I have always been very interested in the idea of entrepreneurship. It used to be that I wanted to open a store or start a company. Now, my mind has shifted to thinking in terms of beginning a brand. It’s a lot to wrap my head around, though. I need a succinct vision with a meaningful purpose. Before that, I have to start with an idea. According to the first chapter of “Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” my idea needs to be conceptual, market-driven and fit for a target audience.
Although I realize how true it is that to make a splash you need to be innovative, different and resolute, it feels so daunting to come up with something that fits all of those descriptions. According to the text, an entrepreneur is engaged in creating, innovating, monitoring, measuring, tweaking and pivoting. This is a lot to keep in mind when developing a brand or product but it makes sense. Your brand or product needs to be unusual to your target market. Once it’s out there you have to track it’s progress and be willing to make necessary changes if something isn’t working. Again, this feels so daunting.
This is all just to say I learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and it seems a little bit difficult. It definitely takes the right person with the right mindset. I’m not saying I can’t get there but right now it feels distant from me. At this point in my life, I feel like I would be more of an intrapreneur than an entrepreneur. I think beginning in a space where I can develop within an existing system rather than creating my own, sounds a lot more attainable.
Something I read in the text that can help me on my journey to becoming an entrepreneur or intrapreneur is the notion of “We don’t know what will happen… but let’s try it.” This can become a mantra to help myself and other young people recognize there will be failure in the process of innovation and that it’s OK. It’s a necessary step in coming out on top. It’s a commitment to myself, my curiosity and my future.
Ruthie's Writings. 