Entrepreneurship is Counter Cultural

The Commons Social Change Library states “Social movement activists need first to be seen by the public as responsible citizens. They must win the respect and, ultimately, the acceptance of the majority of ordinary citizens in order for their movements to succeed.”

Every year, Gallup conducts a poll of Americans related to confidence in institutions in the US. Consistently, small businesses are either the top trusted institution, or within the top 3. Over Science and the military.

That means that we have the unique power to influence society in the way mentioned above. To be seen as trusted, responsible members of society. The respect and acceptance this gives us can influence change in our society.

And aren’t we already doing that? Founding a business as a solo-entrepreneur or a microbusiness is an act of resistance. We’re shaking off the norms of what we ‘should’ be doing as a career. We’re removing our labor from mainstream capitalism. We’re creating our own micro-enconomies and diverting funds away from the very corporations that horde power.

But what if that isn’t enough? I’m not saying that what we’re doing is insufficient or isn’t enough. But what if you’re like me and you don’t feel like the impact you currently have is enough. We are entrepreneurs after all. This means that we are constantly building on foundations we’ve already established. So how do we leverage this influence and power that we didn’t realize we had?

Honestly? I don’t know if I have the ‘right’ answer. But I do have a few ideas. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Stay tuned to read what these ideas are. And feel free to share your own thoughts.