2014: Year of the Entrepreneur
Have you noticed the new energy around Entrepreneurship?
For instance, Shark Tank is one of the most popular family shows. Families are teaching their kids about the potential and the feasibility of changing the world.
We now have Restaurant Start-up and even Walmart is running a "entrepreneur" event to gather new products for its US stores.
And more women are also joining the trend .... did you know that nearly 20% of angels invested in women-led businesses — the percentage grew more than 40% from the previous year, according to the Center of Venture Research.
Why is this the case?
1. There is more access to capital and it costs less to start a business. With new technologies like cloud, the cost to begin a start up is less, and areas like social enable businesses to market like the large companies for less.
2. There is more "hope" now in the economy that in the past few years. Yes, CNBC says we are in the period of overjoy, there are signs that our economy is improving -- it's a good time to start a business.
3. Corporate America isn't fulfilling the "need to show value" and to "change the world." To attract and retain the best employees, companies should be more proactive and willing to invest in their workers' future. Many believe they have to create their own company to get that culture.
4. Mentoring abounds. I see IBM offering business and technology mentoring. Virgin is focused on mentoring in the UK and the list goes on. Mentoring provides confidence to get started!
5. Support is pervasive. Unlike in the past, support for start-ups exists in networking groups, meetups, and beyond. For example, for women entrepreneurs, some groups are National Association of Women Business Owners, Women's Toolbox, PBWC, WITI, and Women 2.0.
I love this time of Entrepreneur Energy and know 2014 will truly be the Year of the Entrepreneur!
Entrepreneurs! Join us for IBM Entrepreneur Week Feb 3-9!
I consider myself an Intrapreneur at IBM! Yes, and IBM has hundreds and thousands of entrepreneurs who joined our ranks through numerous acquisitions!
We'd love for you to join us at our IBM Entrepreneur Week Feb 3-9 for a mix of great virtual and in person events!
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This week will be global!!!
Intrapreneurs and Entrepreneurs are great friends!!!
- Entrepreneurs provide the spark. Intrapreneurs keep the flame going.
- Entrepreneurs are found anywhere their vision takes them. Intrapreneurs work within the confines of an organization.
- Entrepreneurs face many hurdles, and are sometimes ridiculed and riddled with setbacks. Intrapreneurs may sometimes have to deal with conflict within the organization.
- Entrepreneurs may find it difficult to get resources. Intrapreneurs have their resources readily available to them.
- Entrepreneurs may lose everything when they fail. Intrapreneurs still have a paycheck to look forward to (at least for now) if they fail.
- Entrepreneurs know the business on a macro scale. Intrapreneurs are highly skilled and specialized.