Entrepreneur Inspiration - The Michael Scott Paper Company

For those of you who don't follow the subliminal (US) Office - you should, especially if you are toying with the idea of setting up your own company. Season 5 is television genius. Certainly and not limited to its witty depiction of the harsh realities facing a start-up. http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/

Anyway, it is a coincidence that this season, Michael decides to set up his own company after a series of unfortunate events, including run-ins with his immediate superior and VP, micro-managing Charles. He does a Jerry McGuire and gets Pam, the receptionist to leave with him. They get another ex-employee and set up The Michael Scott Paper Company. Michael tries to work from home, but his condo management sends him a warning about operating an office there. He then tries to get his grandmother's investment club to invest in his business, without success. With little money, they rent a windowless store room for their office and buy an old van to do deliveries themselves. To win clients, Michael supplies his paper below cost.

And this is when Michael has at least 15 years in the paper industry!

Michael tries to recruit Oscar the accountant. Oscar lays in on him about not having a business plan, a funding request nor financials. He tells Michael that most businesses don't make a profit for two years and then it's very slim so the CEO doesn't pay himself for up to five years. He asks Michael if he can survive without pay for five years.

Although just a storyline in a TV series, Michael Scott Papaer Company has a website http://www.michaelscottpapercompany.com/.