My Entrepreneurial Journey

  Our week's readings and videos were focused on finding the right entrepreneurial opportunity. This picture is of Stan Christensen, a professor at Stanford University. His comments reached me the most. There were five things that I wrote down from his presentation video, "Avoiding the Wrong Job": avoid doing what others think you should do craft your own story pick something you will enjoy, pain outweighs gain being a generalist is ok! (specialization can become irrelevant) take advantage of opportunities Each of these makes a lot of sense to me. The first is something I struggle with because I tend to be a pleaser. Combine that with the fact that I struggle with decision-making, and I am stuck! Crafting my own story is important because I have a responsibility to have a story that is my own. I can't depend on life to hand it to me - it will take effort and energy to create a story that is all mine. "Pain outweighs gain" means that we shouldn't allow ou...

In Charles Handy's article, "What's a Business For?", he describes the American business market at the turn of this century. There were stories of accounting scandals that rocked the professional world here. Handy explains why virtue and integrity are so vital to any economy. When employees, managers, CEOs begin to work only for themselves and not for the betterment of the whole company, progress is hindered. Companies have to make up for losses and, at the time, many had fudged the books to make the shareholders believe there was success where there was none. You then have a company full of people who don't trust each other, shareholders who don't trust the company and the public who doesn't trust any of them. Thus, the American ideal of capitalism takes a big hit. Handy cites a Gallup poll that found 90% of American's did not trust CEOs to care for their employees. The economy as a whole takes a hit when the populous doesn't trust the market with...

  President Monson shares his council in "Formula for Success" in his First Presidency message from March of 1996.  He explains that, as the chosen generation, we have a responsibility "to  be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well." I think of the saying, where much is given, much is expected.   I remember discussing this with friends many years ago. Our children were still young while theirs were starting to leave the home. My friend was discussing some disappointment in one of their kids who was making poor choices. She explained that his leg up in life (his understanding of the gospel, the opportunity for higher education, and his parents as a safety net) should have allowed him to be further ahead rather than falling behind. I think what President Monson is saying is similar. I have the knowledge of the gospel, a testimony of truth, a chance at higher education, and the support of a strong family. All of these things are bles...

  The Challenge to Become" is a talk given by Elder Oaks at the October 2000 General Conference. This title is apropos for my blog post today.  I have a dream of building a business that I can run out of my home with the help of my family. This business will contribute financially to our future, give work to my children, perhaps, as well as others looking for a good job, and allow me to pursue a challenging and rewarding path different than what I have been doing as a Mother. The idea has been rolling around in my head for so long. I have considered it from many sides. I can picture it in my mind. So why haven't I started? Why haven't I taken that first step?  The challenge lies in my lack of confidence. Going back to school to earn my degree and taking classes focused on entrepreneurship is a good start but they aren't a magic solution. I have to first believe that I can and then take action. Taylor Richards, in his "Think Big" presentation at BYUI from Marc...

  This week's study focused on becoming a disciple leader. Elder Bednar gave a talk in a BYU-Idaho devotional,  Brigham Young University –Idaho:  A Disciple Preparation Center (DPC). His message reiterated the blessings that come from being able to attend a school where faith is paramount and students are being prepared for a Christ-centered life. He defines a disciple as "one who follows or attends upon another for the express purpose of learning." We are each in the process of becoming closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and understanding how we can best live a deliberate, righteous life. Gaining a formal education at this particular school is a great blessing to my life. I am able to combine academics, professional studies, and my faith in every class. I know that I will not only be better prepared for my chosen career, but my career will be an avenue of service as well. The Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence has provided many of the lessons in this curric...