I recently read this article on CNN Money that spotlights a stay at home mom turned 6-figure entrepreneur. There was also this one about teens-turned internet entrepreneurs on the New York Times website.
I think there’s an interesting dynamic going on here: People who are out of work (and out of options) are marketing their professional capabilities with the aid of the internet.
Moreover, I hope there’s a fracturing of corporate hierarchy going on, too.
It’s my opinion that in the pre-recession economy, many were rewarded for a lack of innovation. You came to work, put in your hours, climbed the ladder, and in return, you got the corner office and a golden parachute.
If your goal is a better position within a company, your aim is to find ways to get the attention of your superiors. “Good ideas” soon become ideas that your superiors like. You’re rewarded for impressing your superiors first, and then, only if it’s convenient, your clients.
If you’re an entrepreneur, your paycheck is dependent on serving your customers. Instead of staying up late finding ways to impress the senior execs, you stay up late to make sure your clients are happy.
The difference is a matter of goals. In a hierarchical, corporate system, goals are wrapped around pay grade. In a flat, entrepreneurial system, goals are wrapped around serving clients.
Just my 2¢. Let me know what you think.
-Andrew
