Lessons learned from entrepreneurs at FutureM

I spent a fascinating week at the FutureM conference, where leading marketers and technologists shared their knowledge. It was a wonderful experience.

Every session was presented by one or more successful entrepreneurs. As I listened to them speak, I started feeling very inadequate. I’ve had the same training as many of these folks, but ended up in a very different place. On the Security vs. Risk continuum, I’m way up there with security. I’ve been married to the same man for 19 years and have lived in the same house for 19 years. Whenever I took those career aptitude tests, my desire for security came out as my top priority and any risk taking was the lowest priority. Mmmm, this is about as far away from an entrepreneurial spirit as you can get.

Upon further reflection, I realized that instead of comparing myself to them, I could listen and learn from them.

Here are the lessons I learned from these entrepreneurs:

1. Know what drives you.

For these entrepreneurs, it was creating a company and bringing their ideas to market.

For me, my motivators have changed over the years. In my 20’s and 30’s it was all about my career and climbing that corporate ladder. Now, it’s building a life and a legacy. This life includes work, learning, health and family. A lot more balanced, that’s for sure.

2. Be curious.

Each person who spoke talked about their interest in the world and what made people tick. Their curiosity continued unabated.

For me, I took it upon myself to learn all about social media and online marketing.  This blog is one such result of my quest.

3. Be yourself.

For the entrepreneurs, it was believing in themselves and their ideas. They lived and breathed it for as long as it took. Even if naysayers told them otherwise, these folks persisted.

I love technology and I love writing.  This blog is one way to merge these two passions.  I also love fitness.  I just became involved in a project to help a local rowing organization expand their reach.  I’m so excited that I’ll be able to apply my project and marketing skills to an organization that promotes fitness.

So my conclusion is that I actually do have some entrepreneurial tendencies. What about you, do you consider yourself to be an entrepreneur?

Photo courtesy of dpstyle’s Flickr Photostream under Creative Commons Licensing.