Yusep Rukmana

Defining terms is profession unto itself, any lexicographer will agree. But, to specify the roles, or activities, dealt with by the personalities discussed in this chapter is a virtually impossible task, even for academics. Any attempt to outline a category for the energetic business person is particularly difficult; nevertheless, some opinion consensus arrives at:

Innovator-one who introduces something new: a novel device, custom, style, etc; an inventor makes something for the first time.

Entrepreneur-one who is involves with risk-taking, innovation largely through action-oriented marketing and is concerned with growth.

Independent-one who prefers not to be subordinate to, or reliant on, others; to be self-governing or in authority.

Thousands of independents exhibit their preference ’to do their own thing ‘ by running small businesses: food stores, garages, restaurants, agricultural properties, retail shops and the many activities functionally  operated by an individual, a family or a partnership. In most countries, the independent small business provides more jobs and opportunities than the combined employment of all the major corporations. And, the past decade has seen acceleration in small business development.

As an independent, you would be responsible for the full scope of the activities of your business: marketing, finance, staff management, buying, pricing and the myriad of tasks associated with any commercial activity. In spite of the long hours, the venture is yours-to increase value for future sale, maximize profits, support you and provide the satisfaction of controlling a substantial degree of one’s own destiny. Many independents do not aspire to the creation of a large empire; they wish to conduct a business as personally desired. If objectives include expansion and growth, planning must anticipate the sharing of responsibilities for staff increase and executive delegations always accompany size.

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