With laser-like focus on their ventures, entrepreneurs who seek to ‘disrupt’ an entire industry often find themselves up against big players intent on preserving the status quo, even if doing so comes at the cost of stifling industrywide innovation. Sometimes maintaining the status quo means masking inertia and inefficiencies that, if left unaddressed, present scope for stagnation. For information about obsolescence risk, view the attached video.
The rise and fall of organisations, and indeed, entire industries, is an inherent part of capitalism. ‘Creative disruption’ is a process that makes the free market more dynamic, paving the way for the replacement of organisations that allow themselves to become obsolete with innovative, forward-looking companies. The embedded PDF outlines the principle of business pivoting and why it is so important for organisations to adapt to evolving markets and consumer expectations.
Market disruption is a self-correcting process that ensures that failure opens the door to success. When implemented effectively, it can transform old and tired industries into newer, more exciting and more dynamic marketplaces.
Disruptive entrepreneurs appreciate this. As keen observers of markets, processes and systems, they identify processes that no longer work, systems that need to be reappraised or scrapped completely, and areas that are ripe for innovation. Disruptive entrepreneurs strive to identify opportunities to make processes run more efficiently, bringing a fresh perspective to the market rather than doggedly adhering to prevailing practices and informal rules.
The mindset of business leaders is a critical component in corporate success. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to adopt an open mind, remaining intellectually flexible while keeping a critical eye on both their company and the wider industry.
To transform a promising idea into a thriving business, founders are required to dedicate an inordinate amount of time and attention to their venture. As a result, they run the risk of developing tunnel vision, an almost obsessive quality that narrows their frame of focus, reference and perception. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to recognise and resist the risk of slipping into this mindset, appreciating the need to not only focus on their own business but also the wider industry and evolving trends. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to retain a fresh perspective in meeting the diverse pressures involved in running a business. The embedded infographic provides information about some of the most common challenges faced by early-stage businesses today.
Entrepreneur and innovator Roman Semiokhin has always strived to innovate and improve the markets he operates in, which range from agriculture and medicine to IT. In addition, Mr Semiokhin is a committed philanthropist, pledging significant donations in the fight against COVID-19 as well as supporting recovery efforts following wildfires in Cyprus.