The New American Dream
Let’s Shark-Tank alternative energy innovation
If you haven’t seen it, ABC has an hour-long weekly show that grants entrepreneurs an audience with a panel of very successful investors, including billionaire Mark Cuban, among others. These so-called sharks hear pitches from average Americans seeking investment for their business ventures.
Sometimes it’s just an idea that needs money to get off the ground, but many times it’s an existing small business that could use an injection of capital to hit the next level of growth and success. But it’s not only capital these pitchers seek. The sharks bring their own personal wealth, connections and networks to the table as well. It’s this unique combination of ready cash, well-connected and experienced investors, and a huge prime-time television audience that makes for such a compelling opportunity for any hopeful entrepreneur. ABC has essentially created the ultimate turbo-charged launch pad for any nascent business.
The American Dream varies in definition over time, and depending on whom you ask. But since the economy initially tanked, and we’ve grown more accustomed to the new reality of the American job market, now The Dream is all about self-sufficiency. Gone are the days when The Dream might include a corporate job that pays fairly well, with good benefits. Most Americans, particularly the ones who have already lived the corporate life in some form, now realize that the only way to truly have financial security of any kind is by being your own boss, controlling your own destiny.
The climb-the-ladder-to-corporate-success wool has been removed from our eyes, and we now see the reality of business for what it is — you’re only as valuable as you are in each moment. As soon as circumstances change for the business, there is no loyalty but unto the shareholders. And all those things that older generations could previously take for granted, like pensions and retirement benefits, can easily disappear at a moment’s notice. Even something so historically reliable as Social Security benefits is in doubt for the generation currently entering the workforce.
So with “be your own boss” quickly becoming the new brass ring, Shark Tank offers a very American method for trying to grab it: Instant gratification. The unspoken pitch goes like this: All you need is a good idea, and if the investors like it, prepare for a rocket ship ride to profits and financial freedom.
This has attracted a full range of entrepreneurs, including a group that Mr. Cuban is fond of calling “wantrepreneurs.” Those are the ones that really want to be entrepreneurs, but they haven’t put in the work to make it happen. These are the unfortunates who show up with a big idea, but when pressed about what they’ve done so far, and details for the business, only have excuses to offer. Regardless of how rational those reasons (or excuses) might be, the Sharks have no tolerance for perceived laziness, or lack of ambition.
Each episode features a follow-up segment on a past Shark Tank contestant, and a recent one offered the typical fare from past follow-ups. “Before Shark Tank our business made a total of $[X]. After the investment, and our episode aired, our sales have increased [massive %]. Thanks, Shark Tank!” In this case, the entrepreneur expressed a common sentiment among successful Tankers, “Shark Tank made all of my dreams come true.”
In a world where nobody trusts corporate America as far as they can throw them, and job security is a virtual oxymoron for most of the country, the idea of being able to comfortably support your family, and fully own your destiny, is one that has massive wide-scale appeal.
Considering the dearth of breakthrough American innovation in the alternative energy space, I wonder if a more Shark Tank-like approach might be called for here. If we can make a stay-at-home-Mom a successful owner of her own multi-million dollar business, why can’t we do the same for an unknown geek working in their garage on a new alternative fuel source?
Innovation has been synonymous with America since our inception, but it has felt relatively stagnant for well over a decade. Let’s make the entrepreneurs the heroes of the 21st century. Let’s re-focus our energies on those who can bring us meaningful change through innovation and ambition… as opposed to those merely concerned with profit for the sake of getting rich.
