Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Enterpreneurship
Enterpreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Notes
Compiled by
Abdullah Khan
Student of BS English at GDC Samarbagh
“Learning Never Exhausts the mind”
__ Leonardo da Vinci
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Entrepreneur :
Entrepreneur A person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial
risks in the hope of profit. An entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new
business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards. The
entrepreneur is commonly seen as an innovator, a source of new ideas, goods,
services, and business/or procedures.
Characteristics OF Entrepreneur :
People may lack the personality and skills necessary for successful
entrepreneurship. There are some general characteristics and skills that many
successful entrepreneurs have:
1. Problem-solving :
Entrepreneurs often start their businesses after identifying a problem and then
coming up with a way to address it. Entrepreneurs are also able to figure out how
to solve problems that will occur during the development of the business.
2. Innovation :
Entrepreneurs are innovators, and are often engaged continuously in the process
of conceiving new products and services, renewing and improving current
offerings, and developing new business processes.
3. Risk-taking :
Entrepreneurs are not risk-averse. They are willing to risk their time, money and
even their reputation to get the business started and take their products or
services to market. Entrepreneurs are also willing to take risks even after they
establish a business, developing new products and approaches that can grow their
businesses.
4. Contrariness :
Entrepreneurs are often people who are eager to question why and how things are
being done – even if these processes are clearly "industry-standard." This doesn't
mean an entrepreneur should ignore industry best practices, but the entrepreneur
is also willing to challenge these practices if she believes that there is a better
way to do them.
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5. Persistence :
Entrepreneurs are persistent. They aren't easily discouraged and are willing to
work through discouragement and challenges. Entrepreneurs are willing to attend
trade shows, meet with bankers, call on clients and do what it takes to get the
business started, and then to make it successful.
6. Leadership :
Successful entrepreneurs are strong leaders. Leadership is an essential
entrepreneurial skill, as the entrepreneur will need to be able to cultivate trust and
support from the people who join his business as managers and workers. Many
new businesses are cash-poor and experience significant challenges – but a good
leader can inspire loyalty in workers who may not yet be receiving high wages,
as well as in employees who are facing roadblocks in their efforts to build the
company.
Functions of entrepreneur :
The following points highlight the top five functions of an entrepreneur. The
functions are : •
1. Decision Making :
The primary task of an entrepreneur is to decide the policy of production. An
entrepreneur is to determine what to produce, how much to produce, how to
produce, where to produce, how to sell and so forth. Moreover, he is to decide the
scale of production and the proportion in which he combines the different factors
he employs. In brief, he is to make vital business decisions relating to the
purchase of productive factors and to the sale of the finished goods or services.
2. Management Control :
Earlier writers used to consider the management control one of the chief
functions of the entrepreneur. Management and control of the business are
conducted by the entrepreneur himself. So, the latter must possess a high degree
of management ability to select the right type of persons to work with him. But,
the importance of this function has declined, as business nowadays is managed
more and more by paid managers.
3. Division of Income :
The next major function of the entrepreneur is to make necessary arrangement
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for the division of total income among the different factors of production
employed by him. Even if there is a loss in the business, he is to pay rent, interest,
wages and other contractual incomes out of the realized sale proceeds.
4. Risk-Taking and Uncertainty-Bearing :
Risk-taking is perhaps the most important function of an entrepreneur. Modern
production is very risky as an entrepreneur is required to produce goods or
services in anticipation of their future demand. Broadly, there are two kinds of
risk which he has to face. Firstly, there are some risks, such as risks of fire, loss
of goods in transit, theft, etc., which can be insured against. These are known as
measurable and insurable risks. Secondly, some risks, however, cannot be insured
against because their probability cannot be calculated accurately. These constitute
what is called uncertainty (e.g., competitive risk, technical risk, etc.). The
entrepreneur undertakes both these risks in production.
5. Innovation :
Another distinguishing function of the entrepreneur, as emphasized by
Schumpeter, is to make frequent inventions — invention of new products, new
techniques and discovering new markets — to improve his competitive position,
and to increase earnings.
Types of Entrepreneurship :
1. Classic entrepreneurs :
The so-called "classic" entrepreneur is someone who observes a gap in the
market or takes note of a business or consumer need, and develops a company
that addresses the deficit or the need. In some cases, the entrepreneur may also be
an inventor, although some classic entrepreneurs will team up with someone who
has invented a product. In many cases, the classic entrepreneur starts the business
and continues to own and manage it for many years.
2. Serial entrepreneurs :
A serial entrepreneur enjoys getting businesses started, and then sells the
business to another person or company. This type of entrepreneur is typically
somebody who is excited about starting something new and taking risks. Once
the business is doing well, however, this entrepreneur wants to move on to
another new and different challenge.
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3. Social entrepreneurs :
Social entrepreneurs incorporate social conscience with business. While their
businesses may still be for-profit, there is typically a strong mission statement
connecting the business with a social cause. For example, a social entrepreneur
may import fair trade goods for resale while also educating the public about the
importance of activism in the area of sustainably and responsibly sourcing
products.
Entrepreneurship :
Entrepreneurship refers to the process of creating a new enterprise and bearing
any of its risks, with the view of making the profit.
Entrepreneurship refers to all those activities which are to be carried out by a
person to establish and to run the business enterprises in accordance with the
changing social, political and economic environments. Entrepreneurship
includes activities relating to the anticipation of the consumers likes and
dislikes, feelings and behaviors, tastes and fashions and the introduction of
business ventures to meet out all these expectations of the consumers.
Entrepreneurship is considered as a new product that would enable
businessmen to develop new form of business organization and new business
activities catering to the changing needs of the society. The liberalization of
cultural rigidities are mainly due to this new product entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the ability of entrepreneurs to assess the risks and
establish businesses which are risky but at the same time suits perfectly to the
changing scenarios of the economy.
Advantages of entrepreneurship :
1. Learning to see possibilities :
When you have to rely on yourself and your imagination in order to generate
income, this awareness goes with the territory.
An entrepreneur has to develop the skill and train his or her mind to stay open
and receptive to potential ideas and possibilities. This doesn’t mean they get
involved in everything that comes their way. They must also learn the skill of
discernment – which is also of tremendous value.
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2. Defining your income :
Who decides how much you’re getting paid? Chances are, there are several
factors at play including your boss, your company’s financial budget, the
board of directors, the economy, etc. These factors also determine whether
you’ll be staying at your job.
So even if you’re working really hard and giving 110%, your salary might not
reflect it. But when you’re an entrepreneur, you create the relationship
between your efforts and your income
Disadvantages of entrepreneurship :
Some of the major disadvantages of entrepreneurship are as follows ;
1. Risk of Loss :
Business failure can ruin an entrepreneur financially, and yes, the failure rate of
small business is relatively high when compared to established businesses.
Entrepreneurs should ask themselves if they are prepared to cope psychologically
with the failures associated with entrepreneurship.
2. Uncertainty of Income :
Starting and running an enterprise provides no guarantee of earning money.
Many small businesses barely earn enough to give the owner adequate income
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3. High Levels of Responsibility :
Entrepreneurs often have to take decisions beyond the domain of their knowledge
as many of them have difficulty finding advisers.
Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Inc., was known to have a high need for
achievement, so much so that he always chased perfection (Murphy Jr, 2019).
Other successful entrepreneurs like Falguni Nayak and Jeff Bezos frequently
stress on the importance of high drive and passion in entrepreneurial setups.
Some cultures value innovation and entrepreneurship, while others discourage it.
The consensus is that individualistic cultures such as those that exist in the global
west, put emphasis on individual achievements and autonomy while collectivist
cultures discourage it. This leads to more entrepreneurial activity in the
American and European areas.
This theory essentially lays the foundation for how competition in a market
breeds innovation, which further leads to acts of entrepreneurship. This can be
backed up by various examples. The rise of Reliance Jio started as an act of
innovation, where high speed internet was provided to customers for dangerously
low prices for the first time in the country. This led to competition among other
telecom providers, leading to new and creative offers regarding data consumption
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in India. Reliance Jio is now the fastest growing mobile network in the world, all
because it challenged its competitors in various ways.
Entrepreneurial behaviour :
The behaviour of an entrepreneur is dependent largely on his psychology and
motives which are the main determinants of be. haviour. These motives are
based on needs for survival and growth. The movements of an entrepreneur are
affected by the psychological background. Many theorists Akouri,
McClelland, Javillionar & Winter have given views related to
psychological factors as follows :
1. Achievement Motive :
Achievement motive is most important for an entrepreneur. It is this motive
which motivates people to do something different and extraordinary so that one
may feel that he has achieved or created something which others are not able
to do..lt motivates an entrepreneur to take an initiative for innovation. It also
makes one personally responsible for his actions and performances.
3. Innovation :
This is an important psychological factor Of entrepreneurs. Generally, an
entrepreneur does those acts which are not taken up by other persons. They
transform the creative ideas into useful applications. According to Schumpeter, a
person is an entrepreneur only when he is an innovator, engaging himself in an
innovative behaviour. Thus, innovative behaviour is an entrepreneurial behaviour.
6. Self-Efficacy :
An entrepreneur has a drive for self-efficacy. They want to become the problem
solver, instead of problem avoiders. They do not want to copy others but they
want others to copy them. Further they feel proud of their achievements and live
in the present.
7. Self Confidence :
Entrepreneurs believe in themselves. They have confidence that they can outdo
anyone in their field. They tend not to accept the status quo, believing instead
that they can change the facts. Often, they insist the odds are better than the
facts would justify. They have winning habits. On the basis of self-confidence,
they become overachievers.
2. Opportunity Analysis :
After identifying the opportunity, the entrepreneur will evaluate it. They will see
if the opportunity provides any value to the business or the consumer, whether it
will be sustainable in the long term if the profit is healthy, the market
competition, the risks associated with the opportunity, and the entrepreneur’s
product or service will be different or better than the competition.
3. Developing Plan :
After analyzing the opportunity, the entrepreneur develops a plan to realize it and
launch the company. This is a crucial step in the entrepreneurial process. The
plan will have a business strategy and operating structures, including steps for the
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formation of the company. It will provide details on business objectives, goals,
mission statement, and details of products or services.
4. Collecting Resources :
If the idea resonates with the audience, businesses can quickly raise a
significant amount.
5. Forming Organization :
Once the entrepreneur secures the funds and resources, they will launch the
company and form a legal entity. The structure of the organization will depend
on its requirements.
The entrepreneur will name the company and file the papers with the government
to form LLC, WLL or PLC, Corporation, or a Non-profit.
6. Growing Business :
After launching the company, it will start producing products or offering services.
The entrepreneur will ensure that the business is running smoothly and growing.
Now the operating plan will be executed. The entrepreneur will have regular
status updates and compare the actual progress with the planned progress. If
things are not going as planned, they will take corrective actions to bring the
progress on track.
Entrepreneurial management :
A management plan for entrepreneurs is a deed that lists the targets and goals of
the management. It includes details on how the business will particularly achieve
its target, including sales, marketing and product expansion.
While starting a new business, you have to come up with a business idea, you
also need to stiffen the identity of the business, like what services or products
you will sell, where you will do business, and who will work for your company.
A management plan can help provide instruction in this process, which can also
help keep away from mistakes along the way.
2. To Do Necessary Research :
You might generate a business plan ahead of time when deciding to open a
business. You might also create a business plan if you intend to take your
existing business in a new direction. By writing out the features and finances of
the new plan, you can control a shift in money-making. This includes defining
your market, identifying who your customers are and how you will reach them.
Setting and measuring objectives will certify that employees and managers are
clear on their duties. This can also help you choose the right employees for your
business by setting clear prospects and objectives.
If you change or update your targets, a management plan can help share these
new objectives, providing formation and responsibility.
Setting clear goals is also obligatory for you as an entrepreneur. You can use a
management plan to list a particular target that you want to achieve, together
with target dates. This can provide you with a guide to construct your daily
commitment, while also providing you with responsibility as an entrepreneur.
As you expand your business and increase your income, you will need extra
employees to help with the daily tasks. But, engaging people before you're ready
to enlarge can decrease your profits. A business plan can help you assess the
right time to bring on new staff. It can also help with setting clear duties and
assumptions for each position. You can also use your plan to regulate what skills
to look for when hiring.
1. Innovation :
Every successful entrepreneur must be innovative in some way or the other and
he should be allowed to see the demand for a particular good or service in the
market because here is what makes them distinct from other entrepreneurs and
their progress is even more money-making. When an entrepreneur is innovative,
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he sees new opportunities approaching in distinct places where one cannot even
assume.
For example, Bhavish Agarwal and Ankit Bhati, the founders of OLA Cabs saw
the increasing demand for appropriate and inexpensive public transports in India
which ensured they turned that into imagination and went on to initiate OLA
Cabs. Today’s valuation of OLA is US$6.5 billion with quite 1.5 million rides on
a commonplace. So always be innovative and inventive and see new
opportunities which others cannot.
2. Organization :
3. Decision Making :
Entrepreneurs must observe every decision very carefully because they make a
lot of decisions every day and are generally responsible for being at risk and
should learn from their past mistakes. Decision-making could be a skill that
normally comes easily to entrepreneurs who are high-risk takers in the business
world.
4. Risk Bearer :
An entrepreneur needs to appreciate that risk can’t be totally gotten rid of from a
business, so he should be ready for its outcome as well. It can be that the
consumers won’t seem to be pleased with the commodities or services provided
or even the participant can provide the similar thing with better attributes and
better price or there might be changes in the government policies.
5. Vision :
Every successful entrepreneur has this one plan in his youth that he was anxious
about, but with time that fire fades away. Good entrepreneurs have that fire and
vision in them because without vision and willingness they cannot grow.
Unluckily, young entrepreneurs have these great sights which hardly ever change
into an idea.
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Steps Involved in Successful Entrepreneurial Management :
People are organized by nature. We just do better in groups. That initial strength
holds true in the business world too. There is power in numbers. Look for skilled
people. Find people who share your sight.
A Bonsai Tree must grow for three to five years before it can even begin to be
trained. Those who grow the trees don’t wait to plan, even so. They develop a
strategy to establish the essential growth and features of the trees. A business is
very similar. If you don’t get ahead of your growth, you can’t grow profitably or
fruitfully.
3. Set Expectations :
In every aspect of the business, expectations need to be set. You must start by
positioning your own expectations and controlling what you are inclined to
describe as success. You’re also going to need to set expectations for the team.
Recognizing benchmarks and observing them can lift the confidence of your
team considerably.
4. Invest Appropriately :
Spending money is one of the least beloved activities for entrepreneurs and
business owners (compared to making money, which is one of the most beloved).
But investing is distinct from spending. Investing suggests a return, and returns
can be appraised. So, try not to spend, but never stop investing. Invest in
instructing, exchanging, identifying, internal marketing, team evolution and
culture.
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Entrepreneurial Business :
Entrepreneurship isn’t just running a business; rather, it is a name given to
anything done to change the world. An entrepreneur is a world-changer, an
innovator, and an opportunist.
Entrepreneurship is launching, developing, and running a business venture
along with its financial risk. Such business ventures are valuable for economic
development as it allows a country to expand its businesses and resources in
the global market.
However, most people perceive entrepreneurship as one-dimensional, and
they do not think about its various types. Today, we have decided to clear this
confusion for you and explain different types of entrepreneurial businesses in
hopes that you can start a profitable business venture.
4. Social Entrepreneurship :
These entrepreneurial businesses focus on creating those products which
provide services to people and solve their social needs and problems. Social
entrepreneurs want to change the world and make it a better place rather than
just accumulating profits and acquiring wealth. Such entrepreneurial
businesses can be non-profit, profit, or hybrid.
Their success is the widespread use of ethical practices, including impact
investing, conscious consumerism, and corporate social responsibilities.
Examples of Social Entrepreneurship:
Microfinance Institutions
Educational Programs
Importance of innovation :
Knowing the answer to what product management life cycle is cannot help
managers or executives solve complex business problems. Moreover, the
uncertainties and complex business situations fueled by the COVID-19
pandemic can make things worse for them.
Therefore, to judiciously and effectively solve complex business problems, it
is imperative to use innovative ideas. Leaders must use external (online data,
literary works, etc.) and internal sources to develop innovative ideas to solve
complex business problems. At first, it might seem like a difficult task, but it
is considered to steer your business in the right direction.
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2. Increases productivity :
One of the benefits of innovation in business is the increase in productivity of
individuals, processes, and business models, among others. Simply put,
Business processes have been the same for more than a few decades. However,
with the introduction of innovation in business, there has been a disruption that is
believed to be caused due to novelty, creativity, and uniqueness. That is also
helping in making the business stand out from the rest and vicariously
contributing to increased revenue and market share.
Sources of innovation :
Peter Drucker in his book “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” (1986) identified
seven sources of innovation.
1. The Unexpected :
2. The Incongruity :
This is where much innovation and value creation occurs yet is often overlooked.
Yellow Tail Wines is inexpensive wine product sold in the US and created in
Australia. Its low price point required a new process as the normal system was
too expensive. To keep costs low they did the almost unforgivable and put red
and white wines in the same shaped bottle. Wine traditionalists were
shocked. But it fitted strategy.
7. New Knowledge :
Advances in scientific and non-scientific knowledge can create new products and
new markets. Think biotechnology. The identification of the human genome has
reshaped medical research and indeed life. It is now possible to have a personal
genome sequence mapped to obtain insights into your life: From ancestry
through to genetic disorders.
1. Define innovation :
For businesses new to a serious pivot towards becoming more innovative, this
process will seem and feel ambiguous. If not introduced properly, it’ll come across
as if company leadership is adopting a mere jargon or slogan. It’s vital to
communicate that you’ll be embarking on a strategic process to take on creative,
bold, and fresh ideas with strong potential to deliver meaningful results to the firm.
Innovation processes often do not produce positive results when they are not aligned
with business goals and priorities. While anyone might engage in an innovative
undertaking merely for the sake of innovation, businesses and organizations
naturally must prioritize resources and direct them to real and pressing problems.
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3. Assemble your team :
What’s the use of initiating an innovation program if your business won’t fund its
most promising ideas? To get it off the ground, you need to prove to your staff that
you’re serious in trying out the creativity you’re asking from them. Do this by
soliciting inputs on how to reallocate the budget when beginning an innovation
process.
To be fair, the right ideas might not be there yet in the early stages. Have funding
necessary to put structures in place such as crafting an innovation strategy, setting up
collaboration tools, organizing workshops, and ups killing team members. This also
includes processes and initial resources to analyze and test ideas. When the right
idea comes, then the team can produce a detailed financial proposal that you can
more easily evaluate to trigger the appropriate funding for implementation.
High level organizational leaders, especially shareholders, board members, the CEO,
and c-suite executives must recognize that not all seemingly innovative ideas are
viable or will be successful. Because some of them may feel that way in the
beginning, leaders mustn’t be naive that all outputs of their innovative processes will
be successful.
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7. Evaluate and improve :
Peter Drucker, often considered the father of modern management theory, had
several insightful views on entrepreneurship. Here are some key points :
1. Entrepreneurship as innovation :
4. Systematic approach :
Decentralization :
Knowledge work :
Workforce development:
Drucker felt strongly that managers should improve and develop themselves
and their team members, according to Rosenstein. Investing in employee
training is intrinsic to Drucker’s philosophy. For example, he believed
external development – via participation in industry trade groups and
conferences – is especially valuable.
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Corporate social responsibility :
Organizational culture :
Customer experience :
entrepreneurial profile :
Every entrepreneur is unique. Despite that, they have several shared qualities. An
entrepreneur is both a leader and a great motivator. It is such qualities that make
up an entrepreneurial profile.
1. Responsibility :
Every entrepreneur craves a personal responsibility for their start-up. The desire
to control resources and utilize them to achieve their goal exemplifies this quality.
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Responsibility for entrepreneurs and their entrepreneurial profile means the
following.
2. Commitment :
4. Flexibility :
The ability to adapt to the changing business environment is vital for every
entrepreneur. Customer needs and expectations keep changing. For that reason,
an entrepreneur ought to be willing to make changes. In 2020, several brick-and-
mortar businesses collapsed. A score of others suffered huge losses. Covid-19
was the genesis of this predicament. Consequently, some companies opted to
move online. As a result of that, they thrived and now survive the pandemic. The
pandemic shifted the focus of most customers. Most customers now prefer
shopping online. This is good news to entrepreneurs who read the environment
and switched sides.
5. Skilled organizers :
Entrepreneurs are among the few people able to build something from scratch.
This skill makes it possible for them to gather the right people. Also, they know
the right resources and tools required to accomplish the task. Therefore, they can
organize resources and achieve the set objectives. Besides that, they know the
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right strategies to use when executing their plan. One of the traits that make
them skilled organizers is conscientiousness. They have great impulse control
that allows them to be organized and structured in their approach to business.
6. Risk-Taking :
Taking risks is at the core of entrepreneurship. They don’t have the luxury of
procrastination. Some people are risk-takers, but that does not make them
entrepreneurs. For example, law enforcement officers take risks every day on
duty. Entrepreneurs take risks that eventually pay off. Several ventures exist
today because of the risks entrepreneurs took many years ago. For example, Jeff
Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, took a risk and started the giant online retailer.
Besides that, he has remained relentless even with stiff competition.
Entrepreneurial traits :
Entrepreneurial traits are the typical characteristics, abilities and thought patterns
associated with successful entrepreneurs. While some entrepreneurs are born
with these traits, others can develop them. These include:
2. Being optimist :
Optimism can be described as focusing on the positives and being emotionally
resilient to the negatives. An entrepreneur who organizes, manages and operates
a business is likely to face many setbacks over time. For example, as you start
your business, you will need to complete a lot of paperwork concerning licenses,
tax forms, business plans and bank accounts. In the process of getting these
documents ready, there could be many issues that check your progress, such as
delays in getting a license or structural issues in your business plan.Being
optimistic can help you to overcome these problems quickly instead of becoming
demotivated by them. Like the other important entrepreneurial traits, optimism is
a quality that you will need to develop and maintain in your career.
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3. Being confident :
Confidence is a subjective belief that you have what is needed for something.
Entrepreneurs ask banks for loans, hire workers, motivate teams and build
relationships with clients and suppliers, so it is important for an entrepreneur to
be confident in their ability to do all these things well.
Being confident can help your business. Key stakeholders are more likely to
respond favorably to your proposals if you project your confidence.
4. Being passionate :
Being passionate about building and running your business can make it easier to
put in the effort needed for a successful enterprise. If you need to boost your
professional passion, consider these tips:
Try to think of your job as more than just a livelihood and cultivate a genuine
love for what you do. You can remind yourself of why you decided to start
your own business or think of the positive impacts that your business has on
yourself, your employees, your clients or your community.
Start each business day by reminding yourself of all the things that you look
forward to doing such as closing a deal or hiring a new employee.
5. Being disciplined :
Being disciplined can help you to achieve success as an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurs are expected to work independently, set their own goals and
overcome setbacks. To do these things well, being disciplined is essential. You
can use the following advice to become more disciplined:
Give yourself a small reward each time you meet a goal. This will motivate
you to reach your targets without getting distracted.
6. Being competitive :
Competitiveness is a key trait among successful entrepreneurs. With
globalization and virtualization, industries are growing more competitive. To
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maintain a lucrative business, it is essential to develop a competitive attitude.
Consider the following advice to develop your competitiveness:
Keep track of what your competitors are doing with market research and
market-monitoring services, and ensure that you do not fall behind in terms of
development.
Identify the business tactics that work for your competitors as well as the ones
that do not work, and use these tactics to improve your business.
1. Economic Factors :
The economic environment exercises the most direct and immediate influence on
entrepreneurship. This is likely because people become entrepreneurs due to necessity
when there are no jobs. “In countries where the economy is poorer, or where
unemployment rates are high, citizens turn to starting their own small
businesses where they see opportunity,” Trilby Rajna of Approved Index said.
Economic factors impacting entrepreneurship include:
i. Capital :
Capital is one of the most important factors, yet one of the biggest barriers when
launching a new business. Entrepreneurs require capital to start risky ventures and also
require instant capital to scale up the business quickly if the idea is found to be
successful. There are however numerous ways to fund a new venture including bank
loans, crowdfunding, and bootstrapping.
ii. Labor :
The availability of labor impacts entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, the quality rather
than the quantity of labor influences the emergence and growth of entrepreneurship.
iii. Raw Material :
The necessity of raw materials consisting of natural resources hardly needs any
emphasis for establishing any industrial activity and the emergence of
entrepreneurship. The absence of raw materials adversely affects the entrepreneurial
development.
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2. Psychological Factors :
They say entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. But then for whom is it! What
does it take for an individual to become an entrepreneur? While there isn’t a single
“ideal” entrepreneurial personality, one thing remains constant: an entrepreneurial
spirit. This type of spirit entails many traits and characters that make 400 million
entrepreneurs out of 7 billion people worldwide.
i. Passion :
Starting up a new business is not an easy task to pull off and a consistent and constant
commitment to the idea and the long hours it will require to turn it to a success is
essential. Passion is the fuel of this commitment that motivates entrepreneurs to rise
early in the morning and put their blood, sweat, and tears into their business.
ii. Need for Achievemen :
Entrepreneurs are self-starters with a need to achieve. This achievement motivation
isn’t necessarily driven by the incentives of financial gain only but also by the
satisfaction gain. To add, entrepreneurs’ motivation extends to reach their employees
and partners to keep them on the same page and drive them to achieve as well.
iii. Resilience :
Resilience comes with the package of the entrepreneurial spirit to help entrepreneurs
stay determined in the face of any defeat they might encounter throughout the process.
Failure is then a mere lesson to learn from and continue instead of giving up.
3. Social Factors :
Social factors can go a long way in boosting entrepreneurship. In fact, it was the highly
helpful society that made the industrial revolution a glorious success in Europe. Such
factors strongly affect the entrepreneurial behavior, which contributes to
entrepreneurial growth. The main components of the social environment include:
i. Family Backgroun :
Family background including the size, type, and economic status can influence
entrepreneurs and; therefore, entrepreneurship. Nonetheless, the entrepreneurial spirit
does not necessarily run in the family. According to some sources, 51.9% of all
entrepreneurs were the first to launch a business in their family.(2) Furthermore, less
than 1% of all entrepreneurs come from extremely rich or extremely poor families.
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ii. Education :
Studies state that 95.1% of all entrepreneurs hold a bachelor degree, 47% of those have
advanced in their education and acquired masters, Ph.D. or the like.(2) This is a well
enough indicator of the importance of education to the development of
entrepreneurship.
iii. Social Networks :
Interacting with the surrounding society and forming a reliable network is essential.
Social networks facilitate access to information and influence the quality, quantity, and
speed of information reception thus help identify opportunities.
Support system :
A robust support system is the cornerstone of success and well-being for any
founder or entrepreneur. The entrepreneurial journey is rife with challenges, and
having a network of support can provide invaluable resources, advice, and
emotional assistance. Let's explore the key components of a strong support
system for founders:
1. Mentors and Advisors :
Experienced mentors and advisors serve as guiding lights for founders, providing
valuable insights, industry knowledge, and guidance. They can help founders
navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and avoid common pitfalls
2. Peer Networks :
5. Educational Resources :
6. Advisory Boards :
7. Business Coaches :
1. Team work :
In a team, members bring diverse skills and expertise to the table, enabling
the business to tackle various challenges effectively.
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Different perspectives foster creative problem-solving approaches, leading to
innovative solutions.
Teams allow for the efficient allocation of resources, including time, money,
and manpower, maximizing productivity.
Team members learn from each other, fostering personal and professional
development.
2. Networking in entrepreneurship :
Networking facilitates access to valuable resources such as funding,
mentorship, talent, suppliers, and potential customers.
Motivation :
Motivation is a crucial factor in entrepreneurship as it fuels the drive, passion,
and persistence needed to overcome challenges and achieve success.
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Types of motivation :
Here are some common types of motivation observed in entrepreneurship:
1. Intrinsic motivation :
This type of motivation comes from within and is driven by personal satisfaction,
fulfillment, and the enjoyment of the entrepreneurial process itself. Entrepreneurs
who are intrinsically motivated are passionate about their business idea, derive
joy from solving problems, and find fulfillment in the journey of building and
growing their venture.
2. Extrinsic motivation :
Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or incentives, such as financial
gain, recognition, or social status. While intrinsic motivation is important,
extrinsic factors like the potential for profit, the desire for fame or prestige, or the
need for validation from others can also play a significant role in driving
entrepreneurial behavior.
3. Achievement motivation :
Entrepreneurs with high achievement motivation are driven by a desire to set and
accomplish challenging goals. They thrive on the sense of accomplishment that
comes from overcoming obstacles, reaching milestones, and seeing their vision
come to fruition. This type of motivation often leads to a strong work ethic,
resilience, and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of success.
4. Social motivation :
Social motivation refers to the desire to make a positive impact on others or
contribute to the greater good. Entrepreneurs who are socially motivated are
driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to create value not only for themselves
but also for their customers, employees, communities, or society as a whole.
They may be motivated by the opportunity to solve pressing social or
environmental problems through their business endeavors.
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5. Risk motivation :
Risk motivation refers to the willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of
entrepreneurial opportunities. Entrepreneurs who are motivated by risk are
comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity and see challenges as opportunities
for growth and innovation. They are willing to step outside of their comfort zone,
experiment with new ideas, and embrace failure as a natural part of the
entrepreneurial process.
Compensation :
Compensation refers to the remuneration or rewards that employees receive in
exchange for their work, services, or contributions to an organization. It typically
includes both monetary and non-monetary components.
1. Base salary :
This is the fixed amount of money that an employee receives on a regular basis,
typically expressed as an annual figure but paid out in installments (e.g., monthly,
bi-weekly).
2. Bonuses :
Bonuses are additional payments made to employees on top of their base salary,
usually as a reward for achieving specific performance targets, meeting company
objectives, or demonstrating exceptional contributions.
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3. Commissions :
Commission-based compensation is common in sales roles and is calculated as a
percentage of sales revenue generated by the employee. This incentives
employees to increase sales and revenue for the organization.
4. Overtime pay :
Overtime pay is compensation provided to employees for any hours worked
beyond their regular working hours, typically at a premium rate higher than their
standard hourly wage.
5. Profit sharing :
Some companies offer profit-sharing programs where employees receive a share
of the company's profits in addition to their base salary. This aligns employees'
interests with the financial success of the organization.
6. Allowances :
These are additional payments or reimbursements provided to employees to
cover specific expenses such as travel, transportation, housing, or education.
1. Employee benefits :
This includes offerings such as health insurance, dental and vision coverage,
retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), life insurance, disability insurance, and flexible
spending accounts.
2. Attracting talent :
3. Motivating employee :
4. Resource allocation :
Cash flow management is critical for startups and small businesses, particularly
during the early stages of development. Entrepreneurs must balance the need to
compensate employees competitively with the necessity of maintaining adequate
cash reserves for operating expenses and growth initiatives. Flexible
compensation structures, such as variable pay or deferred compensation
arrangements, can help entrepreneurs manage cash flow fluctuations while still
rewarding employees effectively.
Write the importance of support system , network and team work for the
success of an entrepreneur ?
The importance of a support system, network, and teamwork for the success of
an entrepreneur cannot be overstated. Here's why these elements are crucial:
1. Emotional support :
Entrepreneurship can be a challenging and lonely journey. A strong support
system, comprising friends, family, mentors, and advisors, provides emotional
support during tough times. They offer encouragement, empathy, and
understanding, helping entrepreneurs navigate through setbacks and maintain
resilience.
2. Knowledge sharing :
Networking allows entrepreneurs to tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
By connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and experts,
they can gain valuable insights, advice, and best practices. Networking facilitates
learning from others' experiences, avoiding common pitfalls, and staying
informed about industry trends and developments.
3. Resources access :
A robust network can provide access to resources critical for business success.
This includes funding opportunities, partnerships, suppliers, customers, and
talent. Through their network, entrepreneurs can identify potential investors,
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collaborators, and supporters who can contribute to their venture's growth and
sustainability.
4. Opportunity identification :
Networking exposes entrepreneurs to new opportunities and possibilities. By
engaging with diverse individuals and groups, entrepreneurs can discover
potential markets, niches, and untapped needs. Serendipitous encounters and
conversations within their network can lead to innovative ideas, partnerships, or
collaborations that propel their business forward.
5. Validation and feedback :
Interacting with peers and mentors in their network allows entrepreneurs to
validate their ideas and receive constructive feedback. This external perspective
helps refine their business concept, strategy, and execution plan. Feedback from
trusted individuals can uncover blind spots, identify areas for improvement, and
challenge assumptions, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.
6. Team building :
Building a strong team is essential for scaling a business. Entrepreneurs rely on
talented individuals with complementary skills and expertise to execute their
vision effectively. A collaborative team fosters creativity, innovation, and
productivity, driving the company's growth and competitiveness. Effective
teamwork enables entrepreneurs to delegate tasks, leverage diverse perspectives,
and achieve collective goals efficiently.
7. Supportive ecosystem :
Entrepreneurs thrive in supportive ecosystems that provide access to mentorship,
funding, infrastructure, and networking opportunities. Vibrant startup
communities, incubators, accelerators, and industry associations foster
collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among entrepreneurs.
Being part of such ecosystems enhances an entrepreneur's chances of success by
providing a nurturing environment for growth and development.
Value system :
A value system is the network of organizations and the value producing activities
involved in the production and delivery of an offering. The major business
processes are the value producing activities. Porter (1985) popularized this view
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of a business and the network of organizations involved with an offering to an
end customer. Terminology in this area bears some clarification.
Value system or value chain :
Specifically, Porter called the value producing activities of one organization
a value chain and the network organizations involved in the production and
delivery of an offering to the end customer a value system.
Value stream and supply chain :
Value stream is defined as the processes of creating, producing, and delivering an
offering and may be controlled by a single business or a network of businesses.
The term value stream brings focus onto the value creating activities regardless
of the business organizations that own them. Supply chain is often just the value
stream or system up to the point of conversion, the production of the offering, but
not its marketing, sales, distribution and service.
Porter's (1985) value activities :
Primary activities :
Activities involved in the physical creation of the product and its sale or
transfer to the buyer as well as after sales assistance
In bound logistics ; receiving, warehousing, inventory control of input
materials, etc.
Operations ; value-creating activities that transform the inputs into the final
products
Out bound logistics ; activities required to get the finished product to the
customer, including warehousing and order fulfillment
Marketing and sales ; selling, channel selection, advertising, pricing, etc.
Service ; customer support, repair services, etc.
Support activities :
Activities that support the primary activities and each other. These activities
can be associated with primary activities as well as the full value chain.
Human resource management - recruiting, development, and compensation of
employees.
Technology development ; research and development, process automation,
other technology development used to support the value chain activities
Procurement ; purchasing the raw materials and other inputs used in the value
creating activities
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Firm infrastructure :
Activities not associated with particular primary activities that support the full
value chain. This includes finance, legal, quality management, etc.
Value system and competitive advantage :
Value activities are the discrete building blocks of competitive advantage. How
each activity is performed with its economics will determine if a firm is high or
low cost relative to its competitors. The firm's competitive advantage comes from
the way activities fit and reinforce one another. By seeing the company's value
chain and its value system as a whole, the firm can tailor its competencies to fit
together to provide a superior value proposition to the customer.
Value system, strategy, and business design :
Value chain formulation focuses on how these activities create value and what
determines their cost, giving the firm considerable latitude in determining how
activities are configured.
Value system architecture :
The complete view of the value system reveals the value system architecture. As
in all 'architecture,' a style or method of design and construction should become
evident, as well as opportunities to better design the system. There should be a
thematic and complementary arrangement of the activities first followed by
forming the activities into a structure. A value system design with gaps, without a
defined flow, or unidentified and unaligned value propositions of the players
raises a red flag for the possibility of an incomplete or ineffective strategy.
Value system and strategy formation :
The value system design occurs early on in the strategy creation processes. This
activity produces strategic insights. For example, the incorporation of substitute
offerings and competitors into a value system view is a means for developing
insights into strategic opportunities. As specific strategic alternatives are
developed and assessed, defining each alternative's value system serves to reveal
any weak links in the system.
Value system and strategy deployment :
As for defining the business model in preparation for deployment, the value
system becomes a clear representation of what you want
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the process ""battlefield"" to look like at the end of deployment. As such, it
serves as a guide to those involved with the ongoing dynamics of strategy
deployment where twists and turns are an everyday occurrence as the processes,
functions, and business relationships are further refined. Referring to the value
system design during the heat of battle can insure that the achievement of the
overall value proposition as defined in the strategy and that the hypothesis of the
strategy is in fact being tested.
1. Manufacturing Enterprises :
Manufacturing enterprises are the ones which are involved in production of any
products related to any industry listed in first schedule of industries
(Development and Regulation Act, 1951). On the basis of investment in plant
and machinery, manufacturing enterprises can be classified into micro, small and
medium enterprise as :
An An enterprise in which investment on plant and machinery is up to 25 lac
is a micro enterprise.
Art enterprise in which investment on plant and machinery is above 25 lac
and up to 5 crore is a small enterprise.
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An enterprise in which investment on plant and machinery is above 5 crore
and up to 10 crore is a medium enterprise.
1. Service Enterprises :
Enterprises involved in delivering services are service enterprises. According to
the investment in equipment's. service enterprises can be classified into micro,
small and medium enterprise as :
An enterprise in which investment on equipment is up to 10 lac is a micro
enterprise.
An enterprise in which investment on equipment is above 10 lac and up to 2
crore is a small enterprise.
An enterprise in which investment on equipment is above 2 crore and up to 5
crore is a medium enterprise.
1. Manufacturing Industries :
These include small business units which are mainly involved in manufacturing
of products consumed directly by the customers and also by other processing
firms. These are of following types :
a) Small Enterprises :
Small scale industry is defined by the Government of India as an undertaking
which has the maximum investment of 1 crore in plants and machinery.
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b) Ancillary Industries :
According to Government of India, if the total investment in the plant and
machinery of industry does not exceed more than 75 lac, then it will be termed as
ancillary industry. These industries are mainly involved in the production of parts,
components, sub-assemblies, tooling or intermediaries, or in offering services of
production to other units supplying 30% of their production or services.
c) Tiny Units :
Industries which have fixed investment in plant and machinery of not more than
5 lacs are called tiny units. These units include various types of service providers
such as laundry. zeroing, repairs, maintenance of customer equipment and
machinery. hatching, poultry, etc.
5. Trading Industries :
Firms which are mainly involved in the sales and purchase of the goods and
services are termed as trading industries. These industries act as a middleman
between the consumers and producers. Wholesaler, retailer and commission
agents are the typical examples of trading industries.
6. Service Industries :
Business units which provide various types of services in the rural areas (or
towns having maximum population of 5 lacs) are termed as service industries.
These industries must not have investment of more than 72 lacs in plant and
machinery. These industries may provide the following services :
Professional services, e.g.. legal services. Consultancy, accounting medicine,
etc.
Commercial services, e.g.. real estate. transport. repair shops, constructing
warehousing, etc.
Personal services, e.g. dry cleaning. restaurants, fashion shops, etc.
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Role of SME Sector in Economic Development :
The Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) sector plays a crucial role in the
economic development of a country in several ways:
1. SMEs are significant contributors to employment creation, particularly in
developing economies. They offer job opportunities to a large segment of the
population, including skilled and unskilled workers, thereby reducing
unemployment rates and poverty levels. Moreover, SMEs often provide
employment opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas, promoting inclusive
growth and reducing regional disparities.
2. SMEs make substantial contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
of a country. Despite their relatively small size individually, collectively,
SMEs account for a significant portion of the national output. Their diverse
range of activities across various sectors such as manufacturing, services,
agriculture, and trade contributes to overall economic growth and
development.
3. SMEs are often centers of innovation and entrepreneurship, driving
technological advancements, product development, and market innovations.
Their agility, flexibility, and adaptability enable them to respond quickly to
changing market demands and consumer preferences, fostering competition
and stimulating economic dynamism.
4. SMEs play an essential role in the supply chain ecosystem, serving as
suppliers, subcontractors, and distributors for larger firms. They form linkages
with larger corporations, both domestically and internationally, contributing to
the competitiveness and resilience of the economy. SMEs often provide niche
products or specialized services that complement the offerings of larger
companies, enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.
5. SMEs contribute to the development of local industries and value chains by
utilizing local resources, skills, and expertise. They promote indigenous
entrepreneurship and foster the growth of domestic industries, reducing
reliance on imports and enhancing economic self-sufficiency. Moreover,
SMEs often serve as incubators for new industries and sectors, laying the
foundation for future economic diversification and expansion.
6. SMEs play a vital role in international trade and export promotion,
particularly for emerging economies. They serve as exporters of goods and
services, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and trade balance.
Governments often support SMEs through trade promotion initiatives,
capacity-building programs, and market access facilitation to enable them to
tap into global markets and participate in international trade.
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Financial and marketing problems of SMEs :
Managers of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) often face various
financial and marketing challenges that can impact the sustainability and growth
of their businesses. Here are some common problems and potential solutions for
each area:
1. Financial problems :
i. Limited access to capital :
SMEs often struggle to access financing from traditional sources such as banks
due to limited collateral, lack of credit history, or high interest rates. This can
hinder their ability to invest in growth opportunities or meet working capital
needs.
Solution :
Explore alternative financing options such as government grants, venture capital,
angel investors, crowdfunding, or peer-to-peer lending platforms. Additionally,
building a strong relationship with local banks and financial institutions may
improve access to credit over time.
ii. Cash flow management :
Poor cash flow management is a prevalent issue for SMEs, leading to liquidity
problems, late payments to suppliers, and difficulties in meeting financial
obligations.
Solution :
Implement effective cash flow forecasting and monitoring systems to track
income and expenses accurately. Negotiate favorable payment terms with
suppliers and encourage prompt invoice payments from customers. Consider
implementing measures to reduce overhead costs and improve operational
efficiency.
iii. Dept management :
Accumulating debt can become a significant burden for SMEs, especially if they
have taken on loans with high interest rates or unfavorable repayment terms.
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Solution :
Develop a debt management strategy to prioritize and reduce high-interest debts.
Consider refinancing or consolidating existing loans to lower interest rates or
extend repayment periods. Focus on improving profitability and generating
positive cash flows to repay debts more effectively.
2. Marketing problems :
i. Limited marketing budget :
SMEs often have constrained marketing budgets compared to larger competitors,
making it challenging to reach target audiences effectively.
Solution :
Focus on cost-effective marketing strategies such as social media marketing,
content marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Leverage digital platforms and tools to reach a wider audience without
significant financial investment. Additionally, prioritize activities that provide the
highest return on investment (ROI) for the marketing budget available.
ii. Lack of market differentiation :
SMEs may struggle to differentiate their products or services in crowded markets,
leading to commoditization and price competition.
Solution :
Identify and emphasize unique selling propositions (USPs) that set the business
apart from competitors. Focus on delivering exceptional value, personalized
customer experiences, or niche offerings that address specific customer needs.
Invest in branding, storytelling, and customer engagement initiatives to build
brand loyalty and differentiation.
iii. Limited marketing expertise :
SME managers may lack expertise or resources to develop and execute effective
marketing strategies, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
Solution :
Invest in marketing training and skill development for employees or consider
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outsourcing certain marketing functions to external agencies or consultants.
Collaborate with industry associations, business networks, or mentors who can
provide guidance and support in developing and implementing marketing
initiatives tailored to the business's needs.
What is entrepreneurial marketing ?
Marketing refers to the activities a company uses to persuade customers to make
a purchase, and entrepreneurial marketing is defined by its entrepreneurial
approach to those activities. In contrast to traditional marketing, which relies on
the standard execution of common tactics, an entrepreneurial approach to
marketing identifies new tactics or executes existing tactics in new ways.
A FRAMEWORK :
We’ll get into specifics below, but here is a broad framework to guide your
entrepreneurial marketing efforts.
1. Create Opportunities :
Identify an existing problem (whether people are aware of it or not) and
developing a credible solution that delivers measurable results.
2. Scale :
Work with as many experts and insiders as you can to increase efficiency,
credibility, and product efficacy. In other words, hire the right people and make
the right connections.
3. Accelerate the Process :
Get your product or service in the hands of the people who will benefit most
from it so you can get valuable feedback and generate WOM.20
Examples :
An entrepreneurial approach should make efficient use of resources to “do[]
more with less.”21 That means:
Stretching resources further.
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Using resources that others can’t or in ways that others can’t
Using external resources.
Combining resources in ways that lead to a whole greater than the sum of the
parts;
Using existing resources to get other resources.
Five entrepreneurial marketing strategies include:
4. Expeditionary marketing :
Identify new markets through the process of “successive approximation,” quickly
developing and launching products to accumulate knowledge and feedback that
result in a competitive advantage.23
5. Guerrilla marketing :
Generate free publicity and word of mouth through unconventional marketing
campaigns that leverage external resources and take people by surprise.24
6. Viral marketing :
Generate electronic word of mouth (eWOM) by targeting existing social
networks with digital and physical content that members of that network will
share and reshare.
7. Buzz marketing :
Generate enthusiasm and word of mouth (WOM) through events or publicity
stunts that people will talk about.26
8. Radical marketing :
Work to build a community of loyal customers by taking a customer-centric
approach and increasing customer engagement.27
9. Growth hacking :
Use technology, analytics, and testing to identify cost-efficient tactics to achieve
growth. This approach is primarily applied to SaaS marketing.
10.Agile marketing :
Streamline marketing operations to enable the rapid development and execution
of successive marketing activities that build on the knowledge gained from the
activities that came before.
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1. Innovativeness :
Among other characteristics of entrepreneurial marketing that you need to
master is innovativeness. An innovative firm has the ability to ensure a flow
of new ideas. By maintaining such a flow, it is possible to come up with new
products and services.
Since the world has become extremely competitive, it is crucial to gain the
upper hand by focusing on being innovative. If there is something that you
can do differently or in a better way, you will be able to attract customers.
Entrepreneurial marketing depends heavily on innovativeness. People are
drawn to innovation. If you can provide them with something new or different,
they are likely to take an interest in what you have to offer. You can start by
learning how to be more innovative.
2. Focus on Customers :
Next, entrepreneurial marketing requires firms to focus on their customers.
An entrepreneur has to adopt a creative approach for acquiring, retaining, and
developing customers.
When you pay attention to your customers, you equip your firm with the
knowledge to meet customer requirements.
The truth is that it is impossible to do marketing right without focusing on
your customers. You need to be able to connect with customers to get them
hooked. This is only possible when you devote your efforts to learning more
about your client base.
As you boost your customer knowledge, you will come up with a marketing
strategy that enables you to best target your audience. It is a characteristic that
you cannot afford to overlook.
3. Utilize Opportunity :
Speaking of characteristics of entrepreneurial marketing, we should mention
that the pursuit of opportunity is essential. You must recognize its importance
and devote your efforts towards making the most of it.
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In fact, entrepreneurship is generally termed as a process that involves
discovery and evaluation to exploit opportunities.
An entrepreneurial opportunity is a situation wherein new goods and services
are introduced by analyzing customers’ needs. Only when you understand the
market will you be able to find an opportunity that you can utilize.
By utilizing opportunities that come your way, your chances of succeeding as
an entrepreneur are increased. However, you must be continuously on the
lookout for new opportunities as you might just identify something amazing
that allows you to take your firm to the next level.
4. Risk Management :
Since entrepreneurs are known for taking risks, they need to focus on risk
management. Entrepreneurship is all about risk calculation. It requires the
identification of risk factors and attempts to mitigate or control those risk
factors altogether.
Entrepreneurial marketing relies on the management of risk. It is integral to
its success. Without proper risk management, you are likely to fail. Hence,
you need to learn more about risk management. It will help ensure that you
are prepared for what is to come.
By improving your risk management capabilities and implementing a
comprehensive business risk management plan, you can expect to limit the
risk and take calculated risks for the best outcome. You will find it to be
useful as it will boost your probability of success.
5. Value Creation :
Finally, entrepreneurial marketing requires value creation. It is an important
part of the mix. With value creation, you get to move past innovation and
focus on improving your relationship with customers.
When you provide value, you get to show customers that your product or
service is worth the cost.
Value creation is something that every entrepreneur needs to provide. It is a
prerequisite for ensuring transactions are made. The characteristic requires
entrepreneurs to come up with waytBuild brand awo add value to the lives of
their customers.
If you can convince people that your product or service adds value, you will
have no trouble getting customers interested in what you have to offer.
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However, it can be difficult to create value. You need to ensure that your
innovativeness bears fruit.
Whether you want to provide internet marketing services or any other services to
your client base, you have to make it count.
6. Proactive Orientation :
One of the characteristics of entrepreneurial marketing is proactive orientation.
Entrepreneurial firms have to continuously search for new ways to gain a
competitive advantage. This is where the need to make changes to established
methods in production or marketing becomes necessary.
A proactive approach allows firms to constantly evaluate different techniques
to determine what works best for them. To succeed as an entrepreneur, it is
crucial to test the waters and come up with a unique marketing strategy that
allows you to attract customers to your products.
As you continue to try out new ideas, you will gain a better understanding of
your customer base. It will help catapult your business to new heights. The
fact is that proactive orientation is all about seeking the new and trying
something that no one has ever done before.
Purpose of marketing plan :
No matter your industry, there is so much competition nowadays. You need a
way to stand out from the crowd. You need to build a name for your business and
show people what you can do.
Marketing plan allow your company to;
Build brand awareness
Boost consumer engagement
Offer sale support
2. Economic Independence :
Entrepreneurs identify market needs and develop solutions through their products
and services to begin their business venture. By starting new firms and
businesses, entrepreneurs play a key role in shaping the economy and creating a
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more dynamic and diverse business landscape. Entrepreneurship also promotes
innovation and competition, leading to new and improved products and services
that contribute to economic growth and development.
4. Creation of Jobs :
6. Elimination of Poverty :
7. Community Development :
Mark Zuckerberg :
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder, and CEO of Facebook, is one of the most
renowned entrepreneurs of the 21st century. His journey from creating a simple
social networking platform in his Harvard University dorm room to leading one
of the largest and most influential technology companies globally is an inspiring
case study in entrepreneurship.
1. Early life and education :
Mark Zuckerberg was born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York.
He showed an early interest in computers and programming, creating a
messaging program called "ZuckNet" for his father's dental office when he
was just 12.
Zuckerberg attended Harvard University, where he studied psychology and
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computer science.
2. Founding Facebook :
In 2004, while at Harvard, Zuckerberg launched "TheFacebook," a social
networking site, with his roommates Dustin Moskovitz, Eduardo Saverin,
Andrew McCollum, and Chris Hughes.
The platform's initial purpose was to connect Harvard students but quickly
expanded to other Ivy League schools and eventually to colleges and
universities worldwide.
The rapid growth led Zuckerberg to drop out of Harvard in his sophomore
year to focus full-time on developing Facebook.
3. Growth and expansion :
Facebook's user base continued to grow exponentially, attracting the attention
of investors.
In 2006, Zuckerberg turned down offers from major companies, including
Yahoo!, and secured funding from Accel Partners.
Facebook expanded beyond educational institutions, opening up to anyone
aged 13 and older with a valid email address.
The company introduced several features and innovations, including the News
Feed, which transformed Facebook into a dynamic platform for sharing and
consuming content.
4. Challenges and controversies :
Facebook faced numerous challenges and controversies over the years,
including privacy concerns, data breaches, and accusations of facilitating
misinformation and political manipulation.
Zuckerberg appeared before Congress multiple times to address these issues
and defend Facebook's policies and practices.
5. Acquisitions and diversification :
Under Zuckerberg's leadership, Facebook acquired several companies,
including Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014, expanding its reach and
influence in the social media landscape.
In 2012, Facebook went public in one of the largest initial public offerings
(IPOs) in history, further cementing Zuckerberg's status as a tech industry
titan.
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6. Meta platforms :
In 2021, Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would be rebranded as Meta
Platforms, Inc., reflecting the company's broader focus on building the next
generation of internet platforms, including virtual and augmented reality
technologies.
Jeff Bezos :
1. Early life :
Jeffrey Preston Jorgensen (later Bezos) was born on January 12, 1964, in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. His parents divorced when he was young, and his
mother remarried a Cuban immigrant named Miguel Bezos, whose surname
Jeff adopted.
Bezos graduated from Princeton University in 1986 with degrees in electrical
engineering and computer science. He then worked on Wall Street in various
capacities, including at a quantitative hedge fund.
2. Founding Amazon :
Bezos founded Amazon.com in 1994 as an online bookstore in his garage in
Seattle. He initially operated the company under the name Cadabra Inc., but
later changed it to Amazon.
Bezos had a grand vision for Amazon from the beginning, aiming to create an
"everything store" where customers could find and purchase anything they
wanted online.
Under Bezos's leadership, Amazon continuously expanded its offerings,
starting with books and gradually adding categories such as electronics,
apparel, and cloud computing services.
Bezos prioritized long-term customer satisfaction over short-term profits,
which led to initiatives like Amazon Prime (offering fast shipping and
additional services) and customer reviews, enhancing the overall shopping
experience.
3. Key strategies and initiatives :
i. Diversification :
Bezos diversified Amazon's business beyond e-commerce, venturing into areas
such as cloud computing (Amazon Web Services), streaming media (Amazon
Prime Video), smart devices (Amazon Echo), and artificial intelligence (Alexa).
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ii. Vertical integration :
Amazon vertically integrated its operations by not only selling products but also
manufacturing its own hardware (e.g., Kindle e-readers) and providing logistics
services through initiatives like Amazon Logistics.
iii. Decision making :
Bezos emphasized the importance of data in decision-making processes,
employing sophisticated analytics to understand customer behavior, optimize
operations, and drive innovation.
iv. Culture of innovation :
Bezos fostered a culture of innovation within Amazon, encouraging
experimentation, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and prioritizing
bold bets on new ideas and technologies.
4. Challenges :
Amazon faced increasing scrutiny over its market dominance and alleged
anti-competitive practices, leading to investigations by regulatory authorities
in various countries.
The company has been criticized for its treatment of workers, including issues
related to working conditions, wages, and labor union suppression.
Amazon has been under pressure to address its environmental impact,
particularly concerning carbon emissions from its logistics operations and
data centers.
5. Leadership style :
i. Long term vision :
Bezos is known for his long-term vision and willingness to invest in projects with
distant payoffs, even if they initially generate little or no profit.
ii. Risk taking :
Bezos has demonstrated a willingness to take bold risks and pursue
unconventional ideas, such as entering new markets and investing in emerging
technologies.
iii. Costumer obsession :
He is deeply committed to understanding and serving the needs of Amazon's
customers, often stating that customer satisfaction is the foundation of the
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company's success.
iv. Data driven and analytical :
Bezos is highly analytical and data-driven in his decision-making approach,
relying on quantitative metrics to evaluate performance and guide strategic
direction.
Steve Jobs :
1. Early life :
Steve Jobs was born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California. He was
adopted shortly after birth and grew up in Silicon Valley. From a young age, Jobs
showed an interest in electronics and became friends with Steve Wozniak, with
whom he later co-founded Apple.
2. Founding Apple :
In 1976, Steve Jobs, along with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, founded
Apple Computer Inc. in the Jobs family garage. Their goal was to develop and
sell personal computers. Their first product, the Apple I, was followed by the
highly successful Apple II, which catapulted the company into prominence.
3. Visionary leadership :
Jobs was renowned for his vision and ability to anticipate consumer needs. He
envisioned technology not just as functional tools but as elegant and user-friendly
devices that could seamlessly integrate into everyday life. This vision drove the
development of groundbreaking products like the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and
iPad.
4. Product innovation :
Under Jobs's leadership, Apple became synonymous with innovation. He
famously believed in creating products that customers didn't even know they
wanted until they saw them. For example, the iPhone revolutionized the
smartphone industry by introducing a touchscreen interface and app ecosystem,
setting new standards for usability and design.
5. Focus on design :
Jobs was passionate about design and believed in creating products that were not
only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. He famously said, "Design is not
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just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." This emphasis on
design excellence helped differentiate Apple's products in the market.
6. Marketing and branding :
Jobs was a master marketer who understood the importance of storytelling and
branding. He was known for his captivating product presentations, such as the
iconic Apple keynote addresses, where he would unveil new products with
dramatic flair. These presentations not only generated buzz but also created an
emotional connection with consumers.
Jack Ma :
1. Early life and education :
Jack Ma grew up during China's Cultural Revolution, facing numerous
challenges including rejection from college entrance exams multiple times.
He started learning English at an early age by offering free tours to foreign
tourists in his hometown Hangzhou.
2. Founding Alibaba :
In 1999, Jack Ma along with a group of friends founded Alibaba Group,
initially operating out of his apartment in Hangzhou.
Alibaba's primary goal was to create an online marketplace to connect
Chinese manufacturers with overseas buyers.
Despite facing initial skepticism and struggling to attract investors, Alibaba
eventually gained traction and became one of the leading e-commerce
platforms globally.
3. Achievements :
Alibaba's Taobao, an online shopping platform, was launched in 2003, and it
quickly gained popularity by offering free listings, challenging eBay's
dominance in China.
In 2004, Alibaba Group launched Alipay, an online payment platform, which
played a crucial role in facilitating transactions within Alibaba's ecosystem.
The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2014,
raising $25 billion in what was then the largest initial public offering (IPO) in
history.
Under Jack Ma's leadership, Alibaba expanded its business into various
sectors including cloud computing, digital entertainment, logistics, and
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finance.
4. Leadership style :
Jack Ma is known for his charismatic and unconventional leadership style,
often emphasizing the importance of innovation, risk-taking, and
perseverance.
He is also a proponent of "996" culture, advocating for employees to work
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, a controversial stance that has sparked
debates on work-life balance and labor rights in China.
5. Challenges :
Alibaba has faced various challenges over the years, including allegations of
counterfeit goods on its platforms, regulatory scrutiny, and competition from
domestic and international rivals.
Jack Ma's outspoken nature and criticism of Chinese regulators have
occasionally landed him in hot water, leading to speculation about political
motivations behind certain regulatory actions against Alibaba.