A New Restaurant

The oft quoted Seth Godin wrote an article titled So, what’s wrong with small business?, that talks about the differences between a small business person and an entrepreneur.  He talks about the idea that entrepreneurs try to build businesses bigger than themselves.  They have big visions, and build big wealth producing businesses.

Small business people, while not at all against the idea of building wealth, are more into the day to day operation of their own business.  They have dreams and visions, but want to see those dreams and visions build over time.

Which are you?

My experience is that most local restaurant owners are small business people.  While they may see franchise opportunities somewhere down the line, they are more interested in running their restaurant, making customers happy, and building their business day by day.  They’re hands on kind of people.  They enjoy being in the dining room shmoozing with customers, and love the rush of being in the kitchen on a busy Saturday night.  It’s about getting to know your customers and your crew.  It’s about being in your restaurant.

That’s not to say they don’t have dreams of their restaurant growing into something big.  I’ve not met a restaurant owner yet that would be happy grinding it out every day trying to make ends meet.  They all have hopes of a comfy retirement someday, but it’s not just about the money

In reality, there are a lot of similarities between small business owners and entrepreneurs.  Both have dreams about creating and building something they can call their own.  Both are willing to take risks in return for reward.  To a great extent, the difference is a matter of scale.  Small business people work with trees; entrepreneurs work with forests.

Is it batter to be one rather than the other?  No.  What matters is that you follow your dream wherever it takes you.  If that leads you down the road of national franchises and great wealth, great.  If it leads you to a nice neighborhood restaurant and a comfortable living, that’s great too.  The key is to follow your dream.  It could lead you anywhere.Tags: small business owner, restaurant owner, entrepreneur

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