Risk Taking

The Difference Between an Entrepreneur and a Perpetual Employee

Entrepreneurs and employees approach financial hardship with completely different mindsets. An entrepreneur sees opportunity even when resources are scarce, while a perpetual employee focuses on security and preserving what little they have. To cultivate the entrepreneurial side, it’s important to understand the mindset and language that drives each approach.

Entrepreneurial Language & Mindset

• “What’s the next move to generate cash flow?”
• “How can I leverage my skills and network right now?”
• “I need to pivot—this isn’t working. Let’s test something new.”
• “Failure is part of the process. I just need one breakthrough.”
• “I could partner with someone who has what I need.”
• “Maybe I can sell a course, launch a service, or pitch an investor.”
• “How can I monetize this skill I’ve been developing?”
• “I’ll invest in this small tool—it could 10x my output.”
• “This setback is just feedback. What’s the lesson here?”
• “Who in my network can help me scale faster?”
• “I’ll offer a free service to get testimonials and referrals.”
• “Is there a niche market I haven’t tapped into yet?”
• “I need to automate this process so I can focus on growth.”
• “Can I build a minimum viable product to test this idea?”
• “Who’s killing it in this space? I need to study their model.”
• “I’m going to repackage this offer and add more value.”
• “I need to reach out to that person who’s 10 steps ahead.”
• “What can I offer that people need right now?”
• “I’m building a brand, not just a product.”
• “I’ll take on a short-term gig to fund the next big move.”

These phrases embody the entrepreneurial mindset, which thrives on creativity, problem-solving, and taking action, even in uncertain times.

Perpetual Employee Language & Mindset

• “I just need to keep my head down and wait for things to improve.”
• “Maybe I should ask for a personal loan to get by.”
• “I’m going to apply for a second job to cover the bills.”
• “I don’t have the resources right now to take risks.”
• “I should really start budgeting better and cutting down expenses.”
• “Maybe if I stick it out long enough, a promotion will come.”
• “I’ll wait until the economy gets better before making any big moves.”
• “If I lose my job, I’m done. I need to play it safe.”
• “I just need someone to give me a shot.”
• “I wish I could, but I don’t have the time or money to try new things.”
• “I need to find a job with better benefits and pay.”
• “It’s not the right time to take a risk—too much uncertainty.”
• “Maybe I can pick up overtime to earn a bit more this month.”
• “I need to figure out how to stay afloat until things stabilize.”
• “I just don’t have the energy to pursue a side hustle right now.”
• “I’m hoping for a tax return to cover some of these expenses.”
• “I’ll take the safe route until I get back on my feet.”
• “I’m going to check if my job has any emergency assistance programs.”
• “I don’t have the money to invest in anything new.”
• “I should wait and see what my boss says about the raise.”

Employees in this mindset tend to focus on security and external factors, which limits their ability to create opportunities for themselves.

How to Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Side

If you want to move from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, here are actionable steps you can take to fuel that side of you:

1. Surround Yourself with Entrepreneurs

• Network with successful entrepreneurs.
• Join mastermind groups or entrepreneurship communities.
• Seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.

2. Create Value First

• Offer free value—advice, content, or services.
• Focus on solving people’s problems and meeting their needs.

3. Develop Your Skills Constantly

• Combine multiple skills to increase your versatility.
• Take online courses on entrepreneurship and business growth.
• Read entrepreneurial books like The Lean Startup and The E-Myth.

4. Actively Take Risks

• Launch products and services quickly—don’t wait for perfection.
• View failures as learning opportunities.

5. Set Daily or Weekly Goals

• Use SMART goals to break down large projects into manageable actions.
• Track your progress and celebrate small wins.

6. Focus on Sales and Marketing

• Learn the art of selling and building relationships.
• Master digital marketing and reach your target audience.

7. Create Systems, Not Just Products

• Automate processes to free up time for strategic growth.
• Build repeatable systems to ensure long-term scalability.

8. Develop Financial Literacy

• Learn how to budget for business growth and manage cash flow.
• Understand how to reinvest profits to fuel expansion.

9. Cultivate the Right Mindset

• Practice daily affirmations, visualization, and meditation.
• Develop grit and the ability to push through adversity.
• Focus on the long-term vision, not just short-term gains.

10. Diversify Income Streams

• Create different income streams (one at a time).
• Explore passive income through digital products or affiliate marketing.

11. Build a Personal Brand

• Share your journey and expertise on social media platforms.
• Build a loyal audience through authentic engagement.

12. Challenge Your Comfort Zones Regularly

• Say yes to opportunities that challenge you.
• Experiment with new business ideas and embrace trial and error.

Conclusion

Becoming an entrepreneur isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about adopting a mindset that focuses on opportunity, value creation, and growth. By surrounding yourself with the right people, building valuable skills, and taking calculated risks, you’ll be able to fuel your entrepreneurial side and turn challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re transitioning from a perpetual employee mindset or refining your entrepreneurial approach, these strategies will help you grow, thrive, and build a future on your terms.