirmed what I’ve known for about 12 yrs. now. It’s refreshing to have a reminder. I tend to be an Entrepreneurial Manager in Service & Training.
Change has been inevitable for me the moment I learned in 1995 that I would be legally-blind for the rest of my life…aside from a miracle.
Acceptance for my “blessing” or dis-ABILITY was my choice. And I wouldn’t trade it. It’s taught me about determination & perseverance. I adapt, learn, & proceed.
As a minister for 20+ yrs & 14 yrs. higher education, I realize how my circumstances have brought me to this point in life…to fill out your survey.
You are correct is stating that, “The Entrepreneurial Strengths Survey is not intended to ‘classify’ you in one category or another like other surveys do.”
I’ve taken several personality & assessment tests throughout the years and your survey surely varies. I see that such ‘contradictions’ that Laura mentions are merely “educational-images” or “characteristic-insights” pointing toward a given quality or favor of one’s {self} that’s implemented in the course of business action. Whether it be Entrepreneurial or Proprietor.
In other words, someone’s strengths/weaknesses are relational & relevant to personality traits (ie, Choleric or Sanguine), but not directly “tied” to them.
Case in point, someone can be a successful Innovative Introvert or a damaging Emotional Controller. They seem like contradictions, but we’re not talking about personalities.
Sorry to you, Steve, & many on this post if I’m not making any sense.
To conclude, I think that your training & education is worth our time to learn. Often times people want the “Roses” in life without the “thorns!” And, unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way.
“Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.” Thomas Huxley
Thanks for the opportunity to share. God Bless and may you walk in freedom!
Rev. Robert B. Anthony
“I will walk in freedom…” –Ps 119:45
I was pleased with the results of the survey. I actually think it was right on track! As far as the first video and knowing whether or not I am an entrepreneur or a proprietor…I would think that I am an entrepreneur. I hope that with your help, I will be a successful one! : )Thanx,Karenwww.soctoyou.com
Although ‘naming’ is relatively unimportant to me, I found the distinction helpful to me. As an older person, I’m much more interested in finding something that allows me to step away…probably more and more…while the business continues to flourish. Thanks for the hint!
Thank you so much for the Strengths Survey, it was very enlightening and often felt like you were speaking right to me with all the observations that were made from my answering the survey. I am right this minute contemplating getting into a particular network marketing business, but still not quite ready to “take the risk”, but I really need to make a decision and go forward.
Hi Pam –
Thanks for your comment. I was compelled to respond immediately because I sensed the urgency in your message.
Let me encourage you to slow down a bit and carefully consider the lesson I’ll share with you here.
While you may be told otherwise, there is no rush for you to jump-in to a bizop ‘before it’s too late’.
By having the clarity I will help you have, you will KNOW without any doubt what the right business for you is. If it turns out to be the MLM program you are looking at GREAT…but if not, you will have saved yourself lots of time and lots of money.
Keep in mind that any legitimate opportunity will be just as viable 30 days from now as it is today.
Thanks again. I look forward to reading your comments.
Sincerely,
Steve
Looks like I’m a proprietor.(BTW: Your email says to come back and answer which title fits — my reply got kicked, with a note to respond to questions@theperfect….. Forwarding the email to that address was also kicked (“domain missing or malformed”). Don’t know if the problem is on my end or yours.
Insightful and prophetic Steve…thanks so much for sharing!!
Sorry, I am still confused. I understand the difference between entrpreneur and proprietor, but I don’t feel any closer to my calling. I enjoy leading and teaching, not so great at gathering. I’ve done so many things in life and find it is working with people that I am best at and enjoy, but also need independence.
Dear Steve, I have a slight hearing problem. I am checking to see if I can recieve transcripts instead of videos. Thanks, Clifton Hood
Hi Clifton
Thank you for letting me know.
These are on the way and will be available very soon. Probably by Monday.
I’ll post them on the corresponding pages
Thank you for your patience.
Steve
It is definitely important to know the apparent difference between entrepreneur and proprietor because it gives insight into which roles one best fits. Not so much as give one the perfect business fit, but as a starting point in which one can analyze where the best fit might occur. I am building my business beginning with my unique abilities, then aiming to build the business to run on my ideas, not my individual efforts.Thanks for the Clear Moment of Time!Sincerely, eRixonline
It was important to learn the distincition between entrepreneur and proprietor to learn the definite role one best fits. Know so much as give someone the perfect business match, but a starting point to analyze which roles can be the best fit. I am building my business with my unique abilities, then aim to build the business to run on my ideas, not my individual efforts.Thanks for the Clear Moment of Time!Sincerely, eRixonline
So if I have it right, a proprietor makes money from selling a service or product and an entrepreneur makes money from a business.
Cheers:
Bob
Hi Bob
Thanks for the comment.
Hmmm, perhaps. This distinction is really more about where ‘your’ value is applied to the growth of the business.
The story I share about the pie maker is a good illustration. She made pies. That was her contribution. The limitation of the growth of her business as a proprietor was how many pies she could make, while she also kept the books, paid the bills, shopped for materials and ingredients etc.
BUT – if she instead built and organization of other pie-makers, machines, administrators, buyers, sales and marketing people etc. and took on the role of coordinating, leading and managing those resources, then she is an entrepreneur.
The growth of her business is no longer determined by how many pies she can make. Instead it is determined aby how effectively she leads others in her pie making business. Whether she made pies or not would be inconsequential to the success of the business.
Hope that helps clarify.
Thank you again for your inquiry.
Steve
I just don’t get it. SorryA ton of info. that means nothing.Would like to understand.
Steve first off I have to say Thank You so much for providing a such wonderful tool and some perspective. Upon taking the survey I learned that I do not necessarily possess the skills of a entrepreneur. At first I was taking a back and be frank i was really upset because as you said the allure of an entrepreneur is definitely attractive. Just to get more of an understanding for the type of individual characteristic each Individual possesses is so eye opening. Does this limit the ability to grow into an entrepreneur? I tried MLM and It was definitely not for me. Well to be honest I never really committed to it.Steve once again thanks a ton
Hi Ben -
Thank you for your comment.
Keep in mind that the information in the survey report is not intended to classify you into a role. Nor is it any indication of your capacity to succeed.
Instead, what it reveals are the areas where your individual strengths will contribute the most value to your success effort. At the same time it illuminates areas where you are likely to be more challenged and will want to engage alternative resources.
So, rather characterizing a limitation to your success, it actually reveals what you are going to need to do to generate the success you want.
Your experience in MLM is a great illustration. I do not know what you profile says specifically but i can be fairly certain that ‘extrovert’ was not one of your strengths. Since in MLM most of the other roles or functions are handled by the company or the system and your role is primarily one of sales and recruiting, two functions in which extroverts excel, your experience was not what you intended.
In effect there was a poor role match.
That does not mean you could not be successful. It just means that the selling and recruiting role is not where you would contribute best (if at all). For instance if you are technically strong or perhaps a good organizational leader, you might organize your MLM business so someone else did the selling and recruiting while you implemented systems and provided leadership.
That illustration might be a stretch but I think you can get the idea. Frankly, it sounds like the poor role fit includes a lack of purposeful commitment to the MLM business anyway which would trump any organizational structure.
As you would learn within ThePerfectBizFinder Program, you must begin with knowing your purpose, what you are ‘up to’ in life and then build your business around that.
The report empowers you to make good decisions and understand HOW to go about generating the success you want.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Steve thanks for the great insight and analysis. My survey result where initially, a little nerve racking for me because I didn’t see where it was going, I fell on the fence with many of the questions but tried to avoid answering “sometimes” for the sake of the exercise. This second installment has spread more light on where this is headed. I thank you for providing me with a larger picture of myself and helping me identify my strengths and places where I may need to tread lightly, be more mindful, or improvise and outsource. Good stuff!!! May our co-creation be effective and mutually beneficial.
Steve, I received your original connecting email through the Better Networker site. The survey results hit “spot on” (my wife thought you knew me personally! I had to laugh!). I too have built several small successful businesses (self-employed/proprietor style-landscape and construction) over the past 29 years. Recently I started an online home-based business and ran into “walls” (in myself) I never knew existed!! The survey and entrepreneur/proprietor video has put things into perspective. I have a better understanding of how to use my strengths and connect with others to help me (and them) by using their strengths and bringing value to all.Thanks, I’m looking forward to more.Doug
Hi Steve – I completed the Perfect Biz Finder Survey and I must say the results were quite unexpected. I answered all the questions with complete honesty and was surprised to find that my strengths were in areas that I have traditionally avoided. Being self employed for the last eighteen years has been one heck of a ride as they say, whoever they are. My areas of strength are the areas that have been given the least amount of attention and have at the same time been the trouble areas of my contracting business. I’ve now learned that I am most uncomfortable with my strengths. And to think, I should be comfortable in these areas feeling a natural tendency toward them, not away from them. So I must say it is perfectly clear to me that I am now more confused than before I took the survey.
Any comments? I’d appreciate it. By the way, yesterday’s video was encouraging. Thanks.
Looking forward to the future,
Fredrick
Hi Fredrick -
First, thank you for your comment.
Yes I do have some thoughts about this. I am not quite sure exactly what you meant by “one heck of a ride”, but if you have been working outside of your strengths that long I am not the least bit surprised to hear that.
I do not actually see your results so I cannot really comment meaningfully in the specific of your situation but in general terms I would say that the human psyche is an amazing thing. Especially when you come to find that your experience in life is primarily created by your subconscious mind.
It is entirely possible that you have deeply entrenched subconscious memories that have you so convinced of the necessity to work in the areas you focus in that, to you, it seems like the best fit. The net effect is, here you are 18 years later, have given yourself over to this ‘circumstance’ for so long that you are no longer really in-touch with the more natural strengths revealed by the survey.
Consider this: If you have accomplished all that you have without focusing on your strengths, what do you suppose is possible if you did?
Imagine the relief and sense of purposeful accomplishment.
Imagine if success beyond your wildest imagination was as easy as breathing.
Something to think about. Stay with me. Let’s see what happens.
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve, thank you for the eye opener.I have worked as both and find myself more as an entrepreneur and planto Build my carreer as one.Sincerely Flint
Hi Steve,Thanks for delivering such huge value. You’ve really opened my eyes and helped me learn about myself. I guess it really comes down to what you’re passionate about and where your strengths lie. Then if you can harness that passion and utilize your strengths to deliver value….well then I guess you can write your own ticket regardless of wether your an entrepreneur or proprietor. Thanks again Steve for the value you’ve provided.
Hi Steve,Thanks for the survey and first video. As others have said the survey appeared conflicting in places, but I understand when you say that it is only showing strengths and not categorizing. I have been a small business proprietor for most of my working life. Trouble is you can only earn what you yourself can earn through your own efforts. Unless you can learn to leverage the efforts of other people you will always be limited in what you can earn. So I am trying to learn to be an entreprenneur, and learn how to recruit others and then show them to do the same thing. Chris
What an eye opener. I look forward to more videos and more information that should lead to a transformation in the way I conduct business. Thank Steve.
Hello Steve,Interesting front end product curious to see where it takes me. Relatively new to Internet Marketing but enjoying the learning and the stimulation. I like the quality of your system Video’s load a bit slowly might be the fact that I am in Australia we are a bit slow down here lol.
Hi Steve Great video showing distinctions btwboth proprietor and entreneur. I am still a proprietor but very attracted to entrepreneurship. What is the coaching that you offer? I’m interested to know about your 21 day program?Thanks Kerri
Hi Steve I really like this video. I have been trying my hand at mlm but not much luck. I just do not have enough knowledge of how it works. I have always had a job up until now so i don’t have any experience at running a biz of my own.Kamela
Steve; Your video was enlightening and interesting. Thank you. I see myself as an entrepreneur all the way.
Hi Steve! First of all thank you so much for this valuable service. I have been involved in the home based business industry for over 20 yrs. I have always been able to reach a certain level and then stopped. I’ve spent the last few months really studying why that is. Through that process I have learned that learning the art of marketing is critical and understanding what I really want to do is vital. It’s not just about a blanket statement of “I want to earn more money and work my own hours”. It’s really about what I find joy in doing. The survey was helpful in that it mirrored many personality profiles I’ve taken in the past – but because I’m in a better place to see what it’s really saying I was able to take much more from it. In addition, the whole process of continued insight (through the videos and emails) is what is really beneficial to me in keeping myself focused and having faith in my abilities. Thank you for this series. I look forward to seeing where it will take me. I hope you have an awesome day!Christie
Hi Steve:First I would like to thank you for the comprehensive survey. It was excellent information. The survey helped to explain the areas I excel in and the other areas that I have a difficult time staying on top of.Your video also had excellent information. I have heard the distinction between an entreprenuer and a proprietor before, but your presentation was clear and precise. Thanks for the clarity of your videos. I am definetely an entrepreneur. I look foward to your next video.
I think the video made a meaningful difference. I have operated a business part time, mostly as a proprietor, for a number of years and enjoy that. I also have acted as an entrepreneur in some volunteer organizations and enjoy that as well. I like the short, crisp videos.Dick J
Thanks Steve.I really appreciate this opportunity. I know that I have an ability to teach and also to innovate. Looking forward to your ideas on how to make that work in establishing my own business from scratch.Norm
Steve: my name is Marius, I’m from Romania and I’m trying to start my business, and thanks to you I’m starting to see things clearer. thank you
Hi Steve! You’re survey and video’s has been a tremendous blessing! I recently did a Spiritual Gifts Survey along with a Personality Profile at my church as a Women’s Ministry Leader. That was eye opening & helped me see how God has molded me to be. What was amazing, is your survey paralleled those results. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for what you provide through your survey, blog and video’s. I’m excited to share this tool with my team. We provide a Business Suite of Tools for any small or home based business owner AND this will be perfect for them to find their “Perfect Biz” to transform their lives. May God continue to tremendously bless your efforts. J Cathy
I had never thought of the distinction between the two before. I have a small business and currently do it all. I’ll have to think about which of the two roles I would be most productive in. As I get older and the physical work gets harder, I should probably move away from proprietor. Thank you for the thought provoking insight.
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for your comment.
From time to time I like to challenge people. Your message got me to thinking. Here is your challenge:
Rather than thinking about this distinction from the standpoint of ‘productivity’, think if it from the perspective of what you want to do.
Often times people think that ‘productivity’ is the key to success. Trust me, organizing your business so you do only what you want to do is not only more rewarding, it is infinitely more ‘productive’.
The question to ask is; assuming you could offload every task you do not want to do, what part of your business would you do? (Hint – just owning it is a legitimate answer).
Thanks again for your comment.
Steve
Hi Steve, I also wanted to thank your for the survey. I was grinning from ear to ear when my 3 strengths came up with what I consider to be my strengths. I was happy for the confirmation. Thanks so much. Cathy
Hello Steve, I found your test to be right on the mark. As a kid I always worked myself quickly to the top position of any job I was hired on. In a restaurant I went from dishwasher to Kitchen Manager in 6 months. In an Office Equipment Co. I moved from warehouse to driving a truck for up to 3 weeks at a times criss-crossing the country servicing our accounts. There were other jobs in between but I ended up running a furniture laminating company with 100 employees. All these jobs were lacking something however. I was making my bosses a whole lot more than they were paying me. So with just a H.S. education I decided I wanted to be a Commodities Broker. I got a firm to back me and payed $280 for the Workbook (in the 1980’s) and studied on my own. With a tutor on weekends who had a computer so I could take simulated tests. After 2 months I went to a Federal Testing Facility and took and passed the test. I was now a Series 7 Federally Licensed Commodities Broker, legal to practice in all 50 states. I went back to the company who sponsored me got a cubicle with a phone and some rehashed leads and was told to bring some money in. Within 5 months through cold calling and careful investing I was the only Broker with a $1,000,000.00 book. Including people with over 12 years in the business. My first year I made $300,000.00. That was my worst year in almost 10 years. Working 90 hours 6-7 days a week. Going in at 8:00am and once a week working California nights till 12:00am. However something still wasn’t right. So I opened up my own Futures Analyst business from home and things were right. For almost the last 2 decades. I’m 55 now and looking for residual streams of income. So I’m building Websites. I outsource anything I don’t need to learn. I stay on top of the marketing. I really appreciate your test and videos Steve. To me their an affirmation. Best Regards, Jeff Smith
Thanks Steve for the amazing system you and your team have put together. I am very impressed with Your Perfect Biz Finder Matrix report your have designed. I found your report for me right on and very insightful even though I thought I knew myself quite well, my strengths and challenges. I want anyone that I work with to take this questionnaire, as it will not only be invaluable for them, but it will also give me the where with all to see how to best mentor their strengths and help them to develop a deeper understanding of how to over come their challenges.I find myself to be a perfect blend between the entrepreneur and the individual proprietor. I love to manage people and multiply the benefits we can all contribute as a team and help people to strive to be the best they can be. This excites me and is extremely rewarding! At the same time I can easily be a sole proprietor of a small business and wear the many hats it takes to accomplish creating value for my customers. At times I like accomplishing tasks and projects on my own because I know how I want things done and I can control the quality and integrity of my business without having to tell others how to do it and deligate different skills to others. I do think that my entrepreneurial endeavors are the most rewarding as I love to mentor people and see them become both successful financially and even more rewarding become more complete and whole in themselves. This is why I love the network marketing business and feel that it has been one of most rewarding and fulfilling opportunities that allows me to be the best I can be on all levels. I feel so much gratitude each and every day as it gives me the best of both worlds, the passion of the enterpreneur and the personal experience of the sole proprietor all in one. And best of all I get to fulfill my passion of helping others be all they can be as well. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and surely will bring may people both associates and friends to experience both your questionnaire and your wisdom of mentorship as well. Thank you for all that you provide and do,Blessings on your health and well-being and that of your loved ones as wellWarmest Aloha’s Bob Schmidt
Thanks Steve,I’ve been in sales for about 18 years now. And every time I was wondering why I did not have the success I was looking for. Also thought of an internetbusiness, but did not know how ten start and do’nt know what I’m good at.Your test is great. Now I understand I’m working in the wrong erea. I’m working at a big telecom company as a Sales Excecutive. After the test I now know that: “I have to avoid complex sales envirionments, because it’s not natural for me”. Consultive selling is my drive within less complex sales environments (complex environments are situations where you have to convince the customer with many and different arguments, to get the sale). And what am I doing right now (for the last 15 years)? Yes, sales in complex sales environment. Stupid, Isn’t it??Another thing is that I’m not very good in conflicting situations. I avoid conflicts. This is not very helpfull to get the (sales)results in my current sales position. So what did I learn? I’m working constantly in a situation where I have to use my weaknesses instead of my strength. So thats’why it costs me so mucht energy and fun in the job.If I have to choose for an enterpreneur or a Propietor, I’m defenitly a Propietor. I love to help people, give them the solution for their problem and teach them what I have learned to help themselves in the future. I’m a real consultive sales person who wants to do everything myself; althought I beleave that many things can be automated (like selling information of help via internet).Steve, thanks for this excellent explanation, information and all your effort to help people like me, to be successfull.Keep going and when I find my perfect business I’ll let you know and will share my experience and successs.Thanks again Steve,Fern
Hello Steve,I’m very new to the Internet. About two years ago, I got involved in a “business in a box” situation which, after some valuable tutorial learning, I was able to create my own website to sell small patio burners and portable fireplaces to people that did not have a fireplace. My website has been less than successful even after I spent $5,000 to upgrade it to an e-commerce site. My entire life savings has been spent getting educated about being a successful business owner on the internet and in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace.I’m not giving up here. I would love to be a successful entrepreneur, but for the moment, I’m a proprietor that is slowly losing funds and the initial excitement of being a business owner.
Thanks, Steve. I can’t argue with that. I’ve been a small business proprietor who was recruited into big business where I was paid to behave entrepreneurially, but after some 13 years or so, succumbed to organisational frustrations. I retired too early. I’m looking to be a proprietor again. Hands on. Close control. On my own head be it. Thanks, Kim.
Steve,Thanks for the test and the video. The test confirmed much of what I felt. It also said I’d do well as an entrepreneur, which means letting go of some of the control. My first step will be to decide if I want to remain in the position I’m in, and find a niche that I’m comfortable with, or do something completely different that will put me more at ease. I think I know what I’m passionate about, yet I also love helping others develop their ideas and market. I’ve asked some of those close to me to share what they see as my passion. I look forward to more information.
I appreciated the distinction between the two. Thank you for the insight into my strengths and weaknesses.
Good Morning Steve! I’ve given your info to hundreds of my associates and will continue to do so. Your philosophy is dead on for me and so were my test results. We can’t make a go of it alone as entrepreneurs but why it takes so long for so many to see it is beyond my comprehension. Pride, prior training, delusion, its not for me to judge but I’m SO glad I figured it out a while ago or I wouldn’t be where I am today. You will help (and I’m sure have already helped) thousands of newbies and as well as stubborn oldies get where they need to go. Keep up the EXCELLENT thoughts and creating!!Kellie
Distinction is well explained and makes perfect sense. I want to achieve a combination of a downline and personal business, with emphasis on the entrepreneurial approach through a downline.Gary
Very interesting and informative video! It seems knowing the difference is very important. I noticed people saying that they thought they were more of an entrepreneur but instead were taking on the role of a proprietor. Is it easy to fall into the role of a proprietor even though you may not want to? Is knowing what you want to do in your business the best way to avoid falling into that role if you don’t prefer to?
Interesting. Although I currently function as a proprietor, my dream for my business is to function as an entrepreneur. Nice to have a better definition of the two as an aid in goal setting.
I would like to do my work and selling product with the help of others……I do alot on my own……When I try to write a blog or artical it never comes out right….I know in my head what I want to say but can’t put it on paper….Is that strange or not…..hoping you can help me more…..Like the way you put things down in your video..Entrepreneur or proprietor..I like telling people that are sick what is better meds or all natrual stuff….. thank you for listening Teresa
Hi Teresa,
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate and understand your frustration. All creative thinkers run into this problem from time to time.
ThePerfectBizFinder Program teaches you a number of really fun techniques for breaking through these barriers and accomplishing what you intend. I believe it will be perfect for you
Have you considered just recording yourself when you speak about these topics naturally and without difficulty? Then you can have somebody transcribe the audios into articles for publication on your blog.
Or better yet you can collect them into a series and create a product out of them.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Steve
Steve,You bring up some interesting points in this video, while I like to manage and train others to be the best that they can be, I do some times like to get in the middle of the work itself. Example, I grew up on a farm in Kansas, while I enjoy the work, I would rather have people do the mundane field work and mechanical work so I can concentrate on more detailed management and growth of the operation (the money side of things), but there is still part of me that would just sometimes enjoy doing the menial work if I choose to do so. Because the money side of things sometimes just stresses me out. So my perfect business so far would probably include some hands on as well as employee support structures. One down more to go. Great to have this realization.Matt
This is valuable information. I already understood the difference, or thought I did, however the presentation clarified the distinction for me. Thanks.By the way, this display is missing the first inch or so at the left…
This a tremendous value you’re giving us, Steve, and I sure do want to say “Thank you!” I’d like to resurrect the small business I closed 2 years ago … plus I envision and another, more creative, business I’d like to open as well. But my thinking is quite “stuck” in key areas related to both. Than along came your survey results. Wow. Had you been in my office while I was reading the results, you’d have heard an out-loud laugh and a couple heartfelt “thank you!” shouts. Really. Now I need to more fully absorb it … With much gratitude to you and your team,Linda
Think You Steve I am injoying what you have been saying sofar I plan to go all the way with the lession, I am learning and understaning what I need to do in my small business, I jest started not long ago, and I am so glad that you came though my e-mail. The lession are grate, you are answering the question, I have not been able to get from anyone, know im not by my self. Thank You agin the survey answers help me a lot.
Steve, thanks so much for your information. Jim Rohn has a saying that I think is apropo for your descriptions of entrepreneur or proprietor. He says your success depends upon how much value you bring to the marketplace. Sometimes we forget this is what business is all about. I have been both an entrepreneur – taking a sporting goods retail store from almost bankruptcy to sales of $3M in a three year period.Then I have been a proprietor of a direct selling company – and therein lies the struggle as building a team who has the vision of giving value to the marketplace is not always effective, or I have not found the roadmap. Looking forward to learning more from. Really appreciate your information and expertise.
Steve, you have done a wonderful job here. I took the survey a couple of days ago and made a thourough review. A quick once over and then the colored markers and notes. I am a huge fan of what Marcus Buckingham and others did with Strength Finder and find your message much in sync. I like your ‘applied science’ approach. I would appreciate comparing notes with you regarding my business specifically to explore both short term possibilities and mid to longer term potential. Looking forward to following your next steps and catching up at some point. Congrats on providing a very worthwhile service in a much needed environment! Thanks, David
Hi Steve,I want you to know that I found the video quite instructive. It seems that I have better identified my position. Although, I am involved in an MLM company, I feel more like a proprietor.Thanks, again,Wayne Holloway
Thanks Steve: Your insights are exceptionaly valuable, I believe for everyone, all we need to do is look within and the answers will be there. I have been a small business owner for a number of years and now am becoming the entrepreneur. Is it taking time, yes, however I know my goals will be reached one of which is to help 100,000 people improve themselves. I look forward to the balance of the videos and the learning that I know is coming.Many Thanks.
Thanks SteveThis is a lot of really great information to absorb. At this time I’m finding it a little over whelming. There is no question that you’ve got me focused in a direction instead of scattered all over the place.Marc
Your exactly right Steve, this is not something that is covered very well. Up until now I had never even heard it discused before. Thanks for adding even more value to what you are contributing. It is very much appreciated.
This was a piece of extremely useful information… Hmmm. I’m going to do some serious thinking in this area. Thank you!
Steve…..I’m still in awe as to how accurate the survey was. I am sure this will supercharge my business’ growth as I let go of tasks that I don’t need to be doing.
Hi Steve, Great information! I really had never thought of the distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor. It seems like a natural progression to me for quite a few activities I’ll be incorporating into my business. Clarity is always helpful to put things into perspective and to help explain your vision to other interested parties!Looking forward to forging ahead with your PerfectBizFinder course.All the best to everyone.
Thank you Steve for all your wisdom. I didn’t read all the responses but totally relate to Marion’s comments above. I am 50 years old in a job I don’t really like and long for freedom and passion in my work (which I’m not sure what that will be). I relate much more to the entrepreneur you describe. Any advice at this point will be welcomed.Thanks again.Kim
Steve,As a writer- speaker- life coach who is thinking on how to effectively launch product and create a larger network, I find the information you share to be fascinating. I hestitate to get further involved until I have my product line completed. We go nowhere without product
Thanks for the insights!
Steve
I think that distinction is critical, I believe that we are all suck in by the term entrepreneur, it sounds more exciting and cerebral, the brilliant idea,eschewing the apparent need to WORK AT your business. I also see an overlap occurring and that helps me to define what I see myself as, not one or the other but a combination of both.
thanks for your thoughts and advice.
I have tried two restaurants that one failed the other I sold back to my partner. Trying to run the business as a business owner is a lot harder then hiring someone to manage the business thru your plan. I currently work as a manager for a chain restaurant and really see this difference upclose. I will own another restaurant again, and with your help maybe not make the same mistakes twice. Thaks Jeff
Steve,Thank you for clearly distinguishing the two, after watching your video it is very clear that a small business proprietor role is extremely well suited for me. All of your videos have been extremely informative. Thank you very much.
Hey Steve,Great post.For many years I was a small business onwer who thought he was an entrprenuer. But as I started to study other successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, etc I realised that all I had done was create a job that didn’t come with all the benefits I got as an employee.As I began to study these guys, one of the key distinctions that held true for me is the different ways in which entrepreneurs and proprietors approach — and indeed view business.Since then I’ve realised that successful entrepreneurs make their money from their minds…they make their riches by thinking of new ways to add value to the market and leverage their resources of time, land, employees, systems, money, etc.I now love being an entrepreneur because since I learnt to systemise my businesses, I spend less time working in them, and more time doing the things I enjoy. Now they each generate passive income, so my earnings are no longer directly related to my personal physical input. And the more time I spend studying entrepreneurship and successful entrepreneurs, the more money I seem to be making
Hi Steve,I am infact watching almost all the AV webcasted by you. Now, I am only an employee with earning just enough to support my family, but I have a dream to start with an engineering stores for the industries and land up finally becoming nucleous of all the industries of Bhutan. I want to do it. I have throught of steps,but what is holding me back i don’t know. I understand my weak spots and strengths and i feel i should be persuasive. i am trying for any good firms from outside willing to invest here on CNC machines. Can you help me?Thanks I am getting inspired with your blogs and AVs. I will make things happen.
I have dabbled in my own business for several years. I found it very interesting the distinction between proprietor and entrepreneur. I am currently working as a Telecom consultant, but what I really want to do is find investors to buy a fishing lodge and turn it into a chain of fishing lodges.
Hi Steve,I am really new to most of this & your information is very valuable in my very humble opinion. I started with reading your Perfect Biz Finder report to finely understand why I have been signed up in a business for approx 15 yrs with hardly any supplemental income to show, (Please not I am a wife & Mother of now four young adults with very little investment money at my disposal.) though I do have access to great products & services.( great time savers) As a introverted type of personality I am not a great ice breaker but am a great follow upper. I now know why it has been such a looong knocking my head against the wall type of experience . Your material has helped in the area of finding my strengths & weakness’ I am ready to move on & I will be going over your available information with a fine tooth comb lol…Great stuff! Thank you.
Hi SteveYour video has really got me thinking. I know how I like to run my business but you’re bringing up new insight on the what,why and how I prefer to do business. Very cool,this.I’m going to have to think on it.I’m a professional psychic and therfore primarily a proprieter,focused on creating the product of a quality reading or class myself. This insight is going to give me a new lens to focus on the approach I take to thisThank youCatherine Kanehttp://www.foresightyourpsychic.com
Very Interesting. Since being laid off from my job, I am trying to get a business going working from home. I like being the entrepreneur. I enjoy the thinking and doing.
Hey Steve, Just started watching the video blog again from the beginning. This is awesome stuff.
Good clarity. Helpful in making the distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor in some aspects. Redundant in other aspects. Entrepreneur or Proprietor is a “stature” a business leader “earns” given whatsoever decisions he or she has made to his or her business. To me, you can give me any “label”. That does not bother nor interest me. What I would like to learn from you, Steve, given your life successes and experience, is what should be the higher callings for anyone who want to get into business. It scares me thinking of names of entrepreneurs and/or proprietors who lied and cheated millions of people in the business world today!!
Hi “theewoon”,
Thank you for your comment and your kind encouragement.
The distinction I make between an entrepreneur and a proprietor is a structural one. Proprietors tend to place themselves at the center of the business…contributing in a direct material way to the creation of the product or service being provided. Entrepreneurs on the other hand coordinate the resources of land, capital and people to accomplish their business objectives and function primarily in support of business operations as opposed to direct product or service production.
In order to design a business that truly delivers the lifestyle you want it is vital that you organize it such that your role in it aligns with your interests and passions.
This is where this distinction touches on the subject of your inquiry.
At the root of all of this is the fundamental necessity for people to be doing work that they love…what you are skilled at doing….what allows you to leverage your strengths….
We are all endowed with strengths, interests and passions in specific areas….In my opinion this fact is not the result of some random form of evolution…nor is it the result of your socio-economic upbringing…
Instead, I believe it is divinely inspired to be in service of your individual life purpose.
In other words, you are here for a specific reason…to accomplish specific things and contribute in specific ways. And so you have been equipped with the special skills, talents and interests which are expressly in service of this purposeful accomplishment…
Have you ever noticed that when you are doing what you love accomplishment is easier…there is less friction…and not just in your business or vocation but in life.
Well this is more than just feeling happy about doing what you love…it is in fact truly easier because you are moving in harmony with your purpose.
BUT
When you are NOT in action in service of that purpose, you struggle. The experience is wrought with frustration, anxiety and failure.
While you may in fact make some money (maybe even a lot of it as i did) within this struggle pursuing other avenues, you will ultimately NOT experience success.
So in the end the only path to truly experiencing success is in the accomplishment of purpose.
In ThePerfectBizFinder Program I begin by teaching you how to connect with your purpose first and then align your vision for your business around it’s accomplishment.
I hope this addresses your question.
Thank you again for your continued interest and encouragement. It’s great to have you here with me.
Sincerely,
Steve
Thanks steve for all the knowledge you impart to the people who are in touch with you. I am just an employee but I don’t like to continue with this mentality. I want to enjoy more properity and freedom. I am training my mind with little bit of Yoga & meditation. I have attained some mental satisfaction. Now, I want to get into your philosophy of getting richer and enjoying more freedom. I am sure it is possible though i am wmentally working out the ways each day.
Hello Steve,I just want to thank you and Manny Goldman for answering my questions during this week webinar. I am looking forward to learn a lot from your wealth of knowledge. Thank you again for sharing your experiences in business with the rest of the world.Keep up with your excellent work.Best regards,George BlancoCumming, Georgia
I took the strenths survey twice, just out of curiousity to see how if the results would be the same. They were not. So am not sure wht to do with the info. How do I know what is the accurate info?
Hi Rebecca,
There may be some fine interpretive differences in your responses that create the different survey outcomes.
Keep in mind that The survey instrument is designed to work as whole and provide insight into your strengths as they relate to the most successful entrepreneurs, not categorize you into a given role.
For instance you can have a partial match with a given role. This does not mean you cannot perform in that role nor does it mean that you can’t succeed in business. It only means that your strengths align with only part of those of the most successful people in that role.
This is actually very revealing because it shows you where you will want to make accommodations in order to excel in your business.
By knowing where you will tend to be challenged you can decide how to best accommodate these ‘missing’ elements in any number of different ways (such as hiring others or modifying your business model).
If in one pass through the survey your specific responses reveal that you are on one side of a role ‘cusp’ and in the next pass because your answers may differ (even slightly) it will alter the results so you are either no longer on a cusp and are instead most definitively aligned with a given role or you could switch sides of a cusp which would move you more definitely away from a given role. This would result in a variation in the results.
So, differences in your survey responses will change the results. Logically this makes sense, otherwise we would all end up with the same results =0)
This suggests that there were responses you were not completely decided or certain of.
If you would like to send me both copies of the your survey results I will have the team look at them and determine where your responses varied.
That will give you some insight into areas you may want to consider carefully as you continue forward in your pursuit.
I look forward to hearing from you and to helping you get what you want.
Sincerely,
Steve
For a large part of my life I have operated as a small business proprietor. Now, I am recognizing the limitations under that model and working more towards sytemizing everything more along the lines of the entrepreurial model you discussed. I want to step out of the way and let an excellent business grow throught the talents and skills of the brilliant people I want to surround myself with.I have learned the lesson that although I am good at what I do, there are others who can do better and more. I can be the visionary leader and let the more skilled and talented players shine in their best light.Together we all achieve more.
ty Steve, very good info. i have never looked at myself from those 2 prospectives.ty again Bob
Dear Steve, Many years ago I helped put together a course that helped people determine what career direction they wanted to take by identifying their natural skills, strengths and interests and matching them up with careers/jobs that utilized those skills. I have studied/used many aptitude tests and skills tests just out of a personal quest to figure out “what I want to be when I grow up.” Never have I come across a test applied directly to what sort of business roles one would enjoy. While I have only read through my strengths report once and did not grasp it totally, I can see the results are valid. I look forward to your 21 day course and finding out what sort of business I could excel in. I feel like a plant in a dark closet working 9 to 5 in an office, failed several times in mlm, and really am looking to create a better lifestyle and income for myself and my family.I am also glad that transcripts of the videos will be coming soon.
Steve,I want to thank you for the quiz (FUN!) and the insight. As a business coach in the field of Interior Deign I appreciate what you have to say. Great insight. Have a fabulous day! Thank you again L.K.
I am definitely moving in the direction of entrepreneurship as my small business grows I must definitely hire employees to do the work.
THANKYOU Steve.Your explanation and differentiation makes a lot of sense. I’ve not heard it put that way before. At age 52, as a Mum, former foster-Mum, Wife, and Nanna, ‘business’ seems so far out of my depth, but I guess I can say I am an entrepreneur in terms of ‘life experiences’, with a dream to possibly experience a business venture in my future. Your video has certainly given me food for thought, so I’ll keep tuned in. It’s a pleasure, that we are not being confronted by a pushy salesman, instead we are seeing, and listening to a lovely guy, with our best interests at heart. Good on you Steve.
Thank you for a very informative video. I had never really considered that there could be a difference between proprietorship and entrepreneurship, but after your video I understand the very definite difference. It was quite an eye-opener. I wll look forward to receiving your emails/videos.Thank you.
Dear Sir,This is the first time that anyone has come out with such information and your survey was very insightful. While those in the advanced countries have access to such information, you are doing a great service to us far away in India and Asia..Please continue.Thanks a lotRavi
Hi Steve.I want to thank you for your video!as for the job i am interesting of building a website to make affiliata commissions generaly speaking i want to make an extra income from the internet affiliate marketing!!what is your opinion about that?
Thanks Steve for that insight!! I have been working an MLM business for over 2 years and it just seems to have so much friction. However, I also have a proprietor business for 4 years that has been almost effortless and I absolutely love it. I have pursued the MLM mainly for money and time freedom, thinking that my other business ties me down because I am the business, without me it doesn’t work and there isn’t a lot of money in it. Now knowing the difference, maybe I am cut out for proprietor but maybe someday can turn it into an entrepreneurial business. Thanks!
Hi Steve,Like yourself, I am a serial entrepreneur turned consultant. My 45 year young practice focuses on enabling people with disabilities in realizing their dreams of self-employment. In vocational rehabilitation that is a really arduous process as the states counselling staff were not trained in advising people with disabilities how to get into business. This issue of business vs proprietorship is one that I cover in my training course for state VR Counsellors and people with disabilities and one that I point to as the only means through which some disability issues can be addressed successfully beyond simple technology.Business is about people working in various aspects of a firm. The objective of which is to hire, train and motivate people who can deliver a work product up to the trade standards or better so the business can grow and prosper. In closing, might I observe that the Internet affords us both opportunity and pitfalls as we try to evaluate opportunities to seperate hot air from substance. Over the past 10 years the Internet has provided amazing tools for implementation by the disability community to include virtualization and collaboration of businesses from a local startup to international presences at a growth rate unmatched by the Fortune 500. If anyone is interested in disability based assistance feel free to contact me at mentor-one@usa.netRegards,Owen
Interesting definitions, interesting survey – I am told that I am an introvert, thus better by myself, so I guess the better at being a proprietor and not an entrepreneur where I have to be in constant contact with people, lead people, train people (or have I got that all wrong). What I am doing right now, that is what is required, talk to people, recruit people, motivate people, train people and repeat… let’s say that I am not doing so well in even getting past the first step – talking to people.
Hi Paul –
Thank you for your comment.
You don’t have it all wrong. In fact you’re on the right track. But it does not mean you can’t be an entrepreneur. It just means that those roles you describe would be better served by someone else.
Envision owning a business without working “in” the business at all. As the owner you would have no functional obligation at all. You would have whatever management was necessary to manage and lead people and so forth, but you would still be the owner entrepreneur.
An only slightly different version of this would be you taking on the role of an individual contributor within the business….still owning it…but allowing somebody else to manage it for you.
You contribute where you are best equipped….they contribute where they are best equipped…your business grows.
I give a perfect illustration of this in The 22-Part Audio Coaching Program that accompanies ThePerfectBizFinder Program.
I hope this helps.
I look forward to hearing from you more.
Thanks you again for visiting.
Sincerely,
Steve
I appreciate that you differentiate between the entrepreneur and proprieter and give value for both. I think you communicated clearly and positively. If people will pay attention and evaluate which is stressful and apply their efforts to the other they will benefit greatly from what you are giving them. Thanks for the gift you have given me!!!
Hi Steve,Well, you’ve definitely got my attention. You’re squeeze page looked just like every other high-priced internet marketing sales letter, but since the recommendation came from Leslie Householder, I gave it a thorough read. Your survey described me better than I could describe myself. Now I realize why my last job was such a good fit (production). In the past I’ve blown through the “Introvert” characteristics as an entrepreneur when fIueled by great passion for what I was doing (I hold multiple patents). Here is what I desperately need your help with now; I have been unemployed for some time and have been trying to find something to again be passionate about. Thus far it has eluded me. I continue to chase unsatisfying “biz op’s” in an effort to keep my head above water.If you’ve got the solution — Bring It On! Looking forward to the next video.Blaine Lentz
Who moved my cheese? I’m 63, raised 6 amazing kids, did really well with my hubby buying, fixing, renting and selling real estate and figured on retiring on selling off our properties and using the gains to pay off the home we are now in through a 1031 exchange. Poof! Went from a paper-worth of over 1 million to facing bankruptcy and trying to figure NOW WHAT? What am I? An entrepreneur? From your video that’s more my style. Sole proprietor? Tried that – 2 businesses, but more glorified hobby than “real”. Selling? Yeah, your quiz SAYS I’m very strong in that, but I’m a TERRIBLE closer! In an MLM now, as it seems like just about my “only choice” as, at my age and as a displaced homemaker (never had a J-O-B for any length of time) there’s not much out there! I guess I’m still trying to “figure out what I want to do when I grow up!” All that said, I found your quiz to be quite amazing, as I have always considered myself a “loner” and find, instead, that I am an extrovert! Any such thing as loner extroverts? Food for thought….
I started my business experiences some 30+ years ago. I believe I spent most of that time as a proprietor. During a 3 year period, about 5 years ago, I moved into the entrepreneur position. Through personell problems and the begining of the automobile business downturn I have once again become a proprietor. I will be the first to say I was much more comfortable as an Entrepreneur than I am as a Proprietor. That is why I am looking for something new.
Steve,I forgot to mention I found the survey very informative and somewhat surprising. I have always been a people person but never much on counseling. I have no problem managing people but I do not seem to have the patience to deal with people who ask for help and then do not follow the suggestions they receive. I was always a good manager for other people’s businesses but felt I was better at filling the position of being an Entrepreneur. The survey actually said it should be the other way around. It has given me much food for thought. Hope to join your program soon but as I was injured and been unable to work since 6-1-09 and perhaps until mid August or September, there is no money coming in. If I do not work I do not make any money, another good reason to be more of an Entreperneur than a Proprietor.
Thanks Steve, really clear and simple, I know what I am and how to go ahead with a business I am just starting up.RegardsNatalie Pereira
Hi SteveThanks, I found the servey very informative and helpfull in getting to know myself better in relation to my current work and future ventures. I consider myself a proprietor at the moment. Thanks for the explanation in distinguising the two. I wasn’t sure about the real differences. I started a small photography business recently but can only do it partime at the moment. I believe that it will grow enough to allow me to put all my energy into it sooner then later.Kind regardsAnita
Hi Steve.Well well … how to start ?First, propitor vs entreprenour = see Rich Shefren “if you have a biz that require your presence full time, you don’t have a biz, you have a job”. There for you are perfectly right to make a clear distinction between the two concepts. Banzai for you.Next .. now things become criticaly hot.I “played” in my life time (+45 y old) with some psyhosociology and I have an idea how hard is to set up a questionaire as the one I completed – but the results in my case were …No, I haven’t made it again because I KNOW won’t ever be same result. Never and for nobody (any exception will support the rule).So, as I know a survey will give stright result once (consider that the one who complete the survey will do his best to be honest), i won’t make it again.So … the 6 “competency” (the outstanding candidates to be a Natural Fit) :- Entrepreneurship, Sales, Training, and Service.- Entrepreneurship, and Sales. ( but “acceptable candidates in the business roles of : Management, Training, Service and Counseling”)- Management, Training and Counseling- Administration, Training, Production, Service, Counseling, Technical and Medical.- Management, Training, and Counseling- Entrepreneurship, Sales, Training, and Service
Training
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(the biggest value .. )Steve .. Sir … Man … I SUCKS at training others, I tryied many times before and even more, I DON’T LIKE to be a teacher … I never liked, I hated every second in life when I had to teach or coach someone to do even the simplest thing … As soon I see the slighest sign the one I coach is behind my speed I become nervous and … the least I loose focus, sometime I look for the gun and wonder if the student can be fast enough to disapperar before get injured … Got my point ?Now .. should I understand that somewhere inside me is a teacher waiting to be promoted ?:-)
These have been clear ideas to me for some time, now.However, I have lacked clarity or instruction that I respect, in implementing this material
Thank you for your information. For someone like myself who has just recently decided that I need to make a change for the better, it has been hard knowing where to start and which way to go. Your information is coming to me with perfect timing. Thank you for being willing to help those of us who have no idea what to do but pray for the help we need to present itself.
Steve, For the first time I can see a clear difference between the two approaches to a business. It certainly gives me food for thought. Thanks for stating these things in such a clear and concise manner. I am looking forward to your next lesson.
Hi Steve,Firstly, thanks for making all this fantastically valuable information available to such a wide audience. It is my intention to be in a position to do the same for others soon. I read all the comments before watching the video and saved many that resonated with my situation. I relate my own account in the hopes that it may help others too.A move 5 years ago prompted a complete change of tack regarding work. Faced with the prospect of working for minimum wage, starting my own business seemed less of a risk (and infinitely preferable!) However, I effectively just created a job for myself, but with no paid holidays, no work – no income, and a lot of wasted/unproductive time between customers. I realised I needed a ‘product’- something I could sell more of than just my time (enter MLM) but, despite great products which I personally use, my heart was not in it; even seeing others making loads of money couldn’t get me out of the starting blocks!An accident last year prompted another round of work/lifestyle re-assessments – what do I WANT to do? A new craft/hobby led to the creation of characters and storybooks for children, written and illustrated (and published!) by myself. Although I have a huge (global) vision for this enterprise I find it hard to ‘let go’ of any aspect of the process and am in danger of holding it back. Despite being identified as an extrovert/entrepreneur type predominantly, the ‘proprietor’ in me seems to be limiting the ‘entrepreneur’ from taking off.I love the craft/writing/artistic aspect but also want my products out there, making a difference in the world. I also enjoy doing presentations about my writing/craft/motivational experiences and hope to increase my value in this way. I guess that makes me predominantly a proprietor as I like to connect with people (my customers) This is all very well, but I am working towards a retirement without any pension provision, so need to find a way of creating income without being personally involved at every stage (ie Entrepreneur). I feel as if I am being torn in half. HELP! Lesley, Cumbria, UK
I’m more of an entrepreneur than a proprietor. I lovechange and I’m growth oriented. Thanks for sendingme this video Steve.
Hey Steve; I’m more of an entrepreneur thana proprietor. Thank you for sending me thisvideo.
Hi Steve,In response to Leslie’s dillema about retirement, I counsel my clients with disabilities to frame their businesses so that they will be saleable to others when they decide to retire. Building your business so it has salability creates income for retirement and this future planning also provides a cushion for your family to rely on if you can no longer work in your business.Regards,Owen
Hi Steve,Thanks.The video did make aware of the 2 strucutures – something I had not formerly thought about before. I would like to further explore the information provided because at this stage, I could work in either capacity.Angela
Hello Steve, I have studied that if a person is the major cog in a business, then they are the major clog. That idea comes from T Hav Eker, I agree with his idea that a business should be set up with the end in mind. Hence a business should be set up with the view to sell it on. Hence I endeavour to see myself as an Entrepreneur I like the way you have set up your web sites, and the excellent way that they link together. Also I agree with the idea of adding value to clients, this is something that Jay Abraham teaches, who I studied under for a year. Many thanks for your ideas, which will help me to grow in my business. I hope that you will continue to do well in business, and be bless in all that you do. Warm Regards Michael G A Brown Law of Success
“Managing and leading others to the creation of value in the fulfillment of your vision or performing the primary functions of your business yourself.”
I know what I want to do and it’s “Internet Marketing” where I perform the primary functions of my business.
I like what I see in your use of video instructions you come across with what seems to be a sincere desire to help each individual.
I have been in the computer field for years and have built up seven major retail sales and support companies. Which I sold at what I considered the peak for me as a manager usually when I got to 10 to 12 employees I would sell the company at a nice profit. Over 12 employees and things would start to degrade as I am not a great administrator.
So I now have web some sites where I sell products they make me a nice living but I am still selling hardware.
I am watching you to see how you manage to sell enough low priced advice to make such a great living. I am learning as I watch your approach and I have not yet purchased your product I will when the time is right.
Thanks so much for the help so far.
Private NOTE: If you’re going to use your computer screen as a teleprompter you might want to get a foot controlled mouse to change to the next screen with just so we do not notice, as it looks a bit unprofessional. I thought everything else was very professional.
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The video helps to arrange the pieces of the puzzle better, but when one is starting again and again, the puzzle seems to be a million pieces with no border and no reference photo. This is just my life anyway.
Hi Steve,The quiz was fun and pretty much on target. I know that MLM is not the way for me and I have been doing alot reasearch with internet marketing and I’m thinking of trying affiliate marketing. I’ve always liked a challenge and strived to do my bestto make it work. It hasn’t always worked out but I can move on and keep trying.In my younger years I could figure out things much better and I was better at net working to get to where I wanted to go. Now at the age of 61 I find some things to be a little more challenging and more difficult for me to implement, but I don’t give up very easily. I know that eventually that I will get there, hopefully not at a snail’s pace. One of my biggest problems is the output of money. I’ve been laid off from my job twice due to then ecomomy. My office manager did tell me that she was very please with my work and very thankful for the detailed notes that I left for her so that she can just follow my notes and not have to learn then whole position on her own. Anyway I’m still going to keep working at this Internet Marketing and hopefully something will click. And Steve thanks for your insight it does help.Thank-YouSandra
Hi Steve,A wonderful insight for me. I had not made the distinction before watching the video. I find it inspiring to set up the new business according to the life style I choose. What a concept! A MAJOR key for me.Thank You,Many Blessings,Ellen
THIS IS AN EYE OPENER !!!!!!!!!THANKS STEVE
Hi Steve: I enjoyed your video but ne ver gave thought to the distinction of proprietorand entrepreneur. I haven’t received the results of my survey yet and am veryinterested in finding out what I am geared for. Video was great.Sincerely,Edith
Steve, I am so glad to have finally found a website that shares the info you do for free it is very motivational and informative in knowing who you truly are and how to truly be prosperous. I am both a propietor and entrepeneur. May God continue to bless you and keep you!!!
Steve, If I understood what you said in this video correctly, while people generally tend to be better at being a business owner or entrepreneur…and more comfortable in one roll or the other…to be ultimately successful, a person will need to be able to perform in both roles. As far as the report goes, while it is understandable, and reasonably on target, I am not sure that I fully understand what the recommendation is in respect to this first lesson.
Hi Steve i truly enjoyed your presentation ,The content reflects your generosity and the notion of certainty that you have Your voice is also very pleasnt to listen to…Your are not academic but energetic …I discoverd through your presentation that there is a link betwenn our true nature and our business orientation I am a believer and more a soul purpose being than a performance business person ,both not being incompatible ,just a question of preferences and choice as you say I guess you are providing me with a confirmation of what I am all about Thank you for beeing there and being who you are Emerson
hey steve, thanks for your very honest and helpful video…. i am a website student at the art instiute of portland ore…. my teacher is Chris Cade, he gave all of us students your website to kind of mentor to, along with his teachings and insights in the physical class room, he suggested we get into ‘teams’ about 3-4 and build a web site about an ecommerce topic we are interested in and he is teaching us the ins and outs of all the humane practices, if you will, of how to develope a site and ‘test’ all that needs to be done before we build, design etc a site, so i have paired up with a couple other sudents to build a site about ‘ quickphotographytips’, so we are in the beginning stages to make our site and apply our new educational knowledge to make a site for some kind of ecommerce, and the teachers idea is to use your videos to help us understand and make our site a reality, so in closing, thanks again for your videos and knowledge… my assignment, besides creating a site is to watch your videos and learn from you !thanks againkerry wetzel
Well I would say, it depends on the Business that I want to get myself involved with. Because in my own apinion, I have to aggree with what you was saying in the Video, that both sides are’nt wrong. So beeing able to consider both sides, is like I said, depending for what kind of Business I want to get myself involved with. But saying this, I also have to mention, that I am a person that can adapt to just about any situation ( talking about Business ). But if I had the choice, I defently would be the Businessowner who willingly build everthing around him, so that some problems just could not be solved without me ; ). So if I had the Financiall stability, I would defently be the Risk taking Entrepeneur. Peace,sincerly,Jake
heyI’m from belgium so forgive me when my english is not that good to read:dFor a wile now i’m struggeling to begin something on my own.I know that i’m a person who has the ambition etc to let it work out good.Now i don’t know what to open anymore, because everyone keeps telling me, it’s not a good time, its a crisis etc bla bla:-)Is that true.At first i wass so confident and got the motivation, but now :’(Thanks for your videos, because that proofs that there are still people to help chase after your dreams and take that step:-)Please, keep on posting that videos and i keep learning
You have made me think in a different way.what I am now is not how i want to carry on.maybe time fora change.thank you,powerful video.
I am learning many new ideas from your videos. Thank you
Hi Steve, wow!! thank you for pin pointing and highlighting areas I have overlooked, I can now outling marketing myself and the line of business I want to go in.Much appreciated.
Ok Steve, I totally get it. You make this distinction pretty easy to get by the way, bravo and thanks a bunch. Clearly my strength lies in entrepreneurial innovation.
You suggest that how I interpret value in the marketplace makes a difference and you assert that my ability to effectively organize and leverage available resources, the skills and assets of others, is what distinguishes me from a proprietor. Yes, this rings true.
Here’s the nugget I’m looking for and why I’m checking out what you have to offer.
I’m a ‘big idea innovator’ with a solution I want to bring to market. Like you said, I’m calculating risk and managing available resources but I’m not leveraging resources effectively enough to get it done. I don’t really care if I’m running the show and believe the show must go on without me eventually. What I care about is getting my idea to market so it can help people and change the world of work for the next generation.
Yes, the margin of my success depends on my ability to effectively leverage the skills and assets of others, especially since I don’t have the technical skill and lack capitol resources. I currently have only a fantastic idea, the willingness to lead and plenty of passion for doing what ever it takes ~ including partnering with your expertise if that’s what it takes to push me past this hump.
I just started a few days ago listening to what you have to say and I’ve found plenty of value so far. Thanks for making your expertise so easy to access. Looking forward to what’s next.
I believe that you are doing a great job at reviewing basic business philosophy. Thank you for the review.
Hi , Stevethanks for the survey , I liked it.and regarding to Video , and the question , ya I am an ” Entrepreneur ” , I am working for almost 16 years but for others , there were always the others who hired me and just paid me and never I was satisfy with this maner , because I feel that I am more capable and worthy . I usually think about my own business but I could not start it so far. when I was younger I tried one time but I failed . now I have family and there is one strong fear with me “” If I fail …. “” .I am almost 40 but I think even for better future for my family , I should start my business , but this is just in my mind and it did not go through even one step ahead!so apprecieted for your program and hope to push me in right way.Kind Regards/Babak
I am a proprietress, and really have no desire to be an entrepreneur (at least not right now). However, I feel that what you are sharing with us is still valid in pinpointing our strengths; and for understanding why there are those tasks that we just can’t stand to do, so we will know when to ask for help.I am a Wedding Minister/Officiant and Reiki/Energy Worker and although these do not appear at first glance to have anything to do with each other, they really do. I have seen from my survey why I am in these two field’s and why they work together for me. I can’t wait to see what is next and how I can use this information to make my businesses better.Thanks!
Hey there Steve,I was surprised when I read the results of the survey. It was as if you had been watching me all my life. Everything that was written is exactly how I am. As I listened to the video I came to the conclusion that I must be a Small Business Owner. My business that I have started is Information Brokeage, I provide a service for those who need information and just do not have any idea where to look.I can hardly wait for the next video.Thank you so much.
Great video (the content)Thank U
Hi Steve,The Report results are uncanny as they are dead on, except for the orderly section. Thanks for pointing out the distinctions between Proprietor and Entrepreneur. It makes sense for me to start out as Proprietor, begin building the foundation and when financial resources become available, leverage by outsourcing in the areas that will support my efforts and allow me to focus on the meat and potatoes of my up and coming business. I will most likely become an Entrepreneur once there is capital to be drawn from. Thanks for the opportunity!Suzi
Thanx for the Video, It’s very Helpfull.
The video has helped me clear in my own mind where I stand. I am an entrepreneur, absolutely. However, I own a business. I see now that by following entrepreneurial instincts I have not given the atention to the business that it requires. Consequently the business suffers and the entrepreneurial efforts never get properly off the ground. I need to focus on being an entrepreneur. Being a business proprietor fills me with dread.
Hi Steave,You made this Basic Difference very clear.As a biginer I think I want start as a Properitor individaully or with a small group of People.thnaks for you video
l am watching your vidoe with great interest as lm finding a new way in life again and need help in doing so with great interest and willing to learn from you thank you in advance
Hi Steve, thanks very much for your videos. I’m so glad you pointed out the distinction between the entrepreneur and the proprietor. I know I have alot to learn over the next 30 days and look forward to receiving your mails dailyRichard
Thanks Steve … for the clear light you shine on basic fundamentals. The “big” thing I got from this video is that the best choice is the one that serves the lifestyle we want to enjoy … too often we are led astray from this by how “others” think a business should be.
It’s like slowly raising the curtain… I’ve chosen proprietor and looking forward to step 2. I’m no expert on anything yet though
Hi Steve, thank you, I thought I was an entrepreneur but after listening to you I now understand that I am a small business proprietor aming to be an entrepreneur.Thanks for the videos I look forward to more.
Hello and thank you. I have been an employee all my life and being a single mum I am just gathering all the information and courage to change the tiring lifestyle. So far your coaching is the most helpful of all i have read.
Hi Steve,I have a small business and been running it for the last 10 years. I know that in order to grow I need to add staff to leverage off of their time. The major problem is that they do not have the same commitment to the business as I do and therefore tend to give bad service and cost me business. I tend to start new ventures and trust the main business with my staff and each time Iv done that I have to go back and pick up the pieces. How do I get staff to be hard working, loyal and committed?
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your comment.
First off, I want to acknowledge you for asking such a great question and exploring ways YOU can do things differently. So many business leaders are not courageous enough to be willing to do that and doom the business as a result. So congratulations and bravo for your courage.
That said…
I understand your challenge very well. Motivating employees to adopt an “owners” attitude is likely the business leaders greatest challenge.
There are a couple of things I can recommend you start with which may help.
First of all, understand that is most frequently the case that your employees attitude about their role and responsibility is adopted from signals they get from you, their leader. By this I mean that while you very likely demonstrate an exemplary attitude as it relates to serving your clients, you may look to what you reveal about your attitude toward your employees.
For instance, if your attitude is something akin to “I’m the boss, and you work for me or else…” then I think you can see that this communicates a clear separation between you and your responsibilities and those of your employees as they relate to the business. This in effect unintentionally constrains and possibly eliminates the possibility of them adopting the generative attitude you want.
On the other hand, if you were to paint a different picture…one in which you are the visionary leader (a ship’s captain perhaps) charting a course for each employee to fully express his or her greatest skills, talents and interests while also making a unique contribution to the growth and success of the business, then it is far easier for each of them to envision how their role provides a payoff for them and to take ownership of that contribution.
Usually this can be addressed reasonably well just by sharing your vision for the business, the role you see them playing in its success, the opportunity that success creates for them and confirming that this vision is aligned with the one they have for themselves.
Of course this means you’ll need to get a better understanding of what they want from this job…that may require a bit of retro-fitting and reorganization…especially for those that make high value contributions.
If you discover a mismatch, and if you can (re)organize your business in such a way as to deliver the role best suited for a valued employee, then explore ways you can develop a transition plan and give him or her the opportunity to own it.
Other times this challenge is sourced by a simple lack of understanding.
As the business owner, you have a clear vision of what you are trying to build and likely have very high expectation of the people you hire. It is easy to assume that they understand that vision and those expectation as you do, but it is most often the case that, even if you gave them a copy of the business plan and a position description, they do not. As the senior leader in the business, it is your responsibility to invest whatever time and energy is necessary to show each person exactly where you are taking the business, what job you need them to do and how they are and are not meeting your expectations.
One of the best ways to do this is to get in there and do the job with them. Most importantly have some fun while you do. Keep in mind that we are talking about people here, not automatons. People are motivated by pleasure not reward and certainly not pain, suffering and failure.
It is likely that once he or she sees the outcome you are looking for, partners with you in the process of learning and understands the payoff for himself or herself for delivering it, then it is really easy for them to be successful. That can be very motivating.
There are obviously lots of other possibilities. But this is a good starting place.
One other recommendation I would make: Watch this video: http://www.championsuccess.com/motivation.html
Thank you again for your comment.
I’m standing for all that’s possible for you in life and business.
Sincerely,
Steve
HI STEVEI AM AN ANTIQUE DEALER IN SOUTH AFRICA.I OWN YOUR TIPICAL SMALL BUSINESS WHERE IT IS TOTALY DEPENDANT ON ME .YOUR LESSON OF TODAY WAS AN EYE OPENER FOR ME.I NOW REALIZE THAT I NEED TO DEVELOP AND LEARN BETTER ENTREUPONERIAL SKILLS TO MAKE MY BUSINESS LESS DEPENDANT ON MY 27/7 INPUTTHANXANDRE
Hallo Steve,I had not heard the distinction between proprietor and entrepreneur ever explained in this way before. It really opened my eyes.I am 68 years old, and can not afford to make mistakes now. I just started a new Herbalife, Nutritional & Wellness Business. I thought since the Baby Boomers era this is the way to go. In the times we living people need to take care of their wellness. You stopped me dead in my tracks, with a lot of questions in my mind, together with the Perfect Biz Finder Survey, which you will also have to explain to the old man, please. Do I have a clear map of where I am going…….?..No I don’t think so anymore.I am going to sign up. See you on the other side. Kind regards and Blessings. Frans
While i am enamored with the idea of being an Entrepeneur, i think now that your defintion of a “proprietor” suits me better.Tx
I am a Proprietor evolving into an Entrepeneur over time. Suzi
hi SteveI enjoy your videos, you talk in a simple, no nonsense way. I own my own new small business (in 8th month) and I suppose I am the kind who does everything myself and use my skills from 17 years of working. I like the distinction about the entrepreneur though although I’m not really the kind of person who can pesuade other people too well – hence I do it all myself! Would like to develop those skills maybe!
Hi Steve!I just watched your video on the difference between entrepreneur or proprietorship. I have never really thought about these two words meaning something different. I have always been attracted to money making adventures since childhood. After watching your video, I feel more attracted to the word entrepreneur because it does express incorporation of others in a creative way rather than a perfectionist sole proprietor!
Thanks Steve, Just finished your video and as in the comments previously, I have always just assumed that proprietor and entrepreneur were the same. I lean more toward proprietor; not interested in having employees. I am confused with the survey results and need to reread it. Some of the findings seem to contradict each other. I have tried several businesses over the years and have never made much money. I definitely would like to change that.
I loved your view on the difference and totally agree
Thank You Steve. What to do when you encounter a new competitor who is offering your service(s) at so low a price that it not only causes you to lose loyal clients, but drives the value of your service down accross the board?Thanks, David
Great explanation of two often misunderstood concepts. I agree that one is not necessarily better than the other and that playing to your strengths while ejoying what you do to create value is where it’s at. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or proprietor you can do this and ultimately start on the path to doing what makes you happy while controlling your own destiny and playing by your own rules.I wise man once said that that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day. He’s right, but I’d like to add that work done with a godd heart is often far easier, more value adding and overall more successful that that done under duress.The trick is indeed to find something that is the right fit and allows an individual to generate income, create value and grow/develop as an individual.Great stuff, I look forward to hearing more of your opinions on these business and other business related topics.RegardsBronson.
Hi Steve,
Great videos! Since I am just beginning a home business, I would have to call myself a proprietor, but have entrepreneurial interests as well. I suppose that what I want to do is help people and lead them in the direction of taking care of themselves in several ways. According to your survey I took, it appears I have the necessary characteristics suitable for this. I also am entering a field which not many people have come close to mastering in their own lives. Thanks for the information, Vincent
Thanks Steve for the informative e-mails and videos that I have looked at so far. The insights you bring to the table are quite interesting. I would like to be in business with a partner and have it so the business does not need me per se to run and still make a profit. That way I could earn money while sleeping or golfing. Being service oriented in my leadership style makes me want to go into the helping professions because money itself does not motivate me as much as the satisfaction of good results. I take immense satisfaction in helping others who really could use an extra hand or encouragement. Tutoring franchises look appealing to me. I will be teaching in less than two years in the elementary grades.Just a note, I have tried MLMs and the products are usually quite good. It is the systems employed to recruit and retain prospects that I question.Thanks for all your encouragement and inspiration and I wish you much success!Darlene
Thanks Steve,I think you have it down to the essentials. Everyone is selling something whether it be a vision which will help to alleviate a problem in the world, a physical or an information product, or their professional services. If you can help them find their own particular identity and genius the probability is greatly enhanced that they will be able to put vast amounts of energy into their business. And vast amounts of energy in this computer age means global reach and globally enhanced profits.My admiration of you in making self knowledge of our keynote strengths and weaknesses your starting point. You have already succeeded and it is the greatest thing to be able to help others to do likewise.
Hi Steve,I have read many articles and watched several videos in trying to learn what I need to know to have a business on line, and your survey and video(s) are truly unique. I am an artist and am promoting giclee prints of my own work on my website as well as products for the home and family from a dropshipper. So does that make me both proprietor and entreprenuer? I am retired. I was a city clerk so work was structured, yet always something different happening that had to be worked into the routine.I appreciate your information and agreed with most of the comments in the survey.Looking forward to more of your insites.
Thank you Steve, really very important to know the difference. Looking forward to next lessons.
Hi Steve,Thank you for this interesting distinction. I see myself as the proprietor type, and your video helped me realize what has been a missing element in my partner’s business, namely: he is a proprietor, too, and cannot see why his digital printing shop is not growing more rapidly. The reason is definitely his lack of self-awareness. My point: He is the sole engine of his business, because he is unwilling to delegate responsibility and/or a share in the rewards to anyone else. I’m about to launch my own online Internet Marketing business (selling information products), and your video has helped me see that I’m on the right course for the moment, but it also opened my eyes to the fact that, if I want to do it on the grand scale, I should also learn how to think and act as an enterpreneur.Warmest regards from Serbia.
Very illuminating! I am definitely a proprietor. I am an introvert and have great difficulty managing others. I have my own idea that I want my business to center around. I don’t mind small. I want to work on my own creations, not someone else’s. I just want to make enough money to survive comfortably until the lights go out. Thanks for clarifying this distinction.
I’ve spent much of my life as an admin asst, although licensed in the securities business. I burned out and found an mlm that I believe in. I found through your survey that I am and can be very successful. This video was very helpful by telling me I made the right decision. Semi-retired, but still excited about working.
Hi steve, Iam glad I ran across your e-mail,the survey was very interesting but a little confuseing,I have only read it thru once will have to read it again.I don’t know if I am a Entrepreneur or Proprietor yet,I did have a store on ebay but closed due to the economy.I haven’t found my spot yet but with your help I hope I can,I like doung crafts so maybe there is something out there for me. I am also looking for a way to supplement my income so I can retire in a few years and pass it on to my children .I know you have a book out there but I don’t have any credit cards could you put other options like paypal or money orders for other people who would like to get it not everybody has them or likes them .Thanks, looking forward to other videos and your help. Sincerly Carolyn
I’m employed and I’ve always been. I’m a programmer.I cannot see myself as a proprietor, this is scary to me! However I often see myself as an entrepreneur. But since I’m working from home, I don’t see how I could become an entrepreneur. Who would trust enough to ask me to run their business?…
Steve I have much new info go digest.. The distinction you make is very valid and new to me.. For one more month I will have to go slow..Your service is ideal and I will be using…bob
Hi there Steve,Well, thank you for the interrogative survey and detailed response. I have read it all and found it very interesting. I did a similar test before on the internet, while similarities of result exist, I feel the overall results are much better as you add the necessary experience guidance factors. Your system picked up my technical expertise but not the extent. The use of a medical parallel is good, being a public accessible profession(clever, if I may say so !).I ran a Limited Company for my professional expertise as a Marine Surveyor due to the liabilities involved with this sort of business. I am presently operating a Proprietorship for my trade expertise as an Industrial Maintenance (Millwright) Mechanic this became necessary as the Provincial Employment Act required employers to make a decision in 90 days to either discharge us or employ us full time. This did not allow for projects lasting 31days or more( We thus referred to ourselves as the 90 day wonders !!). We got around this by ” Employee Contracting ” ourselves through the Technical Employment Agencies. The only problem with this is the lack of continuous work( I have had up to 14 months between projects). While unemployment does pay it only lasts so long and any gains have been depleted.I am thus well versed in your Proprietorship and Entrepreneur differences. However, I do think you are doing a great job in presenting and explaining this to others properly, which I have not encountered before.So, keep up the good work ! I am certainly interested in what your guidance to me will be for suitable directions. ( You have certainly whetted my appetite !!)Thanks Steve, for your guidance so far.Regards = Roy
Thanks steve the distinction between the two is excellent, I always thought the two went together, Im glad to have this new way to look at it, and I am laughing at how I complicated the whole thing before thanks so much Dawn
Hello Steve
Thank you for the very important distinction. I have been self-employed for 29 years in the arts, first with my own gallery then as an art consultant for the past 21 years, which allowed me to raise 3 children myself. While I have entrepreneurial skills, my business rests on my capabilities in advising clients, and managing their art collections. I have felt frustrated that I can’t grow my business as people want to deal purely with me, but your distinction has made it clear that I am a proprietor, and perhaps I need to relax about the growing bit! Many thanks, Trish
Steve,
This is good information. I’m glad I took up Christine Comaford’s email offer to check you out. The distinction you make today reminds me of Michael Gerber’s book “The E-Myth,” which is also based on his distinction between business owners and entrepreneurs. As a “business owner,” that was a very enlightening book for me. Thanks for adding to my continued enlightenment! -Terry
SteveThe basic distinction extends from not just us as business owners or potential business owners I think this apples to the workplace and putting people in roles where they can succeed. As a business owner I need to people the right people in the right role where they can add the most value. I will think about this as we hire and place people inout organization
Best regards
Mike
Steve, I’ve been a proprietor for most of the past 40 years. I don’t see myself as an organization-builder, though I did organize a state-wide political party many years ago, so I will probably always be a proprietor. I’d just like to be a proprietor of something different now.Mike
Proprietor
Hi Steve,Just a note to let you know that I could not find anything on the link you posted in your response to Chris. I think I may learn a few things from this free series that will help down the road when I get my life back in order. Thank you for this series and blog.
Hi Steve,I’m 37 now, and until about two years ago I had to do everything myself. I did well at anything I set my mind to but there is only one of me! Family life was secondary to providing for family… I burnt out after 15 years of a one man show. Now I am truly aging well and realize that I can do so much more through hiring or contracting others while coordinating time, effort, money, and etc. I use my hobbies to weave myself into the fabric of what I am! The conversion from proprietor to entrepreneur has been a change in mindset that took some time and education to see as possible for me. Now I am chomping at the bit as to what business will fit best!
Hello Steve,Having been the “vision guy” with 3 startups behind me and one in the wings it might be obvious to conclude that I’m an entrepreneur. However, in the past I always sought perfection and ended up micromanaging things that were distractions from my real purpose. Your video and survey make those things I’m passionate about very clear and remind me to step away from thinking I have to handle everything myself. Clarity is a wonderful thing, many thanks for that!
I’m a proprietor, which surprised me. I follow your distinction – and your broader definition - however. Thanks Steve, I’m looking forward to more!
Hi Steve, this was a thought provoking video for me. I believe I am a proprietor at this point in time that is targeting the entrepreneurial side of things. The report received answered many questions I had about myself and I believe will assist me in many ways into the future. Being a natural introvert, I have areas that I struggle with, particularly with the appreciation of the social side of marketing. I’d rather build a web page. I also do well one on one, but lag in group situations. Seeing it from the report perspective tells me that this is an area I should seek to outsource.
The best part of what you are doing is having people focus on what they want in their lives, this is SO critically important!So if your survey finds someone who is a better employee than business owner (not my case), do you offer to help them find an employer?I’m sure lots of headhunters and employment agencies would appreciate the knowledge you bring to the equation!Tim Seitztimothyjseitz@aol.com
I did find your short video informative. A good introduction regarding what constitutes entepreneur vs. small business. The survey was interesting, but I didn’t see a few distinctions that I think would affect whether or not one can persue… say enterpreneur and such. I’ll have another look to see whether/where this information takes me. At the very least, your site is helpful.
Hi Steve! Very insightful. I was a small business owner, owning my own architectural company. I am currently writing a business plan for a human resource management company, which I am leaning towards more of an entrepeneur venture this time.Thanks for your time and valuable infomation.Bill
Hi steve,very interesting video.i think i am more to propreator.looking forward for next stepsuri
Hi Steve! You asked for viewer thoughts on your entrepreneur/proprietor dichotomy. There are already 281–I think–responses as of my writing this, but you have hit on enough of a nerve that yet someone else (me) wants to add yet another two cents.Meaning no offense to the ethnic groups, a saying I remember hearing years ago was, “Too many Indian chiefs, not enough Indians.” Perhaps the context was military, but in any case the point was that many of us envy romantic notions of leadership … or bemoan our less-than-sterling reputations as leaders; entrepreneurs as you have described them would be a kind of leader or “Indian chief.” An entrepreneur leverages many, a proprietor relatively few. An entrepreneur has more hair on his chest (or some appropriate female analogy) and is more admired than a proprietor.But society cannot reasonably function with a high proportion of such leaders (“too many Indian chiefs, not enough Indians”), and indeed I suspect the actual composition of personality types implies more of us are proprietors than entrepreneurs. You encouraged us rightly, I think, to be honest and content about where we are fit in. Most of us are happier in the long run even being lowly proprietors than stressed-out entrepreneurs … though of course the romantic notion is just romantic.On some sort of flip side, division of labor is so pervasive that almost all of us “outsource” (think of groceries, for example) and leverage the skills and assets of others (how about mortgages and the www?) to function normally. You speak of entrepreneurship as a specific type in a division-of-labor environment, that is, entrepreneurship within a profit-driven organization under some legal definition like “corporation.”Presumably also–but this is an aside–somewhere down the pyramid structure of a large corporation there may exist those with entrepreneurial personalities (other than the CEO) or proprietors operating in departmental “fiefdoms.” I am suggesting that employees in personality may fit either entrepreneur or proprietor types…. All of which is to suggest this as I understand it: social functions of the entrepreneur/proprietor dichotomy may suggest the dichotomy itself has substance.
Hi Steve! You asked for viewer thoughts on your entrepreneur/proprietor dichotomy. There are already 281–I think–responses as of my writing this, but you have hit on enough of a nerve that yet someone else (me) wants to add yet another two cents. Meaning no offense to the ethnic groups, a saying I remember hearing years ago was, “Too many Indian chiefs, not enough Indians.” Perhaps the context was military, but in any case the point was that many of us envy romantic notions of leadership … or bemoan our less-than-sterling reputations as leaders; entrepreneurs as you have described them would be a kind of leader or “Indian chief.” An entrepreneur leverages many, a proprietor relatively few. An entrepreneur has more hair on his chest (or some appropriate female analogy) and is more admired than a proprietor. But society cannot reasonably function with a high proportion of such leaders (“too many Indian chiefs, not enough Indians”), and indeed I suspect the actual composition of personality types implies more of us are proprietors than entrepreneurs. You encouraged us rightly, I think, to be honest and content about where we are fit in. Most of us are happier in the long run even being lowly proprietors than stressed-out entrepreneurs … though of course the romantic notion is just romantic. On some sort of flip side, division of labor is so pervasive that almost all of us “outsource” (think of groceries, for example) and leverage the skills and assets of others (how about mortgages and the www?) to function normally. You speak of entrepreneurship as a specific type in a division-of-labor environment, that is, entrepreneurship within a profit-driven organization under some legal definition like “corporation.” Presumably also–but this is an aside–somewhere down the pyramid structure of a large corporation there may exist those with entrepreneurial personalities (other than the CEO) or proprietors operating in departmental “fiefdoms.” I am suggesting that employees in personality may fit either entrepreneur or proprietor types. … All of which is to suggest this as I understand it: social functions of the entrepreneur/proprietor dichotomy may suggest the dichotomy itself has substance.
As I revued my survey results and listened to Your video explaining the difference between being a proprietor or a entrepreneur, there’s no dought that I am a proprietor due to the fact that I could not or would not be interested in managing a crue or want to deal with employee’s. I do run a small offline business(Freelance Delivery)in my home town of Merritt B.C. Canada where I basically offer pickup/delivery service to lacal businesses, mainly restaurant food, I also leave myself open to package delivery and picking up groceries for people with mobility problems. I love being my own boss and offering these services, but this does only allow me to pay my bills, so I am determined to make it online. Now! I do have a “what to me is a franchise” with Stone Evens and The PlugInProfit system along with 6 streams of income Which I’ve been affiliated with since August 09 and I’m sure I could make something of this program if only I knew how to get it noticed on the web. I’ve linked my site to my blogger, I’ve automated articles from bizzopp.com, I’ve got the site hosted with host4profit, I’ve linked XML Sitemap to it and the Link Machine, I’ve got the “Ineedhit” which is supposed to connect my site to Google somehow but I’m really not sure what it’s doing and I also install as many Backlinks to my site from Angela’s EasyBacklinks as possible but man thats alot of work. My Wife Marivic is kind of angry about me spending so much money on getting my site noticed and not getting any results. I’m starting to think that I’m wasting my money also. I really need some suggestions, is there a cheaper way to do this? I would approach Stone Evens but I don’t trust His advice anymore. Like You mensioned in the survey result I’m sure Stone is biast to His system and I’m sure He would find somthing to say that I’m at fault somehow someway. Or He would try to sell me some other program. I’m starting to wonder if I’m in the right business now! Anyway I’ve said a lot now I would appreciate some input if You could.Thanks in advance!FrankPS; If You ever feel like going fishing next Spring or next Fall, let me know. Merritt has some awsome fishing hole that I know very well, but I’m a little biast when it comes to that. Anyway You’d have a great time and I hope to meet You someday. I can tell right away that You’re the example of the man I wish to become. I’m anticipating the lessons I will be learning from You.
Dear Steve,I am aretired business man that is looking for a business to work from my on the internet. I found your words very interesting and will certainly help in my choice of a business in this area. Looking forward to your next lesson.regards , John
Thanks Steve for the Business Finder Report and the Video today. I was an Entrepreneur with part ownership of a Residential Electrical Company and I carried out all of the Administrative functions, We had 5 people working for us Electricians and Apprentices, but the Union became involved and we were not making money, so the business has been inactive for a few years now.I have been taking courses about the Internet and as you can see from the resellers website, I thought I would really like to do some coaching, however I do not have the Law of Attraction coaching down pat, I was a mentor and coach for years at a Corporate job. I am older and may I say somewhat wiser and have some type of pension coming in which I need to supplement. I really do not have the funds to take any more courses, but I do like to write and somewhat teach or mentor people.I believe that the report put me bascially in the 3’s and 5’s for Business Administration, medical technical and the service type industry, which I was in and enjoyed in my Corporate life.I really like the Internet and writing, advertising, but am not good at closing the deal I believe, I really don’t think I like sales especially not cold calling. I am not really shy, but I do better when I know the person and feel that I know perfectly well the product I am wanting to sell. So thanks again, incidentally, I did take your very first course a couple of years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I really haven’t changed that much, except somewhat more knowledgeable about the Marketing side of the Internet.
Great video Steve. I have looked at some business coaching programs, and none of them made this distinction. I am in the unfortunate position of being in a company that – when it was smaller – encouraged entrepreneurial management by middle managers such as myself. However, as the company has grown, the top management has turned inward and has removed all of the prior incentives, and now practically punishes innovation!So I am turning Internet Marketing from a hobby to my next business. However, I am struggling with your “Five Questions” in that I keep inventing great products that – so far – have had no markets!But I think each non-success helps me fine tune another area.Onward to success!Rick CarterSTRESS JUDO
My coments are better keep to say am email about me…… I have worked as Drug & Alcohol Counlslor and did well except the last two years working for the Sally A. as the guys where just taking advantage of better living situations , acting out the role to appease the courts or whatever. First bfive year in another program I attended and joined I had people 20-40 for example that had never new how to open a bank account. I always started a job and ended as boss of a crew as when all I wanted was just to get paid. But have been unemployable since 1993 have turned to the internet ( got scamed lost 10,000 ) and maybe made $300 back as I have no list.Your video I could look at from two points of view, Personal or general to suit all not being negative but just turned 59 and as was young and foolish never set aside money for retirement so turned to the net, and have done things as told too, but to be honet you never get the whole puzzle alway pieces missing. So yes I now have mis-trust issues, and really have weight in what think fits and throw out the rest.Been acussed of being to complex but I take that as a complment, as I willnot get in line anf follow the other sheep…….Living on $620.00 after rent these last 16-19 years after being I guess a Uppy managing a softwrae company untill they became afraid of my computer skills we leave it at that……….Escourted to my desk in 1993 and not allowed to touch a keyboard escourted to door and handed 2 weeks severance they could not fire me but first tried by cutting my wage from 32,000 back to 22,000 not to bad for 1990-1993…..
Thanks for the survey and videos. Some of the references made in the comments above are a bit bewildering and obviously refer to things not covered in what I have seen so far. I am hoping future videos will shed some light on how to integrate the opposing results of my survey as right now it appears that my strengths are also my weaknesses. I am an almost compulsively conscientious worker but have difficulty motivating myself to do things “just for me”. On the other hand I have a low threshold of patience/respect for people who slack off at every opportunity and have a sloppy disinterest in doing their job, and I find it difficult to understand or deal with them. I don’t have a problem with people who do a poor job but are trying their best to do a better job, and get satisfaction in helping them do better. I don’t know where the mlm comments above came from but that is DEFINITELY not for me. Tried it. Sucked at it. Hated it. I don’t even buy mlm products. It would seem that I am a proprietor type and this is scary as I have absolutely NO money with which to start a business. Also, since I am older, my physical capabilities are such that I haven’t a lot of faith in being able to follow through with what it would take to get a physical business to the point of being able to hire people. This is why I am pounding the internet avenues to try to find something. Looking forward to the next videos to see if things become clearer for me. Thanks.
I hadn’t thought of that distinction, thanks for making it clear. My natural preference is to be a proprietor (I have been, in various forms, for the past 40 years.). However, my desire to contribute to society, the world economy, and my country is telling me I need to become a true entrepreneur and provide jobs (and/or biz ops) to as many other people as possible.
Hi Steve this is Tameca, you really hit the nail on the head when you said in your first email that I saw ,that it is not all about the money but it is about being happy with what you do. I was like, finally there is someone out there who understands what I am feeling inside. I am in a job that i hate, the money is good but I really want to own my own business. I constantly dream about having more time to spend with my family and doing something that I really love. Thanks again for the survey and I will listen to the next video.
Howdy Steve,The distinction between entrepreneur and small business owner is something I have not realized until I saw your video. . A small business owner I think of as one who controls all the aspects of the business when starting and may delegate tasks to others as the business grows,thus possibly becoming an entrepreneur. I am considering starting a small business repairing emergency lighting equipment for another company but am not sure it would be profitable because of the taxes, accounting and other problems associated with a small business. There is not much work now but it could increase later. MLM is not for me because it is difficult to keep the downline motivated and I am not a social person. Tried trading stock options but it is too risky. I am also looking into marketing other people’s products but am having trouble considering the audience and what to market and how to market it without spending a fortune on advertiising and not making any profit. “Turn Key” systems that are set up for you and all that needs to be done is drive traffic to them sound interesting but still no guarantee of lookers being converted to buyers. The profit potential is enormous if there are enough buyers but the risk concerns me.Hopefully I can get some insight from your experience and find something that works for me so that I can give back to society like so many other successful people have done.The survey was helpful in determining which path to take-it looks like sole proprietor is the way to go for me at present-I am still having a difficult time trying to decide which direction to proceed. Chris
I feel I am a little of both. I have trouble with converting sales. I do not do well with the social media nor am I fluent in writing for articles or blogs. I have not experienced any income as of yet from my business. I am hoping your information will give me more insight into what it is I need to do.
Hi,good stuff Steve, that is a good point to bring up the difference between the two. As a concrete contractor, I was too dependent on myself. It’s a trap. It can be good or bad. I knew I could make it without doing it,but as a pro its hard to stay out of it. I lost my business 8 yrs ago. Just been hustling work ever since. I’m 58 and still doing it. I’m looking for something else though. Your test was great.
hi steve i just watched the video and yea you seem like you pretty much right i mean i have became an affiliate of a product and to be honest i dont think its right for me haha because i havnt sold one! not one! and ive done everyhting ive been told todo but since i am now in your program hopefully i see light
and actually get somewhere in the world of entrepreneurship thanks again and i look forward to the next video scott huntsman.
Hi Steve,I enjoyed your video and taking your survey, but I must admit I didn’t fully understand what it tells me about my place in marketing is. I have done some MLM and affiliate marketing, some online service information web sites, and tried selling other peoples products as well as some of my own. The catch always is about paying someone to let me in on the system. This seems to be more about how to do it and where to go from here. I am still open to Ideas and look forward to learning more.
Hi Steve I am trying to make a go of the internet but so far i have been wiped out by all the monthly newsletters clearing my account of cash — I will succeed even though it will be slow — owning a business is not for me — you are like a prisoner to the clock
A real eye-opener, thank you! I had never thought of the distinction between both roles. I’m the proprietor of a small information business, but I am now building another business –a window for artists and artisans to sell their work– that I now realize is going to require a more entrepreneurial role. The great fun of the survey is that, although I came by my business by fate rather than design, I seem to be in the right place for several of my competencies.
Hi Steve,The report of the survey is most interesting as it gives the personconfidence and self esteem to pursue what they desire.It is structured in such a way that it makes you feel like you are right beside the individual boostering their morale and kind of leading the way.It is very effective. Your video is very interesting too and starts creating a very clear picture of the differences between the entrepreneur and the proprietor, something which I had not realized. Thanks for all the information and looking forwaed to learning more.
SteveNever thought about this before. I have the blessing to be both practical and teoretical. But I am no sales-man, never was.When I work with my hands (art of seamanship or producing copper-tables) I loose the time-aspect.I am a trained bachelor of laws and a sea-captain. But on the internet I have not been success-ful with anything.What do you think of me? I think I want to try to become an entrepeneur.Somehow I lost your mail with my individual strengths and the sound on it was very weak. Please send it to me once more.Eero
I am very definantly looking for a small business. I have been responsible for the performance for others and I’m tired of it right now. I also love the arts and crafts and doing things with my own hands.
Hi Steve, I didn’t know there was a difference between the two. Is having a resale shop on Amazon being both at once? I love my work and not only do it alone but because I do retail I deal with people as well and am beginning to have ads on internet only radio stations. How many other resale shops either online or brick and morter do you know of that have commercials? The reason other people aren’t working for me yet is because it costs more money than the shop is making to buy property and hire people.
Thanks. Now I know more proprietors and respect the entreprenuers. Building skills to be a successfull entreprenuer is the biggest challenge to a proprietor.
Hi Steve, I thought I would be considered a entrepreneur if I got into doing marketing on the internet. Does that statement not scream NEWBIE! Or just that I have been out of touch with the business world for some time now. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I’m a Proprietor who just really wants to make a (very) good living through the Internet. I’m looking forward to more videos and reading my survey results for more enlightenment. Thank You, Sheila Crowder Have A Great Day!!
steve, you are simply good
Hi Steve,My competency are 5’s in Administration across the board, 3’s in Counselling, 3’s in Management, 5’s in Medical apart from 2 which are 3’s. Production 5’s except for one 3, Sales are only 1’s, Services 5’s 1 three and 1 one, Technical 5’s and one 1, Training 3’s and 5’s. I am more of an Introvert than an Extrovert. Yes, in most of my past work experiences there was always mentoring, coaching and Administration, and I believe I know that best. I have an inactive business with a Partner, and my work was bascially Administration. Sales don’t seam to be one of my fortes. So Steve, what do you think based on the matrix scores with respect to the Summary work sheet. Thanks in advance if you care to respond.
Hello,SteveThank you for sendig your video performance to me.Yes,everyone can built business succesfully in agreement with their belives,the more confortable they feel with the business the more they acieve their goals.Everyday and all around are economical opportunities,but we are blind to see it,or inconfident to start it,and energy go wrong way because of it.My question for you is: How to see the opportunity ? Once that we see an oppotunity,can it be possible to hold and to enshure that we extract all the benefit ?Thank you for taking care of me,Omi
Your videos are definitely inspiring and brings in that magic of trying to build something of my own that I have been dreaming of from ages but have just not done it. I have tried working on a couple of ideas like a jobsite, marriage site, a school but unfortunately I leave it in 3-4 days. Probably the fear that it will not run or fail makes me stop everytime I start. What do you suggest?
I like you. I like listening to you and your pearls of wisdom!You have a lovely manner on camera too.Deep down I’ve always known I was made for business, yet came from a very defeatist, although hard-working family - there were no expectations for me except to just get by.Things have changed, I’m grown and my entreprenurial seed, burried deep has begun to sprout, your pointers clarify this for me. Many thanks.
The video on this distinction is quite an award winning. It has provided me with a true insight on the defination of an entreprenuer and a proprietor. This has help me to evaluate myself. Thanks and contibue with your good work.I must say thet I was most greateful on the results of your questionnaire. It is truly a wonder.
Hi steve, i liked the video very much it will help me a lot. i’ve just started networking & these questionare made my work easy . Thank you very much
Excellent video, Steve! – I’m a proprietor, authoring children’s books. I watched these out of order so my comments on your blog re Guru or Maven were actually answered by you on this video. The internet is such a widely used tool for business now and my publisher recommended all these blog sites which I don’t know how to use (but will learn) and the information seemed overwhelming. From your video, however, I’m realizing that is exactly where I need to focus some time and attention in order to get things moving in the right direction. So thanks for this video. The path is becoming clearer.
a distinction i have never had before
Hi Steve, i thank God for the ideas he has given you to share with the world. I have learnt already alot from your videos and all along i have been having alot of dreams in my mind but to start it is aproblem. I am a graphics designer working with apublishing company but iam looking for how i can earn income from side businesses around. Sometimes the business is good and at times its completely not there. So i end up being broke throughout; i thought of starting a smaller grocery business to suppliment the above, but iahve failed because of the capital, i have the building which needs to be renovated but ia have failed to start what should i do?
Janet
Hi Steve, Thank you for the clarity and distinction between being an entrepeneur and a business owner. I never really thought there was a difference as the 2 words are often used interchangeably.I am involved in 3 businesses right now, getting them all started. I am still trying to figure out the manual. There is a lot of information to decipher through.
I appreciate the distinction. The two words have been used pretty interchangeably in many places. I have definitely been a proprietor in various enterprises through the years. I have always felt most comfortable with that relationship to business. At present, I am wondering about developing an income-producing enterprise that doesn’t depend so much on exercising my personal skills as on sharing them and encouraging others to develop themselves.
Thank you Steve for the distinction. Nobody has ever explained it to as clearly as you did; great job. Do you also think that resources ( especially financial) is also be a factor in deciding whether to be an entrepreneur or a small business owner.
In the long run, it really does not matter if you see yourself as either proprietor or as entrepreneur. The bottom line is that you create value for your customer. Those who only consider being in the black and do not consider the value that you create are destined to a life of living in the red.
Hi, Steve.Thank you for the distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor. Never really thought about it but definitely good to know. My husband started our family business 17 years ago and we have done well. However, with the economic downturn (we have our business in Michigan) I have noticed a changed in the way our customers shop. I really would like to get on top of this and find a way to manage this trend to our advantage. Looking forward to more info. Thank you Aminah
Very Interesting on the distiction between entrepreneur and proprietor abount being a leader or running your business yourself. but do you also help build your business as far as leads and traffic and getting your site public and driving converting sales to your business website like Jonathan Budd in the site I included above training you to have converting website and customers? it is one thing building your website and finding the perfect business but is another thing finding and making sales over and over again. Or is that part of your training as well?That I must know and thank you for explaining the process Maryann
Hi Steve,the difference between entrepreneur and proprietor is interesting. I don’t know which one sweet to me and i don’t have the knowledge to be one of the both. I can say that i am quite interested by been proprietor. I wish to begin in business without building a website. I think it’s possible. But what kind of business, i don’t know. The test of orientation i did doesn’t help me, there is too much choice. what’s the next step?
Hi Steve,The survey described me perfectly!I have always thought I should work for others…fear based? I am venturing out on the Entrepreneur side and it feels so right!Chana
Steve,
I hadn’t thought to distinguish between Entrepreneur and Proprietor before, and spent a number of years struggling to start a business in the proprietor role, which ultimately drained my energy, bank account and desire to operating my own business.
Later, back in the work force, I found a couple of tasks that really energized me and started on the search for ’strengths’. I’ve finished your survey and found some notable matches in the report with the things I find exciting in business.
Adding to that the distinction outlined in this blog and it is clearer to me that my better business plan is to avoid the proprietary businesses and seek more established opportunities as an entrepreneur, where management (my highest score) is a key requirement.
This information is excellent! I’m looking forward to the next video.
Hi Steve, I just wanted to say that the survey was quite on the money, as far as I can see myself. I was anticipating a financial consulting type of business. I have a background in Accounting and I also have been an entrepreneur in different businesses in the past. I first started as a proprietor and was providing accounting services to small businesses. This lead me to self-employment and I see myself as being an entrepreneur and proprietor, a mix of both. I like the idea of entreprenuriship.
Hello Steve, I agree absolutely with the distinguishing between the two. I have a job that allows me a lot of time to to offer other ventures. My current skills are in the Emergency services areas, and taking your Survey (which was spot on) highlighted that I am most comfortable in Management/Sales and Services so I am now getting excited about the possibilities of getting involved with an established business in an entrepreneurial capacity.
I haven’t built my website yet. But I wanted to comment on this video. It helped me greatly to know what it is I am going to tell people when they ask me exactly what type of business I am doing. Based on this video – I AM A PROPRIETOR. And that works great for me because I don’t want to have to deal with too many people when I start running my business. I’m looking forward to future lessons/videos. Thanks again.
I see myself as being an entrepreneur and proprietor, a mix of both. I like the idea of entreprenuriship more though. When I worked in corporate world I was recognized for creativity, I need change and always look for short-cuts and better ways… I called them “tricks”, but now when I am trying to develop my on-line home business …I lost all my creativity and spend more time on technical issues, than thinking about business itself!:) Very overwhelming … Steve, your videos help me to streamline what I am doing, but not be scattered. Thank you
Hi, I have been a proprietor for the past 15 years and was seen as delivering great service. I decided a year ago to move into building the business and bringing more people on board. It has been a tough year with the economic downturn. In spite of being an extrovert I haven’t enjoyed selling. Thank you for grabbing my attention. Cheers, Kate
Hi Steve, Thanks for more insight. I like what I have learned and from your discription of the 2,along with my personality and the history of the work I do and have done for many years I would see myself going into the Direction of a Proprietor. It is good knowledge also to know you can change if you need to down the road. Have a great day!!Joe D.
Hi Steve ,Thanks for the insight. I think i know where i fit in now after haveing heard discription of the two. Im kind of enttrepreneur . I have some weakness which i should work on it to improve. Thanks againSam
Hi – Steve, Thanks for your help and advice, how to be perfect enttrepreneur. 7 years ago, I used to work in Travel Agency in the uk, After couple of months, i was incharged of one of their office, I did hard work and well (like my own Business). I still remember, it was in 2003, I made from my hand in Month £50,000.00 for my boss(Only Selling Flight tickets). He didn’t look after me then I left the Job went to university to Improve my knowledge. Even While I was studying I thought, I made more money to my boss, Why i can’t do it myself, From then I thought to start my own Travel Agency Business. After University 3yrs later, I came back and helped my Friend Who had Travel Agency in 2006 (to get experience back). That time its not popular, just 20%. I worked his business like mine, 6 months later it boomed up nearly 60%. I thought I got a talent in service, Skills. So thought to start own my own, then I did last two yrs I’ve been doing, but I can’t see any good performance in my Business. I am always thinking, I have to be one of the leading Travel Agency in the UK and I have big dreams and goals in my life. Its taking time to achive those. I read The Secret, How to be Rich, The Answer… I dont know where I make mistake in my business. Pls help me Steve.thanks, Dharan
Thank you for your videos and the previous personal profiling. I was involved a company that had created psychometric personal profiling for business and corporate HR hiring for a few years (VP IT then CEO) and found it quite interesting. I was glad to see you define the difference between an entrepreneur and a proprietor … although one can be both with one of the two “personalities” being dominant. Personally I know that I am an entrepreneur as I am horrible at paperwork, accounting and such, and leave that to outsourcing. Ideas and thoughts of new business concepts flow constantly to the point of head-spinning at times. It is also said that most entrepreneurs are inflicted or gifted, as the case may be, with ADD. An analogy that I whole heartedly agree with. As soon as the fun of creating a new business and improving it as quickly as possible wears off then we are seeking new challenges and horizons. This is where an element of proprietorship is a good thing – for continuance and stability of the newly created business. It is hard not to fit the description, as the famous Canadian humourist Stephen Leacock once said, “he flung himself upon his horse and rode madly off in all directions”. As my years advance (not quite ‘older than dirt’ – yet) I have settled, for many years now, into the ‘groove’ of online training for the financial services and enjoy it. The entrepeneurial spirit is still alive and well but pretty well confined to that niche (lots of manoeuvring room). I look forward to more of your wisdom and insight. Cheers! James Cousineau, FSTC Canada, FinancialServicesTrainingCourses.com
Thank you for your personal profiling analysis, Steve. I finished reading it last night.With my strengths mainly in Administration I don’t think there are many business opportunities for me. Also any business I should choose would require me to employ others, which would require me to be a manager – another one of my weaker attributes.A short month ago I started on the road to becoming an internet /affiliate marketer, and your analysis has kind of shown me that I might have chosen correctly. Thank you for your insights and your guidanceSchalk
I am working in a cooperative type of organization, which is teaching and encouraging people exploit their potentials to become entrepreneurs. We do not think of any separation beteween entrepreneurs and proprietors or put a fine line between them. Your distinction however, opens up a window of typecasting the loner and the gregarious methodologies of dealing with clients. Do you have any further purposes in the lessons to come that will make this dichotomy very useful?
Hi,you boughtout distinction cristal clear.Thanks
Hi,Beautifully presented. I had no problems understanding the distinction between entrepreneur and proprietor – on reflection (helped by the Perfect Biz Finder Survey report on me) I think I want to be an entrepreneur, but am trying to be a proprietor because of resource limitations.Venkatesh
Hi Steve; Thank you for the great distinction betw’n the two. I am an entrepreneur who loves to develop healthy gluten free baking. I was previously a small business owner operating a retail bakery selling the finished baking product, but, because I did not want to have employees, I was very busy myself. I now wholesale the dry product thru a few stores in my area and am enjoying this more….altho the money is not as abundant. I am also involved with a NWM company that I really love, but I stuggle with the aspect of cold-calling. I am currently looking at a business venture that involves entrepreneurship, training, service and sales, which I can operate with or without other self-employed business owners, and promote both of my other business products…which was an ‘ahaa’ moment when I read the survey results and saw that this is exactly what I should do. I look forward to your next email. Eloise
Steve, It depends on the day of the week for me, which is why I always have such a tough time getting anything going. On the one hand I love being independent and doing my own thing as an entrepreneur. However there are times that I feel that I am lazy and not producing anything of value as i would be with a hard days labor building a house or digging a ditch. On the other hand as a proprietor repetition absolutely drives me crazy, even though at times I find refuge in it. For example when there are challenges that need resolving it is easier to work on book keeping and filing than to really explore how to solve the problem or create further growth. I imagine I am not alone in this dilema and look forward to you adressing it in the future…. thanks-Mark
Steve thanks for the report, some work to review and integrate business with personal style. As I get this lesson, an entrepreneur generate ideas and keep an eye on the key processes indicators and manage or tweak internal and external main direction areas. Proprietor has this resident expert that organize with some hired or outsourced staff to keep business going. My first step would be to create cash flow as proprietor then move to entrepreneur. Lets say I seek for market value for specific training sales for example. I find an camera face expert, arrange for products or services and promote him for online offline expert shows. The leverage of would make it entrepreneur or proprietor style depending if I’m the only expert in promotion or hire a group to do it. So again in which business style is natural to me would determine my success. Got it.
Hi Steve, I guess I’m not really much of the entreprenaur type. I definately fall into the proprietor class, although this does have some sort of a stigma to it. I tend to think of proprietors as people in little shops. That said, I fancy myself as a business of one, I trade my own accounts, no sales, no product, other than the money, no service, unless I decide I’m willing to trade somebody elses money.
Hi Steve,This is awesome! I am just about to begin my own “small business”. It’s actually taking off tomorrow and everything is set for the take off. Your video blog is quite encouraging and insightful. Like you said its all about how to add value to the market. I am actually taking off with very limited resources especially Labour, but I strongly believe that as the business grows I will surely migrate to hiring more labourers. Thank you so much and I do promise to keep you posted as the business strives to a greater height.
I see myself, according to your lesson 1, as both an entrepreneur AND proprietor. My product, which is the world’s first scientifically designed cat bath which also serves zillions of breeds of small dogs, is my own invention based on years of experience. You cannot bathe a cat? I show you that it can be done; safely, humanely and happily! My video immediately proves my point!In a rush of excitement, I showed my video to Home Shopping Network! Little did they know it has not been manufactured yet! They wanted to launch it in 2007! This already spurs me on to know I have a great idea that addresses a multi-billion-dollar-year pet industry. Though I am a niche market, I will be assisting home feline owners as well as professional grooming shops. Why am I not starting this business?No start-up capital! This is why! Where have you heard this song before? So currently, I am living a life of poverty, needing to partnership with someone to get us started!
I really had no thought to the difference of the two entrepreneur or proprietor. I do thank you for the enlightment, and I do realize that I need to experience both in order to better understand my position in life and what role I want to take. Right now I’m undecided of which role will make me the happiest I won’t know until I experience it . As with your information this is a new learning curve for me and I’m learning more as I go along.
Greetings Steve,This was a wonderful, next video presentation for the program. You give solid, and vital information in a very comfortable fashion. Thanks,Karl
I want to be the entrepreneur and not proprietor in order to teach what I learned to someone else, and pass the business on.
Dear Steve, Thanks for your video. I´ve been a dentist for aprox. 25 years, but four years ago, my clinic broke. I´m responsible for that, as I don´t want to be a dentist anymore, and am working, and studying to be a coach. I´m listening to many interviews and study the book A Course in Miracles for many years, and I want to help people to see things in a different way, but I don´t have any idea how to do that. I don´t have any credit card anymore, as the around 6 I had where taken from me. And I still have some debts to take care of, although I´m not making money constantly right now. I´m also a professional translator, in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and I´m getting some cash out of that profession righ now. I put legends to videos, and maybe you would be interested in working with me on that. There are about 200 million people who speak the Portuguese language around the world. I´ve a group of top translators that could give me a hand if we have plenty of work . Holping to receive an answer from you. Thanks again for the videos.
Very important distinction. Helps me understand for myself, which is th best fit for me.
i have work power and have any the work’s experience and have any domain knowledge.i must go to below my target.
Thanks Steve. At this point I don’t know which one I am. Bob
Hi Steve, I’m gonna be just like you. Right now I am small business,but whatever business I get up and running, I’m always thinking of my next venture.Therefore one day I believe I’ll have many businesses, and be an entrepreneur.So many pies, so few fingers
..It doesn’t matter if you have degree’s or doctorates, or non-educated, as long as you have will and hunger, you will succeedHappy Days Ahead xx
Hi Steve, I took your assessment and thought it was GREAT! I’ve been doing alot of soul searching lately and have been tossing some business ideas around. The results of the assessment were definitely on point in identifying my strengths and they reinforced the choice of direction I was leaning toward. The first video was helpful in clarifying my role in my new business. I am definitely an Entrepreneur; however, I do see a little of the proprietor in my as well when it comes to specialized projects and/or business ventures.
Hi Steve,i’m impressed with what i’ve learned so far although network was bad.I am looking forward to see more of them.i’m a student who which to learn ahead.Mr Steve this is my dream and i want to count on you.thanks Jimmy
Hi Steve, I have yet to start my business and am in the process of optimizing my first trial site.
Your video was very insightful Steve. In the early stages of planning, my business was to be an offline venture. It has since changed to incorporate the advantages of Internet. To my way of thinking the structure of the business proprietor is too limiting for me and the scope of what i have envisioned my information service to be.
My passion is in education and as an information service will provide many
beneficial values to firstly, the education sector and then, the wider sectors outside of education. If entrepreneurial-ism is also about creativity, then that is me too.
A request. Is it possible Steve to make available downloadable copies of your vids, as i would love to go back over them to refresh my memory.
Great video, interesting distinctions drawn, a useful way of expressing the “in” as opposed to “on” principle of working your business.
Hi Steve,
Since leaving my full time 70 hours a week job in education i have been searching for the right fit. I found your report to be spot on. This enables me to work on my areas of weakness and use the knowledge of how my strengths can be used to my advantage. I have tried every thing from real estate, option investing, internet marketing and currently i am back to network marketing (see web site) i was successful in a similar area many years ago. So with your report I am sure I will be again…. great video
Hi Steve,
Very good and insightful video.Never imagined the distinction between two systems would be so thin.Thanks..
Hi Steve,
The information you have provided has been very thought provoking. I am looking to create my own business but am still unsure as to what and when. I am confident that if I follow your 21 day lessons that I will have a clearer view of where to go from here. Thanks for the info – i look forward to seeing you again tomorrow .
Thanks for the distinction – at the moment, I am beginning a hypnotherapy business(a passion for me) - I could see this tracking in both directions. I love doing the one-on-one sessions and realize that my time is limited, though I’m capable of making a good living (over $100k/yr) this way. I would love to be connecting with others and promoting their products as well as creating and promoting my own in the future to create multiple – passive streams of income. My biggest challenge is to take first things first and stay focussed so my efforts and energy don’t get too scattered in the process. Thank you for the valuable information you are providing. Vida
Good Day Steve:
Thank you for the clarity. You have a wonderful way of clarifying the distinction between the entrepeneur and the self-proprietor. I am a lawyer of 20+ years. With the exception of the first 6 years of my practice, I’ve always been self-employed or the little proprietor.
During this time I’ve always wanted to grow into the entrepeneur. However, it always seemed in my market place with so many large firms around me that I never could really turn the corner to do that. It was always the issue of either necessary capitol or sufficient volume of work to justify hiring additional lawyers to start a firm.
Perhaps, I never really wanted the traditional law firm, yet I keep seaching for something else to still turn that corner into entrepeneuralship but I don’t exactly know how to do that.
Clearly after taking your test I have many more strengths in leading, being with people and counsulting, which already is apart of my life. But how do I expand upon that to make a real living and become the entrepeneur I’ve always wanted to be?
Steve, your report is outstanding. It will take some time to digest the ins and out that I personally resonate to and look forward to comeing out with a result that will bring my talents out to establish a desired result for me this year.
Thank You
And many thanks to the team that is working with you to help people like myself get a picture that has no BS.
Cheers
Kathleen
The insight in business you share is very precious. I have never looked at things that way. I can’t determine which of the two types I am; it might be necessary to try them out to find out. Some answers only come with practice, but it is of extreme help if one can look at one’s experience through the lenses of other’s knowledge. Thank you so much.
Hi Steve,
I found it very interesting that my results from the profile survey indicated medical and counselling. I became a nurse when I left school and I have done a Counselling Course. I did a Small Business Course through the NEIS scheme and ran my business for 11 months. My lack of self confidence I am sure acted as a blockage to me running the workshops I was planning.
Thank you for explaining the difference between the Sole Proprieter and the Entrepeneur. I am looking forward to future lessons, thank you for time you take supporting us. I have never been involved with MLM. Gwen
Steve, I normally couch this question in different terms: does the subject matter of the business represent (or does it not represent) something that I and only I can do? My problem right now is that I’m involved in something like that – a highly specialized niche with strictly speaking essentially zero competition – but the only way I can make a decent living from it is if I work MANY more hours a day than I am able to without burning out. I do have one other idea I am pursuing right now, but it’s still in the early stages so I cannot say how well it is going to work out. But that’s the only viable one I’ve figured out so far. Which is more or less what brought me to your site – I don’t know if putting all my eggs in one basket is a great idea for risk management…
Namaste Blessing Spirit of Steve
I bow too thine inner Spirit
Hey Steve your Vibrations got ME BUZZING Steve, bless every cell in your Eden body.
I love Good Oderly Directions & I love a Fine ROMANCE in or out of Business lol
presently im not working not worked for 9 years i live like a HERMIT however
I am CREATED & MANINFESTING with the POWERS that be to create a
FINE ROMANCE OF A LIFE STYLE
TO HELP THE WORLDS DYING CHILDREN WOUNDED BY HIV
MAN MADE MAN CREATED HIV ive researched many years now
I WILL FIND A CURE ITS MY DESIRE
GOD SOURCE
THE ACRH ANGELS WILL LEAD ME TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ALL KNOWING
and i know alot about HIV i LIVED WITH IT FOR MANY MANY YEARS ADVANCED NOW
I REFUSE TO DIE THIS VIRUS WAS MAN MADE I HAVE PROOF SOLID PROOF
IM JUST GIVING TIME
TIME THEN I WILL OPEN UP IN ONE VOICE OF TRUTH HONESTY AT ITS BEST
UNIVERSAL GUIDED
STEVE YOU GOT ME buzzing fella
ON THE WORD ROMANCE SO I HAD TO
GO LOOKY LOOKY IT UP heres what i found its AWESOME Steve
From the high Middle Ages, in works of piety, clerical critics often deemed romances to be harmful worldly distractions from more substantive or moral works, and by 1600 many secular readers would agree; in the judgement of many learned readers in the shifting intellectual atmosphere of the seventeenth century, the romance was trite and childish literature, inspiring only broken-down ageing and provincial persons such as Don Quixote, knight of the culturally isolated province of La Mancha. Hudibras also lampoons the faded conventions of chivalrous romance, from an ironic, consciously realistic viewpoint. Some of the magical and exotic atmosphere of Romance informed tragedies for the stage, such as John Dryden’s collaborative The Indian Queen (1664) as well as Restoration spectaculars and opera seria, such as Handel’s Rinaldo (1711), based on a magical interlude in Tasso’s Gerusalemme liberata.
Many medieval romances recount the marvellous adventures of a chivalrous, heroic knight, often of super-human ability, who, abiding chivalry’s strict codes of honour and demeanour, goes on a quest, and fights and defeats monsters and giants, thereby winning favour with a lady.[8] The story of the medieval romance focuses not upon love and sentiment, but upon adventure.
The first romances heavily drew on the legends and fairy tales to supply their characters with marvelous powers. The tale of Sir Launfal features a fairy bride from folklore, and Sir Orfeo‘s wife is kidnapped by the fairy king, and Sir Orfeo frees her from there. These marvelous abilities subside with the development of the genre; fairy women such as Morgan le Fay become enchantresses, and knights lose magical abilities.[9] Romancers wrote many of their stories in three, thematic cycles: (i) the Arthurian (the lives and deeds of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table); (ii) the Carolingian (the lives and deeds of Charlemagne, and Roland, his principal paladin); and, (iii) the Alexandrian (the life and deeds of Alexander the Great).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_(genre)
good reading me thinks tis good to share :) have a blessed 24 little hours
Hi Steve,
Thanks for providing this information. The results of the survey say I am an entrepreneur. I work in a corporate environment and always come up with great ideas for the organisation which are adopted, yet I don’t get the benefits of. I would love to go out on my own, but have no idea what to do. I have ideas all the time, but none that I follow through, and believe will allow me to be able to leave my job, and earn an income that will cover my expenses.
Thanks.
Steve,
From this conversation i saw that i could run my business both ways – maybe by starting out as the “star” of my show, then getting other stars to play as well. It started me thinking in a different direction, so thanks!
That was a good start for anyone venturing out to start any business. A broader picture of what would yield the result they intend to reap. With this distinction in mind the task of progressing becomes much easier. Great and thanks Steve.
Great so far… carry on!
i never saw this distinction before. i am a small business owner .i want my business to grow but i like the one man show.i would like to hear your views. great.
As a person just starting out in their own business, it is great to hear this information to begin to understand what is possible, so I may reach much further than I had thought! Thank you
Your explanation of the difference between an entrepreneur and a proprietor was very helpful; thank you. I established my company for a very specific purpose.To reach my end objective of providing a commercially available system to fill a need, requires two steps or phases. As the technology does not exist as needed, 1.) An R&D phase for development of a specific technology and 2.) A commercialization phase which will use the technology as the basis for a commercial system. You have confirmed what I previously thought; that I am an entrepreneur.
Steve,
I appriciate your direct and easily understood talk.
I have been investing in rental properties, with my son as my laborer.
I would like to move into something that I could successfully do on my own.
I have control issues when working with others.
Linda
Hi Steve,
People tend to put both entrepeneurship and ownership in the same hat. I did anyway. I apreciate the clarification you brought with this video. I know now that I am a business owner who will develop into a entrepeneur as soon as a fair amount of success has been achieved.
Your aptitude test is great. It classified me maybe as a bit too orderly (I am, but not overly), but still, it nailed my strenghts and weaknesses at a 95% rate. It is good to know now that I chose the right venture with the right partner who’s strenght are covering my weaknesses. I’m gonna stick with you for a while. Great job Steve.
Thanks!
Normand
PS. I’d have a constructive statement about this video, but I will not make it here. The good overweight by far what I have to say.
Hi Steve,
First, thanks for the survey. A few surprises, but otherwise very revealing for me.
I have had several successful businesses (brick and mortar) that I started from scratch and sold… some after 10 years of operation and another after nearly 20 years.
I was fortunate in that I had mainly loyal, happy, hard working, and committed employees. This gave me the opportunity to concentrate on the business and staying ahead of the competition. I could also take time off and not worry to come back to find everything in great shape.
After I sold my last business and took an early retirement (48), I became bored before long and began looking for something I could do on the internet. My first attempt was MLM and involved making cold calls, recruiting, and carrying inventory. After a year and a half, and giving it a good try, I decided it just wasn’t for me. I was sure there was a better way to do business, for me that is, and I was right.
I am much happier doing what I do now and make more money, without having to coerce or convince anyone of anything. That alone has given me peace of mind, enjoyment in what I do and helping other entrepreneurial spirits to do the same.
Thank you for what you do, Steve. By the huge number of comments I’ve seen, You are doing a great deal of good for a great many people, including me. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that as we give value, we also receive value in return.
Thank you! I now know what category I fit in. I’m a new and up coming novelist and did not know I even fit into one of those categories. It is nice to know.
I can see myself doing both, as you have done. Thanks for the free info. You have a very smooth manner and style. My challenege is the I am trying to put 3 related businesses under one umbrella, and don’t know which has morepotential to bring in the bucks! Judith
Valuable information, succinctly and clearly presented; what a rarity! Thanks, Steve. Looking forward to upcoming lessons. Best, Ian
Thanks again Steve for some wonderful insight. I watched “lifestyle guru…” first, and am finding that through these short videos I am able to define my “vision” or goals more clearly.
Thanks once again.
Saria (p.s. think I am a proprietor at this point).
I realized great value from the profile you sent. Your analysis rings true for me. I prefer to manage the business although I am prone to get impatient waiting for assigned tasks to be completed and jump in and do things myself. I feel I need individuals who complement my skill set so that I can I can spend my time leading
Thanks for the distinction.
It is clear to me now that I am definitely an Entrepreneur.
thanks.
I’m looking forward to more good stuff in my email from you.
Title…
I saw this really great post today..I bookmarked now!…
So, currently, I am a proprietor looking to become an entrepreneur. I do not have any employees and this is a very scary idea for me but I need the leverage of using other people’s time.
Steve,
I have been a proprietor most of my working life .. had the occasional JOB for a year or two, but mostly I like the freedom to use my time on my project at my desire or whim. I had a small number of employees for a few years, but found that it changed my ablility to make decisions or to take risks. I don’t mind it if I have trouble paying my utilities, but if my decision effect the security of my employees, that is a really heavy burden to carry. What would you suggest is the correct level of assets or credit needed (ie how long should one be able to carry costs without new income or short income) to be prudent or successful in the guarantee of being able to compensate the work force? I’m thinking three to six months, does your experience bear that to be true?
Steve: Thank you for giving something for perusal before jumping in with funds, only to find out that this may or may not be for the individual. I am still reading your material objectively looking at it and myself to see if I am ready to take it to the next step. Again Steve thank you for the evaluation time.
Been looking at starting a business on line and want info info info everybody wants money for this B.S. If I can’t find the info for free then I wont do it. Did a couple of boo boos and have been spammed to death for it. Sick of riches being promised, and how much they have made. Well if this is the case, why do they need money to do something that is there for free- all scammers. Thnx Steve for the info and the interview much appreciated
Although I know the basic difference between an entrepeneur and a proprieter, it was good to have you expand that for me. Really appreciate the personality evaluation. It was right on with many things I have already learned about myself. It would be really nice to learn how to put it to use in a business enterprise.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for this information and understanding of the difference. I am very anxious to receive your help, I know that I am going to be fascinated at the end results of your teaching.
entrepeneur
Steve, thank you for giving me the motivation, as I always thought I would be an
entrepeneur and not a proprieter.Though with the video, you can be both or either one which helps me realize you have to know what type of business you want in life. I have decided in being a proprieter first then branching into a entrepeneur later on. Again thank you & I will need some help in knowing what type of business I need to start by the videos.
Have a small proprietor and business owner for years. Searching to possibly reinvent myself since government regulatory changes in oil royalties has caused me to dissolve my most recent business. Your comments and the survey have confirmed my own personal analysis with some minor additions.
i am a proprieter but i would love to be an entrepeneur
Wow, I understand the difference and similarities of both but is one really suppose to be able to determine if they are either/or with just that video? I just can’t imagine it being that easy or am I wrong?
GREAT DISTINCTION STEVE I LIKE THIS ..
KEEP ON WORKING ON MY BEAUTY THERAPY
SKILLS , SO IAM A PROPRIETOR……
Hi Steve, I found your website yesterday, and took the test. I must have screwed it up because I never got the feed back on the test info. but I watched the attached mini lecture on entrepreneur vs. small business owner, and that leads me to explain to you that I used to be an entrepreneur, and I believe at this stage I want to be a small business owner. For thirty five years I was an entrepreneur of sorts, I was a Masters level mental health therapist, in a private practice setting. Every thing that earned a fee was because I was in the chair, listening, and responding. It all depended on my functioning in an effective way with each client who paid my fee.
I am retired, and though I did love my work, I know that at this time in my life I need to have some people and support arround me, after all I am 72 yrs. old, and can benefit from the help and support of others. Also sales in a way is what I have always done, it is a really new gig too. I have no idea how to develop a market, and for that matter although I have found a great supplier, need others ideas, and resources. So I am eager to move ahead, and make a new place for folks to find things that will make them happy, and bring joy in their lives. I need ideas about marketing my products, and reaching the public via the internet. I am very excited about finding your program. I know it will give me what I want to succeed in this new adventure. Thanks Steve. Anne Fisher
Thank you Steve,I really think that I am at the moment anyway,more of a proprietor.Once again thank you for helping me make that distinction,I look forward to hearing more from you.
Steve, thanks for your info, would like a consult but looks like your hands are full. Appreciate your material. Our family name is also Little, originally from the Woodlake, Ca area.
Good day Steve
Thank you very much for your time and success. I’m a Sound Engineer / D.J / Production Manager and Sub Contract my service to different company mostly for the last 5 year into the seminar Biz, very good knowledge to share around. I’m a Master in my field and looking to expand my service to others. Can you empower me in this path that I love and passionate about. Thank you very much for your time and support. Looking forward to hear from you.
Sincerely Rasta Ralph
I was really thrilled to have a man of your vast business success, give advice to people like me, who are wondering in which direction, they should be headed! I am really grateful for your total honesty and down to earth personality, you are such an inspiration, although I need to hear more of your advice, before I can determine, which area I should be preparing myself to set up services. Kind regards, Agnes.
I found the destinction interesting. I think of myself as a combination of both but not sure which one I would excel in most of should focus on first.
hi steve i liked your thoughts on the differenece between small nusiness owner (proprietor) & entrepeneur thanks ian
Thank you for the Insight. The issues of perspective is one plaguing thoughts on my business. This issues of evolving the role of myself in the business was a struggle point to say the least. Understanding the detachment and passionate thoughts you may have are all about the idea in the first place.
Thank you again
Dear Steve
No doubt that you know your stuff, definately an entrepeneur, however I alo started off as a snall business proprieter and am now progressing towards entrepeneurship in my mortar and brick business, however in this world of internet Biz I appreciate your guidance.
this is linking in brilliantly with the Bob Proctor videos. Thank you
Steve,
My husband and I have considered ourselves Entrepreneurs for the last 15 years. We both started with doing Network Marketing businesses part-time on the side while working a job. We both took our part time businesses and made them into full-time businesses and we became completely self employed.
Later those 2 businesses evolved into our own concepts and we each became self employed, my husband doing retail and myself running a service business, not tied to another company.
Eventually we expanded our family enough that I became a full-time mom and my husband and I bought into a Franchise (HUGE, HUGE mistake) and made that our full-time business and put my husband’s other business on the side.
Anyway, we have been completely self employed for the last 13 years and haven’t worked jobs in a long time. I think after watching this video, I would say that I am an Entrepreneur and my husband is a Proprietor. My husband has been much more successful, but I think I have never really developed my potential.
I appreciate the info in the video and the Survey as it has given me new insight that will be helpful as we are in the process of developing a new business. Because the life of a franchisee is really indentured servitude and not proprietorship, entrepreneurship or even true self employment.
Hi Steve,
Many thanks for the great insight. I am a Skin Therapist and can only do so many treatments in the hours in the day and so dearly want to become an entrepreneur, but am a perfectionist and control freak and just cannot think of having someone representing my salon and not doing the work as I expect it to be carried. I have a very respected name in the “skin” game and do not at any cost want to put this at risk as there are so many salons in my area with crummy names and this is why I make money and am respected. Please I am open to any suggestions. Thanks a ton for your help. Wendy
Hi Steve, I just started out in my own business, things are good so far but i guess time is what i need to find out if i am an entrepenuer or proprieter. Keep talkoing because i am listening. John
Dear Steve,
I had business for 13 years. Nov. 2009 after fire and water, everything was gone. Insurance still not pay me yet! I’m out the money and I don’t how to do? Please help me! Tks!
I like your explanations, I used to be a Proprieter, a one man printer repair shop. But I worked 14 hour days most of the time. I am so picky, I don’t believe I could have someone work with me.
As I go back through all the information you have shred to this point, I now see so clearly why I am typed as an entrepreneur. I love managing resources. I love the management process and all that it fulfills in me as I help others find their strengths. I am more excited than ever about my future.
I am Sole Proprieter
I will start as a proprietor to get hands-on understanding, but I don’t want to stay there. I would eventually migrate to entrepreneur. Thanks for making the distinction, Steve.
Hi steve,
I have my own electrical buisness,but need to hire employees to do the work,
and grow my buisness
Hi Steve,
My name is Bryant, and I was curious if you believe in the combinatin of both just for fun ?
Steve,
Looking at myself, I feel that I would like to be in a dual role, and do both roles.
Mike
Thanks Steve. Your observations and insights are helpful. I have learned through my years in the corporate and non-profit world that I definitely do not want to be a maintenance person (building something and keeping it going). Resource management is certainly something I enjoy and am skilled at (starting with managing resources as a part-time working mom living below the poverty line) through my various jobs (though in corporations I have often done it under the constrictions of a bureaucracy that works against good resource management). But when I took the first test (personality/skills, etc.) I noticed that any inclination towards collaboration lowered the entrepreneurial score. I’m a visionary and enjoy the think-tank approach to problem solving (even if it is just myself with myself – i.e., coming up with possibilities and see which work best for the “problem” presented) – I love dancing in the field of possibilities and coming up with something new that works in ways previously no one would think or expect. That’s definitely not a proprietor approach, but it’s not clear that it qualifies me as an entrepreneur.
Thank you Steve for your survey and informative videos. You are greatly appreciated for your time and energy and sharing your wealth of information. I find myself in a conumdrum as to which category I fit. I have 2 small business that require my personal talents that are specialized and also apply myself to a MLM company. My personal and professional growth has benefited in both but I’m now thinking of how to raise the bar in both endeavors. I’m looking forward to progressing with through your knowlege. Love and Gratitude, Jan.
Steve,
Found your lesson most enlightening. I have never had the distinction described more clearly. I realize now that I have been a proprietor for most of my life and am now trying to move over into the entrepreneurial sector. I realize that I need to delegate in order stay afloat and even more so in order to grow.
Hi Steve-
After the bombardment of offers ove rthe years, I’ve now taken to the old theory of Zig Ziglar… Take a mentor to lunch.
So if you’re serious about a desire to mentor me I will be happy to Drive to Northern Cal from L.A. and we can talk.
If not thanx for sharing y0ur info.
Tim
Hello Steve,
I enjoyed listening to your first lesson, so now I know the difference between a Entrepreneur and a Proprieter.. However since I haven’t been able to open The Survey Results as it was not highlighted in blue when it came through to me, I have no idea what Iam suited or not suited for?? Do you think you could please send it to me again highlighted in blue so I can read it thank you..I must also say that Iam not computer literate, and Iam not sure of the computer jargon so don’t know how to open the Survey results hope you can HELP ASAP!! thanks again. Regards Jean
The first video has reveled to me such precious basic information about that fascinating business world. I hope I will find myself successful into it one day. That is why I am eager to learn more. Thank you Steve. Milica
Hello steve:-
Your video is very useful, i am under graduated student. in the summer time make workshop about marketing then i find the entrepreneur issue very important to talk about in my sessions ,all the luck with your business&videos
i take the survey and my results was good eager to be entrepreneur in different fields,
thanks,
N.O.
Thanks steve for your video it was so useful for me …
Dear Steve:
This is the first time I’ve heard proprieter and entrepreneur distinguisehd in this manner. However, I find that I am both. My business does center around me as I am the highly skilled technician, but I create opportunities and mobilize the incredible skills and allied resources of my people to solve problems they see and have a passion address. In the process, I am increasing the value of what we offer through walking our clients through the education process.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the insight. I ran a small medical transcription service for 10 years. It seems that I worked nearly 24/7 without much of a life away from the grind and deadlines. As sole proprietor, I did it all. Chief cook and bottle washer, as they say. I tried hiring people on several occasions to pick up some of the slack. Unfortunately, my business always slowed down when I hired any help. These folks were very well qualified, I always chose people who already knew the business and what is required and expected of those in our profession. Still, it seems that business slowed down severely when I did not do the work myself. I hated to have to lay anyone off, but I had no choice. Eventually, I closed up shop. The work load and stress was not worth the earnings. I still want to have my own business, but I want to find the right niche for me. Success for me is having enough income to meet my financial obligations, save a little, and to have enough to share with family and friends. It makes me happy to be able to give to others. I want NO sustained stress in my future endeavors. I am currently trying my hand at affiliate marketing. We’ll see how that goes. In the meantime, I hope you can help me figure out whether I am going in the right direction.
Thanks again,
Kathy
Thanks for the video Steve. I am an Entrepreneur and have even acted that role when working as an employee. I had a successful business for about 5 years in the 80s, but it was all centered around only me being available to my clients and I got burned out. I was not successful at having employees or subcontractors then, I am more mature now and could handle it. As my husband and I are in the process of leaving the corporate world and managing a business on our own, your video is helpful in determining what role to play. I’m grateful for your help.
~ catherine
Very basic information, looking forward to see what follows.
Hmmm… I have always considered both Entrepreneureship and Propriatorship one in the same or going hand-in-hand. I always think of starting as a (Sole) Propriator and working toward a Corporation as the venture grows. I appreciate your distinction and it gives me a new prospective. Thanks!
Steve I’m definately an entrepenur, I tried the sole proprieter thing years ago as a Painting contractor, trying to find good help was almost immpossible for me due to the large pool of qualified but drug and alcohol abusing employee pool. I made great money and was very much an extrovert with my sales and marketing unfortunately I couldn’t keep up with the demand for my services and still to this day get asked for my work. I’m in the information business now and love it, it allows me to be not only an introvert, but also an extrovert with the coaching and training I provide others, things are really looking up for me.
Hi Steve. I came across your site and survey through an email from Eben Pagan who I have been following for a little while now. I thought my dream was to be an entrepreneur but I realise I should be a proprietor with entrepreneurial capabilities. I have just left full time employment to start my own life coaching business and the results of the survey were very informative. Regards Deborah
Hi Steve,
I’ve been stdying the IM business for quite a while now. What I need to do is apply the knowledge gained so far. I’ve already experienced trial and error in this phase and was surprised to submle on the perfect biz builder.
Hi Steve,
I honestly believe that am the small business proprieter … well to start off with any way. Who knows what will happen eventyally.
Thank you so much for the clarification
Much love
Debbie
Steve, what a godsend your survey and these lessons are. I’ve struggled with trying to be an entreprenuer for several years (mainly online), but have only succeeded in spending huge amounts of money without getting any results…at least that’s what I thought until I took the survey (and found another path). It would appear that I’m much better suited to proprietorship and running businesses for other people — the natural entrepreneurs among us.
I assumed that to reach the level of success that I wanted and to live the lifestyle I envisioned, I had to be an entreprenuer, but I’m just not very suited to that work and I’ve been more than a little miserable trying to make that fit me. It is reassuring that I can still be successful and have the lifestyle and be the proprietor that I appear to be suited for.
Many thanks for the time you’ve put into giving a different look at the marketplace and how I can make a contribution to it –
Much success for all!
Hi Steve,
do you use Powerpoint to read your script? I find it a little bit distractive when you click to the next slide.
I would suggest you use this amazing free teleprompter.
http://www.easyprompter.com/portable.php
Best regards, Philipp
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the explaination in your video. I hadn’t really given it much thought, although I know that it is definatly an entrepreneur for me. I love the thought of the extra freedom to be able to do more of what I like and have plans for a community agency. Your survey is a great tool and used as a guide is very beneficial at confirming strengths and weaknesses.
I have also in the past joined a few MLMs and had sold a private line of women’s clothing. I loved the interaction with the clients as these were mainly home shows. They did seem to provide a good extra source of income although the companies eventually closed. Of course there was a lot of inventory also and at the time my three children were very small.
After being a single parent for the last ten years, I am more than ready to start a new venture (lots of bills and my kids are grown up). I agree completely that working for someone else will never give me the lifestyle I would love. (I was on the call with Eben the other night. Great info and I’m working on the exercises right now).
I am greatful for the opportunity to get some insight as to what area to go into. I’m kind of like a Jacklyn of all trades but professional at none. I’m hoping that by following your exercises and your videos I will be able to get some clearity and the AHH HAA moment I’ve been looking for for the last six months. I know that is what has been holding me back, I haven’t been able to pinpoint my true passion, I enjoy a variey.
Thanks again for your generosity and I’m looking forward to the next video.
Hi Steve
Taking your personality test, I was surprised how exact it described two distinct aspects of my personality, one, very independent, wanting very much to be in control, managing others and being brutally straight in my approach, on the other hand, very emotional, while very capable in detecting people’s motives and intentions, it is somewhat hindering me from doing so much more,better and faster if my emotions were not involved as much! I can see a huge potential in me somewhere,where the combination of my emotional personality and ability to manage very effectively can be powerfully useful in a business/career, and I know I will find out where I fit in life soon. Thank you sincerely, for allowing me to find myself through your test.
Wishing everyone to find their true path in life,
sincerely,phil
Thanks Steve! You put into words what I have been struggling with for some time. I work with my father and I have the opportunity to step in and run my father’s business when he eventually retires someday which I feel both blessed and cursed. Looking at my father and the 30 years he has been running his business, he has not structured the business to where it will continue to run should he not be around, and that scares me! While yes, he owns the business, he’s really nothing more than a glorified commission junkie, always looking for the next sale. Every year he basically starts from scratch however the overhead (office, staff, marketing…) is constantly there staring you down. He is definitely the proprieter and it scares the heck out of me to find myself in that same situation someday in the future. I’ve been searching for strategies to begin implementing into the business that would bring in recurring revenue (I’m more the entrepreneur) but I’m finding it’s tough to teach an old dog new tricks. Yes, I just called my father an “old dog.”
Anyway, just wanted to thank you for what you are doing. I’m sure there are many other people out there like me, who might like the business they are in but not happy with either the direction they’re headed or the role they are playing in it. I’m happy I stumbled upon you and look forward to the discovery process.
Thank you for your comment and the excellent recommendation Philipp.
I’ll certainly look into it. I’ve been thinking about recreating some of the lessons anyway.
In the mean time, thank you for your indulgence.
Steve
This video has helped me to recognize my business style. Really helpful. Thanks
Steve,
I liked this video. It cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had surrounding these two areas. It also makes me feel better about pursuing one of the other knowing that it is possible to transition. It fits well into my overall vision.
THnaks,
Henry
Am I the only one who finds the survey results depressing?
Even though I recognize myself in the results I want it to be some other way.
Some of my traits which include ‘introvert’ and ‘conforming’ have led me down a path where I’ve de-evolved into ’settling for’.
This opens up for me that I have forcing myself to do things that ” I think I should be doing”…”I been pressured into doing”…or that “I have some mastery at even though it’s not joyful”. Basically a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.
Looking forward to a breakthrough.
Am I the only one who finds the survey results depressing?
Even though I agree with the results…I want it to be another way.
Some of my traits include ‘introvert’ and ‘conforming’ and I am present to the fact that I’ve been de-evolving and “settling for”…basically a square peg trying to fit into round holes.
Looking forward to a breakthrough.
Hi Victoria,
Thank you for your comment.
I understand and appreciate your concern. The thing to remember is that the survey is NOT classifying you. It is merely indicating areas of strength and areas where you’ll tend to be more challenged. Rather than seeing limitations’, consider how empowering this actually is.
With this information you ‘get to’ build a business that leverages your natural strengths and allows you to experience success ‘effortlessly’.
Your subconscious will ‘argue’ with you about this because you may have some unconscious beliefs about how success in business has to show up for you. Learning to eliminate these will allow to see the exciting opportunities revealed by your survey results.
ThePerfectBizFinder Program shows you how to master these and other techniques that empower you to create the success you seek.
I hope this helps.
Steve
Thank you for the distinction and your pleasant delivery of it.
Good lesson all the way around.