How do you define a entrepreneur?

As I was driving through Washington, DC, on a gray raining day, strangely enough I began thinking about the need for more social entrepreneurs to step up. Kind of perplexed? As the polite fellow that I am, I will kindly explain. When I said “social entrepreneurs”, I was referring to the type of entrepreneurs that care as much for their profits as to their responsibility for others.

Then I started to imagine how I could make a difference while generating enough revenue to quote on quote “make it “. It dawned on me how much less of a burden it would be to focus solely on individual desires with little thought towards others (larger community) on the quest towards entrepreneurial freedom if you will.

My inherent definition of what I thought made up a“entrepreneur” was now suddenly facing significant resistance. Embarking on the journey to become an entrepreneur was now incomplete without consistent community oriented approaches while tending to profits. Are the two exclusively separate areas that cannot find common ground within a business model? I optimistically (and most importantly realistically) chose to think differently.

If one makes enormous profits, with little to no consideration for others, are they a “entrepreneur”? To some the answer is yes, and to others, maybe, maybe not. I pose the question,what should the criteria be to define a entrepreneur?

Interestingly enough, I believe that many definitions can be applied to characterize this special individual. However, it takes much more (in my opinion) to be a successful “entrepreneur” (monetarily speaking) while improving the social wellness for others.

I believe “true” entrepreneurs meet the challenge of creating wealth for their stakeholders, families and themselves. Of course this is all easier said than done. There are major barriers facing entrepreneurs (mainly self-doubt) including raising adequate capital.

The great entrepreneurs find ways to excel in all facets to improve their lives and others. They run competitive companies while doing all they can to give back.

How do we balance both, and who can we point to as examples?

The challenge is a daunting one, and the best will find ways to break down the misconceptions that support the notion that the two aren’t mutually beneficial.

It is imperative that new entrepreneurs understand that we, meaning society, cannot afford to continue down a path obsessing over profits without seeking ways to improve the lives of others.

Great entrepreneurs understand the social dynamics of their ideas, and they thrive to support others while obtaining adequate compensation.

But then again, I’m just an inspiring entrepreneur that wants to challenge the status quo. Until next time I leave you will this. Do you become an entrepreneur to become rich, or do you do it to enrich your life and others?

- Gerald Mason