Last Lecture

To someone wanting to begin their own entrepreneurial journey, I would recommend to firstly, learn how to spell all forms of the word entrepreneur. Looking back, I would have saved so much time by simply taking two minutes to learn how to spell this word instead of constantly searching for the assignment title, typing it (wrongly) into Google, or using my spell check option. If you’re anything like me, do yourself a favor and don’t put off studying this word until the last week of class. And if you’re nothing like me, let yourself chuckle at how people like me go through life.

Secondly, do what you want. I have found that when it comes to your career it is okay to focus exclusively on yourself. What a shame it is to meet someone who doesn’t like what they do, and come to find out that the most influential people in their lives pressured them into going to boring law school, taking strenuous dance classes, or even not ‘letting’ them invest their own money towards another possible career or business choice. I’m not saying that if you have a hobby to paint and a family of six, you should quit your job and start water coloring on famous bridges. But, if you have a dream to start an art studio-do it. If you dream of becoming an art dealer-make it happen. The way I see it, you have two options: (1) Do that ‘thing’ that you’ve been dreaming about for years or (2) end up wishing that you had. President Monson quoted John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem in the April 2014 general conference. He said, “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: "It might have been!”

Thirdly, make those around you the center of your business. Throughout my short time of actually studying business management, I have learned that people are the most important factor. People loan you money, people give advice, people become partners, people buy your product, and people get things done. No matter what sector you get into, people will influence your career and life. It is your choice whether it will be a positive or negative influence. I watched Kevin Shiley’s faculty interview on marketing. He spoke about an experience where he was in a tough spot during his internship. He needed to find a way to stick out to the employers, but continue to stay true to himself. After a while he began to create more sincere relationships with the designers (people who his competitors often looked over). From doing this, he received their best work, in turn creating a better product for him to supply. He was eventually one of few to be offered a permanent position. This story proved to me that creating relationships with those around you will give the greatest advantage in business and life.

Lastly, go for it! If your idea is as good as you say it is, then why not do it already? You have the drive, passion, and persistence. And, thanks to Google, have all of the information you need. Personally, I have found that the hard part is just getting started. It can be nerve-wrecking and you may continually be putting it off. But once you learn about the different business options, start filing your forms and committing yourself by paying the filing fees-you’ll be so excited that you can’t wait to take on all of the risks that once panicked you. Before then, I would also suggest that you read So You Think You Want to Be an Entrepreneur? by Jon Gillespie-Brown. This book teaches the pros and cons of starting your own business. I have learned many important lessons from actively engaging in the readings and activities, and I know that you will, too.  There is no age that is considered a hindrance, no financial circumstance that you can’t overcome, and no reason not to take a leap of faith to start your own entrepreneurial journey.

Sincerely,
   Paige Cooper

Week 12

I really enjoyed watching Stan Christensen’s e-corner video Avoid the Wrong Job. I found myself making some of the mistakes mentioned. I recently moved locations and needed to find a job quickly. All of the applications I filled out were requiring me to have tons of different skills and experiences that I did not have. So I concentrated on trying to find a job that would give me some skills that managers wanted-money handling experience, customer service, assistant experience, etc. I finally ended up with a job that is giving me some additional experience to put on my resume, but I don’t find it to be all that exciting and would not pursue a career in this field. It is a shame that I focused so much on what I thought other people wanted for me, that I wasn’t focusing on who would want what I already have. We finished the wonderful book So You Want to be An Entrepreneur this week! I’m a bit sad to have finished simply because I felt like I was learning something new each week. But I’m grateful for everything I have learned so far and will be putting it all to use soon (I just took the first step in starting my company, yay!).