Introduction
Almost every man and woman of intellect and character wants to be rich and famous. I can’t imagine anyone who doesn’t dream of joining the elite class of the likes of Bill Gates, Andrew Carnegie and Walt Disney just to mention a few. We are often mesmerized with such “rags to riches” tales of individuals who build successful business ventures from almost nothing. Robert Kiyosaki (2000) said that his father passionately advised him to learn how to make money, if he (Robert) wanted to be rich (p. 14). This secret of “making money and creating wealth”- in order to be rich is what we are all looking for. What is the secret then, and how can we replicate it to turn lead into gold. Entrepreneurship seems to be the myth to unearth.
With unemployment proving to be the conspicuous socio-economic challenge of the next century, governments and individuals are turning focus on entrepreneurship and creation of small business enterprises to solve this problem (Rainer & Jim, 2009, p.1-2). Fashions come and go, but the field of entrepreneurship and small business development and promotion remains one of the most consistent ventures that attract intervention and funding from donors and governments. It is also a significant driver of economic progress in any society. Needless to say, entrepreneurship outshines almost all other factors when evaluating the success of richest men in the American society, talk of Bill Gates, Walt Disney or any other.
Thesis Statement: The Issue
Successful entrepreneurship has both ups and downs. Is it all about having the necessary monetary capital, government connections and superior brands and products? Or are there other hidden or intangible values that a successful entrepreneur should posses? Some people argue that, “personal values” of an entrepreneur determine-to a greater extend, the success and corporate strategy of any business enterprise, others disagree