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September 24, 2003
What is Success?
It is often assumed that the primary reason for becoming an entrepreneur is money. Profit is the only measure of success. But, this is really another myth about entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurs evaluate success in many and often unique ways. For some it is measured by the jobs they create. For others success is measured by the satisfaction of their customers. Reell Precision Manufacturing measures success in terms of creating "an environment that fosters human development and provides for the common good". Clearly for all of these entrepreneurs financial success is fundamentally important. But, it is often viewed as a natural outcome of pursuing what each of these entrepreneurs view as their real success.
Posted September 24, 2003 03:13 PM
Comments
As a recent entrant into the entrepreneurial world, I belive that self satisfaction has been one of my primary motivators and measures of success.
All too often in the corporate environment one feels that they are not appreciated and that the work that they are doing is trivial, or worse, unnecessary.
Now that I know my every action and deed is directed toward the success of my venture I have much greater feeling of satisfaction when things go well. (And a much greater sense of urgency when they don't!)
-Chris
Posted by: Chris Dondanville at September 25, 2003 03:20 PM
Very true. A key question we don't always think about is "Why do I work?" Self-fulfillment is an answer to this question that many do not find in a corporate setting.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff Cornwall at September 25, 2003 04:31 PM
I really struggle with today's society view on money. It's almost like nothing else matters, and therefore, would be the only measure of success. I like Chris' statement that says self satisfaction is a measure of success. Is there really anything more important than being happy? If we are reaching our personal goals, aren't we all successful? And remember, these personal goals have nothing to do with money!
Posted by: Raven Teeples at August 4, 2004 11:29 AM
at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He consults with a variety of businesses on start-up and growth related issues, and with larger corporations on re-establishing entrepreneurial cultures within their organizations. Dr. Cornwall's current research interests include entrepreneurial finance and entrepreneurial ethics. He has authored or co-authored four books.
