The word `entrepreneur` comes from the French verb `entreprendre`, which means to take action. There are many ways to take action and if we really want to make a difference we take action to produce value for ourselves and others. Such value is experienced as a benefit, not necessarily financially only but in terms of embetterment. This can be for individuals in terms of health improvement, better social relationships, wellness, fulfilment of basic needs, etc. It can be for society in terms of reduced social costs, better social cohesion, care, applied science and technology, alternative use of space, etc. It can also be for the environment in terms of a better relationship with nature, healthy environment, regenerative use of resources, circular processes, art, reuse of materials or waste, waste recovery and processing, etc. Different WIN scenarios that can be combined into a 4 x WIN approach.

Doing good as an entrepreneur requires empathy with the situation around us and the creative spirit to produce improvement that people or institutions are willing to invest in. An investment is something else than a purchase. When a purchase is done the product changes hands and that is it. The transaction finalizes with the delivery and payment of the product or service. The responsibility remains with the customer. When an investment is done both parties commit to an end result. Any products or services involved contribute to this end result, and so does the investment. Sometimes the investment requires the involvement of multiple suppliers that need to interact as partners to achieve the required or desired result.

Values driven entrepreneurship is not sales driven, it is looking for partnership towards end results. A bakery can produce bread as a product. That is different than a bakery that invests in healthy nutrition together with its consumers.  It is the end result that matters, not the product itself. A customer does not buy a loaf of bread, he or she invests in his or her health. 

Q1: What difference do you wish to make and for whom? 

Just think of your expertise in relation to the desired outcome of your entrepreneurship?