Scott Gerber

Entrepreneur, Internationally Syndicated Columnist, TV host, and the founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council.

 He is also an active angel investor and author of the book, Never Get a “Real” Job. Gives advice on how to build a business form the ground up.

JOSH: With the current economic situation, what do you think is the key to success for someone just out of college, or stuck at a dead-end 9 to 5 job?

SCOTT: Entrepreneurship is a viable career path for these young people. The key is for them not to set a goal of being the next Facebook, but instead, for them to work extremely hard to build a simple, practical unoriginal service-based business that can be boostrapped, grow organically and doesn’t need a lot of startup capital or infrastructure. Hyper local businesses will rebuild our economy, and create jobs and wealth, if young people can see past the facades of “fame” and the delusions of instant millions.

JOSH: In your book Never Get a “Real” Job, you give specific and direct advice on how to become a successful business owner. Do you think this kind of education is something we need more of in society?

SCOTT: Without a doubt. Entrepreneurship education is sorely needed in the K-12 and collegiate systems. The reality of the new economy is that jobs will not come back en masse. If we–as a generation–do not learn to take control of our own lives and, instead, continue to rely on the traditional “work-hard-go-to-school-get-good-grades-and-get-a-job” system, a large percentage of us will be automated and outsourced out of the job force, or underemployed into near poverty. Now more than ever, our generation must take the initiative to move past the antiquated social norms and irrelevant academia teachings of yesteryear, and prepare for a hyper-competitive world where entrepreneurially-minded people will have a competitive edge.
What are the rarely talked about benefits of never getting a “real job”?
There is no question an entrepreneur lives everyday on a roller-coaster ride, but if you are smart, and can hang on, it makes life far more interesting and exciting. Entrepreneurship is a life-style, not a nine-to-five. And most entrepreneurs don’t mind working “off-hours” because to us, it isn’t work.

JOSH: Do you think that parents/teachers should stop telling young adults they should get good grades and go to college, instead teaching them more practical things that help them make it in the real world? Do you believe this would create more successful adults?

SCOTT: I think our generation, and those that follow us, need to be given a reality check–AND FAST. Especially around topics such as personal finance, egotism and work ethic. I’m not advocating that parents tell their kids not to do well in school, but no one cares about getting straight A’s in the real world. We need to train a generation of survivors who are both book smart and street smart. Additionally, parents, mentors and educators must promote entrepreneurship as a viable career option. Traditional employment can no longer be touted as the only option for post-graduates or we will continue to be a generation of resume-producers waiting for the world to knock on our door.