Final Reflection

1) Looking back at my posts, I think finding a business idea to run with in the beginning was the hardest part for me. So many assignments build up on this one idea and I’m not sure I was prepared to answer so many questions for my idea and really think of all the small details. I think my favorite part about these posts were that they were in the form of a blog- this was my first ever blog and I had no idea how to make one before this class.

2) I would say the idea napkins were the most formative experience because it really helped me to think about and expand on my business idea. I also think that the elevator pitch was really helpful in making me feel more comfortable in front of a camera.

3) I definitely think that this class has helped me to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The assignments were certainly helpful in showing me how to think like an entrepreneur. The material presented in lectures was also extremely helpful to me. Our professor is really great at his job and I really enjoyed listening to him each week.

4) My number one advice to students taking this class in the future would be to make sure you pick a business idea that you are really passionate about. A lot of the assignments build up on this one idea so if you don’t pick something that you really see flourishing and have a lot of ideas for then you probably shouldn’t pick it.

me after finishing my last assignment for this class ^

Exit Strategy

1)    Identify the exit strategy you plan to make. Do you intend to sell your business in the next 5 years for a large return? Do you intend to stay with the business for several decades and retire? Do you intend to protect the venture as a family business, and pass it down to your children?

If my business were to be a success, I would stick with it until I am able to retire and then pass it down to my kids.  

2)    Why have you selected this particular exit strategy?

I want my kids to have success in their future, and if taking over my business will do that for them, then great! It would also be nice knowing that my business is in good hands and will continue to succeed and flourish after I have retired. I would hope it would then get passed down to grandchildren and farther down the line.  

3)    3) How do you think your exit strategy has influenced the other decisions you've made in your concept? For instance, has it influenced how you have identified an opportunity? Has it influenced your growth intentions or how you plan to acquire and use resources?

I think that sticking with this business for the long run has influenced my decisions in a way that I take this business much more seriously and plan for big growth that will last many years to come. It has acquired me to use my resources wisely and plan not only for the present but for the future as well. 

Reading Reflection 3

1)    What was the general theme or argument of the book?

I chose: The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users by Guy Kawasaki.

The general theme of this book explores how to successfully use and navigate through social media in order to use it as a marketing platform.  

2)    How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

It certainly connected with this class as we often talk about how entrepreneurs can be successful through the right marketing skills and by targeting the right audience through all different platforms- including social media.

3)    If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

This book talks about social media marketing outlets in as simple of a form as twitter. For an exercise, we could have to come up with several “tweets” that fit the character limit that could be used to promote our product.

4)    What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

I never realized just how in depth social media can be as a platform for one’s business. I always thought of it as more simply a way to interact with friends and show more of your personal life. I have learned a lot about the different tactics and tools you can use through social media in order to successfully promote a brand or business.