Final Reflection

1. What sticks out to you as the most formative experience? The experience that you'll remember years later? What was your most joyous experience? What experience are you most proud of yourself for accomplishing?

I would probably say that the entire process of forcing myself to come up with an actual concept will be something that I remember. If it weren't for this class, I don't think I would have the drive or push necessary to force me to think of an idea or concept and actually lay out a plan for it. In the past, I have had small ideas here and there, but they always fall through. I was never required to actually think more about so I would get distracted and the idea would fall to the back of my mind never to resurface again. With ENT3003, I was pushed to actually follow through with it and formulate a plan of action to start my business and I hope this push continues onward and I can finally make my dream a reality. 

2) At the beginning of the semester, I mentioned that I wanted each of you to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. And we repeated the mantra -- I am an entrepreneur. Now, at the end, do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Do you think you have moved closer to developing an entrepreneurial mindset?

I feel as if I have somewhat of an entrepreneurial mindset now that the class is over, but I don't feel that I am an entrepreneur yet. I did come up with a venture concept, and I was able to form a plan of action and receive feedback on. However, I don't see myself as an entrepreneur until that becomes a reality. Until I start my business, and actually bring something tangible to the name, I don't think that I am an entrepreneur. I definitely know that I have moved closer to developing the mindset, as I have learned a lot from this class. I know that if I do decide to go through with my concept, the information that I gained from ENT3003 will help me greatly.

3) What is the one recommendation you would make to the students who are going to journey down this path in the future? What would you recommend they do to perform best in this course? What would you recommend they do to foster that mindset?

By far, gain as much feedback as you can on your concept. Nothing improves you more than hearing from other people what you could improve on. The problem with going with your own ideas 100% of the time is that we are biased. We see our concepts as mostly flawless and typically overlook the things that customers are looking for in a product. We see the big picture, but ignore the smaller details. Your friends, family, and even complete strangers will become your best friends by the end of it all because you will rely so heavily on them for feedback. The more feedback that you have, the more you can change your idea week to week, and the more you can bring to the table when it comes time to the elevator pitches or venture concept submissions. 

For the actual classwork, my biggest piece of advice is to start early. Work ahead. This will give you time to come up with thoughtful posts and insightful recordings. Trying to do it last minute will be not only difficult, but won't be the best that you can do. Ideas and concepts don't just happen over night. Give yourself some time to actually think about it so that your posts stand out as some of the best.