Week 11

Today's topic was Financial Fitness and Faithful Stewardship. We also spoke quite a bit and read quite a bit about the Balancing Act of an entrepreneur.

The topic of balance really hit me. I have a real fear of screwing up my life and my kid's lives because I do not fulfill my role as a mother. I think working is important, however my family and my children are much more important. I have this strong desire to do it all, but I am not sure how that will work out. Even so, I know that right now, I can implement habits in my life that can help me achieve balance and prepare for my future. And even though I do not know what the future holds, I know that if I follow the Lord's promptings, I will be okay.

We also discussed money and the fact that money is NOT evil. However, the obsession of money is. My personal feelings on money are that it is an important thing but it is  not the MOST important thing. We need to have knowledge of our finances but we cannot have that knowledge or the drive for more money consume us.

Financial Fitness:
1. Do not be lazy.
2. Live within your means.
3. Pay the Lord first, and Yourself second.

I also enjoyed the team's message that presented today:

1. Give whatever is in front of you your all!
2. Forgive yourself.
3. Measure yourself in years, rather than days/months.

Week 10

This week we focused on "Dreaming Big!" When I think of entrepreneurship the concept of dreaming big is what immediately comes to mind. The group that presented in class came up with quite a few excellent examples, but the one that stood out to me the  most was Elon Musk. Musk is the founder of PayPal, which obviously hit it big. But, instead of retiring there, Musk is currently working on a project to get men to Mars called, SpaceX. What an incredible example of reaching for the stars (literally.)

I think I struggle with dreaming big. I am a very realistic person, and I get scared of allowing myself to dream up something big because I feel like it is so far from reality. This class however, has helped me to recognize this problem and begin to master it. I have been dreaming big ever since we started in April and it is the most satisfying feeling. I love  how many opportunities and possibilities that are out there. They seem endless! Although my goals are not quite as big as sending men on Mars, and do not involve any intergalactic travel, I have  some lofty goals that I am excited to achieve.

Now that I have spent more time in the growth zone, I realize that this is  where I want to be. The comfort zone is a place I love to visit, but I do NOT want to live there. I am ready to work hard and pursue my passions. Many times throughout history, there have been naysayers against those who believe in the power of their big dreams. However, look at  all dreaming big has achieved for mankind! One of my favorite quotes, although it is totally cheesy, is "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will still land among the stars."

Week 9

"Leadership" was our topic this week and we had some really insightful readings and an inspirational class today. We read:

• "Loyalty" by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
• "Leadership with a Small 'L" by Pres. Kim B. Clark
• an excerpt from "A Message to Garcia"
• a summary of "Good to Great"

I think my favorite reading from this week would be "A Message to Garcia." I learned that execution sets a person apart from the crowd and makes them a leader. They say that 90% of anything is showing up, and that extra 10% is execution.

I took so many notes today and I want to share them here so I have a record of them.

• except the mission & get started
• be curious
• sketch out a plan
• if you need resources, don't be afraid to ask
• enlist help when needed
• report back & show your work
• under promise and over deliver (this one was my favorite!) 
• expect to make small mistakes
• put results before schmoozing 
• replace the negative voices in your head with positive action (I loved this one too!)

• see your life as a calling
• become world class at something
• find a deep burning need you care about
• surround yourself with good people and good role models

We also discussed being a leader in business and here are some things we discussed in class from the reading:

• make the mission clear and meaningful
• set unreasonably high standards
• align incentives with a few key tasks
• make all employment conditional 
• hire leaders who get the  job done
• put the monkey on their back
• take time to coach your team 

Also, today's team showed this video which really inspired me to set a personal leadership goal. My goal that I believe will make me a better leader is

push harder and don't give up. I can do more than I  believe I am capable of. 

Me in 30 Seconds

My name is Emma Rose Morgan. I am a Business Management Major with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Marketing at BYU-Idaho. I am from Boston, Massachusetts. I am currently  looking for a career in either Marketing or Public Relations. I traveled across the country to attend university because I am driven in my career goals and passionate in the pursuit of education. I have worked multiple retail jobs, however my most substantial job is my current endeavor. I am an Account Executive for a student-run advertising agency called Soapbox on campus. Through this opportunity, I have been able to learn what it is like to collaborate as a team to get a project done by the proper deadline, I have learned the ebb and flow of an agency, and I have discovered a career field that I am passionate about. My most endearing characteristics are my commitment to a project, my drive to progress and improve, and my upbeat attitude. With a background in customer service, I am able to communicate professionally while still upholding my ability to relate to the customer. I take constructive criticism well, and I give my 100% dedication to whatever my latest commitment is. I am anxious and driven to begin progressing in my career, and I am looking forward to working with you.

Week 8

This week we discussed overcoming obstacles, managing adversary, and a tolerance for ambiguity.

In class we watched a video that really inspired me and I would like to share it here.




This is not the exact video we watched, but it still works. Stephani Victor incorporated her weakness into her strength. She used this devastating occurrence and decided, okay this has happened, what now? I think that kind of attitude is extremely important in all aspects of life. No matter what happens you need to adapt to the change and push forward.

As we continue on in this class, I learn more and more how uncertain life is. You really never know what will happen in your business or your personal life. Therefore  it is important to accept the tools and strengthen your efforts now, in order to become better prepared for disastrous events.

We spent quite a bit of time discussing a tolerance for ambiguity. This mainly means, a lack of decisiveness, or commitment which results from a failure. Set backs will occur. We need to push through those hard times in order to experience the good.

In our groups, we additionally discussed an excerpt from Jeff Sandefer's reading. He talked about essentially faking it until you make it. Be bold; make decisions, even if you are not positive that they are correct. Do not be afriad to make mistakes because that is how we grow.

This week's topic came at just the right time for me. I have been struggling with the idea of failure and the paradox of perfection. After realizing, not just from this incredible class but other recent experiences of mine, that failure is okay and perfection does not exist, I feel much more confident in my abilities as an entrepreneur.

Stars & Stepping Stones Chart

Stars:

• Get my Bachelors
• Get Married
• Get my Masters
• Have Children
• Run a half marathon
• Become a Certified Yoga Instructor
• Own my own Business
• Write a Book
• Travel Europe
• Visit Every State in the USA
• Go on a Mission with my Husband

Stepping Stones:

• Get my Bachelors

1. Work Part-Time (to afford school)
2. Do Not Procrastinate (do work on time)
3. Get Involved
4. Don't over schedule myself
5. Be Prepared for Class/Exams

• Get Married

1. Decide was I want in a relationship/partner
2. Make myself more available for dates
3. Practice!
4. Learn to be more open/vulnerable
5. Communicate with partner about future things (kids, living, jobs, faith, etc.)

• Get my Masters

1. Work on managing my time more effectively
2. Have financial stability to do this (work while attending graduate school)
3. Do Not Procrastinate
4. Be Prepared for Class/Exams

• Have Children

1. Research (books, blogs, speak with  moms, speak with my mom, etc.)
2. Discuss with Husband
3. Make sure finances are in check for a child
4. Discuss with Doctor (pregnant, nutrition, emergency prep, etc.)
5. Housing (look at neighborhoods, school systems)

• Run a half marathon

1. Create a Proper Nutrition Schedule
2. Start running
3. Create a run interval schedule
4. Research the benefits/consequences
5. Never give up! Not matter how long it takes!

• Become a Certified Yoga Instructor

1. Practice yoga regularly
2. Complete the mandatory hours of training
3. Go through training
4. Apply for a license
5. Work at a  studio part time

• Own my own Business

1. Complete my education
2. Create connections
3. Research the market
4. Develop a business plan
5. Investigate finances (loans, etc.)
6. Marketing
7. Grow (get the business up, running, and out there!)

• Write a Book

1. Brainstorm
2. Sketch out a rough draft
3. Write, write, write! (create designated times for writing)
4. Look into publishing options
5. Market book

• Travel Europe

1. Save for trip specifically
2. Map out the best travel options (trains, planes, hotels, etc.)
3. Research countries (dangers, what you NEED to see, etc.)
4. Set dates

• Visit Every State in the USA

1. Save for trip specifically
2. Estimate travel expenses (gas $, food $, hotel/camp $, etc.)
3. Set dates

• Go on a Mission with my Husband

1. Save for mission
2. Make sure we are temple worthy
3. Pray together
4. Put in our papers!
5. Make sure our assets are in order

Report on Mentor Interviews

I had the privilege of interviewing a couple of incredible and successful entrepreneurs for this assignment. I learned so much from them. The most prominent thing is that what we are learning in this class, most definitely pertains to  real life!

 With both my interviewees, I chose family friends who I know are successful in their chosen field and who are from the Boston area. I was born and raised in Boston, and it is where I want to end up someday. Therefore, I thought it might be a good resource to interview those who work there. That way I can determine the market and become equip to that area's needs.

My first interview was with Kimberley Benjamin Dwyer, the Managing Director at Atlantic Trust Company in the Greater Boston Area. Kim is not what you would consider a typical entrepreneur. However, as this class has taught me, the entrepreneur mindset can apply to any profession and I believe Kim exemplifies that belief. Kim was a member of the LDS church during college, and her primary goal was to get married and have a bunch of kids. Life threw a curve ball however, and she did not get married until she was in her 40's. Did that stop her from working hard and discovering all that her life had to offer? No! Kim worked  her way up to a prestigious position at an investment company.

I really enjoyed speaking with Kim about her journey because her diligence and persistence are unmatched. Also, as an LDS woman in business there is a stigma related to woman who do not get married and start a family right away. It is a worthy goal and family is the most important thing that life has to offer but, life is unpredictable. It is best to be educated and prepared, which is exactly what I am trying to do. It was wonderful to speak with Kim and feel reassurance for the work that I am putting in. She is an incredible example to me of what a woman in business can become.

My next interview was with John Pandiscio, who is currently the Director of Marketing and Advertising at an entrepreneurial startup called 5 Wits. 5 Wits, is the leader in developing and operating cutting edge, live-action adventures. Previously, John founded a company called FamilyTimeFun. This innovative establishment was a series of games that were marketed for the dinner table. John's company was very successful and the brand was sold to national and regional stores such as Target, Barnes & Noble, and Hallmark. At the company's peak, John sold the licensing rights to a national board game company because his son was starting college, aand he needed to provide for his family. 

John and his family are wonderful family friends and John has shared his products with us to test them and try them out before they hit the shelves. His creativity and time management are something to marvel at. I think a major factor in John's personal and entrepreneurial success is his passion. John has an infectious personality and is someone you want to be around.  I think that plays a key role into his connections  and with other people or businesses eagerness to work with him. 

I am lucky enough to come from a family of hard working business people and entrepreneurs. My mother is a senior marketing manager at a growing software company, and my father owns his own guitar teaching business. My grandfather currently keeps bees and sells honey and previously he owned a video store. As I continue in this class and become aware of the many connections I have and I am eager to interview more of them. Kim and John were an incredible start to the 'finding mentors' process, and now I am ready to find more! 

Week 7

'Moving Forward with Passion' was the theme of this week's assignments. It was really interesting to examine how passion truly influences our choices. I've noticed that those who live with passion; who make decisions based on their passions, are usually happier and more successful.

We watched a really touching video from the Franklin Covey website that essentially asked, what do you want to be remembered for? When you turn 80, what will people say  about you? What will be written on your tombstone? This video got me thinking quite a bit about where I will be in my life at 80 years old. I have got some lofty goals that I hope to accomplish by then. I have to get started!

The other major discussion we had was based on the 7 habits of highly effective people and the 7 habits of highly effective entrepreneurs.

Highly Effective People:

• Be Proactive
• Begin with the End in Mind
• Put First things First
• Think Win Win
• Seek first to Understand, then to be Understood
• Synergy
• Sharpen the Saw

Highly Effective Entrepreneurs:

• They believe that they determine their own destiny
• They deny themselves early gratification
• They embrace change
• They build teams
• They focus on customers
• They are excellent goal setters
• They act with a sense of urgency

As I examine both of these lists, I see some habits in which I am strong, but for the most part, I see habits that I know I need to improve on. I am excited to cultivate these habits into my life in order to become a more successful entrepreneur as well as a more successful person.