Multipreneur
I thought I had made up the term, but it seems that there are quite a few people throwing it around these days.
It’s the word I think of (but don’t actually say) when people ask me,
I don’t actually use the word because then I’d have to explain to people what THAT means. I’d rather just take a stab at it in terms they understand.
But for your sake, since you’re reading this post, I’ll try to explain how I understand the word, “multipreneur.”
What is a multipreneur?
In my thinking, a multipreneur has at least these 5 character/personality traits:
1. Ambition
And I’m not talking about a selfish type of ambition (though I guess it could be that). What I mean is that a person I’d consider to be a multipreneur has to have their own, internal drive that gets them moving in the direction of accomplishment and success. They don’t have to have anyone telling them what to do, they figure it out on their own. “But wait!” you might say, “That sounds like a typical entrepreneur or business owner, to me!” Right you are. Ambition alone does not the multipreneur make.
2. A drive to figure things out
A multipreneur doesn’t wait around for someone to teach them… he/she goes out and finds the information needed to get moving in the direction they desire. You could call this being “self-taught” or able to teach themselves. But again, that could be said of a regular old “entrepreneur” as well. So, let’s keep going.
3. Varied talents and/or interests
Add to ambition and a self-teaching bent, a variety of interests and skills. Here’s where the difference between an entrepreneur and a multipreneur begins to take shape.
Many folks would be tempted to call a multpreneur “unfocused,” because he has so many irons in the fire. I guess that could be true from a certain perspective. But in my experience, it’s not that at all. I’ve come to see that the good LORD has given me many different interests, and an above-average amount of talent/skill within each of those interests. That equips me with an ability to do a good job at many different things.
4. Willingness to “take the plunge,” over and over again
- Mortgage loan origination (Colorado)
- A “pay what you want” video study methods course (for the lending industry)
- A free video tutorial website that I’m in the process of monetizing
- A part time role with a real estate wholesaling company
- A podcast production service for folks who want a podcast without all the hassle
- A marriage and family coaching ministry that includes a weekly video/audio podcast, couple’s counseling retreats, men’s events, and Christian life coaching
- Writing – which includes a handful of non-fiction works, as well as a new novel that will be debuting March 15, 2014
I don’t care who you are, I dare you t0 say there’s any kind of rhyme or reason to that mess… other than the fact that I jumped into each of theme out of desire, and a belief that I am SUPPOSED to be doing them. I did so, knowing that every one of them would place an additional burden on me. I did so knowing that the more I add to my plate, the more carefully I have to manage my schedule and time, for the sake of my family, and for the sake of my sanity.
5. A delight in being busy with a variety of things
And here is the really weird part. I actually LIKE being that busy, and so scattered in my interests. It’s fun to me. I love the creative part of coming up with ideas, figuring out how to make them work, and putting together systems and processes to keep them rolling.
I know, it would drive some people crazy, but that’s the beauty of being one of God’s creatures. He’s made each of us unique and points us down a path that is right for us.
A caution for multipreneurs
It should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway. If you think, or know, that you are a multipreneur, be careful.
- Because of how you’re wired, you can overdo it pretty easily. Stress can easily become an unhelpful companion.
- Because you’ll tend to take on too much, your family can suffer as a result.
- You will tend toward being driven by what is urgent, rather than by what is truly important. You have to get a handle on that, for the sake of your sanity.
- You might be tempted to drop projects that are unfinished, in favor of new ideas or inspirations. Figure out how to discipline yourself to stay on track until things are completed. You’ll be thankful you did.
A caution for you non-multipreneurs
Don’t be so quick to label us multipreneurs as “un-focused” or “undisciplined.” We don’t really expect you to understand, because you’re not wired like we are. But at the very least, give us the benefit of the doubt. Multipreneurs, just like you, are reasonably mature adults (in most cases), and make their decisions with forethought and wisdom most of the time.
We’re not wrong, or bad, we’re just different than you.