Costly Myths

I have recently come across a rather shocking book, shocking in the sense that it shatters a number of commonly held beliefs about entrepreneurs. The book is The Illusions of Entrepreneurship by Scott Shane. Shane is a professor at the business school of my alma mater, Case Western Reserve University.

Over the next few posts I am going to focus on these myths.

Before even getting into the meat of his book, Shane sets out some fairly startling facts in the Introduction.

• Contrary to common belief, entrepreneurs are not a rare breed. It is a common vocation, with more than 11% of American households owning a business.

• In the US, more people start a business each year than get married or have children.

• The typical entrepreneur is a married white man in his forties who has some college education, but not a degree.

• He lives where he was born, not in high-tech corridors.

• The new business is low-tech and is in an industry where he has much work experience.

• He has no big plans. He just wants to make a living.

• The typical entrepreneur starts a business to avoid working for others.

So, the picture of the wunderkind with a big new, innovative idea that blooms into a large employer and business powerhouse is much more the exception than the rule.  This is only the beginning of what Shane has to offer. And his findings are based on significant research.

Comments

[Evening Dresses]

I like Politico and have really enjoyed their online info. Newspaper and print advertising is completely going to the wayside, so it is just natural progression to bring the papers online for all. I wonder what will happen in the future with world online newspapers

[chanel]

I can’t agree with you more!

[Swarovski Rings]

Before even getting into the meat of his book, Shane sets out some fairly startling facts in the Introduction