Supposedly a nation brimming with entrepreneurs, Ireland has for years enjoyed the benefits of clever original-thinkers who have succeeded in turning bright ideas into successful businesses both nationally and globally. The shifting sands of time however that has lobbed obstacles of all kinds into the paths of our go-ahead people from reduced credit access to upwards-only rent review policies is inspiring many borne down with the stresses and strains of keeping their companies alive to be more creative than ever. Thus it is that a new trend is emerging in entrepreneurship altering its very foundations, whereby instead of working for themselves, entrepreneurs are now working for others.
This all makes perfect sense of course as not only does such a move eliminate the need for our talented people to have to grapple with all the nonsense time-wasting and stressful administrative work that goes with running a business, but equally, it allows larger concerns and corporate bodies to benefit from their dynamic skills.
Indeed, the practice has already been operating as a successful work model right in front of our eyes for years and years, probably without us even realising it, in the form of our many double-jobbing TDs and councillors, who have reaped the rewards of working for the ultimate employer — the State — while using the inherent public exposure therein to prop up their own businesses back at the ranch.
The very essence of entrepreneurship is of course risk, and in the current climate of minimal employment the likelihood of people striking out on their own to set up dream businesses has certainly been compromised. Budding entrepreneurs within a workforce need not worry about their talents going undetected however as the very act of pooling resources and working for a mutual interest can deliver even greater success all round.
This reality has now been highlighted in a new book by one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, Sahar Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic and a former lawyer, who recommends in Switched On that people need to bring entrepreneurial thinking to their existing jobs rather than striking out on their own.
“You should have the courage to say to your employer: please can you change my job so I am doing something I love more,” suggests Hashemi, who goes on to outline eight entrepreneurial habits for making work more enjoyable that include circulating more with people and committing 100 per cent to your role.
Inside the Mayo Advertiser this week we carry extensive coverage on training and setting up in business opportunities now being promoted by State bodies and private concerns. With less work on the market and more time to think about things, clearly the recession is creating an ideas culture whereby people are looking at their lives anew and evaluating skills afresh.
Fear of failure and a desperation to appear successful is currently creating huge trauma for some of our most gifted entrepreneurs, who are simply not getting the opportunity to shine as they could. Perhaps now with the turnaround in the jobs market some might consider taking a new approach, making themselves available to organisations that are apt to capitalise on their experience or sign up for some of the many training and education opportunities now on offer.
Even for those whose dream role is to take charge of their own destiny, working on behalf of a larger corporation need not fudge the issue. In fact, sharing talents for the benefit of other operators may not only make you indispensable to such a company, but, should you perform to the best of your ability, work satisfaction may feel sweeter and better than ever. A win-win situation all round.
