IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOMETHING THAT CAN BE TAUGHT?

Director of Financial Planning Brewin Dolphin

To answer this question we should clarify that there are stages in the growth of a business.

Firstly, the seed of an idea that starts the process along with the foresight as to how the idea may be developed is the spark that all entrepreneurs have in common and I do not believe that this can be taught. However, the reluctance to speak openly without fear of criticism or ridicule can be addressed by confidence and presentation training. How many of us have at one time or other had to explain a complex issue and benefited from the comments of a friend or colleague in making the messaging clearer – a most valuable skill when approaching funding requests!

Secondly, and irrespective of the brilliance of the idea and the vision for its growth, any entrepreneur will need some assistance in managing their fledgling business. Who relishes the joys of VAT registration or writing HR policies without any guidance? Mentors can also provide a very positive sounding board for any entrepreneur who is facing some challenges and, along with networking, can establish a support base in which difficulties can be addressed.

So when looking at the growth of a business, it is helpful in seeing it as a series of modular elements working in tandem with one another, some of which will require some teaching but without the initial spark, neither will exist.

JAZ KAUR Director Fraser Stretton

This is such a subjective question that in reality there is probably no right or wrong answer.

There are many skillsets that make a good entrepreneur but it is not always obvious if these are taught or if someone is born with them.

Intellect: Some entrepreneurs are naturally quite intelligent while others struggle with this. However, as much as intelligence goes a long way, it does not make them street smart.

Visionary: Being able to visualise and introduce new innovative ways of working is certainly a trait that entrepreneurs display. This however, is not something that can be taught, rather you have it or you don’t.

Passion and energy: Having energy and the desire to make a difference is very powerful and can have a massively positive impact on staff and clients alike - this is certainly a huge reason behind successful new businesses.

Persistence and drive: Being able to keep going on bad days and through challenging moments is very much an entrepreneurial trait. You really can’t teach persistence!

Good communication: An entrepreneur needs to be able to deliver their vison and ideas in a clear and transparent manner. These are basic business skills that are picked up with experience, so some would say this is a taught skill?

The above points make a case for born and taught in equal measure. However, the traits that an entrepreneur displays as being born with leads me to feel that an entrepreneur will gather a lot of skills while working or running an enterprise, but the little things that will keep them motoring on are characteristics that can’t be taught but they are born with.