Identify Types Entrepreneurial Partnership | Kathy Marshack

In spite of the multitude of studies on entrepreneurs, psychologists have yet to come up with a reliable instrument to assess the qualities that may lead to successful entrepreneurship. In a 1991 report, Donckels and Frohlich compared the values and attitudes of entrepreneurs in family-owned and non-family-owned businesses. Using eighty-five value indicators taken from the literature on entrepreneurs, these researchers developed a questionnaire and administered it to European business owners. Here are some surprising findings…There are three parts to determining the type of entrepreneurial couple that best suits you and your spouse.

#1. Determine whether you are a solo entrepreneur with a supportive spouse, a dual-entrepreneurial couple, or a copreneurial couple. How will you handle the roles in business and family life as a couple? Who will do what task? Will one of you take the lead in making decisions?

#2. Determine your/your spouse’s entrepreneurial personalities. The above study discovered four types of entrepreneurial personalities. They are:

• The all-rounder is the versatile, universally responsive, and adaptive entrepreneur. He (or she) is his own designer, accountant, salesperson, and frontline manager.
• The routineer represents the cautious entrepreneur who is more interested in providing an income for his or her family than in being innovative and taking risks.
• The organizer is the administrator and executive type of entrepreneur, applying rational, analytical, and organizing strengths with empathy.
• The pioneer is the dynamic, creative entrepreneur who is innovative, takes risks, and has visions for the future.