Over the past few years as I've focused on integrated marketing and communications for my clients, I've often been asked for guidance from young entrepreneurs. My background is a bit unique, having worked in a startup in the '90s that led to an executive role in a publicly-held company where I was responsible for a $100 million P&L and 9 profit centers, to my current work with growing companies. There is a breed that I won't call millennials, because many of them don't fit in that age range, that I like to call the new entrepreneur. This new entrepreneur isn't just focused on profit or eventual wealth. They have a set of characteristics that not only make them different as leaders, I believe they require a different management model as well. Those characteristics include:
- An interest in leading a life balanced between work, family and other pursuits.
- A commitment to social responsibility, and the belief that part of the reason for making profit is to give back to the greater good.
- A distaste of the competitiveness and ego required to make that traditional climb up the corporate ladder.
- The need for community at work, and a desire to build a business with soul.
- The willingness to choose doing the right thing over profit. A lack of greed.
For those that exhibit these characteristics, this blog is for you, the new entrepreneur. Please don't hesitate to ask me questions on any topics, including marketing. I'm happy to provide my opinion on management, growth, investors and any business questions you may have.
