Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Intro to Entrepreneurship Week 14-Last Lecture

If you had one final lecture to share with a group of students on what you have learned from this course, what would you share? 
This course has been a wonderful exploration of the frequent tears, ever present fears, blissful joys, realistic risks, marvelous opportunities, and enormous successes. My mental state varied from week to week and assignment to assignment. Sometimes I felt inspired and other times I felt overwhelmed. I am seeing that other people have “made it” and I wonder if I have what it takes to do the same. I think the video that struck me the most is the one this week of Tom Monaghan who is the founder of Dominos. He was so inspirational because he recognized how prideful he was and he actually did something about it. I loved the phrase “a millionaire’s vow of poverty” and he even acknowledges that he still has a little pride. I thought that was quite funny. I want to be described as Michael Timmis described Tom Monaghan. It is not that he is “trying to give his way into heaven. Tom wants to go to heaven and bring as many people with him by using his money to build the Kingdom.” I think that is a great use for wealth beyond our needs.

What would be your last bit of advice to someone wanting to begin the entrepreneur journey?
My advice is something I should do myself. Just do it. I am afraid of success and of failure. I have paralyzed myself into doing nothing. Do not let this happen to you too. I know that you do not have to have a perfect product or service to get started. Just get out there in front of people and they will actually help you know how best to improve your business.

What words of advice, direction, or caution would you give him or her if you had only one chance to give your own last lecture?

Take chances in your life. Most of the time the regrets in life are of opportunities forsaken rather than ventures conquered. I do not think you get anywhere in life by playing things safe. I think I have always been afraid to take chances. Going back to school was a huge unknown but it is something I will never regret. Take a chance and do not quit. You never know how close success is unless you keep going. I was told a story last night about a young woman that was attempting to swim a channel. It was foggy and within a half mile of the other side, she asked to be pulled in the boat. It was not fatigue or distance that did her in it was the fog. She could not see her goal anymore and if she had continued just a little ways, she would have been successful. Do not let the fog of life overcome you. Be strong and brave and take that chance as far as it will let you. 

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