What is an entrepreneur?

Ah, the entrepreneur! That mythical figure that seems to have powers to turn ideas into reality and overcome obstacles as if it were something natural. But what really is an entrepreneur? I'll tell you, Rubén Águila, with more than 20 years in the world of entrepreneurship, creating, failing and learning. Being an entrepreneur is not just "setting up a business", it is something much more profound and exciting.

The Entrepreneur: More than just a businessman

The first thing you need to understand is that being an entrepreneur is not the same as being a businessman. Although both terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. An entrepreneur manages a business that is already up and running, while an entrepreneur sees an opportunity where others see problems, takes risks and, from nothing (or almost nothing), starts something that can change his life, the lives of others, and if he is lucky, the whole world!

Sounds epic? Well, it is... and also exhausting, because not everything is glamour and immediate success. I tell you from experience, because what no one tells you is that on this road, one day you're at the top and the next you wonder how you're going to pay the bills.

The DNA of the entrepreneur: Are they born or made?

Here comes a question that many have asked me: Ruben, are entrepreneurs born or made? Well, my answer is a mixture of both. You are born with certain characteristics, such as curiosity, creativity and the desire to break schemes, but you are also made along the way. Because believe me, entrepreneurship forces you to learn, adapt and improve in record time. And no, not everyone makes it.

From my experience, I've seen that successful entrepreneurs share certain key characteristics:

2. Passion without limits: If you don't love what you do, you'll find it nearly impossible to stand on your own two feet when things get ugly (which they will, believe me).
3. Ability to take risks: I'm not talking about jumping in without looking, I'm talking about calculated risks. Good entrepreneurs know that there is always something at stake, but they also know that standing still is not an option(.
5. Creativity and vision: Where others see problems, you see solutions. If you don't have this ability, it will be difficult for you to go far.
7. Perseverance: Not giving up is almost a religion for an entrepreneur. You are going to fail, and you will fail a lot, but the key is to get up again and again(.

The different types of entrepreneurs

Not all entrepreneurs are the same, there are many types of entrepreneurs. Some are born innovators, others are more focused on the practical. Here are the most common ones, so you can see which category you or the person you have in mind falls into:

• Innovators: These are the ones who have fresh and disruptive ideas, and many times they are the ones who end up changing entire industries(.
• Scouts: These are not afraid to start small. They go for it with what they have and, little by little, build their empire(.
• Imitators: Not everyone has to be a visionary. Some find an existing product or service and improve it. And yes, this is also entrepreneurship!(.

The dark side of entrepreneurship (that no one tells you)

Many talk about the glamour of being your own boss, but the truth is that the path of entrepreneurship is full of obstacles, and they won't tell you about it in motivational talks.

Fear of failure is something you'll have to face every day. But the key is to turn that fear into motivation. Of the many mistakes I have made throughout my career, one of the worst was not making a good business plan at the beginning. Result? Money lost, time wasted and, worst of all, the feeling of not being in control.

What's a good entrepreneur to do?

Here are some practical tips I've learned on the battlefield:

1. Plan, but don't obsess: A good plan is crucial, but keep in mind that everything can change at any time.
3. Listen to your customers: Don't underestimate how important it is to know what your customers think and need. Many times, the best business idea is the one that comes from listening.
5. Surround yourself with people better than you: You don't have to know everything, but you do need a team that complements you and helps you move forward((.

At the end of the day, being an entrepreneur is an exciting journey, but also full of challenges. If you decide to embark on this adventure, be prepared for the most exciting journey of your life. Will it be easy? No. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.

So, if after reading this you feel that spark inside, the one that tells you that you could create something great, take my advice: take the plunge, but do it with your head. The world is full of opportunities waiting to be discovered... by someone like you.