How Entrepreneurs Are Born: A Cultural Perspective from India

Certain communities around the world, especially in India, have a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship. How do these communities pass this passion and skillset to their children? How can you instill a calculated risk-taking mentality in your children?

Wondering if your children have the traits necessary to be entrepreneurs? Take the Briggs-Meyers personality test, which is free online. There are 16 distinct personalities, and ENTP, ESTJ, ENTJ, INTJ, and ISTJ are particularly well-suited for entrepreneurship. If you're curious about who I am, I'm an INTJ. Google it to learn more.

Entrepreneurs Are Born, Not Made

Entrepreneurs are born from a young age, emulating what they observe from their parents. From an early age, children see their parents taking calculated risks, identifying and serving customers. This natural behavior feels familiar rather than intimidating, and they expect success, not failure. This is in stark contrast to the more theoretical approach of taking a course or reading a book about entrepreneurship.

The Role of Culture in Shaping Entrepreneurs

Communities like Gujaratis, Sindhis, Marwaris, and Punjabis play a significant role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within their children. If you observe old trade routes, you'll notice the presence of these groups. They actively train their children to succeed them.

From childhood, these children are immersed in the business environment, frequently seen accompanying their parents in shops, factories, or offices. This early exposure guides their decisions on whether they want to pursue entrepreneurship as a career path.

India: A Land of Potential and Struggle

India's GDP per capita is significantly lower than that of the USA, roughly 30 times lower. According to Google, this means working for two years in India can be equivalent to working for only one month in the USA. Despite the financial challenges, many talented individuals in India view entrepreneurship as a means to overcome these obstacles.

Even with a lower GDP, India is home to a large population, which translates to a vast pool of potential entrepreneurs. The situation for many promising individuals is stark: they were born into poor conditions but now possess a high level of education, talent, and ambition. Why not consider entrepreneurship when the cost of failure is minimal compared to the potential gains?

Jobs in India may not provide the financial stability that entrepreneurship can achieve on a global scale. For those who find themselves limited in their career options, entrepreneurship offers a new world of possibilities.

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