- Most start businesses in industries that are unfavorable.
- Many never write a business plan.
- Many start too small and work part-time.
- Many operate with no competitive advantage.
Some actions can help most entrepreneurs become successful:
- Receiving a higher education.
- Obtain management or supervisory experience.
- Having the right motivations.
A goal of an entrepreneur should be to become well educated on the fundamentals of one's chosen business; while gaining experience as a leader and developing healthy principles and values.
After completing the first 16 chapters of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, John Perkins has painted an interesting picture of how corporations, banking firms and the American government wage war using economics rather than weapons. Working as a private consultant (1963-1975), John persuaded agencies like the World Bank and the IMF to support large "improvements" to less-developed countries. He also, however, persuaded the ruling families of these less-developed countries. Countries such as, Ecuador, Panama, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, would then take on a huge debt that called for using only American products and services. The goal was to make the American contractors and the ruling families in the less-developed countries rich and powerful. The American government overlooked these transactions because they understood that they could control certain aspects of politics when another country is indebted. Above is one of a few parts of an interview with John himself. Anyone read the book or have any input on the video?
My friend, the UPenn professor, visited the Patagonia store for a 30% sale on mens spring pants. Luckily I was working that day. I thanked him for suggesting the Foreign Affairs magazine and asked him for other suggestions. He told me about the New York Times best seller, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins. I picked myself up a copy today and also grabbed the new edition of Foreign Affairs - Saving Afghanistan.
As the global economy weakens, the number of people suffering from hunger increases. While the hunger crisis worsens, the U.S. government needs to take a closer look at how this crisis is stunting the health and growth of the world. Recently, the global food crisis has led to riots in dozens of countries. The Taliban and other terrorist groups have been able to successfully recruit new members simply by offering food and nutrition. It is easy to understand how hunger has caused much political instability throughout the world. Food is the foundation to a healthy and productive lifestyle. If we expect world states to grow and flourish then we must provide each member with the nutrition they need. The U.S. needs to help developing countries acquire the technology, resources and farming methods needed to establish a fluid agriculture market both domestic and international. As the popular saying goes, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" - Lao Tzu.
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About Me
- Scott Robinson
- Buffalo, New York, United States
- A full-time undergraduate student dual majoring in Entrepreneurship & Management.