Something a little different this week ...

As I was sifting through several entrepreneurship-related articles to find something , not just interesting, but adding value to all the articles we read and discuss in class, I came across a gem from Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, in WSJ titled "How to get a real education."

Mr. Adams writes about his life in college, and his belief that most students need to learn how to run a business, instead of learning art history and calculus (at least the ones not actually interested in art history and calculus, that is). While the article starts with discussing the unfair nature of having students in class who might not all be interested or have the aptitude for certain subjects, it then gets really interesting when Mr. Adams tells his story. In brief, he was able to master the strange art of transforming nothing into something - from keeping books for student-run coffee shops, to running dorm governments, and organizing soccer clubs. He embodied, what we refer to as, the inherent entrepreneurial spirit.

He then goes on to share a few basic skills which might come in handy in the entrepreneurial world. Of these, I would specifically like to share the following:
1. Create value by combining a whole bunch of regular, even average, skills - what sets you apart is not that you have mastered each; the rare part is that each of those modest skills is collected in one person.
2. Failing forward, or using failure as a stepping stone to the next venture without thinking of it as an obstacle.
3. Luck finds the doers - to succeed, you must first do something. And if that doesn't work, which will probable be 90% of the time, do something else.

He also mentions the importance of enjoying speaking to the crowds, writing simply and avoiding excess words and finally learning the art of persuasion (example Steve Jobs or Warren Buffett) - all skills that would be extremely useful to the budding entrepreneur in each of us. What really got me excited about this article (other than the fact that Mr. Adams wrote it) is that he is able to very simply explain what it takes to understand and stand out in the entrepreneurial world, with skills that many of us can combine with relative ease. And finally, you will not know if you've got what it takes, until you get your hands dirty.

“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.” ~ Buddha