Corporate Entrepreneurs – Infusing Business with Innovation
Behind the doors of many well know corporations there exists creative, nonconformists who refer to themselves as corporate entrepreneurs. Traditionally, entrepreneurs have been associated with individuals who think out of the proverbial box. They have unique vision.
This individual calls all the shots. There is no paradigm to follow; the individual can pave their own way to success or demise. There are no checks and balances, only intuition and pure human potential.
Corporate entrepreneurs embody this spirit but within the boundaries of Corporate America. Upon consideration it may initially seem an oxymoron to refer to these individuals as entrepreneurs, however there is no more accurate a description for these individuals.
There are some innate differences between the traditional and corporate entrepreneurs. Corporate entrepreneurs must report to a manager, as well as use company resources. Unlike the traditional model, the individual must work with a pre-existing team. The ideas of the individual must match the corporate identity. In this way the mentality of a corporate entrepreneur is completely different than the traditional model. There are many benefits in comparison however such as a regular paycheck, the ability to retain a predictable lifestyle. You don't have to put your entire quality of life on the line yet you can practice innovative approaches to business.
So what does it take to be a corporate entrepreneur?
1) You have to establish an idea that you are passionate about. There will be individuals you will call upon to assist you with the implementation of the project - you must project excitement or your project may land on the bottom of their list of priorities.
2) Corporate Culture Must Embrace Risk Takers - Finding the right environment is a must. Learning is a key aspect of the entrepreneurial process and the learning process can be riddled with mistakes. Without a supportive atmosphere it will be extremely difficult to bring your idea from the embryonic stage to fruition.
3) An Ally in a High Position - Having a senior, higher up supporting you can have a positive affect on your progress. This ally can recognize the importance of or your project and vie for funds. As well others may feel by this association that your project holds more credibility, thus prioritizing and pulling their weight in the project completion.
4) Only those with strong interpersonal skills need apply - Politics does play a significant role in the success or failure of a corporate entrepreneur in an unpredictable fashion. You cannot be an individual motivated by political gain but purely by results. You do need political insight to be able to distinguish the key people you will need on your side. As well you will need the charisma to motivate those who you need to perform.
Corporate entrepreneurs are making significant contributions in corporations. They bring new fresh ideas to the table. They are visionaries challenging corporations to look at business as an opportunity to reinvent themselves.