Entrepreneurship is not a subject like biology, it is an attitude of mind. And just like hitch hiking, it requires a different way of thinking in order for it to be properly taught, fully embraced and applied.
For me, the parallels between hitchhiking and entrepreneurship are stark. Both involve an adaptable yet independent journey that is accompanied by freedom, risk, decision making, consequences and rewards. Progress relies on seizing the idea, initiative, effort, a bit of luck and the ability to make the most of encounters and relationships. And whilst different people will measure their own success in different ways, the spectre of failure is never far away from anyone.
Having hitchhiked from the age of 17 to the age of 30 (I got my first car at 24!) and created and run businesses since 1989, experience has helped to uncover the similarities between the subjects. I’ve also discovered over time that like many other entrepreneurs I am a strong visual learner.
Therefore, when I am asked to talk about entrepreneurship and business to students, teachers and/or budding entrepreneurs, it is very useful to link issues to hitchhiking because the subject is such a powerful and appropriate visual metaphor.
As such, in writing the articles within this blog I have sought to include a hitchhiking example wherever possible in order to make the main issue within the text easy to digest and understand.
For the record, I don’t think you should ‘teach’ entrepreneurship. For me, the best way to help people learn about this subject is to allow them to go on a personal journey. When help is required you just need to be there to offer the necessary thought, guidance and questions.
Peter Harrington
November 2011
I think another thing that is interesting about this analogy is that for both of them some people find the very idea of it too scary or daunting. Like you I’ve done both – hitch hiked throughout my time at uni and have now run my own business(es) for the past 12 years – and it never occurred to me to not do either of them. It is partly the risk and unexpected nature that appeals, but it is also that it seems the best way to get to where I want to go – geographically, emotionally an financially.
Hi Patrick
Thanks for the note. Yes, good point – it didn’t occur to me, not to do both either. I think this is a trait non entrepreneurs and academic researchers struggle to really grasp – the fact that the choices we made were obvious and natural as if it is part of our genetic make up.
Peter