I have always wanted to have a one-word title; here it is. I spoke yesterday on entrepreneurship to DeVry University in Dayton. The class was small, and I think I nearly gave one woman a conniption when I began to throw my energy into the classroom, but I had fun. No slides, just extemporaneous yak.
I helped one woman better brand her cake business; when she gave me its name, it sounded like kaka…so, I suggested something else, and she agreed. Another woman had a dream to be in the shoe business; I cringed and plowed ahead with these thoughts:
>>Research and understand your potential customer
>>Look at what’s trending in shoes today and how your product can be different (she wanted to be unique with shoes)
>>Conduct market analysis about the type of attire worn in the market (Dayton is a casual city)
>>Look at what people are buying that is different — textiles, artisan, African art and fair trade products
>>With all that on-the-spot thinking, I suggested she go into the flip flop business with all the matching accessories.
Here’s a bit of a debrief about my thoughts on being in business for yourself.
I LOVE the word Entrepreneurship: just wish it wasn’t so dang hard to say:)
There are so many titles we can use: business owner, self-employed, proprietor, independent business owner/consultant/professional yadayada, but I think Entrepreneur says it best. One dictionary definition is “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise…usually with considerable initiative and risk.” Sounds ’bout right to me.
I’ve been an Entrepreneur all my professional life. After graduating from university, I was an athletic coach. I parlayed those skills to coaching Business owners 28 years ago. No security. No pension. No gold watch. Totally a master of my destiny. And despite all the ups and downs, I, like you Jayme, wouldn’t have it any other way. Congrats on your presentation: I’m sure you wow’d ’em. Cheers! Kaarina
When we catch a breath, there’s something so very satisfying about working for yourself. Thanks!
G’Day Jayme,
Never claimed to be an entrepreneur: mainly because lots if the people who claimed the title seemed to be, well…….just a little less than ……er, um, businesslike. But if you and Kaarina are entrepreneurs, I guess I’m in good company. Thanks for the clarification. I’ll have more fun now.
Regards
Leon
Yes, Kaarina and I claim to be entrepreneurs or whatever moniker you’d like to put upon us. You’re indeed in good company. Now that you’ve seen me up close and personal, when do we get to see you, Mistah? Always a pleasure, and I can’t wait to visit Aussieland to “have fun.”
Hey, Leon?! Where is the reply I gave you? My dashboard ate it, apparently. Darn it all to heck and back. So, it was something somewhat smart like this…
Yes, Kaarina and I are entrepreneurs because we said so. You are, too, because I said so. That said, when do we get to see your videos, eh?
Love the topic, love you and love the video. Great idea to summarize in video.
Pooh on that client…duh. Of course, you’re an entrepreneur – you have the guts, skills and drive to go out and carve out your own schtick! That, IMO, is part of what defines the entrepreneurial spirit. Oh, and I think I was born one…it’s in the genes, baby.
I already told you how great this comment is on Twitter. It’s great, you’re great, I’m great. Great.
I already told you how great this comment is on Twitter. It’s great, you’re great, I’m great. Great.
With your great ability to think on your feet, on the spot, you’re an entrepreneur and if you’re not you should be cause you are great.
Wow, what a lovely compliment! Thank you so much, Shery!!! Very much appreciate that! Am giving you a full on smile, Lady!
“I nearly gave one woman a conniption when I began to throw my energy into the classroom.”
That made me LOL!
Congrats on the milestone, it is quite different when you work for yourself. You’re self-employed AND you still work with others, in a way it’s like having two bosses, yourself and your clients. I’ve got a new client who just went out on their own and they business owners are seeing things a whole other way, both the rewards and challenges of being entrepreneurs. And FWIW I would give it up.. but only for the ‘right’ opportunity. Or winning lottery ticket, whichever comes first. 😉
How did I miss you, Ms. Brewer? So sorry! You must’ve snuck in during the TG festivities, and I hope yours were good? Lottery? I’m always impressed with anyone who plays; me? Don’t even know how — not sure if that’s lame or not? Thanks for stopping in, and I need to make rounds as took a bit of a breather myself.
So good to see your beautiful face on video!!! I would have loved to see your class. I’m sure it was awesome. Thanks for sharing some tidbits here. I’m a big fan of entrepreneurship. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s fantastic thing for those who are willing to take the leap. It’s too bad that darn phone interrupted your offer for people to hit you up for advice!
That phone was a life saver! Not sure how I would’ve stopped blathering. I think this was my first video where I was myself and trying to be somewhat serious. Kinda odd, but feeling better about trying to make this thing work more comfortably. Thanks for watching!!