Informed Dreaming

 I've always been very interested in business and the idea of starting my own business someday is exciting. I think less about what that business will be and more of the ways I will run the management and create a generous profit sharing plan to benefit my employees and their families. I don't care about money as much as I care about making a difference in the world and in individual people's lives. My Entrepreneurship class has supported this notion even more as I've learned from great business people and professors that doing something you are passionate about and focusing on making a difference in the world will be a greater goal that would lead to success in business than focusing on making a lot of money. One thing that hadn't occurred to me until taking my class, but that makes a lot of sense, is the fact that the majority of successful entrepreneurs actually start out building their careers for many years by working for other people. The idea is to start out working for a large company where you have access to resources, high quality training, exposure to unique experiences, and amazing networking opportunities within the company you work for as well as with suppliers, competitors, and others in the industry. Next, you move to a smaller company where you can move up quicker and have more chances to lead. Finally, once you have gained all that experience, created a vast network, lead various projects and initiatives, and have created a comfortable living and wealth to fall back on, you are ready for your entrepreneurial journey! This was such wise advice that I hadn't considered before this class, but it makes total sense. Remember that business I would love to start someday but have no idea what it would be? Well, it seems the best thing for me to do is follow that path outlined above to discover what it will be! Then I will be able to use all that I have learned, the skills I've developed, and the network I've created to make my dream a reality!

Entrepreneurial Path

 I have had a lot of great ideas in my life and dreamed of how I could make them a success. One thing I hadn't considered was the need to gain real world experience in the field in which I want to pursue these great ideas. It is important to develop the skills necessary for a specific field and have experience working through projects and solving problems in this field as well. This would allow me to gain the necessary experience to make my venture a success. Otherwise, without it, I would essentially be starting from ground zero. This is a much more costly and difficult way to start a business. Another really important reason to work in a field before going into business for myself in that field is the priceless advantage of becoming acquainted with professionals, as well as suppliers and other company representatives that could guide me through my process of creating a business in the same field eventually. Essentially, the foundation of a successful business would be laid during the formative years of your career. The key people that will help you build that future business are the people you will meet and work with in your career. The knowledge and expertise you will need is obtained at this time as well. Thus, a successful business person will most likely follow the path of career build to eventual entrepreneurial venture. This makes the most sense and is the path of greatest potential for a future entrepreneur. 

What's My business?

 I'm reminded of an exchange between Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghost of Jacob Marley in the classic story of "A Christmas Carol", wherein Scrooge is shocked to see Marley cursed to walk the earth dragging the chains he forged in life. Scrooge queries, "But you were such a good businessman?!" To which Marley exclaims, "Man was my business!"

As I am coming near to the end of my bachelor's degree in business, I consider where my path will lead me.  There are so many different possibilities. I have plans to go to law school. I am curious and excited when I consider the path the Lord will guide me down as I complete that next chapter in my education. However, regardless of what path I choose or which career I end up pursuing, man will always be my most important business. First, the people in my home, my husband, children, and eventual grandchildren. They are my greatest treasure and responsibility in this life. Next, my fellow man is my business. Whatever I end up pursuing, I am very certain that it will involve making life better for other people. I want to help those who are marginalized in society. I want to bring more equality and protection of our rights and freedoms. I believe if all politicians, lawyers, business people, and others would make man their business, then this world would be a wonderful place to be and we could truly become a Zion people.