Depuis trois ans, à travers les réseaux, à travers tous les contacts que ça m’a permis d’avoir avec d’autres compagnies québécoises, j’ai fait des constats. Pas des affaires qui me sont arrivées personnellement, juste ce que j’observe.
Pis j’ai remarqué qu’il y a comme une certaine hypocrisie dans notre culture entrepreneuriale.
Le monde dit qu’il supporte les p’tites entreprises, mais c’est souvent les échecs qui pognent, pas les wins. On a tendance à exposer sur les réseaux plutôt que d’aller chercher un vrai recours. Le monde proche cherche parfois plus un rabais qu’à vraiment t’encourager. La compétition, c’est tout sourire en face, mais pas toujours pareil dans le dos. Pis dès que tu fais de l’argent, on dirait que c’est vu comme moins normal.
Juste une observation. Bâtis ta business pour les bonnes raisons, pas pour l’approbation de tout le monde. #fivethree #entrepreneur #québec
Over the past few years, I've had the chance to interact with numerous Quebec-based companies through various networks and contacts. One striking pattern I've noticed is a certain level of hypocrisy embedded within our entrepreneurial ecosystem. On the surface, everyone appears to champion small businesses, but when you look closer, support often falls short where it really counts. For instance, on social media platforms, it's common to see entrepreneurs sharing their challenges and failures, gaining sympathy and attention. However, genuine support rarely follows these posts in the form of meaningful help or patronage. It seems easier for people to spotlight struggles than to celebrate or invest in wins. This phenomenon often leaves entrepreneurs feeling exposed yet unsupported. Moreover, within close circles, the encouragement sometimes feels conditional or insincere. I've seen situations where friends and acquaintances prioritize discounts or favors over honest support. The competitive spirit, while portrayed with smiles and encouragement outwardly, can mask less friendly attitudes behind the scenes. This dichotomy can be discouraging for entrepreneurs striving to grow and succeed. Another surprising aspect is the perception of financial success. Making money in business, which ideally should be a cause for celebration, can sometimes attract envy or negative judgment. This stigma can discourage entrepreneurs from openly sharing their achievements, which is a loss for the community as a whole. Drawing from these observations, my advice is simple but important: build your business with authentic motivations rather than seeking approval or acceptance from others. The road of entrepreneurship is challenging, and relying on external validation can lead to unnecessary frustration. Focus on your passion, vision, and values to sustain your journey. Reflecting on the words from the accompanying image "Ce que j'ai appris en business" (What I learned in business), it's clear that personal experience and honest reflection are invaluable. These lessons about cultural contradictions and entrepreneurial realities are essential for anyone navigating the Quebec business landscape today. If you're an entrepreneur or aspiring to be one in Quebec or beyond, consider these insights as a reminder to stay grounded. Celebrate your wins, practice resilience amidst challenges, and seek out communities that provide genuine support rather than just lip service. Together, we can work towards fostering a more transparent and encouraging entrepreneurial culture.
