Should You Start a Business Based on Your Passion?.

The issue of choosing a major and selecting a university always involves many concerns. For various reasons, some students are unable to pursue the major or field they are passionate about. There are also cases where students follow their passion but are unable to achieve development. So, should one start a business based on passion or not? PhD Nguyen Van Tan – Dean of FAIE and Member of the Coordinating Council of the Dong Nai Province Innovative Startup Ecosystem – shared his perspectives with Dong Nai Television on this issue.

What Is True Passion?

There are two components that form passion: what you are good at, and whether you enjoy or frequently engage in a particular activity. From there, we use that passion to realize the value of our lives. Once the core meaning of passion is identified, we develop it based on whether society needs what we are doing. If society does not yet need it or does not need it at all, then pursuing that passion will not create value. However, for activities that society does need, from a startup perspective, we must determine whether that product component delivers substantial benefits.

Should Young People Start a Business Based on Their Passion at a Young Age?

Passion associated with entrepreneurship is not determined by age. Young people who begin with passion can continue learning, refining their business models, and developing business plans. From there, they may achieve success in entrepreneurship. Young people are adept at using digital technology, smart technology, and AI tools; therefore, starting a business at a young age is highly suitable in the current context.

Entrepreneurship requires continuous learning, which can take place through formal education (especially lean startup and smart startup approaches) as well as through practical experiences such as sales activities and learning how to persuade customers (digital marketing). We must learn how to adapt as quickly as possible to the market and acquire knowledge in finance, marketing, sales, and technology in order to build the necessary components for sustainable entrepreneurship.

What Should You Do If Your Passion Is Not Supported by Your Family?

An entrepreneur must first prove their capability to relatives and friends before proving it to society. Convincing family members and friends begins with initial achievements through courses, presentations, competitions, and similar activities. Young people must study to acquire communication and negotiation techniques, seek mentors to help connect them with the entire ecosystem for entrepreneurship, or participate in talks, training courses, professional associations, and industry groups to assess whether customer income can ensure sustainability.

The saying “Follow your passion, and success will follow you” has become a classic quote that inspires and motivates many young people on their entrepreneurial journey. However, passion is only a seed; for that seed to grow requires a long process. No success comes easily. Only determination and tireless effort can bring results. Each young person should equip themselves with substantial preparation in order to contribute value to society.