I have been thinking about my approach to business. I keep wishing for some magical idea that will catapult me into the billionaire category. However, when I arrive at the office and I’m brought down to the reality that I don’t have a groundbreaking idea married to the skill set required to pull it off.
Companies like FaceBook and Google have been described as “unicorns” because they revolutionize an industry and go from practically nothing to juggernaut seemingly overnight. That said, I’m sure there’s a few engineers at Google and FaceBook who would argue that there were more than a few days where the work was more perspiration than inspiration.
If those giants are unicorns, then I’d say I’m more of a “wheat” type entrepreneur. I have a necessary skill set but most days involve barely noticeable wins. However, for all of wheat’s unsexy nature, it has been around for a long time and will continue to be around long after the next business revolution.
I was reading a book yesterady called “The Elements of Drawing” by John Ruskin and came across a great quote, “[I]f you are ready and willing to pay this price, [do not] fear that you may be unable to get on for want of special talent.”
While I may pursue wheat farming, if I suddenly develop an engineering expertise, you can bet I’m going to create a Star Wars hoverbike and you’ll see me on the cover of Wired magazine.