Introduction
Many professionals begin their careers mastering a specific technical skill: a doctor in their clinic, an architect in their studio, a lawyer in their practice, an engineer in their field. They excel at what they do, but when they decide to start a business or grow their practice, they encounter an unexpected challenge: being a great technician is not enough — one must also become an entrepreneur.
I have experienced this transition personally, and I know how difficult it can be. Becoming an entrepreneur requires a change in mindset, habits, and priorities. In this article, I would like to share the key elements that help make that shift without losing passion for the technical work or jeopardizing the future of the project.
Understanding the new role
The first step is accepting that being an entrepreneur is not the same as being a technician. The entrepreneur must focus on strategy, organization, people management, and resource allocation. They cannot remain solely in the technical detail, regardless of how skilled they are.
This shift means stepping away from many tasks previously mastered and beginning to coordinate others to perform them. It requires learning to trust, to delegate, and to make decisions based on the business as a whole, rather than only on the immediate outcome of technical work.
Learning to delegate
One of the most common mistakes technicians make when becoming entrepreneurs is trying to control everything. That approach leads to exhaustion and prevents growth. Delegation does not mean disengaging, but rather giving responsibility to others and establishing processes that ensure quality.
In my experience, effective delegation is the engine that enables business growth. Only when I learned to trust my team and stop personally handling tasks that others could take on, was I able to develop new service lines and strengthen the firm.
Developing strategic vision
An entrepreneur must look beyond day-to-day operations. Their role is to anticipate market changes, identify opportunities, and shape the future of the business. This strategic perspective is what separates a stagnant company from one that grows sustainably.
Transitioning from technician to entrepreneur requires stepping back from immediate work and constantly asking: Where should the company be heading? What resources are needed? What risks should be taken or avoided?
Training in business management
Technical talent alone is not enough to run a company. It is necessary to acquire basic knowledge in finance, human resources, marketing, and operational management. This does not mean becoming an expert in every area, but developing a global understanding that allows informed decisions and effective oversight of the specialists who join the project.
In my case, I had to learn about financial management and marketing, areas I initially knew little about, but which became essential to consolidating and expanding the firm.
Surrounding yourself with the right professionals
No entrepreneur can do everything alone. Having trusted advisors — in legal, financial, tax, or technological matters — is crucial. Choosing the right professionals saves time, prevents mistakes, and allows you to focus on what truly matters.
A competent and loyal team multiplies the company’s capacity for growth and strengthens decision-making.
Conclusion
The transition from technician to entrepreneur is not easy, but it is entirely possible. It requires understanding the new role, learning to delegate, developing strategic vision, acquiring management skills, and surrounding yourself with the right people. With these foundations, it is possible to grow without sacrificing technical excellence or jeopardizing the business or personal well-being.
Call to Action
If you are currently in this transition and would like practical guidance to navigate it, I can support you based on my personal and professional experience. Together, we can design a plan that allows you to grow as an entrepreneur while preserving what makes you unique as a technical professional.
