Types of Entrepreneur

Assalamualaikum, hello again! Now that we have acknowledged what is Entrepreneurship, let's get to know the types of entrepreneur. Constable (2015) quoted, "As entrepreneurs, each of us is different and unique. The one common element we all share is the desire to create freedom in our “work” and life through entrepreneurship. We live in a time ripe with opportunities to create businesses that help us live the lives we want to live," [c]

For your information, there are many types of entrepreneur in entrepreneurship. But, "This does not mean that one type is better, stronger or more capable than the other. However, it does mean that different types of entrepreneurs have different personalities and styles," [1]

1. Intrapreneur

Based on the claim made by Aman Shah & Soon Teik Lan (2013), "An intrapreneur is an entrepreneur within a large organization with high entrepreneurial characteristics who strongly believes in his talent and ability and has a strong desire to create something using his own initiative and creativity,". This type is basically based on intuition and one's ability to create inventions.

2. The Builder

Another type of entrepreneur is a builder. Deeb (2014) quoted, "A drive to build highly scalable businesses very fast. When this DNA is high in an individual, they break past $5 million in revenue within 2-4 years and keep going to up to $100 million. That’s because these individuals measure success through a very unique lens – infrastructure. It drives the decisions they make and the strategy they build and deploy. They aren’t satisfied with a certain amount of personal income or goodwill toward man,".[d] This type is the one who always want more and will strive more.

3. The Copycat

Constable (2015) claimed, "This entrepreneur sees the success of others and tries to copy them exactly. Their website is the same, their business cards are the same, and the way they present themself is the carbon copy of a leader in their industry,". This type is the most irritating and unacceptable type. Why would you copy someone else's work and claimed it as yours? That is absolutely absurd. Honesty is the policy, especially in Entrepreneurship. Plus, if you copy someone else's work (effort), you will eventually be caught red-handed and you will lose everything that you have worked for. Want that? I don't think so. So, be wise! Don't be a copycat.

4. The Researcher

Constable (2015) claimed, "This entrepreneur loves to learn. They research every possible scenario and outcome for strategies to start or grow a business. There is nothing wrong with learning, but when that’s all you do, it becomes a problem. The research ends up becoming an excuse for not taking action.While you should always strive to learn what works, and what could help your business, you have to implement. Most entrepreneurs know more than they think; too many entrepreneurs fall victim to information overload. The key to success is learning and then implementing. The implementing has to happen,". 

This is a good type of entrepreneur as he does not create a product or open up a company without proper knowledge and without enough preparation such as conducting researches on the desired products to sell and the price of this and that and all of the little preparations, as well as the bigger deals. Well, conducting researches on things and situations will make one become more understanding about a particular something. It opens our eyes. I, myself in particular, would be this type of entrepreneur because I love conducting researches and surveys. Basically, I love to study people. 

5. Social Entrepreneurs

Based on the claim made by Aman Shah & Soon Teik Lan (2013), "A social entrepreneur is someone who recognizes a social problem, and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create and manage a venture to make social change. A social entrepreneur often works through a non-profit organizations, citizen group, or private or governmental sectors. Many successful entrepreneurs, such as Bill Gates of Microsoft, have become social entrepreneurs,". Simply said, this is the type of entrepreneur who is a smart person who does not see problems as problems, but opportunities. As we all know, nowadays, there is countless number of social problems occur in our very own world. Entrepreneurs take these problems and turn them into business. This is to ensure people's calmness and great well-being, as well as to reduce the number of unwanted social problems. Plus, making money, $$$ kaching kaching!

6. Cyberpreneur

A cyberpreneur is, "Someone who is starting or running a business in cyberspace by using the internet. An entrepreneur who has an online-based business on the internet targets international consumers. These cyberpreneurs do not need offices or extensive support staff all over the world. They just need a great idea and a good connection to the Internet," (Aman Shah & Soon Teik Lan, 2013). Nowadays, with the help of technology, everything seems easier. That includes shopping and selling. There are many online shops nowadays, including Zalora.com.my (the video above). 

 

Who does not know Mark Zuckerberg? He is a cyberpreneur/social entrepreneur as well. He invented the ever popular and widely used, Facebook. Phillips (2007) quoted, "In February 2004 Mr Zuckerberg launched "The facebook", as it was originally known; the name taken from the sheets of paper distributed to freshmen, profiling students and staff. Within 24 hours, 1,200 Harvard students had signed up, and after one month, over half of the undergraduate population had a profile,". [f] Once you have the skills and passion, it is easy to become an entrepreneur. It does not need much amount of money to start a business online. That is why there are many cyberpreneurs these days.

References:

Aman Shah, S.H. & Soon Teik Lan, C. (2013). Entrepreneurship. Selangor, MY: Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd. [1]

Constable, K. (2015, March 30). The 5 Types of Entrepreneurs. Entrepreneur. Retrieved August 24, 2015 from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/244210 [c]

Deeb, G. (2014, November 8). The 4 Types of Entrepreneurs -- Which Are You? Forbes. Retrieved August 24, 2015 from http://www.forbes.com/sites/georgedeeb/2014/11/07/the-4-types-of-entrepreneurs-which-type-are-you/ [d]

Mashable. (2014, February 4). The Illustrated Story of Facebook. Retrieved August 24, 2015 fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUJQJB7jVc [e]

Phillips, S. (2007, July 25). A Brief History of Facebook. The Guardian. Retrieved August 24, 2015 from http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/jul/25/media.newmedia [f]

Shiroku Production. (2012, August 7). Zalora (Malaysia) commercial 30sec spot - 2 languages.Retrieved August 24, 2015 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vASLFp1z82E [g]