Last summer I volunteered for a company called Youth Combine. It's a non-profit after-school exercise program from children. We basically led the kids through different fun exercise routines in attempt to get them more active. I didn't get much insight into specific details of what it took exactly to get this start-up company off the ground, but one thing I did notice from the entrepreneur who started the company was that he was extremely passionate about what he started. He was always promoting it with a smile, and always looking for ways to improve it. It was almost as if he needed the company to happen. I could tell he loved it. So I suppose you could say that my first experience with an entrepreneur taught me that if you're going to do it, live and breathe it, and give it your all.
I enrolled in ENT 3003 because it is an approved elective worth 4 credits, and I need 4 credits of electives in order to graduate. I know that isn't an outstanding reason to enroll in a course; however, already within the first week I can tell that I will get some valuable information out of this course that I can hopefully use to my advantage in the future. Looks like I got lucky!
Passion is certainly an extremely important aspect to running a business. I noticed that when working with the company that I worked at that they were extremely passionate about what they were doing. If you are not passionate about the work you are doing, then eventually customers notice and it can lead to a failure within the business. Passion runs from the top to the bottom so if the management is positive so will the workers, and the business will thrive.
ReplyDeleteI was going to say the same thing as Peter above! Having a passion for what you do makes all the difference in success or failure. I always think it's very inspiring to watch people who are passionate about what they do. Also, it's great that you're already finding the class interesting!
ReplyDeleteAs a former business owner I would like to reinforce your notions that businesses you startup (especially the first firms you develop) need to be handled with your highest energy levels. Doing things that you are passionate about ensures this will be the case. Sometimes, especially with nonprofits, the need is what excites you. Sometimes the product is what gets you going. Sometimes its the people you serve.
ReplyDeleteI was like you in that I needed four hours this summer. After narrowing it down from a few classes I am so glad I ended up here. I think a lot of people think of entrepreneurship and automatically think of private sector opportunities. It is, however, applicable to all sectors.