Looking back through my blog posts really reinforced how
much I loved the format of this class! Making us get out there and take a stab
at being an entrepreneur rather than simply reading about what someone thinks
it takes or how someone succeeded before us was a truly valuable lesson. Not
that it was without much anxiety and uncomfortableness. I dreaded customer
interview assignments; I’m just not that much of an outgoing person. However,
gathering feedback and making adjustments to my original idea was definitely a
highlight of the course. I really enjoy solving problems and providing
solutions, and those assignments gave me the ability to do so. Elevator pitches
were also a bit of a pain, but over the course of three attempts, I felt myself
become more comfortable and confident. Again, something I would not have gained
from reading a textbook.
Creating my customer avatar and the Amazon whisperer were
two of my favorite assignments this semester. In creating a customer avatar, I
had to take a hard look at who will benefit from my concept as well as alter my
concept slightly to reach a larger market. This was an eye opening exercise
that taught me the importance of being open to change. The Amazon whisperer
assignment, along those same lines, showed that the customer is king and a
successful venture need not be a radical new idea or invention. Putting
everything we learned in this class together to develop the venture concept was
probably the assignment I am most proud of because it really showed the value
of each and every assignment leading up to it.
Putting together that venture concept solidified to me that
I have taken the first steps in developing the entrepreneur mindset. From
opportunity identification to establishing a true business or marketing plan,
my eyes have been opened to a new way of thinking and working. Thanks Dr.
Pryor!
My recommendations to new students besides setting a
schedule and not being afraid to step outside your comfort zone, is simply to
work with an idea you feel passionate about. Try to identify an opportunity you
yourself need or want. As the assignments progress, they will remain relevant
and interesting. This of course makes them more desirable to complete as you
gather information and feedback which only help your original cause. Good luck.
