You've heard them jabbering before. Those people who always seem to have the next big idea or million dollar product. Six weeks later you see them again and ask them about their business idea because you're curious. They have either this response - "Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that!", or this one - "Nah, I don't know if that would really ever work.", or possibly one like this - "Oh no, let me tell you about this other new idea instead...".
Time after time, these slacker "entrepreneurs" create only ideas. I use the quotes around "entrepreneur", because these people, while they may be entrepreneurial by nature, have yet to earn their title.
Why do so many entrepreneurial-types stop with mere ideas? If the idea is stupid (pardon my bluntness), by all means stop the train. But what if someone has a really good business idea yet they never do anything with it? Why do they do this? Because ideas are safe and fun. Nothing ever goes wrong in the perfect, imaginary business. All of the ideas make sense perfectly and no research is needed. The idea or product sells like hotcakes right off the bat. It's revolutionizing the industry. The paparazzi stalks your every move as you travel to your new vacation home in Grand Cayman.
Alright, that was a bit dramatic... But you get the point! I'll be the first to admit that ideas ARE fun! And it's OK to have lots of them that take time to develop or some that might need to hit the trash bin instead. However, in the business and entrepreneurial world, there is one thing that separates the wheat from the chaff - ACTION.
For the sake of this discussion, suppose that someone has a great business idea and is being a slacker about it. What might be holding a person back from taking action? It could be any number of things, such as;
Although they are fun to tease, I suppose we should not totally discount the slackers. Many of us have overcome entrepreneurial slackerism ourselves and have reached the other side! We've earned the title of entrepreneur, and we wear it with pride. So what gets a person over the hump, into actually taking action and moving forward? Here are a few possible reasons;
Slacker "entrepreneurs" should not remain idle for long. If they do, at some point ideas start to become frustrating instead of exciting. I can remember times like this myself. If that happens, a little encouragement and small victories can keep a person going for a long time. Even though you can't control the outcome, take the time to sow wisdom and encouragement into others' if you see they have potential.
What specifically got you moving? Maybe it was a combination of things, or maybe you're still idling. Either way, if you are entrepreneurial by nature, you will have a difficult time escaping yourself. Just say NO to entrepreneurial slackerism!
Learn more about the author, Krista Dunk.
This article sounded so intriguing, but it left many questions.. like:
Would love to see you rework this.
Cheers! =)
Brandi | aShadow.com
It often takes entrepreneurial maturity not to develop many ideas because they may be good ideas with issues. Could be bad timing, lack of funding, not plausible, etc.
I don't think it so much "slackerism" as much as it is life, especially among younger entrepreneurs. It's easy to do what everyone else is doing, it's easy to take that typical job that all your friends are doing (especially if you're in business school). What's not easy is doing something different, swimming against the tide, standing out, taking that leap of faith.
I think that with entrepreneurs, life happens. You get a decent job, buy a car, buy a house and suddenly you can't take the plunge anymore because there is too much on the line. I don't think its laziness, but it does take a certain personality type to take that plunge.
Entrepreneurship is amazing but sometimes it does feel like running full speed ahead with your eyes closed or doing open heart surgery while reading the manual but that's part of what makes it so great, the journey!
I'm trying to document my entrepreneurial journey on a blog that I literally JUST started - if anyone's interested! garageentrepreneurs.blogspot.com
Krista ~ Thank you for your article. I can see/feel your passion in being an entrepreneur!
I am sure you will continue to follow this path and encourage many others to do so as well.
Keep writing!
Kind Regards, Jane Bakken
This is a great theme. I'm one of those with many ideas; however, my ideas are kept back usually by lack of sufficient funding, not fear or laziness. As with the first poster, I would love to see this article rewritten with some resources, especially for coaching and funding.
When I started my weekly podcast I was under job pressure and needed a release. The day I launched the website was when I had problems with my last job. I have been going for 9 months trying to make this go.
I think there is one reason that is not on that list that also needs to be addressed - Medical. I know many who have great ideas but don't implement simply because they move to the next thought way too quick. ADHD, or whatever you want to call it.
I can tell you I work with fear, self doubt and anxiety every day. If I am not working on something, then I get to feeling nervous that I am not doing what I need to. It's something I have to deal with everyday.
I need to know more about business - I need to know more about web development. I just wish there were enough hours in the day to do that, work on what I have to get done and actually have a life outside.
Thanks for your comments everyone! I think this article may have been a bit too "in your face" for a lot of readers.
Honestly, I speak from past experience on this topic so I felt comfortable being so blunt!!
Brandi - There are a lot of resources that can be accessed to help people out (although I don't really have a comprehensive list to share with people). Also, sometimes it is difficult for a person to determine if their idea is worthwhile or a go-nowhere venture. That is where a multitude of wise counsel comes in very handy.
Susanna - you're right - lack of funding and coaching are definitely real problems, not just slackerism. Some business ideas are so huge (but great) that it's hard to know where to start. I'm sure there are some great Biznikers who have funding info to share. There are also some excellent coaches out there too!! Although not free... except the SBA!
Jeffrey - I didn't think about medical reasons, although that could be quite valid.
Eric - Life does happen. However... Sometimes people allow their current lives to hinder them from advancing into the life they are destined to have.
Cut extra stuff out (hobbies, TV, recreation, etc.) if you need to FOR A SEASON (not forever), to get focused. If you have the deep desire, don't allow slackerism to take charge!
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