It's been 34 days at The Lightning Jar and even that is not really accurate - it's the "at" that is the misnomer. My point is that while I've only been at the helm for 34 days, I've had the most amazing time visiting other co-working spaces/innovation hubs, and meeting people who have shown me a whole new world (e.g. Middlebury, Albany, Troy, Burlington, Springfield, Hartland, Keene). It's a world filled with creative thinkers, risk takers and those seeking to fulfill entrepreneurial dreams. (And yes, I always have to think and visualize how to spell the various forms of entrepreneur until I see that red line disappear and I know I've spelled it correctly.) So let's talk about that - what does the word "entrepreneur" mean? According to Merriam-Webster, entrepreneur (noun) means: one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise. Hmmm, that's not how I would describe the incredibly talented entrepreneurs I've met these past 34 days. How about we give Entrepreneur.com a try? According to Steve Tobak's article, "The True Meaning of Entrepreneur" (entrepreneur.com/article/244565), being an entrepreneur is not a job. He then states, quite strongly, that anyone aspiring to be an entrepreneur should paste the following equation on his/her smart phone, mirror or wherever you will see it most:
ENTREPRENEUR + CAPITAL = PRODUCTS + CUSTOMERS = BUSINESS
He goes on to provide some examples of real world entrepreneurs (CEOs of Snapchat and Whole Foods), but concludes with you can't be a successful entrepreneur by just wanting to be one. You begin by identifying a customer problem and a product that solves it. The next step - capital. Then make the product, market it and gain customers. Of course, I would interject that many, many iterations of this process will ensue (and a lot of necessary failures), but, after a lot of determination, and with an insatiable need and passion to create your product, you'll become what Tobak sums up this way: "Someday you’ll wake up and realize what you’ve become: a guy who took a risk, started a business, and made money. An entrepreneur."
What do you think? What does "entrepreneur" mean to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts (joelle@lightningjarvt.com), or give a call at 802-321-3070 to arrange a tour of The Lightning Jar. We are always eager to talk to those who are creative, have great ideas and who want to be an "entrepreneur".
Cheers - JSG
ENTREPRENEUR + CAPITAL = PRODUCTS + CUSTOMERS = BUSINESS
He goes on to provide some examples of real world entrepreneurs (CEOs of Snapchat and Whole Foods), but concludes with you can't be a successful entrepreneur by just wanting to be one. You begin by identifying a customer problem and a product that solves it. The next step - capital. Then make the product, market it and gain customers. Of course, I would interject that many, many iterations of this process will ensue (and a lot of necessary failures), but, after a lot of determination, and with an insatiable need and passion to create your product, you'll become what Tobak sums up this way: "Someday you’ll wake up and realize what you’ve become: a guy who took a risk, started a business, and made money. An entrepreneur."
What do you think? What does "entrepreneur" mean to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts (joelle@lightningjarvt.com), or give a call at 802-321-3070 to arrange a tour of The Lightning Jar. We are always eager to talk to those who are creative, have great ideas and who want to be an "entrepreneur".
Cheers - JSG
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