Guy Kawaski is one of the best-known authorities on entrepreneurship and technology start-ups. The former chief evangelist for Apple is the author of seven books, founding partner of Garage Technology Ventures and other web start-ups, and a popular speaker.
New York Times blogger Marci Alboher recently interviewed Kawasaki for her blog, Shifting Careers. She asked about Kawasaki’s “Reality Check” which includes an aptitude test for the people who are best qualified for careers in venture capital. Is it an M.B.A. degree or background in investment management, accounting or consulting?
Kawasaki noted that these backgrounds often do not provide “on the firing line” experience. Instead, you are more of an outside expert who parachutes in, interviews a few people, and then creates a PowerPoint presentation on what people should do. Analysis is easy, implementation is hard, Kawasaki says.
Everyone has an entrepreneurial gene, says Kawasaki. But the “richest vein” for successful start-ups comes from people who create a tool they want to use themselves. He cites Google, Yahoo and Apple as examples.
His advice for entrepreneurs looking for funding or growth opportunities in the current financial mess? Plug your ears with wax and go forward with your idea. “If they are waiting for wonderful credit and capital markets, they probably aren’t entrepreneurs. They’re much more likely to be consultants and bankers looking to quickly flip a company.”
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