To hurry or not to hurry?
Today, the use of the word “scammer” is used as a positive way to describe oneself as having an entrepreneurial streak or starting a new business.
From the 1800s, hustler meant “thief” and, in particular, someone who was aggressive towards his victims. Today, the dictionary still holds true to this definition, describing a con artist in a negative light: a thief or criminal; a gold digger or a prostitute; an overly pushy salesperson (OED, 2015). In modern music (mainly ghetto rap), “to hustle” refers to a way to make money and do it against all odds. Perhaps the latter is where startups are taking inspiration from?
Scammers work for immediate gratification to get cash flow, without a long-term view. It’s about a foot in the door, a constant drive to keep making money, it’s about making the next sale.
As an entrepreneur, I would NEVER like to be called a “scammer”.
Why rush when you can “start the business”?
Being an entrepreneur may involve overcoming obstacles and making money, but it is definitely NOT rushing. Startup entrepreneurs find ways to make money, but they do so ethically and in terms of a defined growth strategy. Entrepreneurs build a business, own the business, delegate, strategize, and think ahead. They link things, they are connectors: companies, ideas and people. Entrepreneurs create systems, contingency plans, develop others, and (probably most notably) entrepreneurs consider exit planning.
The true meaning of entrepreneur?
It comes from the old French, “to undertake a business”. What is the company? Well, that’s work. The characteristics of an entrepreneur were added in the 15th century: a person with “adventurous disposition, a readiness to undertake challenges, and a spirit of daring” (Harper, 2015). In recent definitions, “One who undertakes a business; one who owns and manages a business; a person who bears the risk of profit or loss” (OED, 2015).
Which side of the coin are you on?Scammer vs Entrepreneur…
semantics matter
Words change meaning over time, that’s common. But going from a negative to a positive use (pejoration to improvement) is very rare. Between entrepreneur and hustler, you have to reflect. From a linguistic perspective, something to see here. From a new business perspective, you need to decide which side of the coin you are on.
I guess the choice is in this:
Are you running an ethical business as an owner and manager, with an adventurous disposition, a willingness to take on challenges, a spirit of boldness by taking profit and loss risks?
Yes?
Then you are an entrepreneur NOT a hustler.
~A.
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Direct references:
-Harper, D. (2015). Etymology Dictionary Via http://www.etymonline.com/
-OED-Oxford English Dictionary (2015). Via http://www.oed.com/