Intro to Entrepreneurship Journal

This week was all about having good values, and how that correlates with having a successful business.  In President Hinckley's talk, we read: " We believe in being true. How very important it is to be true to ourselves. Each of us has a thing we call conscience. We know the difference between right and wrong." This was a good reminder that if we want to have a successful business we need to be honest in our dealings, and true in the way we present ourselves.  In the article by Stephen R. Covey, we learn about 7 important habits that we should develop: 1) Be proactive 2) Begin with the end in mind 3) Put first things  first 4) Think win/win 5) Seek first to understand...and then be understood 6)  Synergize 7) Sharpen the saw Habit #6 resonated with me the most because it is so essential in my mind to think about the big picture rather than just the small parts. Thinking about how each individual action makes up the whole is a way of thinking that can...

This week we did an assignment where we had to think about a dream or a goal that we wanted to accomplish, and think about the risks involved. We were asked to write down 4 fears that we have about taking that particular risk and going for that goal. Then we were asked to answer the following questions: If you pursue your calling with discipline, intentionality, and the help of fellow travelers, what are the chances that your worst case scenario will really happen? -The chances are  pretty slim. I think that some areas could possibly happen, but the support and love of my family will always be there!  As you look at your list of fears, what themes emerge? What is at the core of what you really fear? Financial ruin? The judgment or disapproval of others? Physical harm? Endangering the ones you love? Embarrassment? -I don't want to be a  disappointment  or a failure. This is something that stresses me out constantly! I ...

The readings and videos were very interesting this week, and I enjoyed them quite a bit. However, my favorite video was the "The Formula and Happiness." I learned quite a lot from that video! I liked the formula that J. Paul Getty shared: Step 1: Get up early (Because your competitor is probably already awake!) Step 2: Work hard (Be a balanced work-a-holic) Step 3: Find oil (Discover your product or idea) I like that the host, Jim Ritchie, says that you can conquer the world by following those 3 steps! I also really liked what Frank Levinson presented in his second video, "Top 10 Must Have for a Start-up." I found his guidelines very informational and instructive. I think that they are very important for us to remember in this time where everyone seems to be starting their own businesses, especially direct-sales businesses. He guidelines are: 1) Spending everything on a good team and equipment 2) Letting people know the company is in business 3) Raising...

This week I really enjoyed learning about stars and steppingstones. I found it really helpful to map out my own guide and think about what I really want. I also liked having to think about three jobs that I can do to help get me to my ultimate goal (or star). That made me really think about what I should be doing in order to gain the necessary experience needed to achieve my ultimate goal of publishing a novel. I liked the idea of having ethical guardrails as well. That was something that I hadn't thought about in the past while developing a career plan. I think that they are extremely important though, and I am glad we talked about them Weekly Questions: 1) I think that Randy Pausch was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams because he didn't allow walls to stop him. He had determination and wanted to achieve these dreams enough that he didn't let the "brick walls" get in his way. 2) I absolutely think that dreaming is important. I think that Rand...

This is where I will be jotting down thoughts and important moments while taking Intro to Entrepreneurship! In the reading, author Jeff Sandefer said, " His folder, a journal of sorts, reminded me of how important it is for entrepreneurs to keep track of the lessons we learn and the questions we’re still struggling with. Being able to see your progress, reflect on it, and, when necessary, synthesize key lessons into a new insight are critical traits for entrepreneurial success." I hope to come to recognize the importance of journaling!