institute B Declares 2014 to Be The Year of the Entrepreneur
January 31, 2014 marks the beginning of the Lunar Year of the Horse. Those folks lucky enough to be something other than a galloping equine are in for a year of good health and prosperity. Speaking as a Rabbit, that’s great news. But it’s a different story if you are a horse.
Contrary to popular belief, having the current year fall under your own sign doesn’t necessarily mean good luck. It generally means 2014 will be an uphill battle full of intense and unpredictable challenges. Yup, just like last year. Only more so.
Here’s the good news
According to ancient belief, your year means that all the energies and attention of the universe and the cosmos are on you. Such an excessive limelight can corrupt a mere mortal and also offend the gods. As a result, Taisui, the god of fortune, makes it a point to throw more than a few obstacles your way during the year.
But before you start looking for a hole to hide in, here’s the good news.
If one is willing to face these challenges from Taisui, your year becomes an opportunity for accelerated growth, glorious transformation, and good luck for the next 12 year cycle. That’s not a typo. I said 12 YEARS.
It got us thinking about the similarities that exist for entrepreneurs. Specifically ChangeMakers.
While many people would rather not face the challenges placed in front of them, and never find out what might be, entrepreneurs see the opportunity for change and charge ahead. In this sense, every year is pretty much the year of the entrepreneur. So it’s to these fearless souls that we raise a glass and declare that 2014 is officially the Year of the Entrepreneur.
Rise of the ChangeMaker
While entrepreneurship is growing at an astounding rate, we’re most excited to see the rise of the social impact entrepreneur. ChangeMakers who are committed to creating societal value while building their bank accounts at the same time. Utilizing a Purpose Beyond Profit business model as a vehicle to fulfill their dreams, and ultimately, their legacy.
Our recent film Not Business As Usual profiled a few of these local entrepreneurs, but there are many more making a difference in the world. And even more that would like to. But don’t know where to start.
Our advice is don’t let that deter you. There are many advisers, social venture leaders and organizations to help you. Including us. From our online entrepreneur education courses, to our hands-on business planning and consulting, institute B’s mission is to be the best developers of entrepreneurs in the world. Period.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re across town, across the country, or on the other side of the world, you can count on the same folks who helped shape the cultural foundations of Starbucks, IKEA, Microsoft and lululemon to help you on your road to success.
Whether you’re a solopreneur seeking mentorship, a start-up in need of financing, a business that wants to take it to the next level or a ChangeMaker that simply needs support on your personal entrepreneurial journey, we invite you to join us and make 2014 your year to remember.
Written by, Rik “The Rabbit” Klingle-Watt
With generous inspiration from Alyssa Sy De Jesus, who just happened to be born during Year of the Horse.
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