Albert Ocran: Introduce entrepreneurship training at basic level

Rev. Albert Ocran Opinion Aug - 18 - 2015 , 04:42

One of the most often-asked questions is whether entrepreneurs are born or made. People want to know whether there are skills anyone can learn to be more entrepreneurial or whether those abilities are inherited.

Whichever of the two you subscribe to, what is not in doubt is that the typical entrepreneur exhibits a number of attributes and competencies that are absolutely learnable.

Some people are naturally strong in some of these attributes but, clearly, anyone can become more entrepreneurial by acquiring or developing them.

Entrepreneurship is not necessarily academic. The cleverest people at school are not always those who make it in life and business. School is about facts – accumulating and remembering them.

However, academic tuition does not always fire the imagination of the great. People who are conventionally clever may get jobs based on their qualifications but they may lack the desire to succeed. Such people understandably get overtaken by those who consistently strive to be better.

Given this background, one would ask why we should even bother to teach entrepreneurship. Should we not allow people to naturally cultivate the instinct? The answer is simply NO!!! People conceptualise what they have been socialised into.

The only reason why hundreds of thousands of school leavers look out for formal employment as their first option is because that is all they learnt growing up.

I have always wondered why a Ghanaian child can go through 12 years of basic and secondary education without ever being introduced to pivotal issues like talent discovery, how to invest, how to start a business and other life-changing subjects that are at the very heart of some of the greatest success stories of our generation.

Imagine if every child at age five gets their first basic lessons on how to spot an opportunity, generate winning ideas and start a business.

Imagine the multiplier effect that would create for our country and continent. One thing that is common to both Andrew Carnegie, the richest man in the world at the turn of the 20th Century, and Bill Gates, today's richest man, is the entrepreneurial orientation at their very early years.

In the absence of a formal curriculum of integrated entrepreneurial coaching, it should be possible to create regular personal development and career guidance interactions where children get to learn in practical ways about talent, investment and business.

If I had to design the content of an hourlong interaction with ten year olds seeking to stir up their entrepreneurial juices, I would profess seven secrets that undergird the success of some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs. This could be a framework for any school, club or church seeking to introduce entrepreneurship to beginners.

1. Take Risks And Put Out Your Ideas

Life would always present safe options as against more risky alternatives. Looking for a nice job and guaranteeing a monthly salary sounds far less risky than starting a business.

A successful business can also be far more rewarding to the business owner. Which is the better option then? Experts say, the more the risk the more the reward. It is evident that right from childhood, those who make an impact are those who step out with their ideas and give them a try.

Whether it is writing and reciting a poem, joining the sports team, exhibiting a discovery at speech day or giving a speech as a school prefect, the principle is self evident. Achievers take risks and put their ideas and abilities out there.

2. Spot And Seize Opportunities

Opportunities often come dressed as problems. Interestingly, the biggest problems and challenges of society are also potentially the best places to look in your quest to make money. People are often willing to pay for solutions that speak to their most pivotal concerns, be they in healthcare, sports, education, tourism or entertainment. It takes a certain kind of eye to see the opportunities instead of complaining like everyone else.

3. Create Superior Products And Solutions

Determine to be better than everyone else in your field of business. Create superior products and services. You do not have to invent a new product or release a new idea to be successful as an entrepreneur.

You can look closely at the weaknesses in the product or service offerings of existing business and service providers and create superior solutions. Your competitive advantage can be based on price, quality, speed of execution, convenience, safety or a superior customer experience.

4. Understand Your Customers

The foundation of business is all about providing solutions for customers and getting paid for it. Business success thrives on understanding and satisfying the customer. Whether you are an author, pilot, teacher, engineer, politician, caterer or software designer, there is someone you intend to sell your services to.

Asking questions that start with what, who, where, why, which and how will enable you gather useful information to help you satisfy your customers and achieve business success.

5. Start Small But Have A Growth Orientation

Everything big started from somewhere. Do not imagine that your idea of a global online publishing business will start with a million readers.

Most businesses start small and build momentum as they go along. Be willing to start small but also have the eye for growth potential. For instance, following the global acceptance of a simple ideas like the Barbie doll, the manufacturers followed up with massive sales of everything Barbie; including earrings, dresses, stationery, assorted toys, bicycles and so much more.

6. Commit To Hard Work

It is interesting to hear some people say that they want to go into business so that they can go to work when they like and literally live an easy life.

The reality is often the opposite. Flexing your entrepreneurial muscle often means giving it not 100%, but 110% commitment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

Few, if any, self-made millionaires would tell you anything different. Entrepreneurs have time for nothing else. When you start working for yourself, you can forget holidays, or sitting back and watching your empire grow. Hands-on dedication is required. Nothing less will suffice.

7. Do something you love

If you are going to dedicate your life working all the hours God sends, giving up weekends and holidays, and living and breathing every last detail of your business, it is essential that you’re passionate about what you’re doing.

That means doing something you love. Many businesses originate from literary, artistic, sporting, inspirational, technical or organisational hobbies that people chose to develop and commercialize.

You are more likely to succeed in a business that sells something you are extremely passionate about.

I have shared the entrepreneurial beginner's first seven lessons in idea generation, opportunity seeking, product development, customer service, business growth, diligence and passion.

I am convinced that our educational curriculum can afford to introduce these themes to our children in addition to the regular subjects that have been taught over the years.

That way instead of the emphasis on learning by rote and passing examinations at all costs which comes with its own pressures and cheating, our children can learn real life skills that can empower them for long term success and global impact.

Rev. Albert Ocran is a corporate trainer and the executive pastor of ICGC Christ Temple. He can be reached at albert@legacyandlegacy.com.gh.