Very Short Interview Part 2 Week #14

My questions for my entrepreneur were as follows:

• What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?
•  What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
• What would you tell college students to do differently that how you began your venture?

From where I am today, I can see more clearly – sort of as one standing on the shoulders of giants – I can see further and clearer because I have the experience and knowledge of those gone before. My entrepreneur expressed how important it was to create a personal need because he believes an entrepreneur’s personal and business goals are inextricably linked. I can see how most every student in this class presented a venture based on a need. My entrepreneur, Jamie, also defined “uncommon sense” as an important skill to one to become an entrepreneur. I was a little surprised initially, but now understand that “uncommon sense” mean that you are flexible and adaptable to new circumstances.  Again, an entrepreneur must be able to adapt quickly to new ideas, changes, and failures. Jamie also told me that if you have a vision and passion, you just find a way.  Since that first interview, I have grown to have a more entrepreneur spirit and attitude.

Jamie has 10 children, and is off to visit a couple of them in Oklahoma, so we were not able to meet face to face. However, he was gracious enough to respond to me via email for my follow-up interview:

1.      If you could start your career over again, what would you do differently?

a.       Spend more time with family and not have been so driven. My venture basically cost me my marriage. (However, he has 10 children and gave them an amazing, upper-class home and upbringing, what it did to his family is tragic).

2.      What are your ideals?

a.       Jamie said he wanted to be faithful to God in his everyday life; he believes in the Golden Rule – do unto others, as you would have others do unto you.

3.      What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

a.       Not having a boss. I am a free spirit and want to be able to work as hard, and enjoy life as much, as I can afford. Being in charge of my success is invigorating, although scary at times, it can afford you a great lifestyle and is very rewarding.

I have always been intrigued by entrepreneurs, but just could not seem to get myself from an idea to a concept to a plan. In this class, I believe I have more knowledge, skills and abilities to truly become an entrepreneur if that is my dream. When I spoke to Jamie this time I felt he was more opened and reflective, and because I was able to ask some questions that made him dig deep into his soul, it gave us a different type of connection that we have had all these years. I felt Jamie believed I understood more of what he had experiences, both good and bad, and could relate somewhat with his life. We have always had a connection, first as our children became dear friends, and then when we both lost daughters. But, now, we could relate on a level unlike any other and not all entrepreneur let people into their inner thoughts.

The assignments interviewing my entrepreneur reminded me that you never really know what goes on inside the human heart. Are they lonely in this venture, do they have anyone they feel they can truly share their hopes, dreams, goals, fears and failures?