What does an entrepreneur do?

Identifying hidden opportunities requires a few groundrules: 1) An open mind - Letting go of preconceived biases is critical. Apply the "no idea is stupid" filter. 2) Prior experience - If you have been in a specific domain or competency for a long time, you will spot gaps quicker than others. Keep an eye out for these pain points. 3) Observation - Truly an underrated skill! Learn to observe patterns in people's behaviours, and ask "Why are they behaving this way? Is there a better way?" You'll often spot opportunities hidden in plain sight. 4) Zooming in and out - Get deep into a problem and understanding the core need (zoom in), and then see if there are sufficient people with the same need to make it a market (zoom out).

A multiplicity of hats: Early stage: 1. Finding people to build with 2. Identifying problem to solve 3. Figure a way to solve which radically changes the way things were done earlier by 10X 4. Build MVP (minimum viable product) and get to market 5. Launch and iterate, and iterate, and iterate until you find PMF (product market fit) Mid stage: 1. Scale up - build the idiot-proof playbook for replicating it over and over 2. Hiring - find people with value fitment (more important) and skills 3. Building in a profitable way Later stage: 1. Culture 2. New product - you already have customers, what more can you sell to them 3. IPO / Exit PS: Insights are from renowned founders in India, captured in my book, Startup Compass

An entrepreneur is a person who spots problems within a community or gaps in an industry, and innovatively devises solutions or value propositions to address these issues. This involves strategic maneuvering through market complexities, discerning emerging trends, deeply researching market niches, and iteratively validating ideas. Through active engagement with customers, partners, and investors, the entrepreneur continually fine-tunes their concepts, adjusts to shifting market dynamics, and shapes a value proposition that meets the changing needs and demands.

One of India's top VC shared this story with me. He was pitched by Flipkart way back in 2009 - before the Tiger Global round. If he had invested in Flipkart at that time, it would have been a blockbuster investment. But he passed on it. Why? Because he simply did not see a large TAM (Total Addressable Market) for selling books (Flipkart had started as an online book seller). That is the fallacy of focussing too much on the opportunity (aka TAM). His learning from that episode - the best entrepreneurs make their own TAM. What should be your learning from this? Build, pivot, build, pivot and just keep doing that. The longer you are able to do that, the higher is the probability that you will end up creating something big!

An entrepreneur is someone who provides the solution to the society of a big problem. They are a creative solution maker who identify the gap, trends and look to things differently. They go through the deep analysis whether the solution has the potential to become the revolutionary business or not. They test potential customers, promotion channels and other operations.

Entrepreneurs must possess a clear vision and strategic alignment with their venture's objectives. They must not only be passionate but also exhibit focused determination, underpinned by meticulous planning and dynamic implementation. They adeptly must set and dissect goals, objectives, and milestones into achievable tasks and actions. An entrepreneur's ability to simplify complex challenges into manageable components, and efficiently allocate resources such as time, money, and talent, is vital for business growth. Being an entrepreneur myself I always feel the journey holds more significance than the destination, as it empowers you personally and professionally to be the best version of you.

Plenty of people have grand visions and new ideas. Seems like around every corner you’ll find an “entrepreneur” who is seeking funding and investment money to get their idea off the ground. But the difference between success and failure in always in the execution! It’s why we invest in the people more than just the product or idea. Who is going to execute and what’s their track record for executing? These are critical questions that too many investors fail to ask.

Entrepreneur is anyone who goes beyond the conventional method of sale and purchase. A Businessman works on a set pattern of daily activity (taking Product from A - Selling to B with Profit) but an entrepreneur may be neither purchasing from A and nor selling it to B; but just connecting them and taking revenue from both ?? Entrepreneurs works on innovation; they are not just working on demand-supply algorithm; they first create demand and then sell the supply. Entrepreneurship is an attitude and perspective to think beyond conventional; ever seen children’s doing smart tradings of things among friends and making great earnings ? It a mini-entrepreneur in making ?? Sarve Bhavantu Skhinah ????

Being an entrepreneur extends beyond mere ambition; it embodies the art of meticulous planning and dynamic execution. Entrepreneurs master the orchestration of their vision, weaving goals, objectives, and milestones into a strategic tapestry. They possess the foresight to break down complexities into manageable tasks, skillfully allocating resources of time, money, and talent. Amidst the intricate dance of legalities, finances, and operations, entrepreneurs navigate the nuances of contracts, taxes, accounting, and compliance. It's a holistic journey where passion meets precision, and each decision resonates with the symphony of a well-crafted business narrative.

Absolutely, planning and execution are at the core of entrepreneurship. It's crucial to set clear goals, break them into actionable steps, and manage resources efficiently. Dealing with legal, financial, and operational aspects is all part of the journey. Flexibility and adaptability are key as well, as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of business.

Absolutely, leadership and collaboration are fundamental in entrepreneurship. Inspiring and motivating your team, customers, and stakeholders is key to achieving your vision. Delegation and leveraging others' expertise can help you focus on what you do best. And, of course, continuous learning and seeking feedback are essential for growth and improvement. It's all about building a strong network and learning from both successes and setbacks.

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, a true leader is not just a visionary but a catalyst for collaboration. Effectively communicating one's vision and values forms the cornerstone, inspiring a team, customers, and stakeholders alike. A skillful entrepreneur understands the art of delegation, entrusting tasks beyond their core strengths and passions, thereby unlocking the collective potential of a diverse network. The pursuit of feedback, advice, and mentorship becomes a perpetual journey, where learning from both successes and failures shapes an entrepreneur's resilient and adaptive spirit. In this tapestry of leadership, weaving connections and fostering growth is not just a goal; it's a shared mission.

As an entrepreneur, you have to wear a lot of hats. You play the roles of teammate, enforcer, owner, and leader. Giving your staff a sense of the company's values is a crucial aspect of being a successful entrepreneur. Encourage your staff to share your enthusiasm for your company's success.

An entrepreneur is also someone who guides and works together with others to accomplish their objectives. They effectively convey their vision and principles to their team, customers, and stakeholders, inspiring and motivating them to participate in and back their mission. They also assign and subcontract tasks and activities that are not their main strengths or interests, and utilize the abilities, knowledge, and networks of others. They also actively seek and provide feedback, advice, and mentorship, and learn from both their achievements and setbacks.

They are able to let go of control in exchange for growth. Not a simple task but they are visionaries and are Lazer focused on the end goal.

In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, the true trailblazers emerge as relentless innovators. Beyond merely creating products or services, they weave a tapestry of continuous improvement, constantly seeking avenues to enhance value and captivate their customers. Embracing change and uncertainty becomes second nature, as they fearlessly experiment with novel ideas, technologies, and methods. A keen eye on the market, competition, and trends serves as their compass, guiding them to pivot and iterate offerings with strategic precision. In this dance with innovation, an entrepreneur not only solves problems but crafts a narrative of evolution, shaping the future of their enterprise with each intentional step.

An entrepreneur is also someone who innovates and improves their products, services, and processes. They continuously seek ways to enhance value, stand out, and satisfy their customers, as well as address new or existing challenges. They also embrace change and uncertainty, and experiment with fresh ideas, technologies, and approaches. Additionally, they learn from the market, competitors, and trends, and adjust or refine their offerings accordingly.

To give you an example, the entrepreneur is a mindset. A knack of discomfort. It is not about settling in. If you go in a local train and see the people standing because of lack of seats, you could treat it as a problem and create a solution for social problems like these and become social entrepreneurs. But, the thing that people usually undermine is the expertise not the ego when you become an entrepreneur. The will to learn and the courage to innovate and improve

Constantly innovating and improving products, services, and processes has been crucial. My experience taught me that innovation is not just about big breakthroughs but also about continuous small improvements that collectively make a significant impact.

Entrepreneur's are always changing and looking for ways to go up another level. They thrive from constantly challenging themselves and innovating. They are bored and unhappy when they stay at the same place.

An entrepreneur grows and scales their business by seeking opportunities to expand reach, impact, and revenue. They create sustainable systems and models, and leverage various marketing and sales strategies like online platforms, social media, referrals, partnerships, and events. They also secure funding, support, and recognition from grants, loans, investors, media, and awards. For Instance , Sarah starts a small bakery and grows her business by expanding her product line, increasing her online presence, partnering with local businesses, and seeking out funding. She uses social media and online platforms to showcase her products and interact with customers, and she secures funding from local investors to help her scale her operations.

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, success is not merely defined by profit margins but also by the ability to cultivate growth with purpose. True entrepreneurs embrace the challenge of scaling their ventures while remaining steadfast in their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Beyond revenue streams, they navigate diverse marketing channels, forging connections through online platforms, social media, partnerships, and events. Yet, their journey is not solitary; they actively pursue funding and recognition, understanding that collaboration and acknowledgment from various sources are catalysts for enduring success.

If you're not growing and scaling, you're dying. The business has 5 cycles- startup, growth, maturity, and renewal or decline. I am a startup guy, a growth guy, I thrive in the hectic stages of wild growth when things are messy and almost out of control. Once a business has reached a more mature place and growth has slowed, I'm no longer the most appropriate person to run that business and it's time for me to step down and hand over the reigns to professional leadership.

An entrepreneur is also someone who grows and expands their business. They seek opportunities to increase their reach, impact, and revenue, and to establish sustainable and scalable systems and models. They also utilize different strategies and channels to market and sell their products or services, including online platforms, social media, referrals, partnerships, and events. Additionally, they pursue and obtain funding, support, and recognition from various sources, such as grants, loans, investors, media, and awards.

They let go of control for growth. They want as many partnerships, collaborations and investors as possible. They leverage their time and their money, and understand that a smaller cut from much bigger pie is worth substantially more than keeping a small pie to themselves.

I know of entrepreneurs who are always tired. Working 12 hours+ a day, weekends included, some of them always sitting on a plane, jetlagged. Sure enough, this is not sustainable on the long run. Family starts falling apart. Board member/investors start being upset. So yes, work-life balance matters, for founders as well. And remember a work is "only" a work. CEOs can get fired by board members. And you surely don't want to go through a divorce during your fundraising. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

An entrepreneur is also someone who effectively manages and derives satisfaction from their work and personal life. They recognize that entrepreneurship encompasses not only a profession, but also a way of life, and necessitates enthusiasm, commitment, and perseverance. They also acknowledge that entrepreneurship is not solely focused on financial gain, but also on making a positive impact, and that it provides opportunities for independence, adaptability, and personal fulfillment. Additionally, they prioritize their physical and mental well-being, as well as their interpersonal connections, and take time to commemorate their accomplishments and significant milestones.

Being an entrepreneur is like juggling, but the most important ball to toss is your well-being. Understand that entrepreneurship is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. Passion, dedication, and resilience are your juggling tools. It's not only about making money; it's about making a difference, offering freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. While spinning plates in the business world, don't forget to balance and cherish your health, relationships, and achievements. Celebrate the victories, big and small, in this grand juggling act called entrepreneurship.

In my journey as an entrepreneur, I've learned that balance and enjoyment are crucial for sustained success. Entrepreneurship is indeed a lifestyle, demanding passion and resilience. However, it's essential to remember that it's not just about profit and growth; it's also about making an impact and finding personal fulfillment. To maintain this balance, I prioritize ensuring that I am at my best for both my business and personal life. Celebrating achievements and milestones, both big and small, keeps me motivated and reminds me of the joy in this journey. By finding this equilibrium, or trying to do so, I've not only enhanced my business but also enriched my life.

Finding a balance between professional and personal life is vital. My entrepreneurial journey has taught me the importance of taking time to recharge and enjoy the fruits of my labor. This balance is crucial for long-term success and personal fulfillment.

There is a fine line between innovators and entrepreneurs. Innovators generate ideas, while entrepreneurs turn them into market realities through strategic implementation and business savvy. The point is to know where to start and stop.

CONTRIBUTE TO COUNTRY PROGRESSION: An entrepreneur is the one who add value to the economy. Bringing foreign exchange, building employment and impacting families., improve the quality of loving for people associated, contribute to economy by paying taxes (direct & indirect). Entrepreneur is a nation builder in a nutshell.

In my experience, building a strong network, being financially savvy, and staying resilient through ups and downs are also critical aspects of being an entrepreneur. Staying committed to learning and self-improvement has helped me navigate the complex landscape of entrepreneurship.

The biggest thing an entrepreneur should do, and the best ones have done - is simply to survive. Entrepreneurship is a hard journey, and not everyone can make it through that journey. Even before you start your journey, think more about how you will survive rather than about the TAM of your idea. Ideas are fungible, the intent and drive to succeed is not. You may not succeed in your first idea, but the longer you survive, the more are the chances that you will succeed at some version of your idea.

Networking is another key aspect of my role. Building relationships with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential clients is crucial. These connections can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and avenues for growth. Adaptability is also essential. The business landscape is constantly changing, and as an entrepreneur, I need to be ready to pivot or adjust strategies as needed. This could mean exploring new markets, adapting to technological changes, or responding to competitive challenges.