When exploring the opportunities that await in the world of work, many people consider a number of options, including whether to work for themselves and be their own boss...or to become an employee and work for someone else. Numerous individuals are entrepreneurially driven and know that running their own businesses is the way for them, while others chose first to venture into organizations and perhaps consider that at a future date.  Regardless, though of what route one might take, the competencies associated with entrepreneurial success are also those associated with a successful employee.

An entrepreneur’s success is often aligned with such attributes as productivity, effort, commitment, and leadership. It also includes the ability to be an effective decision maker, able to troubleshoot and problem solve, and to be self-managing and creative.  Entrepreneurs possess self-drive, are able to work solely to completion, and also in collaboration with others. They manage multiple tasks at once and are effective at building relationships to the betterment of their venture. All of these desired traits can be found in many job descriptions as well.

Generally speaking, most people will join an organization versus starting their own businesses – at least originally. What happens often is that people will move into self-employment later in their careers, after they have fine-tuned their business skills within an organization and then venture into the world of self-employment, taking on the role of a consultant. By doing so, they have the chance to utilize the knowledge and expertise they have developed through the years, and lend their insight to other organizations.

As an employee working in an organization, it is advisable that one should approach the role as if they were running their own companies, and recognize that their individual efforts will reflect directly on the success of the organization as a whole. According to renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson, “Many millions of people proudly claim the title "entrepreneur." On the other hand, a title that hasn't gotten nearly the amount of attention it deserves is entrepreneur's little brother, "intrapreneur": "an employee who is given freedom and financial support to create new products, services and systems, who does not have to follow the company's usual routines or protocols."While it's true that every company needs an entrepreneur to get it under way, healthy growth requires a smattering of intrapreneurs who drive new projects and explore new and unexpected directions for business development”. Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41359235/ns/business-small_business/t/richard-branson-intrapreneurs/#.WtdJ59Twa9I

So are there environment that exist in which intrapenurs can grow and flourish?  Organizations that encourage the development of intrapreneurs, by investing resources and support to their innovative undertakings, are the ones who maximize individual potential and explore new areas of research, product development, and ultimately, sustainability and success. In little pockets of organizations around the world, individuals who are given the freedom to delve into new territory and exercise their creativity are keeping their employers on the cutting edge and successfully managing the tides of change. They themselves are consequently staying above the curve also, and keeping up with the speed at which innovation moves – which is fast and furious these days.

Branson says of intrapreneurship “often everyone becomes so immersed in what they're doing that they feel like they own their companies. They don't feel like employees working for someone else”. Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41359235/ns/business-small_business/t/richard-branson-intrapreneurs/#.WtdJ59Twa9I

When people feel this passionate about the work they are doing, they are committed to it and have a vested interest in it and their own success as well. This dedication will untimely reflect on the organization as a whole. So while your name might not hang on the sign in the lobby, “Me Inc.” is a real company. It is yours and one that exists to thrive and prosper with entrepreneurial “you” at the helm.