Are You an Innerpreneur?

There is a growing number of us who are using our businesses for personal growth and to create social change. We are intelligent optimists and we are quietly changing the world.

Written Sep 15, 2008, read 3168 times since then.

Where the Term Innerpreneur Comes From

No, I didn't make it up.

The book, Karma Queens, Geek Gods and Innerprenuers, by Ron Rentel, was the first, to my knowledge, to use and define the term innerpreneur. The book is an exploration of the nine most interesting consumer types evolving today.

The Making of an Innerpreneur

An innerpreneur is an entrepreneur who use their business to find personal fulfillment (creatively, spiritually, emotionally) and create social change.

You may have heard the terms 'creative class', 'creative capitalism', or 'cultural creative' used to describe us as well. Basically, we want to use business to improve the world and ourselves.

We have the defining entrepreneurial traits of a(n):

high need for achievement
high need for independence
low need for conformity
internal locus of control
love of ambiguity
propensity for risk-taking
obsession with opportunity

But as innerpreneurs we are characteristically different as we start businesses to aid in our personal growth rather than that of a company's. We start our businesses so we can find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through our work.

We are driven by our need to realize our full potential, to make a difference and to constantly learn and evolve.

We Do What We Are

Our businesses have been started for our personal fulfillment. They are our means for expression and our avenue to make a difference. They were not started to for monetary reasons.

Life experience and exploration energize and inspire us. We do not want our businesses to consume our lives. We want to travel, learn and grow.

We are Idealist, Psychologically.

Our temperament, I believe, is what really makes us innerpreneurs. We are idealists naturally.

As idealists we:

are enthusiastic, trust our intuition, yearn for romance, seek our true selves, prize meaningful relationships, and dream of attaining wisdom.

pride ourself on being loving, kindhearted, and authentic.

are giving, trusting, spiritual, and focused on our personal journey and human potential.

Idealists have the iNtuative Feelers (or NF) aspects of their personality type.

Further Characteristics of an Innerpreneur

you believe you should do what you are and what you love
you see the world in a different way than most
you let your morals and passion for exploration guide your life
you have an inborn need to be creative and open, to seek new pathways
you want to make things different; you are attracted to industries that have a social conscience or who try to create connections between people
you may alternate periods of career focus with periods of reflection and/or adventure

I am an Innerpreneur

After reading the chapter on Innerpreneurs in Karma Queens, Geek Gods and Innerprenuers, I quickly identified my needs and desires as one of an innerpreneur. Just before reading the book I had just decided to start my own company. I had realized that I had to in order to have the life I desired. I want to write, learn, help people and use the web to create change.

I have always been hesitant to label myself, to put myself in a box of any sort but I couldn't help but smile and take a deep breathe of relief when I read the profile. It is always nice to belong somewhere.

Grow the Idea

I have started a blog dedicated to promoting innerpreneurship and helping innerpreneurs, like you, make their businesses a success.

Learn more about the author, Tara Joyce.

Posted by Tanya Stock, Seattle, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

Wow... I honestly did not know of this.. I had an idea when I worked with my coach on my plan on Life's Work three years ago. A plan that has undergone many changes since. And I realize why because of this Innerpreneur idea.

I never wanted to change the world only my place within it by doing something of "service" that was in line with my passions, my beliefs and with the hope someone would "get it." It wasn't about being rich or being innovative but just being there doing more than I was doing. I didn't need my shingle, I was willing to do it beneath someone else's but I realized that I had to for it to work.

I just blogged on this issue about being Passionate and finding those of like minds who share it.. its not easy and well that may well be the point. Your passion is just that yours and that may be enough.
Posted by SUZANNA -, Seattle, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

Wow! You've described me to a T! Great to know there is a community of us out there. I'll check out that blog.
Posted by Ken Peters, Phoenix, Arizona | Sep 16, 2008

Hi Tara

I've never heard of the term innerpreneur, but it sure does fit me. Seems as though the qualities that make a successful innerpreneur are the same qualities that'd make it hard, if not impossible, to thrive and achieve fulfillment working for someone else. That's definitely the experience I've had. As a graphic designer I always felt I was going against the grain when I worked for other agencies. Since launching my own studio I have been able to achieve personal and professional fulfillment that I only once dreamed about. And, I know the best is yet to come.

Thanks for your article.

Nocturnal Branding Studio
Posted by Corbet Curfman, Bainbridge Island, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

Great article. This is the process I have just gone through. I started my own business to feel good about the work I am doing. I want to contribute to the world and not add to it's problems. I love the idea that there is a bunch of us out there trying to do good things with our life's work. Thank you for posting this.
Posted by Barbie Hull, Seattle, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

This is fabulous!! Thank you for sharing and helping others learn more about themselves!! Now we can feel more confident in living life to make a difference. =)
Posted by Suzette West, Port Orchard, Washington | Sep 16, 2008

Thanks for posting, Tara. Your article really resonates with me. In both of my businesses, I have chosen to take an unconventional path because I see possibilities where many, if not most, see obstacles and improbabilities. In my opinion, nothing is more rewarding than creating new ways of doing things that benefit the lives of others in some way, as well as living life passionately through the heart, envisioning the possibilities, and having the courage to make things happen.
Posted by Bradley Chrysler, Bellingham, Washington | Sep 17, 2008

Hi Tara,

I just read your article and I whole heartedly agree. When I was 18 and entered college my dad asked me why I wanted to study music. "Why don't you study something that can make you a living?" he said. To this day I can still remember my answer. "I just want to be happy!" He did not get it at all. Your article helps us to keep the passion. Sometimes the day to day grind can get you down. Thanks for the boost. Brad
Posted by Chad Soto, Seattle, Washington | Sep 17, 2008

Very informative!
Posted by Angela Williams, Seattle, Washington | Sep 17, 2008

Oh baby yes! This describes me to a "T!" Thank you for sharing your learning and wisdom. I'm so happy to have a new label to describe what it is I do best. Entrepreneur just wasn't fitting. :) Ang.
Posted by Tara Joyce, Toronto, Ontario Canada | Sep 17, 2008

I wanted to respond to each of you personally but my BizNik account only allows for three private emails a day.

I am so pleased to find that the idea of innerpreneurship has resonated with so many of you. We are truly a fascinating group and this article is not the last that I write on us.

I hope you'll continue to discover with me what makes us so unique.

I would like to feature fellow innerpreneurs on my blog. If you are interested in sharing your story, please email me.

Best,

Tara
Posted by David Lim, Seattle, Washington | Sep 18, 2008

Tara:

This is a wonderful article. Very good perspective. And one that I can relate to completely. It's a concept that has driven me and a lot of folk, but never have I read it so well written. I look forward to more of your postings!

David Lim My Profile - My Website - Our Services
Posted by Sara Moore, Seattle, Washington | Sep 18, 2008

I like the innerpreneur idea too! Once we have reached a measure of personal satisfaction with our lives and enterprises, the focus of the innerpreneur's business may shift to creating a fulfilling place of employment for a number of others.

There are several examples of businesses where hiring and developing people is an explicit part of the mission, such as Greyston Bakery and The People's Grocery. If anyone finds more examples of ths philosophy, please share!
Posted by Jason Eke, Chesley, Ontario Canada | Sep 18, 2008

Hi Tara,

Great, now I have an identity crisis. I've been calling myself a micro-magnate, but it seems I'm actually an innerpreneur!

Thanks for posting your blog. You might want to check out this http://www.smallbusinessupdate.com/
Posted by Angela Todd, Beaverton, Oregon | Sep 19, 2008

I left my first career in business to pursue my life long passion of designing interiors. Since I have followed my passion, life has been fulfilling and blissful. In a world of many people who don't do what they love for a living, it is so wonderful to know there are enough of us making this positive change that we have a new category/namesake!

Angela Todd Designs http://www.nwinteriordesigner.com
Posted by Debra Lane, Bothell, Washington | Sep 19, 2008

Great article! We are in the process of building out my dream business that will include a non-profit for food based charities along with our shared use commercial kitchen space for food entrepreneurs. Excellent timing for me to read this!

Debra Lane http://www.mychefdelivers.com
Posted by Pam Gianoglio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Sep 23, 2008

Great article! It is so good to know there is a name for what we do. Having a "job" just isn't enough. It is so refreshing that in such a corporate, money-driven society there are still so many successful businesses run by people who don't think of what they do as just "working" but living and pouring themselves into their work so it is no longer work. Those are the businesses I prefer to support!
Posted by Leif Hansen, Seattle, Washington | Sep 23, 2008

Love the article, and the term. Thank you! I am definitely an innerpreneur as you describe it and look forward to exploring how the term and concepts embedded in more detail.

I also appreciate how clear, simple and well written your article is, many Biznik articles could learn from it. Cheers, Leif

Get attention. Keep them engaged. Make an Impact.
Posted by Jim Carney, Bellingham, Washington | Sep 25, 2008

Seems like we want to be known. Yet we do not always want to be defined by our "job". So it is great when we can share who we are and sometimes include that our passion carries into the marketplace. Innerpreneur is a great term that is now beginning to draw more into looking at what really defines us. Do keep finding time to enjoy what you do!
Posted by Kimm Viebrock, Bellevue, Washington | Sep 25, 2008

Tara -

How very interesting indeed! And I believe it helps put some language around a phenomenon that I've seen related to coaching. So many people are drawn to coaching these days for reasons I believe are related to 'innerpreneurship'.

Many discover coaching as clients, often in pursuit of finding more fulfillment through their work and regularly leading toward some kind of 'innerpreneurship' of their own.

On the other side of it, clearly there is a huge draw for many to become coaches themselves and I've noticed that it almost always is about this notion of doing something that fosters personal grow for themselves while at the same time acting in service to others to help change the world.

I always find it interesting to learn that something I've noticed actually has a name attached to it - thank you for sharing!
Posted by Antonina Ramsey, Kirkland, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Tara, Thank you so much for the article! I finally know what to call myself. It feels great to find a home!
Posted by Kimberly Dow, Frederick, Maryland | Sep 26, 2008

Tara, this is a great article! I had never heard of the term innerpreneur before, and I love the concept! Since I started my own graphic design studio earlier this year, I've felt my life has made a huge shift and I've never been more content with my work and my life. It's because I have a passion for what I do now, it's not just a paycheck. I love the fact that I am able to help businesses and organizations who have similar ethics and goals of my own, while being creative at the same time! Thank you so much for this article, I enjoyed reading it and all the posts above!
Posted by Faith Sheridan, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Tara, as a newbie to biznek I just read your article. It resonated with me and described me very well. As an interior designer my work requires passion and connectedness. Listening carefully to my clients and myself helps me achieve the design concept and often in a zig-zag way. I love all the previous posts sharing how others recognize their innerpreneur too. Great job.
Posted by Kelleen Griffin, Berkeley, California | Sep 27, 2008

I LOVE this! Tara, thanks for shining some light for all of us in service. I discovered the LOHAS market definition quite by accident about 5 years ago when it was mentioned in a strategic business plan for a client. I was amazed; I completely identified with it. Fast forward to today, I've morphed my own personal coaching company around the concept. Thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention. Be well, Kelleen

Be well, think well, do great stuff, Kelleen
Posted by Yvonne Bisk, Levittown, New York | Sep 28, 2008

Gosh, there are lots of 'us'. How wonderful to read you article and all the responses. Thank you, Yvonne
Posted by Tara Joyce, Toronto, Ontario Canada | Sep 29, 2008

Thank you to everyone for sharing their stories and identifying with the idea of innerpreneurship so deeply.

I enjoy reading everyone's responses so much.

Thank you for participating in the conversation.

Tara
Posted by Gretchen Krampf , Eastsound, Washington | Sep 29, 2008

Hi Tara, Loved learning the term "innerpreneur" and appreciate your writing. Know there are many of us who resonate with this concept and appreciate access to others. Biznik makes connections happen. Thanks, Gretchen

Leadership Coach and Process Consultant
Posted by Dawn Renee Mallory, Seattle, Washington | Sep 30, 2008

WOW!!! Finally a graceful way to describe my life and business desires/goals!

Excellent distillation of the concept... Dawn
Posted by Carrie Lanza, MSW, Seattle, Washington | Nov 10, 2008

Tara, Thanks so much for connecting the dots between all of these concepts (creative class, cultural creatives and now, innerpreneurs). Much appreciated. I look forward to reading more of your articles!
Posted by Rebecca Stees, Alameda, California | Nov 19, 2008

Thanks for giving me the words to find like-minded people!

Warmly, Rebecca