Great teaching: Entrepreneurship, enterprise & business
Discover how pioneering teachers and trainers approach the subjects of entrepreneurship, enterprise and business
Mr Demotivation and the Hidden Message
Not long ago, I attended an entrepreneurship conference in London which attracted a range of academics, trainers and consultants.
Short on collective wisdom yet high on clouded crystal balls, the organisers chose to kick things off with a ‘motivational speaker’. The billing stated our man of purpose was also a ‘leading entrepreneur and businessman’.
Unfortunately, no-one in the audience had signed up to be pumped with 'umph' at 10am on a wet Tuesday. But this didn't stop the suited and booted Mr Demotivation. Misjudging his missive and moment he slid into a shocker of a show.
Prepare yourself... Read More
Entrepreneurial Poetry
John Keats - inspiration for entrepreneurial poetry
John Keats, the famous 19th century poet, became part of the Italian family holiday during the summer. His life fascinated and helped me to understand the power of entrepreneurial poetry... Read More
Entrepreneurship Competition: Flavour of the Umph!
Umph! The Entrepreneurship Competition
Being 25 years' self-employed I feel I've developed a 'nose' for judging whether a business or project might work.
The personal journey over the last quarter century has had its mix of success and failure; critical experience informing the senses as to whether something new can progress sufficiently so it bears fruit in the longer-term... Read More
The Importance of Uncertainty
The importance of uncertainty cannot be under-estimated when preparing people for work
Setting out for Loughborough University (to guest speak at their entrepreneur's 'ThinkBig' awards) I was reminded of the insight and wisdom of Patrick Awuah.
Earlier in June of that year I had listened to him talk about the importance of uncertainty at the GBSN conference in Tunisia... Read More
Unsung Heroes of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Who are your unsung heroes of enterprise and entrepreneurship?
Over the past 2 years, 49 articles connecting hitchhiking and entrepreneurship have been posted on this Blog.
Subjects and angles have been wide and varied. But no single post has focused on the unsung heroes of enterprise and entrepreneurship who have helped make my journey possible.
Yet, if it had not been for the kindness of spirit, generosity of time and ability to help me reach my next destination, I would not have travelled far. And then I would have given up... Read More
Great Alternative Startup Websites
Great alternative startup websites entrepreneurs should use
The post 'Top 10 entrepreneurial websites' highlights the most popular websites being recommended to start-ups. But looking more deeply at sites and social media sources not making top ten status, it was clear something lacking popularity still has game-changing value.
Much like the globally renowned Edinburgh Festival, you must visit its 'Fringe event' to unmask the future entertainment diamonds. Here are some alternative startup websites that will be tomorrow's mainstream... Read More
World’s Greatest Entrepreneur
Unbelievable! Interviewing the world's greatest entrepreneur
Meeting the world's greatest entrepreneur started with a cold call. "I'm sorry but Nick rarely gives interviews" I was informed.
The PA on the other end of the line was pleasant but firm. "But please give me your details. Someone in PR will get back to you."
Two days later the phone rang. To my astonishment, I learnt my wish had been granted.
Slap in the middle of his hectic schedule I would be meeting the world's greatest entrepreneur. He even wanted to meet me in person and had insisted on making all my travel arrangements... Read More
Commercial Comedy is Serious Business
No joking. Commercial comedy and having a laugh is serious business.
As our plane readied for take off to Cape Town, the stewardess commenced the well rehearsed health and safety briefing. Little did we know that the airline's approach to commercial comedy meant the ordinary was about to become extraordinary.
"In the event of the cabin losing air pressure, oxygen masks will drop down from above your heads." Her words were calm. She paused and looked to see who was paying attention... Read More