Last Lecture

 There are several things that I've learned about entrepreneurship this semester. First, nobody can succeed without failing first. Success is not about being perfect, it's about persistence. There will be times when you’ll want to quit. Remember the things that drove you to start a business in the first place. Those who can quickly learn from their mistakes and not get discouraged when things don't go exactly according to plan are the ones who will eventually succeed in the business world. Accept failure as a chance to learn and grow.  Be humble enough to recognize when things need to change and adapt as quickly as possible.

Another important lesson that I learned is that owning your own business isn't about doing everything all by yourself. Before you begin your journey, you need to learn as much from other people as possible. This knowledge could come from previous employment or asking for honest opinions and feedback from those you trust. The ability to take constructive criticism is essential. Surround yourself with people who believe in you but are also willing to tell you what you need to hear and not just what you want to hear. A mentor will provide invaluable knowledge and experience as you start your journey.

The last and maybe most important piece of advice I want to remember is to be grateful. Show appreciation to your family. They will sacrifice a tremendous amount as you build a business. It isn’t about the amount of time that you have for them but the quality of it. Be present.

         

Always remember the people who contributed to your success. Assembling the right team can be the difference between success and failure. Show your employees that you value them. A compliment can go a long way in making the workplace an environment that promotes productivity.

         

Lastly, express appreciation to our Heavenly Father. All of our gifts and talents come from him. We are stewards of the times and talents he has bestowed upon us. All the success in the world is worthless unless we are willing to use our resources to help our fellow men. When things get tough, I like to recite Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”