I’m Becoming More Social

by Tara Joyce | Jul 10, 2008 | My Journey | What's On My Mind

I dislike FaceBook

Being someone who works in online marketing and whose job is to stay on top of internet trends, you’d think that I would love social media and all that it has to offer. In reality, I have less of an interest in using it than the average person my age (I am the ripe old age of 26). Now that I think of it, it isn’t all social media that I snicker at, it is social networking sites. FaceBook is my prime enemy.

I love some social media

I see the value in writing a blog (both for your own personal development and that of your business), using eBay to purchase items on the cheap, storing your bookmarks on Delicious and uploading your pictures to Flickr (though I don’t have an account). My issue is socializing for socializing’s sake. Even in high school, when you are at your greatest capabilities for idle chatter, I shied away from it. Granted, I am now realizing that I am a bit of an anomaly. I am much less social, in the traditional sense, than most people. I am a classic introvert. I’d rather be in my head or speaking with one other person than participate in anything group related.

The Big Plung

But with the creation of Elastic Mind and this blog, I am wondering if there is value in me becoming more social. It isn’t my natural inclination by any means but it could be good for business. For once, I’m not going to do what I want, I’m going to do what is expected. I’ve signed myself up for Digg, StumbleUpon and updated my LinkedIn profile. I’m drawing the line at FaceBook and MySpace.

I’m going to write an overview of the major social networking sites and the value (or lack thereof) that I see in them. It should be interesting.

Are You An Innerpreneur?

by Tara Joyce | Jun 6, 2008 | Cultural Creativity, Featured, Innerpreneurship

Where the Word ‘Innerpreneur’ Came From

I didn’t make it up.

The book, Karma Queens, Geek Gods and Innerprenuers, by Ron Rentel, was the first, to my knowledge, to use and define the term innerpreneur. (Editor’s Note: I now know this to be incorrect.) The book is an exploration of the nine most interesting consumer types evolving today.

The Making of an Innerpreneur

An innerpreneur is an entrepreneur who use their business to find personal fulfillment (creatively, spiritually, emotionally) and create social change.

You may have heard the terms ‘creative class‘, ‘creative capitalism’, or ‘cultural creative‘ used to describe us as well. Basically, we want to use business to improve the world and ourselves.

We have the defining entrepreneurial traits. We have a(n):

high need for achievement
high need for independence
low need for conformity
internal locus of control
love of ambiguity
propensity for risk-taking
obsession with opportunity

But innerpreneurs are characteristically different as we start businesses to aid in our personal growth rather than that of a company’s. We start our businesses so we can find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through our work.

We are driven by our need to realize our full potential, to make a difference and to constantly learn and evolve.

Further Characteristics of an Innerpreneur

you believe you should do what you are and what you love
you see the world in a different way than most
you let your values and passion for exploration guide your life
you have an innate need to be creative and honest, to follow your own unique path
you want to make things different; you are attracted to industries that improve the world
you may alternate periods of career focus with periods of reflection and/or adventure

I’m an Innerpreneur

After reading the chapter on Innerpreneurs in Karma Queens, Geek Gods and Innerpreneurs, I quickly identified my needs and desires as one of an innerpreneur.

Just before reading the book I had just decided to start my own business. I had realized that I had to in order to have the life I desired. I want to write, to learn, to help people, and use the web to create change.

I have always been hesitant to label myself, to put myself in a box of any sort but I couldn’t help but smile and take a deep breath of relief when I read the profile. It is always nice to belong somewhere.

The Point of ‘Rise of the Innerpreneur’

This blog is dedicated to promoting innerpreneurship and helping innerpreneurs, like you and me, make their businesses a success.