Here at Holded, we are a huge fan of TED Talks—they are very insightful, packed full of value, and are delivered by some of the world’s most successful people. Entrepreneurs, politicians, child prodigies… anyone and everyone worth listening to has delivered one.
Covering all topics from politics, human nature, science, design, art, and beyond, they are extremely eye-opening and are designed to help you become a better person. Naturally, therefore, they are ideal for budding entrepreneurs who want to become better at what they do.
For the aspiring entrepreneur, TED Talks will help you challenge yourself, your assumptions, and believe in yourself. By doing this, you will empower and push yourself to be the best possible business leader you can.
There Are a Lot of TED Talks
There are thousands of TED Talks that have occurred over the years. Delivered by some of the world’s most renowned individuals, it is difficult choosing which ones to watch. Wading through the thousands of talks to find the right lecture on what you are looking for can be both intimidating and tedious, especially if you are just looking for a quiet and brief talk on a topic such as business development during your lunch break.
This is why we have compiled this brief list of important TED Talks that every entrepreneur should be watching.
3 TED Talks for Wannabe Entrepreneurs
These are three notable TED Talks that every budding entrepreneur should watch at least once.
1. Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action
This TED Talk by Simon Sinek explores the idea of leadership and why some people are better at inspiring action than others. Starting with examples from Martin Luther King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement to Apple’s leadership in the business world, Sinek examines certain patterns that seemingly predict the success rates of various leaders.
One line in the TED Talk speaks particularly strongly to entrepreneurs: “People don’t buy what you do. People buy why you do it.” For entrepreneurs attempting to become industry leaders in their own right, fundamentally understanding this principle is a necessity. Watch Sinek’s TED Talk for a more thorough exploration of this idea, with real examples.
2. Gary Vaynerchuk: Do What You Love
If you need that push and a bit of inspiration to finally break free and start chasing your passions, this TED Talk is for you.
In this talk, Vaynerchuk offers a very simple premise that is given away by the title. The method that is used here is very inspiring and well worth a watch. Entrepreneurs are often motivated by the idea of unimaginable riches or are excited by the prospect of owning their own business. To be truly successful, however, you need to love what you are doing—it is no good working in an industry just because of the earning potential.
If you don’t do what you love, you will never be satisfied, and you will absolutely never earn the amount of money you are capable of.
3. Regina Hartley: Why the Best Hire Might Not Have the Perfect Resumé
Not got the perfect resumé? Well, don’t worry about it… it’s not that important anyway, says Regina Hartley in her inspiring TED Talk.
A rampant and endless reliance on grades, schools, and other meaningless credentials is an issue preventing companies hiring the very best and suitable talent; just because somebody looks great on paper does not mean they are the best choice.
Regina Hartley’s discussion of the vagaries of resumes is important because it highlights the unwritten parts of an applicant’s fit for a job. According to Hartley, the underdog with passion, purpose and grit may end up surprising you over the applicant with a stellar resume.
TED Talks Are Amazing Value
TED is famous for its talks and range of educational (TEDEd) videos on YouTube.
We recommend that everybody wannabe entrepreneur watches a selection of TED Talks before setting off on their journey. They are a free and insightful resource that can teach you a great deal about the world of business and how things work.
As a side note, we also recommend watching guest speakers at the Oxford Union on YouTube.
