Social entrepreneurs are always driven by a desire to make a difference in the world. They see a problem and they’re not content to just sit back and complain about it. They’re determined to find a solution, and they’re willing to take risks to make it happen.
Social entrepreneurs of course share many of the same qualities as traditional entrepreneurs, but they also have some unique characteristics that we will expand upon… One of the most important qualities of a social entrepreneur is a strong entrepreneurial mindset. This mindset is characterised by three key qualities: curiosity, connections, and creating value.
Curiosity
Social entrepreneurs are naturally curious. They’re always asking questions and looking for new ways to solve problems. They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and they’re always open to new ideas. This curiosity is essential for them because it allows them to identify the problems that most need to be solved and to come up with their innovative solutions.
Connections
Social entrepreneurs are also great at building relationships and making connections. They know that they can’t solve these problems alone, so they build a network of people who can help them achieve these goals. These connections can provide social entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise, and support that they need to succeed.
Creating value
Finally, social entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to create value. They want to make the world a better place, and they believe that they can do that by starting their own businesses. Social entrepreneurs create value by providing products or services that meet the needs of underserved communities. They also create value by generating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The 3 C’s of the entrepreneurial mindset are really essential for social entrepreneurs. If you’re interested in starting or scaling your social enterprise, it’s important to develop or enhance these qualities. By being curious, building connections, and creating value, you can make a real difference in today’s world.
Here are some additional tips for developing an entrepreneurial mindset for social entrepreneurs:
- Read books and articles about social entrepreneurship. This will help you learn about the different types of social enterprises that are already out there and the challenges and opportunities that they face.
- Network with other social entrepreneurs. This is a great way to learn from others and to get the support you need.
- Get involved in your community. This will help you identify problems that need to be solved and to build relationships with people who can help you to solve them.
- Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a part of the entrepreneurial journey. Learn from your failures and keep moving forwards.
In summary, with hard work and dedication, you can develop the entrepreneurial mindset you need to start a successful social enterprise.
References
“The 3Cs of Entrepreneurial Mindset: Curiosity, Connections, and Creating Value” by the Kern Family Foundation.
“The Social Entrepreneur’s Playbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Social Value” by Jed Emerson and Paul Niehaus.
“Social Entrepreneurship: A New Engine for Growth” by Ashoka.