Is Entrepreneurship Dead?

This book is a little unusual–it is written as an overheard dialogue. Nikolaus takes his inspiration from a work that is over 250 years old, The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin. The Way to Wealth was composed of advice, proverbs and adages that had been presented in Franklin’s own regular publication Poor Richard’s Almanac during its first 25 years of publication, but in this essay was tailored to the subject of becoming wealthy. It found a whole new audience, and today it is still published, read and taught in schools all over the world.

In remembering this essay fondly, Nikolaus realized he could have a bit of fun, and entertain and educate readers at the same time, by following a similar path. And so he wrote a series of 6 blogs as if he’d overheard an evening’s conversation between a wise but world-weary entrepreneur named Dr. Abraham, and Doug, a young, hot venture capitalist, at an entrepreneur conference. He as now turned those blogs into this eBook.

While many will find the title controversial, especially given today’s climate of fostering entrepreneurship and startups, it was not Nikolaus’s intention to simply stir up emotion. He actually believes  that entrepreneurship, as it is presented in many arenas, is actually dead and, in fact, could never get off the ground in the way it is often proposed.

As you read, you’ll see why—and you’ll also see that Nikolaus’s view is certainly not entirely pessimistic. It has reason and focus.

Talking Facts

The discussion begins with why Dr. Abraham really feels that entrepreneurship, the way it’s being promoted today, is in fact dead.

Art, or Craft?

Is entrepreneurship an art, or a craft, and why?

Where to Start

Where entrepreneurship begins and gets off the ground.

Entrepreneurship vs. Management

There is a big difference between entrepreneurship and management, and they should not be confused.

What About the Money?

Why does the source of money make a difference in true entreprenuership?

Intrinsic Ability

Dr. Abraham makes his final point about an entrepreneur’s ability, and inspiration.