Comments on: Changing the World vs. Making a Profit

By: Go Big or Go Home! | techsoomer weblog

Go Big or Go Home! | techsoomer weblog — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:40:30 +0000

[...] Big Or Go Home! About a year ago, I wrote a post entitled “Changing the World vs. Making a Profit.” Below is an excerpt from the post: There is one particular “fork in the road” that [...]

By: Bulent

Bulent — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:12:30 +0000

Interesting post. I'd say I'm a “world changer” entrepreneur. With a side of “profit maker”, but only because I'd want enough profits to give myself a decent salary, and to be able to innovate more.

By: What Type of Entrepreneur are You? :: Techsoomer Blog | The Techsoomer Weblog

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:19:38 +0000

[...] minds of these entrepreneurs, taking away bits of their wisdom and unique views of the world. In a previous post, I talked briefly about the innate personality traits that all entrepreneurs, no matter what [...]

By: Jerry C

Jerry C — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:16:42 +0000

I don't think anyone tries to raise or invest money on something that they think won't change the world (unless there's another motive like you said) People who want to get rich, they fail X amount of times before something finally takes off. A numbers game where smart people who accumulate working knowledge of what works and what doesn't finally takes a current and rides a wave of luck. Zach, you are right about enthusiasm. Anyone with that “other” motive, can't ever truly possess that “passion” you speak of.

By: pruett

pruett — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:10:38 +0000

agreed…that “game changing” attitude is what it takes to propel your business to the next level and separate yourself from the competition

By: Zach Heller

Zach Heller — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:33:15 +0000

A great take on a timeless debate. I think the most important thing here is that the “profit makers” are usually the same people chasing the get rich quick philosophy. Most times, without basic roots in innovation and a “game changing” attitude, a business will not last that long. Someone will come along and do the same thing better, cheaper, faster, etc. The passion you find in a “world changer” is what it takes to build a business that can succeed in any environment. And when your customers/clients can see that passion, you are in for a powerful, hopefully long lasting, journey.

By: ryangraves

ryangraves — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:09:11 +0000

Kevin – Check out this interview with Andrew Hyde of techstars … he talkes
about making the decision you're talking about… big or small. He says its
important to figure that out because it determines how much money you should
take from investors.

By: pruett

pruett — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:28:44 +0000

I completely agree with your statement. Profit is a likely result of a world changing business. I do believe there is a fundamental difference in strategy, at least at the outset of a business venture, where an entrepreneur decides to act big (world-changer) or small (profit-maker). The bigger risk usually stands to receive a bigger reward, but both need to execute.

Appreciate the kind words. Best wishes Ryan.

By: ryangraves

ryangraves — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:32:53 +0000

Kevin- While I completely respect the “world changer” I still struggle to find an entrepreneur that has been able to execute that goal without making significant profit. Whether in Carnegie or the Google guys, they both have made a HUGE impact on the world while making HUGE HUGE profits.

That's what draws me to business in the first place…the realization that both profits and impact seem to come hand in hand. Thanks so much for the reference in you post…this blog has serious potential! Keep up the good work!