Entrepreneur: missions, skills, training, salary and career development

With the rise of innovation and the growing importance of professional autonomy, the profession of Entrepreneur has become central to today's economic dynamic. Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind the creation of new businesses, be they start-ups, SMEs or large organisations. They take the initiative in developing innovative ideas, creating jobs and generating growth. This role requires a wide range of skills, strong motivation and the ability to manage the risks inherent in entrepreneurship.

Description of the job of Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur is a business creator who takes the initiative to set up a business by exploiting an idea or a market opportunity. Auto-entrepreneurs or micro-entrepreneurs are self-employed people who benefit from a simplified system for launching their business. They have to complete a number of administrative formalities, such as registering with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS) or the Répertoire des Métiers. Entrepreneurs can choose between several legal forms depending on the nature of their business, such as EURL, SASU or auto-entrepreneur.

What is the role and mission of the Entrepreneur?

Setting up a business

Entrepreneurs start by drawing up a solid business plan to define their economic model, financial objectives and growth strategies. They must also choose the legal status best suited to their business, manage the registration formalities and obtain the necessary licences.

Business management and development

Once the business has been set up, Entrepreneurs are responsible for day-to-day management, including financial management, marketing, sales and human resources management. They must also ensure compliance with current regulations and maintain the competitiveness of their business.

Innovation and growth

Entrepreneurs are constantly seeking to innovate in order to improve their products or services, explore new markets and grow their business. This includes investing in R&D, adopting new technologies and expanding geographically.

Risk management and adaptation

They need to be able to manage the risks associated with their business, whether financial, legal or market-related. Rapid adaptation to market changes is crucial to the survival and success of the business.

Tools and technologies used by Entrepreneurs

Business management tools

Contractors use business management software such as QuickBooks or Sage to manage accounting, invoicing and payroll.

Marketing and communication tools

Platforms such as Mailchimp, Hootsuite and Google Analytics are commonly used for digital marketing, social network management and performance data analysis.

Project planning and management tools

Tools such as Trello and Asana help to organise tasks, track projects and coordinate teams, even in small businesses.

What skills do you need to be a good entrepreneur?

Professional skills

• Strategic planning and the ability to draw up a business plan
• Financial management to monitor cash flow and budgets
• Sales and marketing skills to promote the business and its products/services
• Knowledge of industry regulations and standards
• Ability to innovate and develop new products/services

Personal skills

• Leadership and ability to motivate and manage a team
• Initiative and proactivity to identify and seize opportunities
• Resilience and stress management to deal with challenges and setbacks
• Flexibility and adaptability to adjust strategies as the market evolves
• Communication skills to negotiate and build strong business relationships

What are the current challenges facing entrepreneurs?

Access to finance

Obtaining finance to start up or grow a business can be difficult, particularly for self-employed entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Managing growth

Managing rapid growth can present challenges in terms of resource management, logistics and organisational structure.

Regulatory compliance

Entrepreneurs have to navigate complex regulatory environments, particularly in relation to social security contributions and tax regimes.

Competitiveness and innovation

Standing out in a saturated market and remaining competitive requires constant innovation and rapid adaptation to new trends.

Social responsibility

The integration of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) practices is increasingly expected by customers and partners.

How to become an entrepreneur

Education and training

Although you don't need a specific degree to become an entrepreneur, training in business management, marketing or finance is often beneficial. Many grandes écoles and universities offer programmes specialising in entrepreneurship.

EM Normandie offers programmes tailored to business creation, such as the MSc International Marketing and Business Development, which provides the management, marketing and strategy skills needed to launch and develop a business.

Work experience

Before starting their own business, many Entrepreneurs gain experience in management or executive roles in other companies. This enables them to develop skills in leadership, project management and understanding market dynamics.

Steps in setting up a business

• Market research: Understanding the business sector, customer needs and competitors.
• Choice of legal status: Select the legal framework best suited to your business (auto-entrepreneur, EURL, SASU, etc.).
• Registration: Register the business with the relevant authorities (RCS, Répertoire des Métiers).
• Financing: Looking for financing, whether through investors, loans or public grants.
• Launching the business: Implementing the business plan and starting to operate.

Career development and prospects for entrepreneurs

Expansion

Developing the business by increasing the number of products/services offered or entering new markets.

Diversification

Investing in other sectors or industries.

Taking over a business

Some entrepreneurs choose to take over existing businesses in order to reorganise or modernise them.

Consulting

Share their expertise with other entrepreneurs by becoming a consultant or mentor to new start-ups.

Education

Teach entrepreneurship or give talks to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

How much does an entrepreneur earn?

An entrepreneur's income varies considerably depending on the size and success of the business, as well as the sector in which it operates. Self-employed entrepreneurs can have modest incomes, while the founders of successful start-ups can generate substantial incomes, often linked to the company's profits.

What kind of work does an entrepreneur do?

A variety of employers:

Entrepreneurs can start businesses in virtually any sector, including:

• Technology: software development, applications, e-commerce
• Crafts: handmade products, local crafts
• Services: consultancy, training, personal services
• Commerce: Retail, import/export
• Industry: Manufacturing, production of goods
• Agriculture: Farms, food products

Key sectors:

Sectors where entrepreneurship is particularly dynamic include:

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Health and well-being
• Renewable energies and sustainable development
• Arts and culture
• Education and training

In summary

Being an entrepreneur is an exciting profession that offers great freedom of action, but it also involves risks and challenges. Entrepreneurs need a solid combination of technical, commercial and interpersonal skills to succeed. Whether they choose to become self-employed or launch a large company, they make a significant contribution to innovation and economic growth. This profession demands a high degree of resilience and adaptability, as well as a willingness to take risks to achieve ambitious goals.