Month: November 2010

The class we were exposed to the world of social entrepreneurship, I was intrigued. I’ve always had a strong passion for wanting to help the society and make a difference in the world. Listening to all the stereotypes people have of business made me wonder if i could fufill this secret passion doing business.

My question was answered during that class. After listening to the guest speaker talk abou what social entrepreneurship is and about the various social entrepreneurs, I went home to find more information about it.

I came across this website and found that there were lots of support and encouragement for social entrepreneurs. The CSEF is a Canadian Foundation whose mission is to help educate, provide resources, and a network for social entrepreneurs in Canada to succeed.

Examples of social entrepreneurs world wide like Jamie Oliver who opened a restaurant hiring and training people who have disabilities are inspiring for the new generation to do business in a new way.

Another example can be seen in locally; Vancouver’s Conviction Restaurant hires ex- convicts as the staff a the restaurant. This restaurant provides an opportunities for ex-convicts to start their lives over and rediscover their passion.

I think I’ve found where my passion is in the business world.

Recently, in an article in Vancouver Sun, Kim Covert found that companys should develope a buddy system for new workers. New hires who just joined the compnany are often confused of the tasks in the organization and of the goals that needs to be achieved.

Helping employees feel comfortable in the workplace would eventually lead to employees committed to the company; working as hard as they can to contribute to the company. As a result, the company would gain corporation psychological capital. Employees would be willing to work for the company as they are intrinsically motivated.

As seen from this video, a company’s focus is not only on generating maximum profit. A focus on good relationships with employees and customers are also important.

Companys should follow how Zappos rewards their employees. Their benefits and rewards are not all extrinsic. Employees working there enjoy a comfortable work environment, as well as good relations with their co-workers and the CEO, Tony Hsieh.

Covert, Kim. “The buddy system makes new hires better workers.” The Vancouver Sun 27 November. 2010: J1. Print.

Founded in 1999 by Yuji Hirota, the first Beard Papa’s store was opened in Osaka, Japan. Since then, Beard Papa has become a world wide sensation; opening stores all across the globe, in places like, Hong Kong, Canada, United States, Russia, Singapore, and others.

Beard Papa is a store that sells various pastires, among the famous in which they became famous for was the cream puff dessert. The cream puffs from Beard Papa’s have been popular among consumers around the world. In 2005, Beard Papa’s had a revenue of $300 million of $300 million, more than doubled from 2003. In only two years, Beard Papa doubled its revenue.

As Schumpeter has stated in his view what an entrepreneur is. Beard Papa fits the mould of an entrepreneurial company. They are a fast growing company generating fevenue at a fast pace with an innovative recreation of cream puffs.

Cream puffs have existed since 1924 in France. However, this Japanese store, re-invented a new image for cream puffs. The store has also created innovative desserts to capture customers wich will bring in revenue.

An innovative idea and a passion for success make up the ingredients of an entrepreneur.