Entrepreneurial Ventures Fuel Our Economy - Recognizing the Game Changers

In my view, we are shifting to an entrepreneurial economy, but investors and the media haven't quite caught up yet. Sure, sometimes we hear about an entrepreneur who has made it big, but we tend to believe entrepreneurs are uniquely talented individuals who overcame incredible hurdles in order to succeed. After seven seasons on Dragons' Den and two on The Big Decision, I know that's not the case. A lot of 'ordinary' people overcome the same kinds of hurdles, and simply because they don't grow a BIG business it doesn't mean their businesses aren't worthy of notice and aren't helping to power the economy.

Yes, large public companies contribute to our economic stability, however, increasingly, the real game changers are entrepreneurs. They're innovating, creating jobs, and building businesses at a far greater rate than ever before. Why? They're more nimble, faster to market and are run by people who think and act quickly, with a combination of creative market insight and business opportunity, unconstrained by large bureaucracies, endless layers of management and traditional ways of operating.

Think of all the great brands you know. Apple. Microsoft. Hewlett Packard. Coca-Cola. Nike. All began because an entrepreneur's dream gained traction, and funding. Let's not be the people who almost invested in Amazon.com but then chickened out because the whole on-line shopping thing seemed too newfangled. And let's not be lemmings, following the crowd and trusting that someone else has a map.

If an idea or product makes intuitive sense to you and fits in with your own values, whether those are eco-friendly or hipster – why not put your money where your values are, and back what you believe to be true?

Adapted from "Entrepreneurs are the New Black" by Arlene Dickinson. Read the entire article in 'Women of Influence' Magazine - Issue #11, 2013 Pg. 42: http://www.womenofinfluence.ca/magazine/

Tags: arlene dickinson, dickinson, blog, brand, economy, entrepreneur, game, growth, spotlight, unafraid, amazon

Comments

Arnold Hugo Stolting

February 28, 2013 at 4:36 pm

Speaking of Ideas, I was going to read the entire article but those flash based magazines are the worst. Using my mouse or clicking arrows to try and flip through a virtual publication which is hard to read and requires constant zooming seemed like a cute novelty idea years ago, but has never really caught on with me in order for me to want to stay and read the content.

Dianne Martin

March 2, 2013 at 3:27 am

Many people ask why I didn't apply for non-profit status. The last sentence spells out my reason: less red tape, no bureaucracy, easier decision making, more freedom to plan and develop programs. And I only answer to my client, my self, and my professional regulatory body. The financial rewards are slow to arrive, but I am happy, fulfilled, challenged, and occasionally overwhelmed! Life is good.

bureaucracies,

Tish Heath

April 6, 2013 at 4:57 pm

I totally agree with this long term thinking. We are making a shift back to individuals. They have less to lose and are more open to big change and big ideas. I love big thinking and the changes to work/life that come with it. Viva la idealism!

Entrepreneurial Ventures Fuel Our Economy - Recognizing the Game Changers

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