In an article that could equally apply to conferences of foreign aid “experts”, climate change “experts” and so on, Luke Johnson in the FT bemoans the preponderance of conferences on entrepreneurship run by those who have never been entrepreneurs.
Perhaps it is time to take back the word “entrepreneur”. In the past few years, an army of academics, politicians, think-tanks and consultants have created a frantic merry-go-round of conferences, summits, workshops and festivals devoted to entrepreneurship. There they all hold incessant debates, panels and talks about what can be done to create more entrepreneurs – and hence more jobs. We all know this is the way for the private sector to revive, generate taxes to pay down debt, and get our economies growing again.
The answers to these challenges are straightforward and well known. We need less red tape stifling business, more early-stage funding, and more mentors. Above all, more people need to start a business. That is really it.
Unfortunately, such a simple message would not provide the same level of publicity and fees for the various participants as the current circuit does. After all, attending symposiums is somewhat easier than working.
For example, I was last week invited to the grandly named fifth World Entrepreneurship Forum, to be held over four days next month in Lyon. Apparently, those attending would “hear the opinions of the world’s leading entrepreneurial figures”. I checked who was speaking at this amazing-sounding event – and almost all those listed were politicians or academics – none of them a leading figure in their field.
The problem with such “experts” talking about start-ups is that it is a little like virgins giving sex education lessons: they have never actually done it. …
The reality is that many of the so-called ‘experts’ are really just expert at getting on the conference circuit.
“The problem with such “experts” talking about start-ups is that it is a little like virgins giving sex education lessons: they have never actually done it.”
Its the new normal. My mate has run his own sub contracting business for 30 years, but he and his staff have to attend an expensive OH&S accreditation course so they can enter their own building site.
The course is run by some recent Industrial Relations graduate with no trade skills or experience.
Jannie
27 Sep 12 at 6:05 pm
Just like what I said about WorkCover courses for the fishing industry. Some ALP aligned junior solicitor and window licking PS to boot who has never been over a river bar telling fishos how to put on a goddamned life jacket.
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27 Sep 12 at 6:15 pm
Yep. In my (our) Queensland investment unit where I chair the Owners’ Corporation our small block of ten has to comply with a whole new Occupational Health and Safety makeover (consultants of course are so willing to help us), as well as having to get a ‘venue’ for a fire service specialist (another very helpful and expensive consultant) to ‘train’ someone in the block to be a fire warden (this block is occupied by renters who turn over every six months). Anna Bligh’s legacy. Look over this way, Campbell Newman, because our administration fees are rising higher due to this sort of nonsense, which I am sliding under as much as legally possible. Someone is even trying to latch on to provide ‘climate change’ advice for unit blocks. FFS.
As for entrepreneurship. It isn’t taught, it’s done. Oh – and it’s not about rent seeking businesses reliant on government favour and fiat.
Elizabeth (Lizzie) B.
27 Sep 12 at 6:58 pm
A consultant is a gelding who runs with the stallions telling them what to do.
Ken N
27 Sep 12 at 7:08 pm
I’m stealing that bit. Gold, Ken, gold.
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27 Sep 12 at 8:56 pm
A consultant is a gelding who runs with the stallions telling them what to do.
Cruel but appropriate. It might have been called the Revenge of the Nerds, except the Nerds these days are too busy doing degrees that will give them real-world skills of some kind and getting on in life.
It’s more accurately the revenge of the beta males.
perturbed
27 Sep 12 at 9:23 pm