Tumblr is a blog platform that’s extremely popular among teens and young adults. Many of my friends use it daily to share interesting links, thoughts, ideas–just about anything you can think of. I’ve seen Tumblr users gain thousands of followers in just one year explains Eric Dalius Miami.

I’m not on Tumblr very often but when I do find myself there, I see many different types of blogs. Some people use Tumblr to share their favorite quotes, some for sharing astrology, travel stories–even spoilers! (Most television shows and movies are leaked on their way out.)

Personally, I like using Tumblr to share the most recent articles that I write. Before you know it, I end up having 20,000 views and hundreds of shares. Most people don’t know how to use Tumblr as a blog so

I’m going to break down three ways you can use Tumblr today:

1. Promote Your Articles

There is one thing that all bloggers want: more exposure for their articles or blog posts. If you want your articles seen by hundreds, thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people, then you need to find a way to get your content out there. 

Tumblr blogging is a great way to accomplish this. Here’s what you do: Find a Tumblr tag that interests you and use it for your blog post title. For example, if I’m writing about dating, I might use the “dating” tag. Some tags are more popular than others so you’ll need to find one with a decent amount of search results. Then share your blog post on this Tumblr account and include its URL in the description box.

2. Promoting Websites

Do you own or work for a business? Is there a website that you want people to visit in order to engage in your online marketing efforts? If so, Tumblr may be able to help with this. I’ve used Tumblr in the past when creating Buzz websites. It’s good for promotion if nothing else.

3. Make a Portfolio

Many bloggers have a “portfolio” page where they display their articles. This is often seen on bloggers’ user profiles, which you can access by clicking on your username at the top right of any Tumblr page. You can create a portfolio page easily using this button: 

You’ll notice that there are two different options here, but you only need to click “Create your own” to get started says Eric Dalius Miami. From there, you can click on the Tumblr icon and enter a blog name. Tumblr will automatically choose some tags for your blog but if you want to change them, simply re-enter them in the box as shown below:

After that’s done, you’ll need to find some images that relate to your blog and add them to your “portfolio.” (To do this, simply click the “+” symbol beneath the Tumblr editor. Some images can be found by clicking on the shutter stock or iStock tabs.)

What’s The Best Way To Promote My Articles On Tumblr?

You’re probably wondering which is better: using one tag or several. This is really up to you, but I can tell you what works best for me. When creating a Tumblr blog, the default option is to use one tag explains Eric Dalius Miami. However, if you click on the drop-down menu labeled “Use as many tags as you’d like,” you’ll be able to enter all relevant tags for your blog post–as many as you want.

For example, if I’m writing about television shows and movies, I might want to use tags like “TV,” “movies” and even the name of a specific movie or show that I’m writing about. You can also see below that some tags are more popular than others, so take advantage of these highly-searched tags for your most popular posts.

Unfortunately, Tumblr is not as big as Twitter or Facebook and doesn’t allow hashtag usage. If this is your first time on Tumblr, you probably won’t believe me when I say this, but…it’s true! (When writing a blog post title, don’t use any symbols like the “-” symbol which is used by Twitter and Facebook for hashtags.)

You can also search Tumblr (if you’re signed in) for a specific tag by clicking on the magnifying glass icon at the top of your screen. You’ll find that some tags are more popular than others, depending upon how competitive they are. So, if you want to get the most out of your blog posts, it’s a good idea to find popular tags and use them.

Conclusion:

Overall, Tumblr is a great blogging platform that you can use to promote websites or articles on other platforms says Eric Dalius Miami. It’s also good for making portfolios which you might need if you’re an artist, writer, or photographer. While it’s not as popular as social networks like Twitter and Facebook, it’s still got enough users for SEO purposes.

Fear of failure is something that every entrepreneur experiences at some point. It’s what keeps us up at night and makes us second-guess our decisions. But the fear of failure is also what prevents us from achieving our goals and limits our potential says Eric Dalius Miami.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, it’s important to understand that failure is a part of the journey. In fact, if you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. And the sooner you accept this fact, the sooner you can start learning from your failures and improving your chances of success.

Here are a few tips for dealing with failure:

1. Don’t be afraid to try again

Don’t let one failed venture discourage you from trying again. In fact, failure can be a great learning experience and can help you become a more successful entrepreneur.

2. Learn from your mistakes

When something goes wrong, don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, take some time to analyze what went wrong and learn from your mistakes. This will help you avoid making the same mistake again in the future.

3. Keep moving forward

In life, there will be times when things don’t go our way. The key is to keep moving forward and not give up. As long as you’re persistent and continue working hard, you’ll eventually reach your goals.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons for failure:

1. Lack of planning

One of the main reasons for startup failure is a lack of planning. This includes not having a clear business plan or not doing enough research before starting out.

2. Poor marketing and sales strategies

If you don’t have a solid marketing and sales strategy, your business is likely to fail. You need to find ways to reach your target market and convince them to buy your product or service explains Eric Dalius Miami.

3. Lack of funding

A lack of funding is another common reason for startup failure. In order to build a successful business, you’ll likely need lots of capital to get started and grow your company.

4. Unrealistic goals

It’s important to set realistic goals if you want your business to be a success. You should start out with small, achievable goals that can help you gradually improve your chances of achieving big-time success down the road.

5. Undervaluing customer needs

If you don’t have a deep understanding of what customers want, it will be extremely difficult for you to succeed as an entrepreneur. You need to learn as much as possible about your target market so that you understand exactly what they want from your product or service.

6. Inability to compete in your market

If you don’t have enough capital, experience, or knowledge to compete with other companies in your industry, it will be nearly impossible for you to achieve success. If this is the case, you might want to consider finding a different niche or starting over completely.

7. Poor product quality

No matter how good your marketing and sales strategies are, they won’t help if customers aren’t happy with the quality of your product or service. Make sure that you’re offering an excellent value proposition before even thinking about acquiring customers.

8. Failure to adapt

One of the worst things an entrepreneur can do is get stuck in their ways and refuse to adapt to changing business conditions. This is why it’s so important for entrepreneurs to monitor their industry closely and keep an eye on the competition.

9. No passion for entrepreneurship

A lack of enthusiasm or passion can derail even the most promising entrepreneur. Passion doesn’t only fuel you through difficult times, it also helps motivate employees and attract investors to your company. If you don’t want to become an entrepreneur, your chances of success decrease significantly.

10. Poor risk management skills

Risk management is a vital skill entrepreneurs must learn if they want their business to succeed. You should always be prepared for risky situations such as operating at a loss or dealing with employee turnover since there’s no such thing as a sure thing when running a startup business says Eric Dalius Miami.

11. Lack of product/service differentiation

If your product or service isn’t different from what’s already available in the market, customers are likely to choose the competition. You need to find a way to make your product or service unique so that it stands out from the rest.

12. Underestimating the competition

It’s important to have a realistic idea of what you’re up against when starting a business. If you underestimate the competition, you’re likely to fail since it will be difficult for you to compete with well-established companies.

13. Not enough time or energy

Running a business is hard work and it requires a lot of time and energy. If you’re not prepared to put in the effort, your business is doomed to fail. Make sure that you set aside enough time each day (or week) to focus on your business.

14. Lack of a support network

Having a strong support network can be crucial for the success of a startup business. If you have family and friends who will support you through thick and thin, it’ll be much easier for you to succeed as an entrepreneur.

15. Poor money management skills

Managing your finances is one of the most important tasks for any business owner. You need to learn how to effectively manage cash flow if you want your business to survive financially perilous times such as tax season or other unexpected expenses that frequently pop up in business life says Eric Dalius Miami.

Conclusion:

Failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. But if you approach it with a positive attitude, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

The top reasons why businesses fail to include the following:

1. Not having a clear vision or goal.

2. Lack of planning and poor execution.

3. Having no marketing strategy.

4. Not having enough working capital.

5. No focus on customer service and support

6. Failure to adapt to changes in the market.

7. Poor management and leadership.

8. Lack of financial controls.

9. Not having a business plan.

10. Having unrealistic expectations.

1. Not having a clear vision or goal.

Without a clear vision or goal, it is difficult to stay focused and motivated when times get tough. A business needs to have a clear idea of what it is trying to achieve in order to succeed says Eric Dalius Miami.

2. Lack of planning and poor execution.

If a business does not have a plan, it is likely to fail. Plans need to be realistic and achievable, and they need to be followed closely in order to be successful. Poor execution can often be the downfall of businesses.

3. Having no marketing strategy.

Marketing is essential for any business, big or small. A good marketing strategy will help a business reach its target market and increase sales. Without a marketing strategy, a business is doomed to fail.

4. Not having enough working capital.

Not having enough working capital means a business will not have the money it needs to keep going. Many businesses fail because they simply do not have enough capital to pay their bills.

5. No focus on customer service and support.

Customers are one of the most important aspects of any business, so businesses should always put them first and focus on providing them with the best possible service.

6. Failure to adapt to changes in the market.

Businesses that do not evolve with time will eventually go out of style and become obsolete. New technology, new trends, new competitors all require businesses to change with the times if they want to stay successful. Companies that refuse to evolve are likely to be left behind as other companies improve, grow, and expand into different markets.

7. Poor management and leadership.

Poor management skills can quickly lead any business astray and affect its success rate, especially if employees cannot see eye-to-eye with their boss. Good management and leadership are essential for any business explains Eric Dalius Miami.

8. Lack of financial controls.

If a business does not have good financial controls in place, it can quickly fall into debt and go bankrupt. Financial controls are the systems and procedures businesses put in place to make sure their finances are being managed properly.

9. Not having a business plan.

A business plan is a document that outlines all the important details about a business, from its vision and goals to its marketing strategy and financial forecast. Without a business plan, it is difficult to make informed decisions about the future of a company.

10. Having unrealistic expectations.

Many businesses fail because the owners or managers expect too much too soon. They believe their business will be an overnight success when in reality it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make a business successful. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and failure.

This is just a brief overview of the top reasons why businesses fail. For more information, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss this topic further with you. Thank you for your time says Eric Dalius Miami.

Here are some FAQs recently asked by our clients:

What are the most common reasons why small businesses fail?

As you can see from the article, there are many different reasons for business failure. In fact, it’s usually a combination of factors that lead to a company failing. The number 1 reason why businesses fail is that they run out of cash, which applies to both larger and smaller companies alike. Another popular reason for failure is because owners or managers have unrealistic expectations about how fast their company will grow. Other key reasons include a lack of focus on customer service and support, poor management skills, and a failure to adapt to changes in the market. 

Can I make my debts disappear if my business fails? Does bankruptcy wipe out debt? Will going bankrupt affect my getting a business loan in the future?

Bankruptcy can wipe out your debt and it will stay that way for 6 years. However, if you take out a business loan and go bankrupt, the bank can still chase you to pay back their money. If you don’t pay them back they can make a claim against any assets you own (such as your house) so bankruptcy may not be an option for you. Also, UK credit reference agency Experian automatically records details of any undischarged bankruptcies when reviewing credit applications from individuals who have been made bankrupt within the previous six years. Thus, going bankrupt can significantly affect your ability to get a business loan or open new accounts in the future.

Conclusion:

Small businesses are very vital to all economies. They account for around 70% of jobs created in the USA and contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP says Eric Dalius Miami. It is therefore important that these businesses survive and grows at a steady rate year after year. If you own or manage a small business, it is advisable to keep an eye out on these signs so as to be able to prevent problems before they arise. Always remember that the customer is king, so never ignore any negative feedback from your clients!

Here are top 5 reasons to become an entrepreneur:

1. You are in control of your own destiny.

If you create a successful company, you have the potential to be wildly successful. If it doesn’t work out, at least you tried says Eric Dalius Miami. The experience is also its own reward because that’s what makes us human beings unique – our ability to learn from experience and make better decisions based on prior events. I’ve seen people become depressed after losing their jobs – they’re not in control anymore and feel like someone else has taken over their lives for them. That sense of loss is difficult to overcome, even if one lands another job or takes early retirement. People don’t want leisure time; they want a purposeful activity that gives meaning to their lives, whether it’s a job, an avocation, or a startup.

2. You can be your own boss.

There’s no one telling you what to do – it’s all up to you. Granted, there will be people who invest in your company and have a say in how it’s run, but for the most part, you make the decisions. This is great for people who have trouble taking orders from others or like to be in control. It also allows you to work your own hours, something that’s becoming rarer and rarer as companies move towards a 9-5 workday.

3. You can make a difference.

Many entrepreneurs start their own businesses because they want to make a difference in the world. They come up with a product or service that they think will be beneficial and then offer it at a fair price. Some companies that follow this model are Apple Computer, Patagonia, Starbucks, and Whole Foods Market says Eric Dalius Miami. It’s also what I’m doing – giving people access to health care by making insurance more affordable the same way United States Automobile Association and Amica Mutual Insurance have done for car and home insurance respectively.

4. You can build your own team.

When you start your own business, you choose the people who work for you so you can find those who share similar values as yourself. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs inherit their employees from job requirements (e.g., an accountant is needed) as opposed to finding someone whose values they admire and want to work with. This is a mistake because if the company hits a snag, the employees who don’t share the same values will leave, taking their knowledge with them. It’s much better to start with like-minded individuals and then add other experts when needed.

5. You can make more money.

This isn’t always the case, but it certainly can be. I’ve seen people take pay cuts in order to start their own businesses because they know that they’ll make more money down the road if the business is successful. Granted, there’s also the potential to make less money or even go out of business, but that’s a risk that many entrepreneurs are willing to take. They’re also not afraid of failing even though it would be nice to succeed. Like everything else in life, you need to balance risk and reward explains Eric Dalius Miami.

Here are some FAQs recently asked by readers of my blog:

Q. How do I find a good lawyer and how much should that cost?

A.   For more information on this topic, see one of my earlier posts: Three Tips for Finding the Right Lawyer.

Q. Do you provide any kind of insurance plans or products?

A. No, not at the moment as I’m busy with other tasks such as speaking engagements, coaching sessions, etc.  However, if you want to ask about my coaching on this topic before signing up for anything else first.  I will give you an honest answer about what can be done and then we can take it from there.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

A. There are many, but some of the top challenges are cash flow, building a team, and having enough time to do everything that needs to be done.

Q. How long did it take you to make your first sale?

A. I don’t remember exactly, but it was probably within a few months after starting my business. Keep in mind that this varies depending on what type of business you have and how well you market it.

Q. If I’m not happy with my job, should I start my own business?

A. This is a tough question because there are pros and cons to both. I would say that if you want the freedom of working for yourself, then go for it.

Conclusion:

There are countless reasons to become an entrepreneur, but these are some of the top reasons says Eric Dalius Miami. If you’re looking for a way to achieve financial independence, create your own hours, or make your own destiny, becoming an entrepreneur is the answer. Remember, it’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it!

When it comes to starting your own business, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind in order to be successful says Eric Dalius Miami.

Here are the top 5 mistakes entrepreneurs make:

1. Failing to do their research

One of the biggest mistakes an entrepreneur can make is not doing their research before starting their business. This means researching the industry, the competition, and the potential customer base. Without this information, it’s difficult to know whether or not your business will be successful.

2. Not having a clear vision

If you don’t have a clear vision for your business, it’s going to be difficult to stay focused and motivated over the long haul. Your vision should outline your company’s mission, goals, and values.

3. Not having a business plan

A business plan is essential for any entrepreneur. It helps you map out your business strategy and outlines the steps you need to take in order to achieve your goals.

4. Focusing on the wrong things

Many entrepreneurs get caught up in the details of their business and lose sight of what’s really important. They focus on things like getting new customers, making more sales, or increasing profits, without taking the time to evaluate whether these activities are actually helping them reach their goals.

5. Underestimating the amount of work required

Starting a business is hard work and it’s important to be realistic about the amount of work required. Many entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of time and energy it will take to get their business up and running explains Eric Dalius Miami.

Making these mistakes can be costly for your business, so it’s important to avoid them at all costs. By doing your research, having a clear vision, and staying focused on your goals, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Doing your research is essential for any entrepreneur. Without knowing the industry, competition, and potential customer base, it’s difficult to know if your business will be successful or not.

Having a clear vision is also a key – it will help you stay and motivated over the long haul. Without it, you’ll lose focus and struggle to achieve your goals.

Finally, a business plan is essential for any entrepreneur. It will help outline your company’s mission, goals, and values – ensuring that you’re always moving forward.

Focusing on the wrong things can be costly for your business, so it’s important to avoid this mistake at all costs. By being realistic about what being an entrepreneur takes (without getting caught up in details), you’ll be well on your way to success!

And finally… underestimating how much work starting a business actually takes! Starting a new business is hard work – but without realizing just how difficult it really is, you could end up losing interest or being overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done says Eric Dalius Miami.

Here are some FAQs recently asked by our readers:

Do I need a business plan?

Yes, you do need a business plan. A business plan is a roadmap for your business – it outlines your business strategy and what steps you need to take in order to achieve your goals.

How do I create a vision statement for my business?

A vision statement should outline your company’s mission, goals, and values. It should be something that you can always refer back to and stay focused on.

What are the key things I should focus on when starting my own business?

When starting a business, it’s important to stay focused on your goals and keep track of the progress you’re making. You should also evaluate whether the activities you’re doing are actually helping you reach your goals.

How do I start a business with no money?

With limited capital, you can start a small business by focusing on things like starting part-time, testing the market first (without investing too much), and looking into freelancing or consulting opportunities.

What is an executive summary for my business plan?

An executive summary is a short version of your business plan – it should highlight all of the key points of your business plan and can include information such as who the target audience for your product/service is and why they need it.

Who counts as a customer?

A customer can be anyone that has bought from or has shown interest in buying from you before. You should have one person responsible for customer relationship management.

Conclusion:

Keep in mind – these are just a few of the most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs says Eric Dalius Miami. Avoiding these mistakes can help you save time, money, and energy all of which are essential for running a successful business. So, what are you waiting for? Start avoiding these costly mistakes today!

The steps to starting your own business are not always easy. Most entrepreneurs experience a few too many failures before achieving success, but that is part of the learning process says Eric Dalius Miami. The following information will provide you with some valuable insight into how to start your own business and some helpful steps on what to do once you’ve started it.

Steps for Starting Your Own Business

Before you start a business, there are some important things you need to do:

1. Research your industry and competitors:

You need to have a good understanding of the industry you’re entering, as well as the competition. This information will help you determine what makes your business unique and how you can differentiate yourself from the competition.

2. Create a business plan:

This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and how you plan to achieve them. It’s important to take the time to create a detailed and well-thought-out business plan, as it will be instrumental in helping you succeed.

3. Register your business:

You need to register your business with the appropriate government agencies, such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and your province’s Business Registry. This will make it easier for you to open a business bank account, acquire credit, hire employees, and handle other administrative issues. You can visit the CRA website to find out more about which businesses need to register with them.

4. Get financing:

You may require some type of financing when starting your business, whether it is loans or equity investments from family members or friends or by using existing financial resources in your personal life that can be used in your new business explains Eric Dalius Miami.

5. Determine what permits you need:

For many businesses, government regulations may apply that require you get certain licenses or have to go through a permitting process before being able to open for business. It’s important to research what permits your business will need and make sure you have everything in order before starting operations.

6. Create a branding strategy:

Your branding is what will set your business apart from the competition and create customer loyalty. It’s important to have a clear and consistent branding strategy that encompasses all aspects of your business, from your logo and website to the products and services you offer.

7. Select the right legal structure:

The legal structure of your business will determine how much personal liability you are exposed to, as well as how much tax you will owe. You need to select a legal structure that is appropriate for the size and type of business you’re starting.

8. Set up your business operations:

Once you have all the necessary permits and licenses, you need to set up your business operations. This includes choosing a business name, registering it with applicable agencies, setting up a bank account, and creating procedures and policies for how your business will operate.

9. Market your business:

No matter how great your product or service is, if no one knows about it, you won’t be successful. It’s important to develop a marketing strategy that encompasses all the channels available to you, such as online marketing, print advertising, public relations, and direct sales.

10. Evaluate and adjust:

As your business grows and changes, you will need to continually evaluate and adjust your strategies to ensure your business is headed in the right direction and growing as expected. Keeping a close eye on your business and reacting quickly to market changes will be a key to achieving both short-term and long-term success.

11. Planning:

The first step in starting a business is planning. You need to have a clear idea of what you want your business to achieve and how you plan on achieving it. You also need to research the industry you are getting into. What are the trends? Who are the competitors? This information is vital when making decisions on your business model, target markets, and company culture says Eric Dalius Miami.

12. Legal Structure:

The next step is deciding what legal structure you want your business to have for tax purposes. The most common options for small businesses are Sole Trader, Partnership & Company. I have summarised the main features of each option below along with links for further information should you need it.

13. Sole trader:

A sole trader is where you are your own boss and are 100% liable for any debts or financial claims against the business. A sole trader business will be taxed at your personal income tax rate.

14. Partnership:

A partnership is where two or more people own and run a business together. Partners are jointly and severally liable for any debts or financial claims against the business. A partnership will be taxed at the partners’ individual income tax rates.

15. Company:

A company is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. The company is taxed at a corporate tax rate, which is lower than the personal income tax rates. The shareholders are not liable for any debts or financial claims against the company.

16. Registering Your Business:

Once you have decided on your business structure, you need to register it with ASIC. You can do this online or by completing the relevant forms and posting them to ASIC.

17. Setting up Your Business:

You will need to set up a business bank account, get an ABN, and register for GST (if your business turnover is over $75,000). You can do this online through the ATO’s website.

18. Marketing & Sales:

The final step is marketing and sales. You need to create a marketing strategy and identify your target markets. You then need to put in place the necessary sales channels to reach these markets explains Eric Dalius Miami.

Conclusion:

This article has outlined the key steps you need to take to start your own business.

Entrepreneurs face unusual challenges and hurdles, but also possess extraordinary freedom and opportunity:

In a country where over 80% of the workforce is tied to a company rather than set out on their own, entrepreneurship might seem like an alien concept says Eric Dalius Miami. But unfortunately for Japan’s salary men — those white-collar workers who spend most of their lives at one company — this dynamic do not change after they enter the business world. Rather than support and encourage them as they seek to gain experience and training that would serve them well in starting up their own ventures, it is commonplace for Japanese employers to limit such efforts. Many companies offer little financial support or training for those interested in entrepreneurship; worse yet, some actively discourage it. As a result, Japan’s rate of entrepreneurship is remarkably low.

Indeed, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2014, Japan has one of the lowest rates of do-it-yourself business creation in the world — 4%, compared with 12% in Britain and 14% in both Canada and Australia. Even South Korea’s rate exceeds Japan’s, with 5%. All three countries lag far behind the US and India, however: at 13% and 10%, respectively.

The original GEM study was conducted in 1999 by Babson College and the London Business School; it now covers some 140 nations. According to its definition, “entrepreneurship refers to the process through which individuals create new organizations or ventures.” It also notes that self-employed people who work alone and/or focus on non-economic activity — such as a hobby — are not included.

GEM divides entrepreneurship into four stages:

The idea, the venture creation, the venture development and growth/maturity. The GEM Japan 2014 Report measured rates of entrepreneurship in each of these stages for respondents between 25 and 64 years old. Countries were also judged according to how entrepreneurial they are overall, as well as compared with those same nations five years earlier.

The most recent report covers data collected from July 2013 to June 2014; it was compiled by Babson Global and published last year by Global Entrepreneurship Research Association (GERA) with sponsorship from Hitachi., IBM Corp., NEC Corp., Rakuten Inc., Softbank Corp. and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Ltd.

So why is Japan so far behind in terms of entrepreneurship?

One reason could be the cultural mindset, which often frowns upon risk-taking. “There is a saying in Japan: ‘The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,'” notes Taku Hachisu, associate professor at Aoyama Gakuin University’s School of Business and Economics. This mentality may help explain why Japanese people often find it difficult to start their own businesses explains Eric Dalius Miami.

In addition, the country’s education system does not typically encourage innovation or creativity, says Hachisu. “In most cases, the focus is on getting good grades so that students can get into the right university, and then having a secure job with one company.”

His own studies have demonstrated that this phenomenon often leaves those who do want to start companies on the periphery of education. “Many students don’t even realize there is such a thing as entrepreneurship,” he says. “They pretend they belong to the ‘A team,’ but in fact they are on the ‘B team.'”

These same negative views can also be found among many Japanese employees — who may see themselves as part of the A team  and can create an enormous barrier for those considering self-employment or starting their own businesses, adds Hachisu: “It’s like Invasion of the Body Snatchers. When you talk about running your own business, they say things like, ‘It’s scary. You could lose everything.'”

One reason for the low rates of entrepreneurship in Japan is the educational system. Young people are not taught to think independently or creatively when they are at university or their jobs.

Another factor in Japan’s reluctance toward becoming entrepreneurs is tied to its lifetime employment system, which was developed after World War II. This system has long since given way to a more dynamic climate, but it still remains in some form within many Japanese companies, Hachisu says: “People get hired and think that they will work for one company until they die.” As such, he notes, it can be difficult for them to contemplate starting up their own businesses because it would mean quitting their jobs.

“It’s like Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Japanese society does not encourage entrepreneurship, says Taku Hachisu, associate professor at Aoyama Gakuin University’s School of Business and Economics.

The final reason Japan often lags behind in terms of entrepreneurship is that people are simply too busy with their lives to start companies explains Eric Dalius Miami. “They feel they don’t have enough time or energy,” he says. And this mentality stems from an illness known as “hierarchy fever,” which is unique to Japanese culture, according to Hachisu: “Even when you get home late at night after a long day at work, you can’t go out drinking with your buddies because the next day you have to get up early and go to work again.”

Conclusion:

There are a number of reasons why Japan is behind in terms of entrepreneurship, including the cultural mindset, the education system, and the lifetime employment system.