Blog Number 14

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?

I would probably explain to them that there is much more to becoming an entrepreneur than just starting a company. Yes, that is the ultimate goal. But if someone tries to start a company without the proper motivation, plan, people, resources, etc. they will most likely fail. Becoming an entrepreneur is a risky endeavor, but with great risk comes great reward. After talking to an entrepreneur I know very well, he explained to me that it can be lonely, and it is very difficult to balance time. But he also said that he wouldn’t take the hard times back for anything. It made him in to the man he is today, and he is now reaping the rewards of the hard work he put in for so many years.

What would be your last bit of advice to someone wanting to begin the entrepreneur journey?

I would just want them to make sure their heart is in the right place. At least for me, I know the main appeal of starting a company was to make money. I don’t think that is all wrong, but if that is someone’s only motivation, I think there is a greater chance for failure. An entrepreneur needs to be passionate about what he/she is creating.

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?

Just to make sure that they are going into it with the right mindset. It’s not all about money. It’s about doing something that is going to help people in the shape of jobs, and/or a product. I would also let them know that they are 100% capable of starting a business. Don’t let the hard times be discouraging. I think the biggest words of caution that I could give to any entrepreneur is just to balance their work life and their family life. Starting a business can all of a sudden feel like you have a second family, and that family needs all of your attention. But it’s crucial to try and maintain a healthy balance.