Conclusion Week - Only the beginning....

When I first signed up for this course I was not really sure what I was going to be learning, but I thought it was probably how to become a self-made woman. How to take an idea and turn it into the next “big thing”. I will admit I was not looking forward to it, as I didn’t feel I had the drive necessary to take on the world. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to come up with a prize winning idea. I felt there are those who desire to be the boss and those who are happy to be the worker bees. I felt happy as a worker bee, and didn’t want to push my comfort zone. I quickly learned that there is so much more to this course than that. Yes, we all want to be financially independent, but this is not the focus of what I learned here. One of the greatest takeaways I got from this course is you don’t have to be making a fortune as, or even working at being an entrepreneur to use the principles learned in this course. Everything learned can be applied to every aspect of life. I have learned how to have vision, and what tools I need to bring it to life. I have learned no matter how independent I am, I will always benefit from choosing great travelers to take the journey with me. I have learned that you have to put yourself out there and take risks from time to time. But I also learned that it is not just the risk taking and the hope for success that drives people it is the desire to do better; to leave this place better than you found it. I have learned to focus my thoughts, to take things one step at a time, and determine what is important to me in all aspects of my life. We were asked to ponder some tough questions, or scenarios this semester. I have learned that it is okay to be afraid, but not to let my fear consume my life and my choices. I have learned how to channel this fear, how to use it to my benefit. Once I know what I am afraid of, I know how to push the irrational fears aside and draw strength from myself. I have learned how to be patient with myself. I can be successful, and I don’t have to be ashamed of wanting to do better, it is how I choose to make this happen that counts. The most important thing I was reminded of in taking this course is to have faith, to know the boundaries and to trust in my Heavenly Father, not only in my spiritual life, but also in my temporal life. I am excited to see what is coming in my future and know that if I take what I have learned here, I can accomplish great things.

Week 12 - Great Week

This has been a very busy week for me, both with school and work, but a great week none-the-less. Of all the case studies we have read and discussed over the past semester, I have to say I enjoyed this week’s reading the most. We read “Randy Haykin: The Making of an Entrepreneur” (Harvard Business School). I know the other people we have studied and read about are real people, but Haykin really resonated with me. His honesty and his directness helped me gain a deeper understanding of how I would like to proceed on my journey. It may not be the journey of starting my own business, but I feel I can take and use these things he discussed in all aspects of my life. Haykin is a life-long learner, always seeking new opportunities to gain knowledge and improve his standing. This falls right in line with the BYU-I learning model. I also enjoyed the video clip of Stan Christensen’s “Avoid the Wrong Job.” I have fallen into some of the trappings he discussed; staying with a company I was miserable at because I felt it was the thing to do; I am determined to be the best at what I do and often times become the expert; I try to give others what I think they want. I am grateful for all the great information we have received this week, and I look forward to putting it into action in my life, both professionally and personally. 

Week 11 – What can I do to make a difference?

I was so moved by the videos and readings this week. I cannot imagine that anyone could have listened to Elder Gay’s talk “Entrepreneurship and Consecration” and not been moved. I have had some struggles this semester, both personal and with my studies, but as I listened to the letter Elder Gay read, from the young woman in Darfur, I gave thanks for all that I have. She will never know how much her letter impacted my life, and changed my thought process, but I will be forever grateful to her, for sharing her story. I don’t want to trivialize what this young woman and her family went through, but her strength and faith are an inspiration to me and many others I am sure.

In Elder Holland’s talk “Are We Not All Beggars?” I learned more about giving of my excess to help others. Elder Holland reminds us that there is always something we can do to help another. It may not be financially, it may be through an act of service, a smile, or a prayer; but there is always something we can do. We just spoke about this topic in a meeting at church, and it was wonderful for me to hear what others did and do for each other each day, as they manifest the Savior’s Love for their fellow man. I think to myself, what more can I do. I struggle when I see someone holding a sign at an intersection, do I give them cash, or do I go and buy them a meal, how am I supposed to act in this situation. Elder Holland instructs us to do that which we are prompted to do; lately I have found myself offering a prayer for these people to know how I may best serve them.

We have been asked again this week to comment on one of our readings: “What’s a Business For?” by Charles Handy.

Question 1:

Based on what you read in the first two pages, why are virtue and integrity so vital to an economy?

It is my belief that in order for businesses to be successful, they must have honest business dealings. If the head of a company is only in it for himself, he has no concern for his employees, shareholders, or society. If we do not take care of our society we will begin to crumble and fail. By being dishonest in their dealings, either intentionally or unintentionally these leaders of business will ultimately be responsible for the collapse of society. We have to know they can be trusted, if we don’t trust them, we will not invest in their companies and growth will cease. People will horde their money, and less and less will be funneled back into the markets, thereby leading to their decline.

Question 2:

According to Charles Handy, what is the “real justification” for the existence of businesses?

Handy states that “The purpose of a business, in other words, is not to make a profit, full stop. It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better.”

Question 3:

What are two solutions proposed by Handy that you agree with? Why?

Employees should be treated as assets not expenses. I have worked for companies who have seen me only as a cost to the business. If for any reason productivity slowed, there were repercussions. It was a terrible environment to work in, and as a result, I became less and less productive. I also worked for a company who celebrated its employees. We were seen as the driving force behind the company’s success. Norman Brinker often said “happy employees are productive employees”, and I will agree with this.

Companies must take notice of the environment and their impact on it. We only have the one planet and if we keep abusing it, how long can we expect it to last. I feel it is important for companies to be proactive in this endeavor. If companies will look for ways to help the environment, we, the human race will be far more successful. We are to be stewards of our environment, not destroyers of it. 

Week 10 - Attitudes

What a wonderful week this has been. My parents were in town last weekend, and I got to spend Thanksgiving with my son and his girlfriend. I wanted to share just a little of what I am thankful for...

Those things I am grateful for, are too many to mention, so I picked just a few. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who sees my potential, but loves me for who I am. I am grateful for a Savior who loves me so much, who atoned for my sins. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost who comforts and guides me. I am grateful for my son, who is my inspiration. I am grateful for my parents who encourage me. I am grateful for my faith, which makes me want to be a better person.

This week in class we learned a lot about balancing family and career. As a single mom, I knew the struggles related to work and family. I learned very quickly that we only get this one chance to watch our little ones grow. They are in our care for a short time in the grand scheme of things and this time is precious and should not be taken lightly. I am sad for the milestones I missed, but oh so grateful for those I got to share. I will hold them near to me always.

We were asked to answer the following questions this week:

 What is your attitude toward money?

I have always been anxious about money. There are times when it has been a real struggle, and often times I had to choose which bill would be paid. Now that I am doing better financially, I find it hard to spend money. I tend to hold onto it for fear of losing it, or not having enough of it.

 How can your view of money affect the way you live?

 Sometimes I feel trapped by money. I feel anxious when I make a large purchase or when something breaks down and needs to be repaired. I always feel like I will run out and not be able to meet my commitments.

What rules are recommended for prospering?

 This week we read “Attitude on Money” by Stephen W. Gibson. In this article we learn there are rules to be followed in order to prosper. They are as follows:

“Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him.

Rule 2. Keep the commandments that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.

Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant.

Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters.

Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity.

Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated.

Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.” (Gibson)

As I read this article it became clear to me that I need not fear. As long as I am following the rules and the guidance of our Prophets and Apostles, and doing that which is pleasing to the Lord, I will be provided for. I cannot just sit back and wait for it happen, I have to be actively involved in making the money, but as long as I work hard and live righteously, the Lord will guide me to make the correct choices with regards to my finances. 

Week 9 - Insight

This has been a wonderful week for me. I have learned so much as I interviewed my Entrepreneur, and also as I read the takeaways other students got from their interviews. We have all been blessed this week with great advice and encouragement. One of the best things I learned in my interview with Mr. Phillipson this week, was, “it’s not enough to be financially savvy, you also have to show financial restraint.” As I thought about this I realized, sometimes we have to accept a little less on the front end, to reap greater rewards on the back end. Taking risks is what entrepreneurs do, but their risks are carefully vetted and reviewed, they are not just taking risks for risk’s sake. 

In the “Launching Leaders” video this week, Jim Ritchie spoke about a book “Your Emotional Fingerprint” by Woody Woodward. Ritchie shared that in the book Woodward helps you “develop a blue print for your feelings and emotions” which in turn helps you understand why you react the way you do to situations, and how you can use this to your benefit. I struggle with this, as I noted in last week’s post, and feel I could greatly benefit from reading this book. More to follow on that....

Week 8 - Leader – do I have what it takes?

This week in our class we have been reading, watching and learning about leaders and followers. This got me thinking, “Am I a good leader? Do I have what it takes to lead effectively?” As I pondered these questions, I realized that it depends on the scenario. There are times when I take the lead, and other times when I follow. In my opinion, being a good leader is knowing when to follow a great leader.

I had an epiphany of sorts this past week. I am in the midst of a very stressful financial undertaking, and things didn’t really go according to my plan. Instead of taking a step back to review what I had learned and regroup, I allowed my emotions to take control and a “meltdown” ensued. I am grateful to all those people who rallied around me to help me back up, but later on I realized this was my weakness. Please don’t misunderstand me, being affected emotionally is not the weakness, allowing the emotions to take control is the weakness. I learned I must control the situation and take cues from the emotions, but keep them always in check. You cannot lead an organization by always succumbing to tears; those you lead, look to you for strength and guidance.  

Our general manager is looking for someone to take the reins in our office, so that he can focus on other areas. Although my emotions were linked to a personal matter, he will remember this moment and wonder “if she struggles with those decisions, how much more will she struggle with difficult business decisions.” I know I have the knowledge and skill to take on this responsibility, but I also know I need to work on my leadership abilities. You cannot follow someone into battle who is cowering and sniveling. You can, however, follow someone who acknowledges their fear, but rides out ahead of the charge with courage and a desire to make a difference. This is the leader I strive to become. 

Week 7 - Never Give Up

This week we are preparing for our Entrepreneur Interview. I have been thinking about this a lot this week. I want to ensure I am asking substantive questions, I also don’t want to waste anyone’s time with the “generic stuff”. I have also been struggling with who I would like to interview. I have been thinking about someone I can learn from, someone I admire, someone with similar standards to mine. I still have work to do.

I have also been thinking about Eric Ries talk “The Five Why’s”. We have been going through a rough patch at work. Morale is low and employees seem to be at one another more than normal. I would like to view this scenario using the “Five Why’s” strategy. I would like to discuss this with my boss also, I think if we could come together as a group to discuss what’s going on, it would be helpful, and hopefully solve some issues.

I am so grateful for all the readings and videos this week. I have been struggling with some personal issues this week, and lately school has been very challenging for me. I have been thinking about whether I want to continue on this path. The Mormon Message by Elder Holland “Good Things to Come” was so encouraging to me. If I can only hold on a little longer, I will see the good that will come from sticking to it. My heart was softened as I read President Monson’s talk “Looking Back and Moving Forward”. In this talk President Monson says “We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face.” (Monson). This was such a powerful reminder to me and I am stronger and more resolved after reading it. 

I will hold fast, I will learn from the past, I will look to the future and I will endure.

Week 6 – Breath And Enjoy The Journey

I have to admit, I am struggling a bit with my classes at the moment. I am enjoying the readings and the exercises we participate in for our “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” class, but I don’t know if this is the path I see myself on long term. I have never considered myself to be an Entrepreneur. I am learning, though, that I can apply the things I am learning to my personal life as well. Maybe as I focus on that, I will discover my inner Entrepreneur and will be ready then, to take on the world.

I especially loved the talk by President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Stand True and Be Faithful”. As a young adult I made some pretty bad decisions, and have struggled with them for years. After reading his talk I was given renewed hope and encouragement. He says “Repentance is one of the first principles of the gospel. Forgiveness is a mark of divinity. There is hope for you. Your lives are ahead, and they can be filled with happiness, even though the past may have been marred by sin. This is a work of saving and assisting people with their problems. This is the purpose of the gospel” (Hinckley). We also received some not-so-good-news about my mom’s health this week, and as I was reading this talk I was reminded how special and important my mom is to me. President Hinckley said “Your mother is your best friend. Never forget that. She gave you life. She cared for you, nurtured you, nursed you when you were sick, and looked after your every need. Listen to her now. Talk with her candidly and confidentially. You will find that she will keep your confidence and that her wisdom will prove to be wonderful.”

This week we also learned about Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Although each of the habits is logical and makes sense to me, the one I most need to work on is number 7 – “Sharpen the Saw”. I don’t take the time to care for myself. It’s amusing to me, because I will always share with my friends and family, that they should slow down a little and take care of themselves; but I don’t follow the same advice. Sometimes I think I stay busy, so that I won’t have to focus on myself. However, I must remember to do this, if not entirely for myself then for my family too, they need me as much as I need them. Other times I think, if I slowed down, I would realize I’m just running in a circle. Time to breath and focus on my journey, not just the race to get where I am going. 

Week 5 – The Lord and My Family

Each week we are asked to reflect on what we have learned, and what we are excited to accomplish in our lives. We had really great talks to refer to this week, and each one of them mentioned either being our best selves, and, or our family priorities. In his talk “Success is Gauged by Self-Mastery” Elder N. Eldon Tanner reminds us what is important. How we chose to live our lives in the present has eternal consequences. He said “Narrow is a very meaningful word. Often people accuse us of being narrow-minded if we are following the straight and narrow path, which certainly does require self-restraint and self-denial. We must realize and be prepared to accept the fact that it confines us, restricts us, and limits us in certain areas. But let us fully realize that it does not fetter or shackle mankind. On the contrary, it is the way to emancipation, independence, and liberty” (Tanner). How grateful I am to have read this talk, to be reminded that sometimes I have to make a decision to forego something which I might enjoy here, but will be blessed by the outcome in eternity.

In the videos we watched this week, family and not sacrificing them for our goals of Entrepreneurship was stressed. Steve Blank shared that he and his wife set rules for their family, and they stuck to them. If we don’t do this, we could easily lose sight of what is important. I am saddened sometimes when I think back to my sons early years. I took a new job and quickly promoted up through the ranks. With each promotion additional responsibilities were added, as is typical. I would bring work home with me, or would even “run to the office for a short while” on a Saturday or Sunday, only to look up and realize a whole day had gone by and my son was growing up in my absence. My son is now a man of 21 who has a great work ethic, but I am even more proud of the fact that he puts his family first. It may be in small ways, but it’s in ways that count and are important. I am grateful that I realized the mistakes I was making, and although I lost valuable time with him, I didn’t lose all of it. I made sure I stayed focused at work, even if I had to go in a little earlier each morning, so that I could set aside the evenings and weekends for my family. 

Week 4 – Things learned and things remembered….

Wow this week was cram packed with so much wonderful information. Every week, we learn so much, but this week, really struck home for me. One of our readings was a case study about Erica Mills and her company “Warm Fuzz Cards”, and one of our videos was “A Hero’s Journey” by Jeff Sandefer. These 2 items in particular grabbed my attention.

I am a very creative person, so I was attracted to the story about the greeting card company. I enjoyed learning how Mills had an idea, but when she received feedback about her cards, she didn’t swim against the current, she adjusted her idea and made the necessary changes. This lead to her success and ability to grow her business.

In his talk “A Hero’s Journey” Jeff Sandefer reminds us what is important. He said “Live every moment like it matters, because it does…” (Sandefer). He also encourages us to “…choose [our] fellow travelers well, for [we] only take this journey once” (Sandefer). I was reminded of how important my loved ones are. This journey of life, is not just about me, it is about them, and how we travel together. It is my desire to live a life of service, to be a good person, and to be there for those who need me.

I have thought a lot this week about those things I admire in others, and how I can learn from them and grow personally. I also thought about the things I admire in myself. I don’t want to sound conceited, but I think it is good to recognize the best in ourselves. So often we focus on the things we want to improve, but we must not forget that we too can inspire and help others on their paths. 

Week 3 – What am I afraid of…..?

This has been a very interesting week for me, not a particularly enjoyable week, but interesting. I have been completely overwhelmed this week. I know many people are struggling with their personal demons, but I feel mine got the best of me this week. I don’t mean to complain or whine, but this is my blog, and I feel I am entitled to share. Work has been very busy lately, school is just overwhelming me, I have a new calling in the Relief Society Presidency in my ward, I am looking for a new home, I am not getting enough rest, and I know my eating habits have turned topsy turvey.

Part of this week’s class was “Deconstructing Your Fears”. This is when my light bulb went on, and I bet if I listened carefully I would have heard a “ding, ding” too. I am afraid of EVERYTHING. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true, fear has me paralyzed. I am afraid to make decisions, in case they are the wrong ones. Then I read something in our readings this week “FEAR THRIVES ON SECRECY” (Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence). This is so true, when I fear something, I feel inadequate, and who wants to share their inadequacies with anyone. So I keep my fears to myself. If misery loves company, fear loves solitude. It is time for me to speak up and share my fears. There may be someone else out there who has the same fear, or has found a way to cope with it or, better yet, overcome it. Maybe my experience, could help someone else. I don’t have to climb the mountain and shout my fear from upon high, but just sharing it with those I trust, will help me confront my fear in the light of day, and may also help me realize, it’s really not as scary as I first thought.

This is my time, and I choose to be in control.