The Last Lecture

Entrepreneurship is a journey.  It is not something that can be achieved overnight, but rather something that takes a great amount of time and effort to accomplish.  But as I learned more about this journey, I have come to understand that without the risk there comes no reward. 

One thing I have struggled with (and continue to struggle with) is what I would choose to start as far as a new business or idea is concerned.  The $100 Challenge was a great experience to help my understanding the importance of choosing something you love or have a passion with.  The key is to have meaning in the journey.  Meaning that runs deeper than money.  There has to be a real and great reason for wanting to be an entrepreneur.  The hope to help others’ lives become better in some way, whether it is a great service of product offered. 

Ethics is also important in entrepreneurship.  Whether it is who you choose to work with and surround yourself with, or a decision that must be made (and made with integrity).  In order to avoid sticky situations, have a set of morals and values already established at the beginning of the journey.  This can help when the tough situations arise, as the decision will be made ahead of time. 

Overall, the opportunities and rewards that come with entrepreneurship can be incredible.  The sacrifices made can be off in the long run.  It takes a special kind of person to complete a journey such as this and be successful at it. 

Week 12

Trial and error is important in life.  Whether it is in business or personal life, the way to become better and to learn is from our experiences – whether good or bad.  As I have had a chance to reflect this week on some of the trials and errors in my past, I have come to the conclusion that those instances where I feel like I failed the most are the best lessons and learning experiences I have had in my life.  Some of them where life changing…and they changed me into a better person than I was before.  I think this can be said in the business world as well.  When there is a failure or trial, it is a great opportunity to step back, assess the situation, and learn from it.  Learn what went wrong, what can be changed to make it better, and try again.  Whether it is changing something because it didn’t work, or just simply trying again...never give up.  Just learn and continue moving on.  

This week was the wrap up of the $100 challenge.  What a great assignment and learning experience for me.  I had some minor trial and errors along the way.  Overall, it was a worthwhile experience, and I learned that this is something that I can see myself doing for a while.  Even if it is just a couple of photo shoots a month.  One thing I realized as I was doing the shoots and editing the pictures…I was happy doing it.  I enjoyed taking the pictures, but the best part of all is seeing my clients’ faces as they saw their images. 

Week 11

Family business was this week’s topic.  I found it interesting to read and learn more of how this works for families.  I have often wondered how families can work together in the business world together all day, and then return how to the same people and not have a lot of contention.  But, after this week’s assignments I realized that it takes a lot of planning and defining to ensure that the contention in the future is minimum.  Family businesses can be very successful.  The term family business is enticing to some customers.  It gives the business a unique reputation.    

The $100 challenge is continuing to progress.  This week I wrapped up editing another photo shoot session.  I feel like this has been a successful project to this point. I have learned a little of the things I would do differently in the future.  Starting a business, even a small version of one as we are doing for this class is not an easy task.  It takes time and effort, especially if it is just one person doing everything.  But, even a small business like this can be rewarding.  Overall, I am excited with the results so far and look forward to the presentation portion of the challenge.