EO university Amsterdam 'Go home and make a change'

The inspiring birth of the virus of entrepreneurial change in Amsterdam, where approximately 600 successful young entrepreneurs from around the world created and signed the Entrepreneurs' Manifesto for Change. And they urgently call on every entrepreneur globally to join with them and adopt the spirit of the manifesto (www.manifesto-for-change.org) and endorse that with actions.

The world is changing. We can all feel it. A new understanding is fast emerging. And yet, it seems like our politicians, governments, religious leaders and other institutions haven't noticed that change ... or maybe they're simply ignoring it. But why? And if they don't do something, who then should lead the way? Who will become our new moral leaders? Who will become our new role models? Could it be entrepreneurs? Could the business community show us where to go this time?

Entrepreneurs have always had a close rapport with the man (and woman) in the street. They know what motivates us. They know why we do what we do and what we need. Why? Because we are their consumers. Their clients. Their customers. That is a fact. But entrepreneurs should also be aware of the fact that corporate social responsibility -- something they all keep talking about -- will only get us halfway there. Because, for us, it's all about social relevance. Ultimately, we expect organizations to be relevant not only for their customers and staff, or even for their suppliers and financiers, but for everyone. For the whole of society. For us all.

That may sound difficult, but it isn't. Quite the contrary. Because don't entrepreneurs just love expanding their horizons? And what can be more exciting than exploring new avenues? For true entrepreneurs, being at the forefront of change is much more interesting and profitable than ultimately being forced to do so by rules and regulations. Taking the initiative -- it's in an entrepreneur's blood -- gives so much positive energy and it motivates staff. It creates goodwill among customers. Companies being a shining example in a changing world? Who would have thought it?!

EO University participants will come from all over the globe to Amsterdam. It is they who will bring about a profound change in attitudes among the international business community. The University will end with drawing up a manifesto. Its own Amsterdam Treaty, if you will, signed by all those present. It will immediately attract a huge amount of media attention.

That innovative virus will then spread fast to all parts of the world. The first to be infected with positive energy and a desire to innovate will be the EO members who were not at the University. They, too, will realize how incredibly exciting it can be if you change course, if you take advantage of new opportunities. It is so much a part of being an entrepreneur.

These members of the global EO network will then infect their own networks. The positive energy and a desire to innovate will snowball as it travels around the world, growing into something big, inspiring politics, our governments, our institutions and, ultimately, the whole world to change their attitudes. Change, which is vital.

www.amsterdam2011.com

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