Breaking the Rules: 6 Counter-Conventional Mindsets for Entrepreneurs

Sometimes, you need to break the rules to innovate. Entrepreneurship professor John Mullins shares six counter-conventional mindsets for entrepreneurs looking to think strategically, navigate challenges, and change the world.

The Counter-Conventional Mindset of Linda Weinman

Linda Weinman, the poster child for counter-conventional mindsets

In 1995, Linda Weinman, a graphic design teacher, and aspiring entrepreneur, decided to get the website linda.com. She did so because she needed a Sandbox to play in with the new graphic design tools, the digital tools that were being developed at that time. Today, Linda is the poster child for what John Mullins calls the counter-conventional mindsets of entrepreneurs.

What are Counter-Conventional Mindsets?

Counter-conventional mindsets run counter to the best practices taught in business schools

John Mullins calls them counter-conventional because they run counter to the best practices taught in business schools. These mindsets fly in the face of much of what is taught at London Business School and other business schools about strategy, marketing, risk, and more.

Mindset #1: Yes, We Can

B School strategy 101 says stick to your knitting, but entrepreneurs say yes, we can

The first mindset is "yes, we can." B School strategy 101 says stick to your knitting, figure out what you're really good at, and build on that. But entrepreneurs say yes, we can do that, and more. They don't think, "can we do that?" They think, "how can we do that?"

Mindset #2: Don't Steal, Borrow

Entrepreneurs borrow most of the assets they need, rather than stealing them

The second mindset is "don't steal, borrow." Entrepreneurs borrow most of the assets they need, rather than stealing them. They don't ask for permission, they just get on with it. This is exemplified by the story of Tristram Mayhew and Rebecca Mayhew, who built a treetop adventure business in the UK.

Conclusion

To change the world, you need to think differently. The six counter-conventional mindsets shared by John Mullins can help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and innovate. So, which of these mindsets are embodied in you today? Which ones can you learn? Can you teach them to someone who has some challenges for which these mindsets might help?