Entrepreneur or Small-business Owner: Which Fits You?

Photo (CC) by BruceBer, on Flickr

Are you an entrepreneur or a small-business owner?

When one reads stories in the newspaper or journals, these two groups are not distinguished from each other typically. Neither the U.S. Small Business Administration nor the U.S. Census Bureau breaks them out separately. So does it make a difference?

Or should the writings about building the economy around entrepreneurs be the encouragement for us to be entrepreneurial if you want to succeed?

Based on what I have read, along with some exploratory research conducted by a colleague and me, the answer is “it depends.” It is based to some degree on how you define success.

In looking at our business owners in 1997, 2000 and 2007, entrepreneurs made more money. In part, that may have been a factor of having more employees. Yet the management of employees is not something all people feel comfortable doing.

And the earnings for entrepreneurs showed much greater variation when the U.S. entered the recession in 2007. Again, your choice may depend on your desire for perhaps a greater likelihood of income stability.

Another part to the equation is whether the business represents a way to earn income or a way of life. Small-business owners see it as a way of life and, I suspect, a means that may allow for more time to pursue other activities, personal and professional.

Finally, your risk tolerance may influence your decision. As noted, entrepreneurs accepted more risk and rode more of a roller coaster with big upswings but equally big drops. Small-business owners had a steadier income level.

However, these factors only represent part of what is going on with the business owner. Part of the research was basically a static look in time. I suspect that people change their orientation based on circumstances, opportunities, where the product/service is in its life cycle, market opportunities and general demographics of the owner.

For communities trying to develop their business economy, remember that all economic activity is good for the community. As the sign suggests, variety is a goo thing.

The bottom line for owners is: Don’t get caught up in titles or swayed in developing your business to maximize the returns you desire.

About the Author
Latest Posts

About Glenn Muske

Glenn Muske is an independent expert on rural small business, working as GM Consulting – Your partner in achieving small business success. He provides consulting, and writes articles for county extension agents and newspapers across North Dakota. Previously, he was the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality.