It doesn’t matter whether it’s about taking a product to the next level, putting on a concert series or starting your own business as a designer: the Business Lab at the Bern University of the Arts (HKB) supports students and employees * inside to think and act entrepreneurially.
«Business is not a bad thing. It helps you make a living from what you love to do.”
This is the message that Chris Jenny, head of the Business Lab, wants to convey to the students and employees of BUA. He appears in front of the classes of the various art disciplines, offers coaching and mentoring or is available in his pop-up office with advice and action if someone is looking for a spontaneous exchange.
Promote the entrepreneurial mindset
It is not always easy for artists to make a sustainable living from their work, says Chris Jenny. This is precisely why it is important to him to promote the entrepreneurial mindset in students at an early stage. He is aware: “Art works differently than the economy – and that’s how it has to be.” And yet: the question of how to produce something and make a living from it remains the same across all disciplines and fields of study. Because one thing is clear: “The hours invested in a project must also be financed at the end of the day.” That’s why he keeps telling the people who come to him: “If you do 80 percent of what you love to do – namely create something – and you take care of 20 percent of the business side, then you can continue to do 80 percent , what you want.”
Hands-on – tailored to the respective need
The students and employees who approach the Business Lab have very different questions: How do I get my images to be found by Google? How do I deal with foundations or sponsors? How do I invoice? Or if it goes one step further: What do you need to consider when founding a start-up or spin-off? “I take my time, listen and bring my point of view,” says Chris Jenny, who was an entrepreneur himself, co-founded the Impact Hub Bern and can draw on many other experiences in the field of entrepreneurship. A large part of his work is helping people to help themselves, he continues. He tries to do the whole thing hands-on and give quick fixes. “Some come once, others come several times,” says Chris Jenny. He’s always happy to help, but he can’t force anyone and doesn’t have the time to ask how things are going a few weeks after the appointment.
A «booster offer»
One student who has sought Chris Jenny’s advice on several occasions is Andreas Dobler. The design master’s student specializing in entrepreneurship is working on a digital mediation platform for luxury and premium watches. «My goal is on the one hand to offer smaller and independent watch brands a platform and on the other hand to provide my customers with the perfect watch – regardless of whether it is a watch from a well-known brand or a brand with less reach.» Andreas Dobler was made aware of the Business Lab by a professor and appreciates the offer very much. «Chris Jenny supports me in the further development of my business model and provides valuable contacts.» He accelerates the development process and acts like a booster for his project.
Make mistakes welcome
Chris Jenny is also happy about such fruitful collaborations: “I think it’s nice to support young people and it motivates me when I notice that they understand and absorb.” He’s also honest when he feels something isn’t working and encourages people to try new things. It is important to him: “Anyone who dares something new also makes mistakes.” That is right and important. Because if you don’t make mistakes, you’ll get stuck in your comfort zone. Chris Jenny’s message is therefore always: “Make mistakes, preferably several every day, but if possible not always the same ones.” That is the way to get ahead – whether on a personal or professional level.
Further information
You can find more about what the Business Lab has to offer and interesting links for entrepreneurs here
hkb.bfh.ch/businesslab
Source: Bern University of the Arts, September 15, 2022