A Big Dream Equals Business Success

Dreaming Big is Essential to Successful Entrepreneurship

Feb 9, 2010
Rita Andriello

Dreaming Big - When I Grow Up

When starting a business, make sure to include the most important ingredient: Long term Vision. Without it, the business may never get beyond its own backyard.

When beginning any business, the owner needs to think beyond limitations. In an article on Zeromillion.com, Why You Need a Big Dream to Succeed, it reads: "It turns out that one of the main reasons we small business owners work really hard without getting very far is because we don't have an inspiring long term vision that leads us, step-by-step, into the future of our dreams. Most of the time, we've either forgotten our dreams or didn't have one to start out with."

The article goes on to say that a dream isn't big unless it:

gives freedom to a limited world
will outlive the dreamer
not quantifiable
inspires others to follow it
involves a risk

Changing the World by Social Entrepreneurship

Another name for big dreamers in business is "Social Entrepreneurs." In his article, Five Characteristics of Social Entrepreneurship, Eric Coggins states, "...social entrepreneurs do not engage in small, simple changes; rather, they seize on opportunities to challenge and change inequitable systems. They stare down the status quo and work to change whole belief systems and mindsets. Social entrepreneurs exist to promote the best possible life for all."

Pepsi Offers Bate for Big Dreamers

Right now at the beginning of 2010, the Pepsi Refresh Project is offering 32 individual grants from $5,000 to $250,000 every month to social entrepreneurs with big dreams. It works like this: "We are looking for people, businesses, and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact. Look around your community and think about how you want to change it."

Big Dreamers with dreams that inspire abound on this website. Here are some in the February 2010 round:

In the $5,000 Category: Dress for Success Southern Nevada: "...to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

In the $25,000 Category: The Sparkle Effect: "A group of high-school students started a special-needs cheer team (The Sparkles). The Sparkles experience changes the girls involved, the student body and the entire community as the powerful spirit of inclusion spreads. TheSparkleEffect works to help kids in other schools form their own squads."

In the $50,000 Category: Active Minds Inc.: "Active Minds is national nonprofit with over 240 college chapters. Chapters are student-run to empower young people to talk about mental health, learn how to recognize signs and symptoms, and direct peers to help when they need it. Our goal is to break down unnecessary stigma."

in the $250,000 Category: End World Hunger (REALLY!!!): "I have been a chef for over 20 years. After doing everything possible in the business, I decided to place purpose before profit and just dedicate my life to ending hunger. What we do is simple. Every portion of soup sold is matched with an equal portion of soup given to someone in need."

Competition is the True Nature of the Entrepreneur

In her article, Are You An Entrepreneur, Bonnie Albo says, "Another key trait of successful entrepreneurs is their competitive nature."

The competitive nature is welcomed at the Pepsi Refresh Project, as it is sort of an American Idol for businesses. After being selected by Pepsi as a viable project, the contestants win by getting the most votes from the general public. The contestants are responsible for their own campaigning.

Dreams Know No Boundaries

Amelia Earhart once said "Everyone has Oceans to fly, if they have the Heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?"

The Pepsi Refresh website is available for voting and also for individuals, non profits and businesses to file applications. Some applicants have said that the opportunity, whether they win or not, has afforded them the chance to actually put their big dream to paper, clearly define it and get it ready for take off.

Although the site allows the aspiring dreamer to live vicariously through the contestants, it also offers inspiration in knowing there is a world of people not just thinking about it, but actually stepping beyond boundaries and living their dreams.

Sources:

Rita Andriello - Rita is a writer, spiritual practitioner and a teacher. She was born in New York City, and says she was raised on pasta and Italian opera. ...