Most entrepreneurs are merely technicians with an entrepreneurial seizure. Most entrepreneurs fail because you are working IN your business rather than ON your business.
Interpretation
Entrepreneurs often focus too much on daily tasks instead of strategic planning, leading to failure.
In this quote, Michael Gerber highlights a common pitfall among entrepreneurs: they become consumed by the technical aspects of their business instead of steering it towards growth and innovation. This 'entrepreneurial seizure' can lead to their downfall as they fail to spend enough time on strategic planning and development, ultimately compromising the long-term success of their venture.
In practice
This quote can be used during a business workshop to emphasize the importance of strategic thinking.
The only choice that leads small business owners to real success in their endeavors is the one that requires real thought. Understanding and building the systems they need within their company to afford them a framework of organization that can scale the business from a company of one to a company of one thousand.
Quit being 'busy' and start actively owning and operating your company, and you'll be able to understand where the money is coming from and how to make more of it.
Most people who go into business for themselves and, therefore, believe they are entrepreneurs, are doomed to struggle because they don't have a true Entrepreneurial Perspective. They have a Technician's Perspective.
The entrepreneur rarely thinks in terms of what he or she wants, but dreams about results - always results and nothing but results - that can solve someone else's problem or contribute to making someone else's life better.
Here's the problem with phones - they are a ready-made diversion from the considerably harder work of growing a business.
Your goal as an entrepreneur is to understand not only what your business does but the clients that it serves. If you really have your pulse on their needs and wants, then your 'absolute' failures are always going to have limits.
In order to get as much fame as one's father one has to much more able than he.
Don't take action with a trade until the market, itself, confirms your opinion. Being a little late in a trade is insurance that your opinion is correct. In other words, don't be an impatient trader.
Greatness is a road leading towards the unknown.
A big market is something that doesn't really concern me too much. It's cool to think about, it's good for off-the-court deals. But I'm more of a basketball player. That's what I want to be known as. And this is the best place for me to play basketball. I'm glad I'm here.
It is hardly possible to build anything if frustration, bitterness and a mood of helplessness prevail.
I realized why I need to start a new company. Not for the money. Not because I'm 'bored'. But because a company is a laboratory to try your ideas.
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