To celebrate my 2 year anniversary of working for Fast Company and Inc magazines, I decided to write 2 posts about entrepreneurship. Here’s the first one.
The owner of super awesome HMS Beekeeper store recently complained that people told her that she should close “because it’s ‘buy nothing day’”. I’m pretty sure that these people would have enjoyed my childhood in the Soviet Union, where most days were ‘buy nothing day’. Soviet Union was the kind of place where reporting your father to the secret police could make you a national hero, while engaging in business activity was a crime.
I was brought up in an environment where 99% of non-governmental commercial activity was outright illegal, and the allowed kind was considered extremely unwholesome by association. Just about any item produced by the Soviet industry would be stamped with a price in order to discourage illegal arbitrage, like this condom, for example:
These days outside of California it’s hard to imagine a society that considers this much commercial activity evil, but when I was a kid, any schoolchild caught engaging in commercial activity of any sort could get in a lot of trouble. Personal entrepreneurship was literally a criminal activity. This kind of an environment tended to produce excellent jet fighters, but pretty crummy condoms.
In America entrepreneurs get a lot of respect (outside of government and hippie circles), and they tend to start early. You always read about the likes of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates having business ventures in high school and college.
My former co-worker told me a story about his daughter who got into trouble for her entrepreneurial activities in 2nd grade. She and her friend decided to cash in on the popularity of Webkinz. They went into the business of selling hand-drawn counterfeit Webkinz trading cards. Surprisingly they were able to sell a good deal of those. The trouble came when the teachers noticed that they were engaged in market segmentation and variable pricing (which is a topic of one of my favorite Joel on Software articles). You see, the girls were selling cards at a discount to the popular kids and at inflated prices to unpopular ones.
This episode only increases my dislike of schoolteachers. If I were in their place I would have praised the girls for entrepreneurship, and explained to them that it’s copyright infringement that is problematic, while market segmentation is perfectly kosher, even if a little sneaky. I’d teach them about premium vs generic branding and how some people happily pay a lot more for identical items in different packaging.
Pingback: street fighter x tekken release date
Pingback: mission fitness
Pingback: best supplements for muscle gain
Pingback: All New Kia Picanto
Pingback: Dallas Video Production
Pingback: Dallas Boudoir Photographer
Pingback: pre workout supplement
Pingback: webcam chat
Pingback: simran possessed
Pingback: Phil Cannella
Pingback: Phil Cannella
Pingback: paranormal activities
Pingback: weight loss plan
Pingback: Roswell Garage Door Repair
Pingback: Yarn Bombing
Pingback: blog
Pingback: Best Prenatal Massage NYC
Pingback: Holton Buggs
Pingback: project payday scam
Pingback: office desks
Pingback: facebook smiley penguin
Pingback: Wholesale Clothing
Pingback: how to work from home
Pingback: Divorce Attorney Tulsa
Pingback: resume help
Pingback: haier cpn12xh9 portable air conditioner with heater reviews
Pingback: iud pain during intercourse
Pingback: period while pregnant first month
Pingback: at home recipes
Pingback: Blog filmy porno
Pingback: New york city hotels
Pingback: earn money
Pingback: hair jobs
Pingback: Online Marketing Secrets Small Business
Pingback: discount supplements
Pingback: movies news
Pingback: Scott Tucker Racing
Pingback: Scott Tucker Racing
Pingback: Okna Pcv Mogilno
Pingback: Brazzers Password
Pingback: watch super bowl live online
Pingback: getting those great foreclosure and short sales deals
Pingback: Scott Tucker CBS
Pingback: athletes' acceleration
Pingback: football speed
Pingback: Pokrycia Dachowe
Pingback: architectural services
Pingback: Black Sex
Pingback: bad breath remedy
Pingback: escort girls in los angeles
Pingback: chris murray
Pingback: Dominique Gerula
Pingback: Family Holidays
Pingback: free cam porn
Pingback: recipes
Pingback: flonase
Pingback: sailing around the world
Pingback: cross country ski poles
Pingback: resume
Pingback: both teams to score
Pingback: melbourne escorts
Pingback: dissolve kidney stones
Pingback: armada music videos
Pingback: psd 2 html
Pingback: Scott Tucker Racing
Pingback: marketing with anik review
Pingback: salt lake emergency dental
Pingback: young adult book
Pingback: Bhphotovideo.com deals
Pingback: swertres hearing
Pingback: Relationships
Pingback: typical interview questions
Pingback: maintenance manuals
Pingback: Azalee Strudwick
Pingback: Kompositfonster
Pingback: Okna Gniezno
Pingback: Okna Poznan
Pingback: Badmintonschläger Test
Pingback: Okna Pcv Poznan
Pingback: syracuse seo service
Pingback: Dachy
Pingback: make money online as a student
Pingback: busana pengantin
Pingback: alpha and omega
Pingback: EB1 Green Card
Pingback: Cherilyn Rayna
Pingback: sportsbet
Pingback: Azucena Shawhan
Pingback: exercise routines
Pingback: compensation for injuries
Pingback: mold removal atlanta
Pingback: Dentist Brighton
Pingback: Elvina Deranick
Pingback: Performance Car Insurance
Pingback: ungdomsrejser
Pingback: sbobet
Pingback: Informations pour votre voyage
Pingback: Spanish Fly
Pingback: free bingo
Pingback: commercial cleaning
Pingback: cleaning company bristol
Pingback: fitness training bristol
Pingback: Buy Spice
Pingback: personal trainer singapore
Pingback: single serve coffee makers
Pingback: dental advertising
Pingback: wow keybinding
Pingback: Wordpress Autoblogs
Pingback: ross jeffries
Pingback: affiliate health programs
Pingback: debt settlement pros and cons
Pingback: apartments in delray beach
Pingback: Machine Guns Austin
Pingback: site selection
Pingback: boca raton carpet cleaning
Pingback: China Adventure
Pingback: fun games
Pingback: online pdf editor
Pingback: Electronic Components Distributor
Pingback: how much do hearing aids cost
Pingback: Tipard DVD to iPad Converter
Pingback: thai ladies
Pingback: discount printer ink cartridges
Pingback: shimano stradic 13000
Pingback: Adult Articles
Pingback: Merchant Account Services
Pingback: wirral
Pingback: nunta zalau
Pingback: Chandler homes for sale
Pingback: Semenax Review
Pingback: online services
Pingback: Okna Gniezno
Pingback: Dirty Sex
Pingback: Electronic cigarette
Pingback: compost facts
Pingback: the family international
Pingback: bad taste in mouth
Pingback: nudists
Pingback: television wall mount reviews
Pingback: Flex Seal
Pingback: esthetician job description
Pingback: gold ira companies
Pingback: licensed vocational nurse salary
Pingback: gold ira account
Pingback: make online coupons
Pingback: singapore company registration
Pingback: mw3 hack
Pingback: Luxury Homes
Pingback: payday advance
Pingback: web hosting
Pingback: seo guru
Pingback: martial arts etobicoke
Pingback: Auto Accident Attorney Lancaster
Pingback: car accident attorney az
Pingback: tech
Pingback: iPhone 3Gs Unlocking
Pingback: Caryl Searight
Pingback: how to become a surgeon
Pingback: Aviva Annuity
Pingback: diet pills review
Pingback: Phoenix pest control
Pingback: buy hip hop beats
Pingback: buy hip hop beats
Pingback: Stock Options
Pingback: how to stop a divorce
Pingback: counseling relationship
Pingback: reifen billig
Pingback: Digital Dictation
Pingback: nursing schools
Pingback: eliminate restless leg syndrome
Pingback: Vegas Bottle Service
Pingback: Troubled Teens
Pingback: Lederarmband Herren
Pingback: Fantasy and Science Fiction Comics
Pingback: Accident Attorney Lancaster
Pingback: new iphone
Pingback: fresh crawfish
Pingback: free amazon kindle
Pingback: Bed and Breakfast accommodation
Pingback: payback
Pingback: beauty tips for women
Pingback: tweety wallpaper
Pingback: mick moore
Pingback: kratom effects
Pingback: Subway Gift Card
Pingback: Best pre workout supplement
Pingback: lightning map
Pingback: Escort Paris
Pingback: homeschooling in illinois
Pingback: london photographer
Pingback: imprinted concrete
Pingback: "funtasticdental.com
Pingback: villa-larm
Pingback: lulea
Pingback: ferienhaus-stockholm
Pingback: free hollywood movies online
Pingback: iphone repair
Pingback: insurance quotes
Pingback: FTSE Today
Pingback: abri
Pingback: best portable generator review
Pingback: Car Gallery
Pingback: glassware wholesale
Pingback: sell my home
Pingback: seo consultant uk
Pingback: paintings-for-sale
Pingback: adult halloween costumes
Pingback: Radcliff KY Real Estate Agents
Pingback: toupee
Pingback: Car Loans
Pingback: online casino promotions
Pingback: i want to know my future
Pingback: presentkort
Pingback: Fashion TV
Pingback: Miami TV DJ
Pingback: novelty gifts
Pingback: legal insurance
Pingback: Cheap Long Distance from Canada
Pingback: valutakurser
Pingback: gravid uge for uge
Pingback: fast easy loans
Pingback: inbrottslarm
Pingback: coffee machines for sale
Pingback: Sex Dating
Pingback: new Cairo
Pingback: how to lose belly fat
Pingback: proactol plus review
Pingback: alkoholproblem
Pingback: Nail Courses
Pingback: electronics
Pingback: Breville 800jexl
Pingback: Visors
Pingback: templatesspot.com
Pingback: template monster
Pingback: Ins
Pingback: computer support warwickshire
Pingback: flight simulator 2012
Pingback: South Dakota Pheasant Hunting
Pingback: free grant money
Pingback: seo company
Pingback: Empire
Pingback: fractal animation
Pingback: waikiki beach hotels
Pingback: "assisted living facility
Pingback: "retirement homes for sale
Pingback: the ahh bra
Pingback: vigrx plus reviews
Pingback: au pair agency
Pingback: eden nannies
Pingback: yellow lettering
Pingback: AuthorizeNet Emulator
Pingback: Kanada Dil Okullari
Pingback: food arts
Pingback: carving patterns
Pingback: Northridge Homes For Sale
Pingback: www.floridahomeinsurancequotes.com
Pingback: buy wow gold paypal
Pingback: chuva
Pingback: language learning software
Pingback: approved car finance
Pingback: Barbecue a Gas
Pingback: footballers hair transplant
Pingback: Dog Toys
Pingback: Ink Refill Epson – ccs-digital
Pingback: ladies handbags
Pingback: actors headshots london
Pingback: iphone repair buffalo ny
Pingback: "virgin olive oil benefits
Pingback: "olive oil
Pingback: "with balsamic vinegar
Pingback: Microsoft Access Training
Pingback: tarot
Pingback: Android Apps
Pingback: Earn Money Easy
Pingback: "healthy you vending
Pingback: "healthy vending machines in schools
Pingback: "fresh and healthy vending
Pingback: ultrasound tech
Pingback: Clickbank Scam
Pingback: Kansas city flower delivery
Pingback: Tyrell Gering
Pingback: member of soapberry family comparison
Pingback: scalp eczema treatment
Pingback: senior care colorado
Pingback: philadelphia vending machines in schools
Pingback: find fresh healthy vending locations
Pingback: franchise business opportunities
Pingback: franchise opportunity
Pingback: methiopropamine
Pingback: buy diablo 3 cd key
Pingback: beltone true sale
Pingback: FREE SEO eBooks
Pingback: poshmoda
Pingback: caravan advertising
Pingback: casas en Miami
Pingback: US pinoy babysitter
Pingback: business broker jobs
Pingback: video games stores
Pingback: slide on camper
Pingback: Top 10 merchant accounts
Pingback: Bathroom tiles sydney
Pingback: janes
Pingback: comprar kindle amazon espana
Pingback: Adquiera boletos baratos internacionales
Pingback: transfer paper
Pingback: Leave in Conditioner
Pingback: mothers day gifts
Pingback: Dedicated Hosting
Pingback: like i said
Pingback: como quedar embarazada
Pingback: highest paying jobs
Pingback: lawyer search
Pingback: home plans
Pingback: search engine placement
Pingback: domain host
Pingback: dentist montreal
Pingback: http://selllotterypayment.com
Pingback: wow leveling guide
Pingback: golf deals
Pingback: modern warfare 3 guide
Pingback: www.cheapautoinsurancecomparisons.com
Pingback: house plans
Pingback: Day Trading
Pingback: Real Estate Marketing
Pingback: win iphone
Pingback: wholesale handbags
Pingback: pedestrian accident attorney lancaster ca
Pingback: cikma teklifi
Pingback: Bed And Breakfast in St. Albans
Pingback: joe rocket motorcycle jackets
Pingback: account forex trading
Pingback: au pair agencies
Pingback: marriage and family counseling
Pingback: franchise opportunity
Pingback: htc unlock
Pingback: Miller mig welder
Pingback: iphone 4 unlock
Pingback: Cheap Solar Panels
Pingback: private label sleep supplement
Pingback: locksmith watford
Pingback: free movies online
Pingback: tigara electronica
Pingback: folding doors london
Pingback: christian marriage counseling retreats
Pingback: sharp 3d glasses
Pingback: friv
Pingback: Alleppey resorts
Pingback: stock market
Pingback: Posilovny Praha
Pingback: divorce rights for women
Pingback: st johns ambulance first aid courses
Pingback: pilates classes
Pingback: pilates reformer training
Pingback: zero germ uv toothbrush sanitizer
Pingback: apposite wan emulators
Pingback: it solutions and services inc
Pingback: lifesize video
Pingback: wide area network
Pingback: interior design
Pingback: Boca Raton Pest Control
Pingback: onetwotrade.com
Pingback: winegavel.com
Pingback: tooth brush sanitizer
Pingback: pilates biz
Pingback: Coach Agency
Pingback: student loan database
Pingback: colleges with nursing programs
Pingback: certified nursing assistant
Pingback: Marquee hire
Pingback: Skill
Pingback: custom gifts
Pingback: nanokredit
Pingback: bankruptcy attorney in Miami
Pingback: direct vent fireplace
Pingback: paycheck
Pingback: bulk candy store
Pingback: loans site
Pingback: Cash Loans Online
Pingback: Indianapolis Pests
Pingback: coq10 benefits
Pingback: make money from home
Pingback: innovation speaker
Pingback: call centre training
Pingback: Yuvutu
Pingback: Visit Our Site
Pingback: simply sellular is not scam
Pingback: balkan pharmaceuticals
Pingback: fitness classes london
Pingback: how to win the lottery
Pingback: kapperssite
Pingback: Server
Pingback: pointe santo ground floor rental
Pingback: Scrapebox VPS Server
Pingback: www.searscard.com
Pingback: lost dogs
Pingback: Binary Options
Pingback: Storage Virtualization
Pingback: custom engagement rings
Pingback: self publish your book
Pingback: write a book in 30 days
Pingback: SEO
Pingback: "internet marketing seo
Pingback: legal marketing
Pingback: basketball training
Pingback: taylor swift concert schedule
Pingback: Rainmaker VT
Pingback: "oticon usa
Pingback: "beltone
Pingback: "digital hearing aids
Pingback: "miracle ear complaints
Pingback: Get Instant Cash for Trying Everyday Items
Pingback: how to become a porn star
Pingback: Starcraft 2
Pingback: t4 halogen bulb
Pingback: Melbourne wedding photography
Pingback: unlock iphone 3
Pingback: play free online games
Pingback: online server backup
Pingback: Dominos coupon codes
Pingback: Que es el HCG
Pingback: Pussy
Pingback: Pilot
Pingback: czekoladowe fontanny
Pingback: Scrapebox Server
Pingback: anxiety treatment without medication
Pingback: white bunk beds
Pingback: "pediatric dentist
Pingback: Consultant Referencement
Pingback: startachim
Pingback: Hebergement Web
Pingback: http://www.atlantapartydjs.com
Pingback: "app optimization
Pingback: kurt rambis contract timberwolves
Pingback: "care home
Pingback: "Nursing Home
Pingback: free online dating
Pingback: appraisal management company
Pingback: app valencia
Pingback: fat burning tips
Pingback: chaseonlinebanking
Pingback: zoster
Pingback: memadai
Pingback: strom
Pingback: increase breast
Pingback: Sauble Beach cottage rentals
Pingback: "Social Media Consultant
Pingback: "Marketing Ideas
Pingback: payday loans
Pingback: job online
Pingback: gout
Pingback: Causes of skin cancer
Pingback: online casino canada
Pingback: contact us
Pingback: party bus nj
Pingback: newborn photographer Melbourne
Pingback: Sex Therapist
Pingback: keylogger all in one
Pingback: starchim01
Pingback: speech for wedding
Pingback: viral marketing system
Pingback: Nanny Agency
Pingback: bmws ft worth
Pingback: iphone 4 unlock free
Pingback: Become A Pilates Instructor
Pingback: Storage Area Networks
Pingback: Xenith
Pingback: Yuvutu
Pingback: medical coding and billing
Pingback: lil wayne the motto
Pingback: Marketing Letter
Pingback: medical coding and billing
Pingback: natural horsemanship uk
Pingback: money payday loan
Pingback: Diamond Rings
Pingback: Denver Granite Countertops
Pingback: BBQ Side Dishes
Pingback: flyttefirma
Pingback: plastic chain
Pingback: raspberry ketone
Pingback: tires discount online
Pingback: SEO Tavares FL
Pingback: auto accident attorneys pearblossom ca