The entrepreneurial virus is spreading globally and highly contagious. It seems that everywhere I look I see the results from countless studies and polls proudly being displayed in business magazines and blogs around the nation. But while many are addressing (and celebrating) the increase of entrepreneurs –both male and female- no one seems to be asking a crucial question: Why? What is it about our social climate that is inspiriting Americans to have more faith in their entrepreneurial intuition? And, what has made them take the leap?
There are no scientific numbers that can precisely answer this question. However, it was noticed during a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey in 2012 that there was an increase of 44% of people who believed that there were more entrepreneurial opportunities present around them. What could have changed so significantly to induce such a drastic shift in perception?
Well, with the increase of entrepreneurs came a new market. This market opened up the opportunity for new press (newspapers, magazines, blogs etc.), co-working office spaces, associations, social media platforms and apps designed specially for entrepreneurs.
And so, the incessant broadcast on entrepreneurs –a fascinating subject- has become more streamline and popular than ever. This new found attention might be responsible for giving Americans more confidence in going out and starting their own businesses. With the rise of successful startups and triumphant entrepreneurs the myth of the starving artist is slowly waning and the spotlight is set on the millions who are not only making tons of money but impacting the world on a larger scale.
Another theory, would be to look at the way in which social media and reality television has impacted the perception of the general public. Now, everyone gets their 5minutes of fame. And, if they are lucky (or unlucky) like the Kardashians, they might even get it for longer than that.
It seems you no longer need to be a trained actor, musician or entertainer to get rich and famous. And, if these principles can be applied so easily in the entertainment sector, then why not in business? After all, the two seem to go hand in hand pretty often. Look at Donald Trump’s The Apprentice or the cooking shows that give chefs million dollar contracts or even shows like the The Voice or America’s Got Talent where regular citizens are given the opportunity to become a stars. These are all shows that give average people the chance to excel where normally they would need to work hard for years for their given opportunity.
And so, if the average American watches this and believes it could happen to them. Would they not be more likely to risk it all? It seems like what was once taboo –not wanting a regular day job- is becoming increasingly popular and rewarding. And, with the focus on this, and not on the statics of failure, Americans are feeling more confident to jump.
