Surreal cityscape with clock and airplanes, symbolizing entrepreneurial timing.

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential: Is Now the Right Time?

Kai Mendoza in Business & Economy August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Crucial Role of Intended Timing in Entrepreneurial Intentions and How It Can Shape Your Success"

The world of entrepreneurship is a dynamic landscape filled with ambition, innovation, and, often, uncertainty. While the drive to start a business can be powerful, the question of when to take the leap is equally crucial. Understanding the factors that influence our entrepreneurial intentions and how timing plays a role can be the key to unlocking your full potential.

A recent study published in the 'International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal' delves into this very question. Researchers Antonio Rafael Ramos-Rodríguez, José Aurelio Medina-Garrido, and José Ruiz-Navarro explored the concept of 'intended timing' among aspiring entrepreneurs, specifically focusing on university students nearing graduation. Their findings offer valuable insights into how the perceived timing of launching a venture shapes entrepreneurial intentions and what distinguishes those who are ready to start now from those who prefer to wait.

This article will break down the core concepts of this research, translating complex findings into actionable advice for anyone considering the entrepreneurial path. Whether you're a student, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the science of entrepreneurship, understanding the nuances of intended timing can help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success.

The Significance of Timing: Why 'When' Matters in Entrepreneurship

Surreal cityscape with clock and airplanes, symbolizing entrepreneurial timing.

Entrepreneurial intention, the first step in the entrepreneurial process, has been studied extensively. However, the timing of these projects remains less explored. The study highlights that understanding when someone intends to launch their business is just as crucial as understanding if they intend to launch one at all. This seemingly simple factor can significantly influence how individuals approach the planning and execution of their ventures.

The study categorizes aspiring entrepreneurs into two distinct groups:

Rapid Entrepreneurs: Individuals who plan to start their business immediately after graduation.
Entrepreneurs-in-Waiting: Individuals who prefer to gain experience or resources before launching their venture, typically planning to start within five years.

These two groups exhibit different characteristics, motivations, and perceptions, which ultimately affect their entrepreneurial journey. By recognizing these differences, aspiring entrepreneurs can better align their actions with their goals and increase their likelihood of success.

Key Takeaways: Maximizing Your Entrepreneurial Potential Through Strategic Timing

The research by Ramos-Rodríguez, Medina-Garrido, and Ruiz-Navarro provides a valuable framework for understanding the role of intended timing in entrepreneurial intentions. By recognizing the differences between rapid entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs-in-waiting, aspiring business owners can make more informed decisions, tailor their strategies, and ultimately increase their chances of success. Whether you choose to launch now or wait for the right moment, understanding your motivations and aligning your actions with your goals is paramount to achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11365-019-00586-5,

Title: Why Not Now? Intended Timing In Entrepreneurial Intentions

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Antonio Rafael Ramos-Rodriguez, Jose Aurelio Medina-Garrido, Jose Ruiz-Navarro

Published: 15-12-2023

Everything You Need To Know

What is 'intended timing' in the context of entrepreneurship, and why is it important?

'Intended timing' refers to *when* an aspiring entrepreneur plans to launch their business. It's a crucial factor that significantly influences entrepreneurial intentions and the approach to planning and executing a venture. The study emphasizes that understanding the timing of a business launch is as important as understanding the intention to launch one at all. It helps in aligning actions with goals, impacting the likelihood of success.

What are the two main groups of aspiring entrepreneurs identified in the study, and how do they differ?

The study categorizes aspiring entrepreneurs into two groups: 'Rapid Entrepreneurs' and 'Entrepreneurs-in-Waiting'. 'Rapid Entrepreneurs' plan to start their business immediately after graduation, while 'Entrepreneurs-in-Waiting' prefer to gain experience or resources before launching, typically within five years. These groups differ in characteristics, motivations, and perceptions, affecting their entrepreneurial journey and strategic choices.

How can understanding the concept of 'intended timing' help aspiring entrepreneurs?

Understanding 'intended timing' allows aspiring entrepreneurs to make more informed decisions. By recognizing the differences between 'Rapid Entrepreneurs' and 'Entrepreneurs-in-Waiting', individuals can tailor their strategies and increase their chances of success. It enables them to align their actions with their goals, whether they choose to launch immediately or wait for the right moment, ultimately improving the odds of achieving their entrepreneurial dreams.

What specific insights does the research by Ramos-Rodríguez, Medina-Garrido, and Ruiz-Navarro provide regarding entrepreneurial intentions?

The research provides a framework for understanding the role of 'intended timing' in shaping entrepreneurial intentions. It highlights that the perceived timing of launching a venture significantly impacts how individuals approach the planning and execution of their ventures. The study's categorization into 'Rapid Entrepreneurs' and 'Entrepreneurs-in-Waiting' offers insights into the varying motivations, characteristics, and perceptions that influence their entrepreneurial journey.

Besides 'intended timing', what other factors are crucial for entrepreneurial success, as implied by the study?

While the study focuses on the importance of 'intended timing', other factors are also crucial. The success of an entrepreneur is influenced by a combination of elements including motivations, planning, resource availability and gaining relevant experience. For 'Entrepreneurs-in-Waiting', gaining experience or resources is key. Furthermore, recognizing individual characteristics and aligning actions with specific goals are also significant to achieve entrepreneurial success, regardless of the chosen timeline.