“When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world” (George Washington Carver)
The entrepreneurial inventor involves being a pioneer, inventor, originator, a change agent and the first one to implement a type of idea or project. No one has monopoly over good ideas so what is in your head isn’t crazy just do it. Take action today because your idea may just become the ‘next best thing’.
“I Don't Understand This Irony - Valuable Things Like Cars, Gold, Diamond Are Made Up Of Hard Materials But Most Valuable Things Like Money, Contracts And Books Are Made Up Of Soft Paper” (Amit Kalantri)
“I want the “Real McCoy”
Have you ever wondered how the term “I want the real McCoy” started? Elijah McCoy (1868-1872) a black mechanical engineer born in Canada invented a “lubricator cup” which fixed the problem of train immobility. Others tried to copy the device but McCoy’s product remained superior and in demand by all rail companies. This led to the popular saying “I want the “Real McCoy” a term which persists till date representing I want the “Real Thing”. McCoy went on to own about 57 patents including for an ironing board and lawn sprinkler. Furthermore, Thomas L. Jennings (1791-1856) ran a tailoring and dry-cleaning business, and around 30 years old was recorded as the first African-American to be granted a patent in 1821 for ‘dry scouring’ the process that has revolutionised the dry-cleaning industry.
“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live” (Mae Jemison)
“People are different from their culture, to education, age, religion or background; however, all can become great inventors, entrepreneurs or business leaders” (Dr Beem Beeka)
Many great scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders changed the world, some were formally educated while others were self-taught and operated without any formal university degrees. The educated scientists that greatly influenced our modern lives include, Scottish American Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the first practical telephone. Additionally, African American Jesse Ernest Wilkins Jr a genius, nuclear scientist, mechanical engineer and mathematician started his Bachelors at age 13, earning a Masters and PhD by age 17 and 19; having a total of five science degrees.
“Nobody can teach me who I am. You can describe parts of me, but who I am - and what I need - is something I have to find out myself” (Chinua Achebe)
Equally some great largely self-taught scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs include Elijah McCoy, Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, Charles Darwin, Benjamin Banneker, Caroline Herschel, Mary Somerville, Madam C. J Walker. African-American Garrett Morgan after witnessing an accident invented the three-position traffic signal system. Morgan was educated to only 7th grade (about 12-13 years). Furthermore, Granville T. Woods a self-taught civil and mechanical engineer, and prolific inventor of African ancestry was considered ‘the greatest electrician in the world’.
“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astonish ourselves” (Thomas Edison)
Thomas A. Edison was dubbed ‘too stupid to learn’ by a misguided teacher which led to some home-schooling. Eventually, Edison emerged of one of the greatest inventors of the century with the light bulb, and founder of the Edison Electric Light Company which merged to become the American Multinational General Electric (GE). Back in the day, Granville T. Woods ‘the greatest electrician in the world’s inventions were at par with Thomas Edison considered ‘the greatest inventor’. Edison lost two patent lawsuits against Woods. Consequently, Edison offered Woods employment given due to segregation Woods was sometimes incapacitated, unable to operate or move freely around, but he declined continuing with his own engineering and electrical company. However, Woods later sold some of his inventions to Edison and others.
“I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my factory on my own ground” (Madame C.J. Walker)
Madam C. J. Walker became a commission sales agent working for Annie Turnbo Malone. Walker subsequently developed her own products selling original hair products door-to-door, and expand massively through manufacturing to become a self-made businessperson and one of the first well-known female millionaires in America. Proportionately, Madam C. J. Walker’s trainer and mentor, Annie Turnbo Malone an African-American millionaire, chemist, inventor, entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, and founder of the Poro College cosmetics firm operated in over 30 U.S cities. Malone owned a complete city block in Chicago and graduated over 75, 000 entrepreneurs including Chuck Berry, considered the inventor of rock and roll music.
“The progressive development of man is virtually dependent on invention” (Nikola Tesla)
Alfred Nobel said “If I have 300 ideas in a year and just one turns out to work I am satisfied”. Therefore, are you an entrepreneurial inventor or intrapreneurial innovator? If so, what are you waiting for? Your idea might just become the next big thing!
“Manufacture, don't just trade. There is money in manufacturing even though it is capital intensive. To achieve a big breakthrough, I had to start manufacturing the same products I was trading on; which is commodities” (Aliko Dangote)
Buy Your #Book today @amazon contribute to your #career development https://tinyurl.com/yasp6so8 http://tiny.cc/4spjdz #Intrapreneur #Entrepreneur #Employability #EntrepreneurshipCareer #LEAD
Disclaimer: Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this article is accurate. While every precaution has been taken in the research but it is advised that names, places, narratives and quotes be independently confirmed by the reader. The publisher and the author cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, however caused. The editor, publisher or author can accept no responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the material in this publication.
No comments:
Post a Comment