Mention entrepreneur and people think of striking out on your own to follow a passion. But businesses too are looking for employees who can help them solve problems, and isn’t that what it means to be an entrepreneur? This led me to create the current podcast of how to be entrepreneurial both for yourself and your employer.
I recently did a workshop for a company preparing employees for a series of layoffs. After the event, one employee told me he wasn’t worried because he had been with the company for 12 years. He was shocked when I replied that only meant he got up every morning and showed up to work.
My father worked for a country club for 32 years. The secret to his staying was that he went in early so he could play close to nine holes of golf before he started work. By the time he retired he mentioned the automation that had reduced the need for workers like him. His saving grace was that he had a curious mind and it was it was only natural for him to learn as much as he could about these machines. His willingness to learn worked to his advantage. Even in retirement he was still in demand and translated his knowledge into a part time job solving problems that allowed him to keep playing early morning golf.
Increasingly businesses are looking for employees who can help them solve problems, and that was my question for the worker telling me he had been with the company so many years. Tell me what you learned during that time, and then what did you do with that information? Once the guy thought about it he was able to tell me things that made him a standout employee. I suggested he keep adding to his list once he understood where I was going with my questions, because the items he provided demonstrated a lot more added value than him stating his time with the company. Surviving in a competitive environment is an achievement but being able to show how you helped the company while you were doing it goes a lot further in an employer’s mind.
Ways to be more entrepreneurial at work:
Focus on results
Get a clear idea of what your employer needs most and then show how you are able to provide it. You don’t need to be a jack of all trades but what you are able to do in a particular area that highlights value on your part.
Ask questions and be willing to learn
Following this approach gives current and future employers the impression that you will be an asset. It also gives you insight into how things work in different areas so you can point out alternative ways of doing things, which relates to focusing on results.
learn skills that can transfer
Being good at what your job requires is a plus, but unlike my father you can expect to hold several jobs over a working life. The greater the number of things you are able to do, the more options you have in terms of places you can apply your skills.
Learn to train yourself
I always encourage self-directed learning and favor YouTube videos and tutorials to get you up to speed in no time. They allow you to work at your own pace. And, you don’t have to take a shower or comb your hair to do it.
Become someone’s backup
Offering to become someone’s back up allows self-interest to instantly take over and it’s now worth someone’s while to train you. However, you want to be very strategic in making the offer because you WILL become their backup. Make certain that what you’ve learned is worth it.
These suggestions should help provide the why and how to become more entrepreneurial no matter your current status. Adding to your skill set and ability to solve problems will serve you well no matter if you decide to stay on the company track or start your own business because you now have the mindset.
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