A Decision To Be An Intrapreneur Instead Of An Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs have a desire to solve problems, lead and inspire people by example. Now, there are plenty of business owners who are not truly entrepreneurial in the sense of innovation. Likewise, there are plenty of individuals who don’t own businesses, yet are entrepreneurial within the context of some organization.

For those who don’t want to venture out on their own for any variety of reasons, you can be entrepreneurial in becoming an intrapreneur -- one who leverages the entrepreneurial spirit and tactics without the financial risk.

So, how can you decide upon embracing entrepreneurial in different venues and becoming an intrapreneur? Here are some self-assessment questions to help you find the right path.

1. Can you take on the financial risk?

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Starting a business involves financial risk. Plus you will need enough capital to sustain the business operations while it gains ground. This phase is a tough one where the entrepreneur has to have the means to pay for expenses.

On the other hand, when you work for someone else, if you want to pursue an entrepreneurial project or endeavor, you still endure risks. They may be reputational, political or even financial, in that you may be putting your current job at stake, but they don’t need you to invest your life savings at the same time. This may make being entrepreneurial in someone else’s sandbox very attractive.

If you are averse to financial risks or are not in a place where financially you can sustain yourself while you build a business, intrapreneurship can be a great space for you.

2. What’s your purpose?

Many entrepreneurs are driven by something other than money. Some want recognition for their efforts. Some want to create something of meaning and have an impact on society. Others really want to see their vision come to life. In a corporate environment, you may not get the benefit of full financial upside from your efforts, but you have a real chance to fulfill many of the other wants and desires of being entrepreneurial.

Think about your motivations and when you approach your employer. If so, intrapreneurship may be the ideal way to get your entrepreneurial juices flowing.

3. Will a corporate partner let you start from 'square two'?

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Often in a business startup, you have to start all of your efforts from product development to marketing at square one. You may have to recreate the wheel in terms of vendor relationships, customer relationships, technology systems, operating systems and more.

Being an intrapreneur on the platform of an existing business may let you leapfrog many of those issues and hit the ground running with some extra fuel behind you. This can really have a positive impact on the success of your new project or endeavor.

So, the next time that you are thinking of leaving your job for a new business venture, evaluate if your employer might be the perfect partner. Intrapreneurship may, in fact, be your ideal option.

So, these are some of the questions that could answer your choice of work. The only way to find out what will happen is to go ahead and try.

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