Welcome to our fourth Global Entrepreneurship Week blog. Today we’re taking on a myth that we imagine many people will have some strong views about – the myth that entrepreneurship is only about profit. Do you agree or are there other things driving you? Is profit your main driver?Below are the experiences, views and stories of entrepreneurs involved in the If we can, you can community and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum on the subject.
If you have a story to share, please leave your comments here, or visit our Facebook page to take part in the debate. We know there is more than one side to every story so if you have an experience or opinion about any of these myths we’ve been talking about this week, please do get involved and air your voice.
There is also video content on this topic on our TV channel – click here to view.
Myth 4: Is entrepreneurship only about profit?
Ali McLean, Activities Abroad: “I used to think that business was all about maximising profitability. Now though, I see us as having social responsibilities. Our holidays go to rural areas, small towns and villages. On every trip we adopt a local project and contribute to it.
We’re in the position where we can help other people. It’s fantastic that we’ve got the stage where we can put something back into the places we go to. It’s not just about us, it’s about our employees, it’s about our suppliers and it’s about the communities where we send visitors.”
Kate Welch, Acumen Development Trust: Acumen is a social enterprise that helps people back into work, start businesses or develop their skills by working with various government agencies to deliver contract work which makes that happen for people.
I talked to one of our clients recently who’s been working with a member of our team, Linda, and she burst into tears when she thought about the difference that Linda has made to her life. She gave her a whole set of training, helped her develop her skills, and she got her first ever job. That’s amazing to me, and it spurs me on to get more people engaged.
The most successful entrepreneurs I know- their eyes light up because they’re so excited about what they do, so that passion has got to be there
Video - Tony Moloney, CEO of Enterprise Foods talks about what drives him. Click here to view
Sir Tom Hunter, West Coast Capital: “One of the most satisfying things in the business was seeing us come as the underdog, taking on the number one, toppling them, and then becoming number one ourselves.
Since then, with the money that I’ve earned in the business I’ve been able to become a philanthropist. Putting something back is a great privilege, and quite frankly has been the biggest buzz of all.”
John Hays, Hays Travel: "I don’t think any entrepreneur can say that money isn’t important. If you want to grow your business you need to earn profits to plough back into it to enable it to develop. But money hasn’t been my primary motivator. If money was all I wanted, I could have packed up a long time ago and sold the business. I’ve got no intention of doing that because I enjoy it so much and I’m so proud of it.
To see my staff happy and performing well gives me real pleasure. I created those jobs and to see people that motivated is the best job satisfaction."
Remember to add your opinion – leave your comments here or visit our Facebook page. View more videos throughout the week on our TV site here
2 comments:
No its not all about profites, yes profits are important, but for myself and many I know, its being in a position to help others and get them in a situation where they can go and help others, in actual fact, its really what the current government are talking about its about the bigger society. If we all gave alittle more, time/money/effort then things could be so much more!
Thanks very much Paul, a view that many echo. Thanks for sharing and helping us to dispel one of the biggest myths out there
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