Karl Dakin, executive director of the Sullivan Chair
The topic of being an entrepreneur has been added to the program for the next meeting of the Regis Entrepreneur Club, which will be held on Wednesday evening, September 28 at 6pm in the Felix Pomponio Family Science Center on the Lowell Campus in Denver.
PIZZA AND BEVERAGES WILL BE SERVED TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE CLUB WHO REGISTER FOR THE MEETING!!! http://www.meetup.com/regis-entrepreneur-club JOIN AND COME!
In our current economic crisis, entrepreneurs are gaining recognition as one of the keys to recovery. You see references in the news, in editorials, blogs and even in government appropriations. The importance of being an entrepreneur has never been greater.
So what is an entrepreneur? Putting aside momentarily Webster’s Dictionary, President Bush’s definition and, well, everybody else’s definition, I consider an entrepreneur to be a problem solver: a person who sees a problem, comes up with a solution and acts to solve the problem.
Most times, an entrepreneur is considered a businessperson. This is because their solution to a problem takes the form of a product or service that is sold for a fee where all of the rules of business apply. However, nonprofits and government agencies also sell products and services to solve a problem, so the definition is not limited to business people.
Problem solving does not always result in a new product or service. Sometime it means taking something that already exists and doing it differently: innovation. Sometimes, it means getting a lot of people to do something that they were not doing before: collaboration.
Sometimes, it just means stepping up and doing something instead of doing nothing. Or in other words: leadership.
Entrepreneurs can solve the problems of the world – both the very big and the very small. They can solve problems of affordable energy, shelter, food, and healthcare. They can design and develop new systems that are more effective and efficient. They can achieve social justice by making the necessities of life available to more people.
Anyone can be an entrepreneur. Just do it! However, a good and effective entrepreneur will be more successful. To be a good entrepreneur requires learning. This includes learning in the classroom (however defined) and in the field. This is best when learning from the successes and failures of others so that mistakes do not have to be repeated.
The Regis Entrepreneur Club is dedicated to teaching its members about entrepreneurship while equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to be the type of entrepreneur that solves problems and makes a positive impact.
You are welcome to join our group and be part of a grand adventure. RSVP: http://www.meetup.com/Regis-Entrepreneur-Club/events/31551282/.
Karl Dakin, Executive Director
Sullivan Chair for Free Enterprise
Regis University
