Who Do You Want to Be when You Grow Up?

When business people converse, the terms “small business owner” and “entrepreneur” are used interchangeably as if they mean the same thing.  Yet I discern two very different connotations.  Is this a matter of semantics?  Or is there an important distinction to be made? 


According to government statistics, “small businesses” comprise the vast majority of enterprises across North America, most of which close their doors before their fifth anniversary.  What is more interesting to me is that I have never seen a government study that discusses the flailing “entrepreneur.”  Then again, perhaps the only people who write about entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs.  


I have an admission to make.  I expect less from a small business owner than I do from a self-proclaimed entrepreneur.  Think about it this way: if you were just introduced to someone at a local networking event, and he asked what you do, which of the following answers are you most likely to give? 


“Hi.  My name is Joe.  I’m a small business owner.”  


OR 


“Hi.  My name is Joe.  I’m an entrepreneur.” 


The first statement feels a bit more comfortable, doesn’t it?  The second one, however, conveys a forthrightness that seems to presuppose a certain level of professional achievement.  It is too bad that so many “small business” people are reluctant to admit as much to themselves or to their colleagues.