Are You Born an Entrepreneur or Do You Become One?
This topic asks a simple question: are entrepreneurs born or made? Of course, the answer to that question is not that simple, for it deals with deep misconception that lies in society- of “innate talent.” This essay will prove to you why your genetics do not determine your success on the business playfield, why economic success is often circumstantial and why business know-how is instrumental in the making of an entrepreneur.
In society we often come across people who boast of inborn talent of natural mastery. And it is for that reason dyslexic children get labelled as innately stupid, and those with good grades get labelled as innately intelligent instead of hardworking. Though, in most cases innate talent does not exist – it is just that people do not try enough to look beyond someone’s face value. Unfortunately, this especially reflects on rhetoric about entrepreneurship skills. Entrepreneurship skill comprise of leadership, persistence, risk-taking, resourcefulness, optimism, opportunism, and determination. These sorts of skill have to be cultivated, because no one is born with a good work ethic or is hard working and that is what makes good leaders. At the end of the day, it is not the oratory skills or the confidence of a leader that will bring him success, it is the amount of work he has put into the business.
Even if a few entrepreneurs did have some innate advantage, they need to know how to run a business, how to manage resources and scout for opportunities. That kind of knowledge only comes with business acumen. Entrepreneurs need to acquire the necessary skills to run their firm and understand their markets. That basic business know-how is essential and indisputable, and it is definitely not something you are born with.
Moreover, the economic climate has a lot to do with entrepreneurship. Any economy with greater opportunities, better education, and a greater acceptance of entrepreneurs is much more likely to have many successful entrepreneurs than those who do not. Take the common example of India versus the US. An average Indian entrepreneur earns much less compared to one based in America and it is not because there exists a genetic rift between the populations of the two countries. The US just has a more encouraging environment for budding start-ups. They have more investment, more societal acceptance and better universities which are a big driver in pushing people in to pursuing entrepreneurship.
In the end, the person who puts in the greatest effort, has the greatest determination, and the greatest drive is the one that achieves the greatest success. Entrepreneurs need the right platforms and circumstances. Leadership is a learning process, and good leaders learn from mistakes. No one is born a great entrepreneur, but they can learn to become one. The expectation of innate talent is false but hard work is a reality. So, I would like to rest my case with the words of John F Kennedy - “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
Purvi 10A.