I wanted to write about small business.
About their power to transform economies.
About their power to inspire and prod big business.
About their ability to motivate and stir our imaginations.
So I started out this morning.
Frankly, I was inspired by my trip to Asia and the statistic from the Y&R Generation Asia study that 71% of young people want to start their own business.
And I will write about it – but not today.
What struck me as I started compiling my notes and ordering my thoughts was that our admiration – or fear or envy – for Asia is based as much on its size as it is on anything else.
Some 9% of the world’s surface…30% of its land mass…more importantly it holds 60% of the world’s population – now that is power – current and latent.
But the truth is – size is not really the story. It’s the people.
The optimism; the positive attitude; the let’s get it done philosophy; the long-term thinking even when through short-term action. In short – it’s the quality of the people – not their numbers.
It’s the story of Henry Kissinger asking Mao Zedong about his view of the French Revolution – “too early to tell” was the reply…
It’s the Vietnamese welcoming Americans with open arms – but not shying from talking about the tragic war; it’s about the crowds in Tiananmen Square reveling in their ability to be there but still conscious of the man against the tank; it’s about the sheer desire to improve lives and the future.
Let’s be clear – as I said last week – there is no utopia – there is still a troubling lack of freedom and personal liberty – in way too many places – no question – but the wheels are grinding – and the sheer force of the positive energy of the people will win out – I am sure – and it’s early…
So here is the thing – look at Asia for the people – person by person – don’t get lost in the huge numbers…
Listen:
| “The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of the cities, nor the crops, but the kind of man that the country turns out.” |
| Ralph Waldo Emerson |
A lesson for other parts of our world…indeed…
What do you think?
The mechanics of industry is easy. The real engine is the people : Their motivation and direction. -Ken Gilbert
I was just at the Wunderman/JWT offices in Beijing and spent some time doing on site research on retail there and I think you are spot on. The level of energy and engagment and enthusiam of everyone there–seemingly 24/7 is amazing…staggering
David, during your trip did you get a sense of how the Chinese people see the western world, and in particular The US: the numbers, or the individuals?
Last week I met a young American who was co-founder of enovate, a Shanghai-based Youth Culture consultancy. Here’s a great video from them on Chinese youth culture:
We all want to be young in China
http://vimeo.com/21426600
You may just be right about Asia’s positive potential, but in the words of Mao – it is too early to tell. There are still as much, if not more, negatives than positives. Until the wealth and quality of life gaps are closed the reemergence of Asia is far from the success it could be.
Nice video Rick!
how do they see the west? as a place to be emulated — for democrarcy and openess — as for people — walk the streets in China — people talk to you!