It’s no secret that investing in a startup or giving a “no namer” a starring role in a film is a RISK. But why not take more? Why not encourage more millennials and young people to potentially “crash and burn?” So many young entrepreneurs are creating companies and capitalizing on multi-million dollar ideas but struggling every day to make money. Many will say, “It takes time”, “Work hard and eventually your rest will come”, “Perseverance is everything.” And while these wise sayings are one hundred percent true, we are in a NEW era, a new generation, and a new model for earning money. Profits and revenues are literally being redefined by the US. So that means now our predecessors must be open. They need to be alert and see what’s really going on. And most significantly they must be ready to invest!
President Obama recently gave a speech in Los Angeles on October 9, stating that “…we have a talented, determined, and innovative young generation…entrepreneurship is in the DNA of this generation…. We’re coming out of this recession with the most educated, most diversified, and most digitally savvy generation of adults in American history. Now to be honest I believe there’s a political agenda with this speech. Namely we have an election coming up and the goal for the Democratic President is to keep his party and rightfully so. But let’s see what he really said. President Obama acknowledged that this generation is not like any other. Most of us are entrepreneurs in some way, shape, or form. We are redefining what it means to use technology, knowledge and finally how to make money.
How did we sell our predecessors on this new model? How do we explain that taking more risks with investment is completely necessary in creating a thriving economy? That the old ways no longer have a healthy economic effect. I was inspired recently to write this article because I found myself stuck between the rocks in a tough spot. I’m an up and coming TV host with multiple jobs. I know some movers and shakers, but the Entertainment Industry can be a dark place. Let’s face it, there is a reason you hear the saying “he slept his way to the top.” As a lady, you are automatically placed in a subservient position with regards to being a talent in this industry. And there are assumptions about how certain women achieved fame and success. But it is time for that model to change. Just as it’s time for the economy to change the way it grows.
The entertainment industry may not be the number one leader in the stock market, but ranking in the daily Dow’s top 20 says something about the economic pull of art. In particular, Disney is a good example of an entity that takes risks on young talent, i.e. makes investments, which will later become big stars. Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and The Jonas Brothers as prime examples of leading millennials. How can we take the ‘Big Wig’ Entertainment model and apply it to the better welfare of a generation waiting for their “big break”? Can we motivate other companies to invest outside their industry? Can we motivate tech based companies to invest in fashion startups? How do we, millennials, convince the powers that be that we are DESERVE even if it means taking bigger risks. While big risks can mean big losses, they can even mean big rewards and subsequently significant ROI.
My ultimate dream as a member of this generation, 26 years to be exact, is to have my own Daytime Television Talk Show. Now I was devastated recently to find out that my dream of becoming the youngest ever talk show host was ripped from under me by the stunning and talented Keke Palmer (21). Let’s look at this as a prime example of taking ‘safe’ risks. It is much easier for any investor, company or network to invest in known and experienced talent. Someone who has been proven to make money for other people. Someone who has been proven to generate significant ROI. But let me ask you a really logical question, is Keke Palmer a TV host? Meaning does his resume consist of legit hosting jobs? The answer is
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It’s much safer to take the risk on someone who has proven financial returns than someone who
possibly experienced in that trade with no known credibility. What happens next when someone takes the plunge on ‘Up and Comer?’ It’s either me or a recent Harvard grad with a tech startup. What happens when an entity, whether from the same industry or not, takes a risk on someone who has the potential to make lots of money? That has the potential to change the economic, cultural, and lifestyle forecast? Take Apple as another example. Apple is not just a NASDAQ volume leader, it is a company that has created culture. And it can’t be limited to just being a “technology” company. Starting from the chaos of a garage, led by probably the most influential people in history, Steve Jobs, Apple passed its trial period. And after taking huge risks that resulted in huge losses in addition to huge profits, Apple has revolutionized the way we communicate with one another every day. Apple took many risks to create the new language we use to describe technology and redefine how we view culture as a result. A terrific idea, person or brand can change the world economically, systemically and culturally. It’s worth hearing the story about ‘Up and Comer’ because it could be the next BIG THING. Hints, foreshadowing, and calls for help can be invitations for partnership. An invitation to take risks. A sure risk could change the world. The future of our global economy is not investing in what we already know, the future of our global economy is investing in ‘Up and Comer.’
