Summary of counterproductive entrepreneurship myths and productive beliefs

I just finished a series on counterproductive myths I hear all the time that hold would-be entrepreneurs back from starting ventures, which could be business ventures, non-profits, or just projects they enjoy. Below are links to navigate the series conveniently.

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you or your business, counterproductive myths don’t help you. Successful entrepreneurs succeed despite them, so they must have countervailing productive beliefs. I described the myths and countered them with productive beliefs that motivate people to start ventures.

Starting companies and entrepreneurial ventures is one of my greatest joys. If you sense it could be yours too, I hope this helps.

The four counterproductive myths:

  1. You need a great idea to start a business (plus illustration).
  2. Working for an established company helps prepare you for starting a venture.
  3. I should make some more money before starting my venture.
  4. Starting a venture is riskier than working at an established firm.

The four productive beliefs:

  1. Better than a great idea is a decent idea, the ability to listen to your market, and flexibility.
  2. Starting a venture prepares you best for starting a venture.
  3. You can venture with other people’s money if money is an issue and you can make money while you start your venture.
  4. The risk to the entrepreneur of starting a venture can be as small as he or she wants.
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About Joshua

Former rocket scientist now entrepreneur, leadership coach, speaker, and artist, Joshua Spodek (PhD ’00, Astrophysics; MBA ’06; both Columbia University) has succeeded at many big things that few people even try. More importantly, he loves everything he does. A modern renaissance man, he studied with Nobel Prize winners and helped build a European Space Agency X-ray satellite to observe supernova remnants, then started a business now operating globally based on several of his patents. He coaches leadership with the Columbia Business School Program on Social Intelligence and taught at New York University and the New School. He earned five Ivy-League diplomas; has shown his art in solo gallery shows and museums and installed large public art in New York and around the world; socializes with Academy Award winners; ran five marathons; and competed at national and global sporting events. He has been quoted and profiled in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today, Fortune, CNN, and the major broadcast networks. Esquire Magazine named him “Best and Brightest” in its annual Genius issue. More here: http://joshuaspodek.com/about
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2 Responses to Summary of counterproductive entrepreneurship myths and productive beliefs

  1. Pingback: » Venture Capital myths Joshua Spodek

  2. Pingback: Another genius business idea: the series » Joshua Spodek

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