Another week, another random Top 10 list that Tulsa and OKC ends up on. What's going on with that? Apparently, our state's largest cities are the poster child paradigms for suburban, mid-market, urban sprawl utopias. (Editor's Note: I think magazine list makers have learned that people in Oklahoma are the only one's who care about magazine lists.)
Last week, Forbes ran an article ranking the best cities for young entrepreneurs. They based the rankings on access to capital, affordability, community support, and the overall business atmosphere. They published their findings complete with raw statistic figures and zero commentary or further explanation. Oh yeah, it was also in satanic slide show format. Here are the slides:
I'm not entirely sure what to make of this. Although the notion of owning your own business sounds awesome, entrepreneurs have earned a douchey rep. I blame The Social Network, Single in the City auctions or the real-life Winklevii, who seem to be on the Today show every other month talking about the newest app or website they're about to launch. Or maybe this Jack McBride So6ix character, even though I personally think his magazine is kinda cool and appreciate his affinity for designer denim (Editor's Note: I'd like to thank Chelsea for her two year run of writing for The Lost Ogle). Either way, if you're at a cocktail party and cite your profession as an "entrepreneur," know that you might as well have said "Gordon Gekko" or "NRA donor" or "Hinder fan." Despite its intrinsically unoffensive nature, labeling yourself as such is a turn-off. Trust me on this. If you're young and successful and don't have to answer to the man, spare everyone awkwardness and just say you're a "consultant" or "independent contractor" or something else as vague (Editor's Note: And equally douchey). People are rarely interested in what other people do for a living, they're just making polite conversation. Return the favor by not reminding your acquaintances that you only work when you feel like it and get to write your cars off as a business expense. It's the kosher thing to do.
Aside from the unfair villainization of entrepreneurs, I guess this whole thing is pretty cool. I know we're probably not suddenly going to get an influx of handsome suit-wearing Ivy league yuppies anytime soon, but it's a nice thought. Finding an eligible professional in Tulsa that isn't overly religious, dorky, or creepy is not an easy task. Trust me on this as well.
-
Follow Chelsea on Twitter at @xCawoodstock
