Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Zhang Dongwei. Today, I would like to share with you some views on college students' entrepreneurship.
Everything has a cause, and everything has a solution. When we see many successful entrepreneur myths on **, when we see the halo of successful businessmen around us, when we see students in the same school or class, they can consume freely by doing small business, have we ever thought about this question: why did he and she embark on the road of entrepreneurship in the first place?
Entrepreneurship in a broad sense refers to the creation of a business. Entrepreneurship in the narrow sense refers to the creation of a business or business.
Whether it is entrepreneurship in the broad sense or entrepreneurship in the narrow sense, it is a difficult process. In the process of starting a business, whether it is the initial analysis needs, or the initial resource organization, as well as the long-term discovery and problem solving, the various qualities of entrepreneurs will be honed and tested.
When I first entered the school, I wanted to put star paintings on the walls of the dormitory, so I went downstairs to the school commissary and asked for 2 yuan for a painting, and 6 yuan for 3 pictures. There are 6 people in the dormitory, which is 36 yuan, a huge amount of money.
There was a classmate who used to come to Xi'an often, and he said that ** Road is not far from the school, it is a wholesale market, so it is better to go over and have a look. We took the bus to the ** road and found that as long as 10 paintings can be wholesaled, 5 cents a piece. So we bought 50 at a time and brought them back, in addition to our own use, put the other 20 downstairs and sold them at 5 yuan and 3 sheets, and the result was sold out in a blink of an eye.
Now we went back to the first road, hired a tricycle cart, pulled hundreds of paintings, as well as plastic basins, hot water bottles, etc., and then went back to the school to set up a stall, set up for a week, it can be said that we made the first pot of gold. Go to the food stalls every night to eat barbecue and drink beer.
Actually, it isThe basic logic of entrepreneurship, i.e., ".Find rigid needs, solve pain points, and concentrate small needs to form big business
The overall process of entrepreneurship is the process of transforming "value" into "value". There is a saying in China that "money is hard to earn, is hard to eat", which points out that "the most difficult thing in the world is to take money out of other people's pockets." ”
Since we know the hardships of starting a business, why did entrepreneurs and businessmen set out in the first place?
Through more than ten years of personal interviews and data review, Zhang Dongwei has divided the entrepreneurial motivation into the following four categories for readers to "sit in the right seat".
Cao Dewang is known as China's "first benevolent", and in 2010 alone, he donated more than 1 billion yuan. In 2021, the Heren Charity Association, founded by Chairman Cao Dewang, invested 10 billion yuan in the preparation for the establishment of "Fuyao University of Science and Technology". The reason why such a wealthy and world-renowned entrepreneur started his business was simply because he was "poor".
In order to make a living, he planted white fungus, worked as a cook, repairman, and agricultural technician at a reservoir construction site, and poured fruit tree saplings. Cao Dewang, who struggled to the age of 30 and did all possible business, has become a "human spirit" that no one can calculate.
In 1975, he had accumulated a "huge amount of money" of more than 50,000 yuan for himself (equivalent to 10 million yuan now).
In 1976, Cao Dewang began to work as a salesman in the special-shaped glass factory in Gaoshan Town, Fuqing, selling "mainland goods" water meter glass.
In 1983, Cao Dewang contracted this small township factory that was losing money every year.
In 1985, Cao Dewang turned the main business of the factory to automotive glass, which completely changed the history of China's automotive glass market's 100% dependence on imports.
In 1987, Fuyao Glass was established, which opened the process of dominating the automotive glass market.
Cao Dewang's experience represents the majority of entrepreneurs, after all, the vast majority of us are born ordinary, coupled with China's special national conditions of "learning and excellence", going to the sea to do business is a helpless choice after the public examination, the examination and the postgraduate examination.
If you can really make up your mind to choose the path of entrepreneurship and can devote yourself wholeheartedly, then there is a high probability that you can achieve certain results.
The road to success is not crowded, because there are few people who have ideas, and there are very few people who think of action. It's just that you need to "do the right thing" and "do it right".
Shen Nanpeng, Managing Partner of Sequoia Global, Founding and Managing Partner of Sequoia China, Founder of Ctrip.com and Homeinn Hotel Chain. Shen Nanpeng started a business because he likes to start a business, and he keeps starting a business and selling, including the purpose of setting up an investment institution, or discovering a start-up company and participating in it, and then selling it.
My old leader, Lei Jun, had $8 million when he sold our Excellence.com. After that, after a series of right investments, the net worth is $80 billion.
But he didn't lie down, he still started a business and made Xiaomi, including now a Xiaomi car, and he was busy all day long. It is because we must constantly challenge ourselves and see that the highest point of our energy is in **.
The group of entrepreneurs represented by Lei Jun is already rare, almost detached from the need for material life, completely chasing the satisfaction of the spiritual world, and is committed to using the power of science and technology to make society and mankind better.
Similar entrepreneurs include Ma Yun who founded Alibaba, Ma Huateng who founded Tencent, Huang Zheng who founded Pinduoduo, Cheng Wei who founded Didi, Wang Xing who founded Meituan, Zhang Yiming who founded Toutiao and so on. They continue to set new forward goals, so that the companies they eventually participate in the establishment form the "xx system" to speak.
At present, the theme of entrepreneurship in China is undergoing profound changes, and it can be said that a new era of technology-led entrepreneurship has arrived.
There are many weak links and even blank areas in the fields of advanced manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, core software and hardware, and new materials in China, which is where entrepreneurial power is needed.
The "zero-off mentality" of entrepreneurs is a manifestation of delayed gratification, and successful entrepreneurs can understand the enterprise with a zero-out mentality. A toast is raised when you achieve anything, but it's not long before you take on the next challenge.
Finally, let's talk about one kind of entrepreneur, in fact, this type of entrepreneur is the largest number in the current era.
This is a rice peel store I opened 3 years ago, and in the second year of operation, I encountered the epidemic and lost 500,000 yuan.
The reason for my entrepreneurship is in line with the latest entrepreneurial thoughts, especially the reason why I originally belonged to office workers and went to the sea to start a business. There is no big wish of Jackie Chan and Jackie Chan, as long as you can eat, live and settle, and when you are lucky, you can have a surplus in your hand, you can be satisfied. The only thing to pursue is the freedom of time.
The reason is that I have a lovely daughter, and I hope to have my own time and schedule to accompany her.
Life is compelled, where interests are, self-realization, time freedom,The above four character stories represent the reasons why the vast majority of people start their own businesses.
So is someone willing to say which of the above four categories is the reason for starting their own business?
Because of different entrepreneurial reasons, it will determine the values and methods after you encounter things**.
For example, Lei Jun is self-actualized, so when he interviewed a sales director who "can sell straw at the highest price", he would scoff and drive away. And such a person, if he is an entrepreneur who is "forced by life", will like it very much and be a guest.
Starting a business isn't for everyone, but here are some guiding questions to help you decide if you're the right person to start a business:
1. Passion and motivation: Do you have a strong passion and motivation for entrepreneurship?
Starting a business is a difficult task that requires a lot of time and effort. Only when you are passionate about your entrepreneurial project can you overcome difficulties and keep working hard.
2. Risk tolerance: Are you able to bear the risks of starting a business?
Entrepreneurship involves uncertainties and risks, including financial, professional, and personal risks. You need to have enough financial reserves and mental preparation to deal with possible failures and setbacks.
3. Innovative thinking: Do you have innovative thinking and problem-solving skills?
Starting a business requires constantly looking for new business opportunities and solutions. You need to be creative and flexible, able to think and implement innovative ideas.
4. Self-discipline and persistence: Do you have the qualities of self-discipline and persistence?
Entrepreneurship is a long-term process that requires continuous effort and perseverance. You need to have good time management skills and self-motivation to be able to overcome difficulties and stay focused.
5. Teamwork: Do you have good teamwork skills?
Starting a business often involves working with others, including partners, employees, and investors. You need to have good communication and collaboration skills, and be able to work effectively with others and solve problems.
These are just some of the common requirements and guidance, and every entrepreneur's situation is different. The most important thing is to understand your interests, abilities, and goals, and to prepare and plan well before starting a business.
Seeing this, have you suddenly lost confidence in entrepreneurship? Do not worry. This is just the standard language in all business textbooks, and it is absolutely "on paper".
Although it is true that in the modern business system, there is a need for "theory to guide practice", but specious and vague standards such as the above are not suitable for practical guidance.
Of all the known successful entrepreneurial experiences, no one has systematically undergone the above theoretical tests before starting a business, let alone someone who is born with all of the above abilities.
Practice makes sense。Entrepreneurs are in the actual and different market environment, according to the specific time and place, specific event background and resource conditions, specific market situation and user needs, take relatively flexible measures.
Of course, this does not mean that entrepreneurial behavior is a blind man's touch of the elephant, and many successful entrepreneurs have summarized some of the basic aspects of the effective travel, such as Lei Jun's "Internet Seven Character Decision: Focus, Extreme, Word of Mouth, and Fast", as well as Shen Nanpeng, Lei Jun and more entrepreneurs to promote "follow the trend".
In fact, anyone can become an entrepreneur. Because an entrepreneur does not mean that he or she is necessarily the chairman or CEO, and it does not mean that you are alone.
Although one person can go fast, a group of people can go farther. One hero, three gangs, one fence and three piles. "Building a team, setting a strategy, and leading a team" will be the fundamental three principles throughout the entrepreneurial cycle.
Always interview people, always embrace change, and always talk to every employee.
So let's go specifically to "college student entrepreneurship".
College student entrepreneurship refers to college students using their own innovation ability, entrepreneurial awareness and resources to establish their own enterprises or engage in entrepreneurial activities. College students who start their own business often start their studies or shortly after graduation, and they can take advantage of the university's entrepreneurship support policies, entrepreneurship training and resources, as well as their own expertise and connections to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.
Social entrepreneurship refers to the establishment of a business or entrepreneurial activities in the society by any person, not limited to college students. Social entrepreneurs can be people of any age who may have been working for a while, have accumulated a certain amount of experience and resources, or have found a business opportunity or social problem in society and decided to start a business to solve the problem.
The difference between college student entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship is that:
1. Time and background:
College student entrepreneurship usually occurs during or shortly after graduation, while social entrepreneurs may already have some work experience and social background.
2. Resources and support:
College students can take advantage of the university's entrepreneurship support policies, entrepreneurship training, and resources, while social entrepreneurs need to find and obtain resources and support on their own.
The funds for college students to start a business are generally limited, mainly relying on personal savings, family support, and subsidies and support policies, while the funds for social entrepreneurship are more extensive, including investment institutions, bank loans, venture capital, etc.
3. Risks and pressures:
College student entrepreneurs usually face less risk and stress because they can use the school's resources and student status to try their hand at starting a business. And social entrepreneurs may face more risks and pressures because they need to take all the responsibilities and risks themselves.
The main challenges faced by college students in entrepreneurship include shortage of funds, fierce market competition, and lack of management experience, while social entrepreneurship may face more challenges, such as the instability of the economic environment and policy changes.
4. Goals and motivations:
The purpose of college students' entrepreneurship often includes exercising their abilities, realizing their self-worth, serving the society, or obtaining short-term economic benefits. The purpose of social entrepreneurship is to pay more attention to the realization of commercial value and the acquisition of economic benefits.
5. Achievement expression:
College student entrepreneurs usually aim to "get a race result" or "make short-term money" as their ultimate achievement. Social entrepreneurs pursue the long-term survival and development of enterprises.
In general, college students' entrepreneurship should improve the comprehensive quality of college students and alleviate the employment pressure through entrepreneurial practice, focusing more on the direct interests of individual students, while social entrepreneurship pays more attention to social value.
In addition, college students often have more opportunities and resource support for entrepreneurship, such as policy support, technical and venue support provided by schools, etc.; Social entrepreneurship may face more challenges, such as shortage of funds, market competition, etc.
When college students choose a place to start a business, the first thing they need to pursue is two words: "free".
Whether it's a workstation in the entrepreneurial space provided by the school, or a humble start in a dormitory, or even going to a public café (KFC and McDonald's, as well as some bubble tea shops) is a good choice.
Some college students may be lucky enough to meet entrepreneurs who have already started their own businesses in society, and if they can get the support of the office space, they will not only get a stable working space, but also feel free to consult these seniors with work experience.
In any case, the biggest mistake in the early days of entrepreneurship is to spend money on renting an office. Never rent an office, it's the last thing to do.
Students who have just started a business have a deep understanding of "investment" and "investment".
Investment", a simple metaphor, is to spend 1 yuan, you can get 1 back$1. According to such a profit margin repeated repeatedly, it is positive income, if there is an opportunity to reduce costs and increase efficiency to increase revenue to 12 yuan, 15 yuan, profit is just around the corner.
"Input", a simple analogy, is to spend 1 yuan, and get back less than 1 yuan. According to this behavior repeatedly, in the end, the 1 yuan will return to 0, or even become negative.
All the money that can't be returned is "investment", and the most intuitive investment is rent, salary, and utility bills.
The capital comes from the net operating profit, not the turnover. If the purchase of 1,000 yuan is sold according to the turnover of 1,500 yuan, the difference of 500 yuan in the middle is only gross profit. The 500 yuan needs to deduct taxes, share wages and bonuses, share rent, water and electricity, share advertising and travel, and finally share all other operating expenses, then the net profit is made. At this point, there may only be 50 yuan left, or even less.
In many cases, net income tends to be negative if each transaction is allocated in advance.
And all your "investment" is actually spent from this 50 yuan. That is, for every 50 yuan you spend, you need 1,500 yuan of operating income to support.
Therefore, the first principle to be adhered to in business behavior is: "reduce costs and increase efficiency". Reduce all cost behaviors and try to increase revenue behaviors.
For start-up entrepreneurs, the first step is to start by "finding a free office space".
When to start a business? The best time for college students to start a business depends mainly on their course schedule, personal interests, and the nature of the entrepreneurial project. According to the results statistics, juniors and seniors tend to achieve better results in entrepreneurship.
Most universities offer fewer professional courses in their junior and senior years, giving students more time and energy to start their own businesses. At the same time, juniors and seniors have accumulated certain knowledge and skills, and they are more aware of their own interests and abilities, and can better choose the direction of entrepreneurship.
Moreover, around the time of graduating from college, students often face pressure to find a job. Choosing to start a business during this period can not only divert your attention, but also improve your practical ability and create more possibilities for your future.
However, this is not the case with the reality of college students' entrepreneurial environment. Almost all universities will open "innovation and entrepreneurship courses" in the first year, and will also start the credit evaluation of "innovation and entrepreneurship". These evaluations will also include participation in various "innovation and entrepreneurship competitions".
In addition, from a practical point of view, entrepreneurs who have made outstanding entrepreneurial achievements in college or obtained relatively rich economic benefits have also shown their entrepreneurial potential from their freshman year and started the entrepreneurial process of trial and error.
Therefore, if you can start to use your spare time to try your business in your freshman year, such as doing some small-scale business activities on weekends or evenings, to accumulate experience and capital, then it will be natural to expand your business scale later.
Especially in the freshman year, directly participating in the existing campus entrepreneurial team and learning and practicing is the most effective way to grow.
If you start starting a business in your freshman year, it also shows that you have business potential and the desire to make money. This potential and desire should be activated early.
Many entrepreneurship guidance courses will recommend college students to use the summer or winter vacation to carry out entrepreneurial activities, but in fact, this is not a good time. Winter and summer vacations are an important period of internship for college students, and if they can intern in mature organizations in society, it will be more beneficial for college students in the future. These internships can provide more experience and resources for future entrepreneurship, so they are "investment" behaviors and should be prioritized.
College students should try to use their spare time in school, such as in the afternoon and evening, as well as weekends to carry out entrepreneurial activities. It is also a low-risk opportunity for trial and error, because even if the business fails, it will not affect the normal learning and employment growth.
In general, the best time for college students to start a business should be free time that does not affect their studies, such as afternoon and evening after-school time, and weekend time. Also consider your own interests and the nature of the project.
Although I have heard a lot about the deeds of some college students who have obtained their first pot of gold through entrepreneurship during their time at school, I am still very shocked when I communicate with students in the past five years.
Some students earn 10,000 yuan a month just by relying on WeChat part-time groups;
Some students have become the king of driving tests, ** controlling dozens of driving schools;
Some students started by sweeping buildings and gradually became small billionaires with an annual income of millions;
Some students eventually go on the path of well-known entrepreneurs through scientific and technological innovation.
In short, a big shock.
I have a student who can lift the x5, which is a common three-piece set on college campuses: ** card, driver's license, and show ticket. There is no innovation, just a job, this is what I said at the beginning, "find just needs, solve pain points, and concentrate small needs to form big business".
My other student was more focused and only did tickets. We jointly invested in the VIP rooms of the three major performance venues in Xiamen and determined the legal and reliable ticket source. Then it's a matter of casting a wide net and selling it. The same is just the need for the market, sufficient information poor.
College student entrepreneurship is a big topic, and it is not something that can be talked about in an hour. Today I am throwing bricks and stones, and then let's interact and communicate.
The above is the sharing of the campus private director, friends in need can poke me privately to receive the latest campus dry goods information