Top 8 Difference between Entrepreneur and Businessman

October 10, 2024
difference between entrepreneur and businessman
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • An entrepreneur is a person who starts and runs their own business whereas a person involved in commercial business is a businessman.

  • An entrepreneur typically focus on starting new ventures, businessmen focus on managing and improving existing businesses to ensure they are profitable and efficient.

Table of Contents

If budding entrepreneurs want to start their own business, they should understand the difference between entrepreneur and businessman. There’s more to running a business than just the thought of entrepreneurship. Recognizing the differences can help in choosing the right path. Here’s a detailed look at the difference between entrepreneur and businessman. If you want to start a business without knowing what type of personality is suitable for it, read this article to gain insights.

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Entrepreneur and Businessman

The difference between entrepreneur and businessman can be seen in their roles, responsibilities, and goals. Businesses make a profit by earning money. Businessmen are responsible for managing the business activities of a business that generate profits. Entrepreneurs are responsible for starting a new venture or enterprise with capital investment to make a profit.

Entrepreneur vs Businessman

An entrepreneur is a person who starts and runs their own business. They come up with an idea, take on financial risks, and organize resources to create products or services, hoping to make a profit. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman is that businessmen manage and improve existing businesses to ensure they remain profitable.

A person involved in commercial or industrial business activities is a businessman. They manage operations, make decisions to achieve business goals, and often work to maintain and grow an established company. Unlike entrepreneurs, who typically focus on starting new ventures, businessmen usually focus on managing and improving existing businesses to ensure they are profitable and efficient.

Also, Read: Entrepreneurship in India– Complete History, Evolution and Transformation

What Is The Difference Between an Entrepreneur And a Businessman?

The difference between entrepreneur and businessman includes several key aspects:

  1. A businessman turns an old idea or concept into a successful business, bringing his unique perspective as an entrepreneur.
  2. People in business are market players, while entrepreneurs are market leaders since they are the ones who started these businesses.
  3. A businessman creates the market for his own business through his efforts and dedication, whereas an entrepreneur makes his mark on the market through his efforts and dedication.
  4. A businessman uses traditional methods to run his company. In contrast, an entrepreneur approaches the same problem differently.

Who is an Entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur takes the initiative and initiates some form of innovation in the field of business. Entrepreneurship is the process of creating an organization, invention, or establishment. Understanding the difference between entrepreneur and businessman helps in appreciating the entrepreneurial drive and its impact on business.

An entrepreneur is a person who starts a business. They have a great idea for a business, and then they strive to make their dream come true. An entrepreneur can make decisions faster than others because of their passion for the company.

Entrepreneurship is a way to make money, but it can also change lives. The ability to create a business has many benefits, including:

  • Freedom: They become responsible for the company’s financial success and can set their own hours. They no longer have to be trapped in a 9-5 job!
  • Control: They make all major decisions regarding the direction of the company based on their vision and goals. When they own a business, no one else tells them how to run it!
  • Opportunity: Entrepreneurs often start with just an idea and an idea alone. It takes determination, hard work, creativity, and risk-taking skills to make things happen big time in this world! If they are ready for this challenge – let’s get started!

Types of Entrepreneurs

  1. Small Business Entrepreneurs: These entrepreneurs start and operate small businesses, usually with limited resources, with the aim of serving local markets.
  2. Scalable Start-up Entrepreneurs: The aim of scalable start-ups is to create business models with high growth, often seeking venture capital to fuel rapid expansion.
  3. Social Entrepreneurs: Their focus is on addressing social or environmental issues through innovative business solutions, balancing financial sustainability with social impact.
  4. Serial Entrepreneurs: These are the individuals who starts multiple businesses over their careers, often leveraging their experience and networks to launch new ventures.
  5. Corporate Entrepreneurs: They work with existing organizations to drive innovation and create new business opportunities, often by introducing new products, services, or processes.

Related Article: How is the need for Entrepreneurship important for Economic Growth?

Who is a Businessman?

A businessperson is engaged in business or commerce. A person in a business can be anyone who owns or works in a business. For example, someone who works as a waitress or salesperson may have his own company, but this person is not considered a businessman. In contrast, someone who owns his own company and manages it himself would be considered a businessman.

The term “businessman” is often used to refer to someone who has made money by starting and running his own business. People in business are responsible for running the business and meeting their customers’ needs. They also tend to build a good reputation for themselves by delivering high-quality products or services.

Businesspeople sometimes start their own companies, but sometimes they get hired by someone else and become company employees. Many people think that to be a good businessman. They need to have a lot of money. However, this is not true. If they have the skill and knowledge, they can be successful businessmen even if they don’t have much money.

Although being a businessman doesn’t only require money, it is still better if businessmen have enough money to invest in their businesses. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman is evident in their approach and focus. While businessmen manage day-to-day operations, entrepreneurs create new business opportunities.

Types of Businessman

  1. Traditional Businessmen: These businessmen operate established businesses using conventional methods. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman is evident here, as traditional businessmen focus on maintaining and improving existing operations with tried-and-true strategies to ensure profitability and stability. They may run family-owned businesses, franchises, or other types of businesses that follow established practices.
  2. Corporate Executives: These businessmen work within large organizations, managing various departments or the overall company. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman is clear as corporate executives implement corporate strategies, manage resources, and ensure that the business meets its financial and operational goals. They navigate complex organizational structures, focusing on maximizing shareholder value.
  3. Retail Businessmen: Specializing in the retail sector, these businessmen manage stores or online shops that sell goods directly to consumers. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman in this context involves focusing on customer service, inventory management, and sales strategies to drive business success. Retail businessmen must stay attuned to market trends and consumer preferences to remain competitive.
  4. Franchise Owners: These businessmen operate franchises of established brands. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman here is that franchise owners benefit from brand recognition and a proven business model but are responsible for managing their individual franchise units according to franchise guidelines while handling local business needs.
  5. Consultants: Business consultants are experts who provide advice and strategies to other businesses to improve their performance. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman in this role involves leveraging their expertise to help clients solve problems, streamline operations, and achieve business objectives, rather than running a business directly.
  6. Investment Businessmen: These individuals focus on investing in businesses or startups. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman is evident as investment businessmen act as angel investors, venture capitalists, or private equity investors. They identify promising business opportunities, provide funding, and often guide the businesses they invest in to ensure growth and profitability.
  7. Real Estate Businessmen: Specializing in the real estate market, these businessmen manage property investments, sales, and rentals. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman is that real estate businessmen focus on acquiring, developing, and selling properties or managing rental properties for steady income, navigating market fluctuations and regulatory requirements.
  8. E-commerce Entrepreneurs: Operating primarily online, these businessmen run digital stores or marketplaces. The difference between entrepreneur and businessman is highlighted as e-commerce businessmen leverage technology to reach a global audience, focusing on digital marketing, customer experience, and supply chain management. They must stay ahead of digital trends and technological advancements to remain competitive.

Qualities of An Entrepreneur                     

Key qualities include persistence, hard work, and a visionary mindset. Entrepreneurs are known for their ability to create and execute new ideas, highlighting the difference between entrepreneur and businessman.

While being an entrepreneur may seem easy, it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and courage to succeed in this field. Here are some of the qualities that make up a successful entrepreneur:

1. Persistence:

Being persistent is one of the most important qualities of an entrepreneur. It would be best if they kept going even when things get tough. Failure is often said not to lose; it’s not trying. So if they keep trying, even if things don’t go as planned initially, eventually, they will make it big!

2. Hard Work:

Being hardworking is another important quality for entrepreneurs and ordinary people who want to succeed at whatever they do in life. Hard work means putting in the effort every day, whether working on their projects or doing chores around the house or office on weekends, no matter how small those efforts may appear from the outside.

3. Visionary:

Entrepreneurs are visionaries with an idea for a product or service that can make them money. They create their ideas from scratch, without any previous knowledge or experience, and then test out their ideas by creating an MVP (minimum viable product). This allows them to determine if there is enough demand for their product before they invest more money into it.

Also, read: Most Desirable Qualities of an Entrepreneur in 2024

Qualities of a Businessperson

A businessperson is an individual who works for a company to manage its business. He does the job of running the company and making sure that it runs well. A person in business must have the qualities of a manager, entrepreneur, and leader. This emphasizes the difference between entrepreneur and businessman in terms of daily business management.

To be a successful businessman, a businessperson needs to have these qualities:

  1. The businessperson must be able to manage their time effectively. They must determine when and for how long they need to work on each assigned task. Each task requires completion by them within a specific time frame.
  2. The businessperson can run their business undisturbed by external factors during work hours and when away from work. They also need to know when to take breaks to recharge their batteries and get back into their work after spending some time away from it.
  3. Employees should listen carefully when others speak and give them respect when discussing matters they care about with the company. The company handles employee issues or problems that arise in the office environment according to its policies or procedures. One unified group of employees works to achieve a common goal.

Key Differences Between Entrepreneur And Businessman

AspectEntrepreneurBusinessman
MeaningAn entrepreneur is a person who starts and runs their own business with a new idea.A businessman is a person who is involved in business activities, need not be a new idea.
FocusFocuses on developing innovative products or services.Focuses on managing existing business to generate profit.
Market PositionMarket leader, who brings unique ideas and innovations to the market.Market player, implementing existing ideas or concepts.
Risk-TakingEmbraces risks and uncertainties, seeking opportunities for growth.Prefers existing and proven methods to minimize risk.
ApproachPrefers unconventional methods and creative solutions.Adheres to traditional business practices and strategies.
InnovationDriven by innovation and disruption, constantly seeking new ideas.May innovate within existing ideas but less likely to disrupt.
OwnershipStarts and owns their own business.May own businesses but can also work as managers or employees.
ExecutionExecutes their vision with passion and determination.Executes established business strategies with efficiency.

Similarities between Entrepreneurs and Businessmen

  1. They engage in business activities with a focus on generating profits.
  2. Both play important roles in driving economic growth and innovation.
  3. Both require qualities such as leadership, strategic thinking, and patience to succeed.
  4. Both may face challenges and risks in their respective business.
  5. Both contribute to job creation and wealth generation in society.

Despite the difference between entrepreneur and businessman, both engage in business to generate profits, contribute to economic growth, and require leadership and strategic thinking.

Also Read- रतन टाटा: जीवनी, परिवार, संपत्ति और उपलब्धियाँ

Summing Up Entrepreneur and Businessman

Understanding the difference between entrepreneur and businessman is crucial for anyone considering a career in business.When talking about the two, many people say there is little difference between a business owner and an entrepreneur. They apply business owners to any entrepreneurs who have a company or a business on their own. But I’m afraid that’s not right. There are some major differences between an entrepreneur and businessman, which every person should learn. Both personalities are essential in a successful business operation, so make sure they are on their team before moving forward with this course of action. The point of this article is to help readers distinguish entrepreneurs from each other and see how they differ from one another.

Entrepreneurs make the distinction between themselves and business owners clear. Therefore, entrepreneurs are inventive and take risks instead of choosing tried and successful paths after calculating pros and cons and profit margins, while businessmen choose tried and successful paths.

Entrepreneurs are risk takers, think outside the box, and are willing to take risks on new ideas instead of doing something safe, like going into business for themselves. They have a passion for their work that drives them to succeed. Entrepreneurs tend to be more innovative than people in business because they seek new ways to solve problems or make money. People in business tend to stick with what works because they know it will bring in revenue for them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a business owner and an entrepreneur?

A business owner usually focuses on managing and improving existing businesses to ensure they are profitable and efficient whereas an entrepreneur is a person who starts a new business. They have a great idea for a business, and then they strive to make their dream come true. 

Is a businessman also called an entrepreneur?

Yes, a businessman can also be called as an entrepreneur when a businessman focus on starting new ventures, with a new idea in mind and wants to make a positive change with his/her idea.

What is the difference between a businessman and an intrapreneur?

A businessman typically manages and grows established businesses. In contrast, the intrapreneur explores new business opportunities, just like entrepreneur and contributes to the organization’s evolution without bearing the same level of personal financial risk as a businessman.

Q2. How old should entrepreneurs be when they decide to start their businesses?

Entrepreneurship is not discussed anywhere as to what age is appropriate. Entrepreneurs are individuals who aim to improve people’s lives by making society more efficient and comfortable. If entrepreneurs are old enough, they might be able to become entrepreneurs at this age. To become an entrepreneur, one must possess a strong sense of will.

What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur and businessman?

Some entrepreneurs may start their own company because they want to be their boss, while others may start their own company because there are no other options for them at the time or place they live. Many entrepreneurs are also self-taught, means that they learned how to do things on their own without any formal training or education in a specific area of expertise.

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