Summary
It doesn't take long to
realize that the entrepreneurial spirit is an independent one. Their
ideas and visions are often frowned on by friends and family, and
thought to be "wild-eyed" dreams. The need for freedom to create,
decide and deliver in a way that meets their vision, sets them apart
from the crowd. However, the entrepreneurial spirit is nourished by
the support and guidance of others. Isolation can be lethal to energy
and confidence of an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurial success
is never a solo journey. Employees, colleagues, advisors and friends
are the lifeline of the entrepreneurial spirit. Whether in business
for two years or twenty years, the successful entrepreneur can readily
recall the person who gave them encouragement in a difficult time,
helped them to solve a problem or formulate an idea, or simply listened
when they needed to talk.
The prairies of North Dakota
were settled and communities were developed with the cooperative and
collaborative interaction of entrepreneurial spirit. Successful entrepreneurs
know that they don't have all the answers and are willing to seek
out those who can help them. In turn, the entrepreneurial spirit is
a reciprocal one.
Successful entrepreneurs
are willing to give and share so that others can achieve their dreams.
This online series and the companion television production, Entrepreneurs
North Dakota, have been an example of a sort of state-wide, community
effort. Entrepreneurs, advisors and experts have willing shared their
insights, ideas, successes and failures, so that others may learn
and be inspired to develop their dreams and visions into profitable
business ventures. This giving and sharing is an important asset to
the continued growth of North Dakota business. The true entrepreneurial
spirit cannot be bought or packaged. Skills for starting and running
a business can be taught and learned, however, the entrepreneurial
spirit can only be transferred from one to another through a lifeline
of enthusiasm and inspiration. The entrepreneurs who have helped to
make this series a success have provided such inspiration. They have
spread the contagious entrepreneurial spirit - catch it if you can!
