LAST LECTURE

Three months ago I decided to take this course because a friend told me it would motivate me to improve every day and never give up on this journey. I did not expect to discover new talents and improve my skills by the end of the semester. Because I have learned so much in this course, I would need more that a post to explain and give advice. However, the thing that most helped me to start and stay in the entrepreneur journey is to remember and do what I love while setting goals to do not stay too much time on the plateau.

“But remember: pursue something where you have some sort of a natural gift, one that brings you great joy, one where you lose track of the hours spent in it, and one where you would practice for the sake of practice alone. Why? Because the road to mastery is a long and trying one: it usually takes at least ten years and ten thousand hours of practice.” 

Jeff Sandefer

Companies have a vision, mission, and value statements that help them focus on the correct path to achieve their goals. As entrepreneurs, we are also encouraged to choose a phrase, quote, or anything else that reminds us our dreams in moments when we may think that adversity will never let us fulfill it. Because you will go through moments of frustration and brick walls, I cannot promise you a fairy tale where the only feelings are happiness and joy. However instead of giving up, you should stay strong and think what lesson you could learn from that experience. In those moments remember what Randy Pausch said, “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.”

Once you have discovered your calling and have settled a goal, you should start planning the steps and the path you want to take. Before planning you should remember why and how your business will help others; you should consider the advice made by Elder Lynn G. Robbins, “What you do to make a living, or how many dollars you earn, aren’t nearly as important to the Lord as whether you:

·         Are building His kingdom including strong and valiant families.

·         Are honest in your dealings with your fellowmen and using your God-given talents in their service;

·         and if you are filling your life with good works, that positively impact your community and world”

I would like to end this post by reminding you that a business is founded to receive economic profits at the end of a period, but most important it serves to develop skills and help you family, friends, and neighbors. We will be blessed in this entrepreneur journey if we choose the right regardless the situation. Do not forget you started this journey because you have amazing skills and abilities that can benefit our society.

Post 13

This lesson had readings and videos that caught my attention because were the focused on the role of an entrepreneur and how we can find a job we like instead of working for obligation and revenues.

This week the case study was about Randy Haykin, a successful entrepreneur characterized by his habit of learning and also because he loves to his work. He realized many companies and independents workers did not hot to apply and work with multimedia technologies and the internet. One of the motivations to found his company was to meet an unmet need.

Shirley M. Spence in her article “Identifying and Exploiting the Right Entrepreneurial Opportunity...for You” stays that the entrepreneurship is the intersection of societal needs, personal satisfaction, and economic feasibilities. 

Randy Haykin met these three factors that help him to become a successful entrepreneur who is not only motivated by money but also because of the desire to help and develop his talents. 

I consider him an example to follow because he always set goals, worked hard, and never stayed on the plateau or gave up his dreams.

Post 12

Based on what you read in the first two pages (pages 3 and 4), why are virtue and integrity so vital to an economy?

“Trust, too, is fragile. Like a piece of china, once cracked it is never quite the same. And people’s trust in business, and those who lead it, is today cracking.”

Charles Handy

Virtue and integrity are essential values in our lives as parents, friends, and workers. However, during the last years, those characteristics are less applied in businesses because few managers keep in mind the purpose of them. Some CEOs, shareholders, and managers rely on financial statements that show higher profits than past periods and do not take a time to verify how accurate those documents are.

Businesses are no more ranked or judged based on their products or services because consumer’s purchases are influenced by the credibility and integrity of a company. Consumers will trust in the product or service we are providing if virtue characterizes the company.

According to Charles Handy, what is the “real justification” for the existence of businesses?

“The purpose of a business, in other words, is not to make a profit, full stop. It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better. That something becomes the real justification for the business.”

Charles Handy

I think inventors did not create something because they needed money; instead, they did it because they wanted to help the society by innovating. This explanation can help us to understand that businesses founders had innovative ideas and wanted to benefit their neighbors and family by commercializing. We expect to get profits from economic activities, but they can be used to improve the product or service instead of  staying in a plateau.

What are two solutions proposed by Handy that you agree with? Why?

“A good business is a community with a purpose, and a community is not something to be owned…By creating new products, spreading technology and raising productivity, enhancing quality and improving service, business has always been the active agent of progress. It helps make the good things of life available and affordable to ever more people.”

Charles Handy

As entrepreneurs, we should not think our business is a property with employers and consumers that increase our profits. Our business needs to be a community with members that work together to achieve the same goals and to serve the society by providing quality products, safe processes, and efficient services.

Post 11

The lesson of this week is titled “Measuring the cost” and has a relationship with money. It was interesting to read that we are already happy, but there are factors that may decrease or increase this feeling. I learned that even the place and the country we live in are crucial factors that have an influence on our happiness. 

What is your attitude toward money?

I used to see money as a medium that helps me to get the things that I want. However, I learned that money is much more than coins, dollars, euros, or pounds. The experience has helped me to realize I need to be careful and use the money wisely because it can bring me happiness or misery.

How can your view of money affect the way you live?

I always ponder before making a decision because I understand I will get into huge financial problems if I do not use my money properly. I´ve learned that live within my means is the best way to avoid debts and concerns. Spending less than what I earn allows me to have savings and I do not have to worry about the amount of bills to pay. The way I live has changed positively after realizing money must be used wisely.

What rules are recommended for prospering?

Stephen W. Gibson recommends us to follow these rules for prospering:  

1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him
2. Keep the commandments, that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings.
3.  Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant.
4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters. Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, is the Key to Opportunity.
5.  Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated.
6.  Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.

Post 10

This week the lesson was titled “DREAM BIG DREAMS”. I have heard that we should dream big but I used to think it was a cliché phrase. This week I read and watched interesting advice from church leaders and entrepreneurs that encourage us to think big, pursue our dreams and become what we want to be.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “Now is the time for each of us to work toward our personal conversion, toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. As we do so, we should remember that our family relationships—even more than our Church callings—are the setting in which the most important part of that development can occur… We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock…. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors…Instead of being judgmental about others, we should be concerned about ourselves. We must not give up hope. We must not stop striving. We are children of God, and it is possible for us to become what our Heavenly Father would have us become.”

He highlights the importance of our family relationship and how it can help us in the process to become what we want to be. Our experience as families will prepare us to achieve bigger dreams and enjoy successful experiences. One thing that is important to remind is that we have the capacity and ability to do whatever we want. As children of God, we have a divine nature which allows us to be perfect in something if we practice.
Instead of giving up when things are not going well, we must recognize our potential and work harder.

POST 9

When I hear the word leadership, the first that comes to my mind is responsibility. I used to think leaders only focus on manage or guide a large an important group of people that admire this person, and also that to be a leader it was required to have knowledge and capacity to watch for the followers. This week I knew a different but amazing way to be a leader following the teaching of the Savior: Leadership with small “L”

• Lead by Example: One of the best ways to preach the gospel and to teach is by our example. Some people are always looking at us and will copy our actions.  We have a huge responsibility but also will receive the blessings of seeing the progress of many people.
• Lead with Vision: "One of the most important things that leaders do is to help the people they lead to understand the larger meaning and purpose of their daily work." Kim B. Clark
• Lead with Love: The Savior always taught with love. We need to follow his example and do everything with happiness and love. The Lord commanded us to love one another and serve our neighbors.

Post 8

“Blood, toil, tears, and sweat. The best things are always worth finishing. As long and laborious as the effort may seem, please keep shaping and setting the stones that will make your accomplishment “a grand and imposing spectacle.” Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. Dream dreams and see visions. Work toward their realization. Wait patiently when you have no other choice. Lean on your sword and rest a while, but get up and fight again. Perhaps you will not see the full meaning of your effort in your own lifetime. But your children will, or your children’s children will, until finally you, with all of them, can give the Hosanna shout.” 

Jeffrey R. Holland

This week has been overwhelming because of the amount of homework to do and exams to take, however, this quote has brought me peace to because reminded me I´m not wasting my time, I´m in the entrepreneur journey.
Usually, we want to finish an assignment as soon as possible because want to see our effort is worth. When a task is taking more time or effort than we expected, we give up because do not see immediate results. This reading encouraged me to change that thinking and see the time “wasted” as an investment that will benefit my family, friends, and society in the future.  

Another important topic this week was the understanding of human problems. When things are not going as planned, we usually think external factors have influenced our process but most of the time internal factors are the trouble makers. First, we need to analyze ourselves to find the causes and then plan how to do not make the same mistakes.

POST 7

“The worst horse can be the best for if it perseveres, it will have learned whatever it is practicing all the way to the marrow of it is bones… To achieve his or her full potential, this person (with exceptional talent) will have to work just as diligent as those with less innate ability.”

George Leonard

This week I learned seven habits that will help me to become a highly effective person.

1.      Be proactive.

2.      Begin with the end in mind.

3.      Put first things first.

4.      Think win/win.

5.      Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

6.      Synergize

7.      Sharpen the saw.

All of them have equal importance because they work together. However, I would say that the last habit has a special meaning for me because it focuses on taking a time to ponder what we are doing, how can we improve, and to relax and find an equilibrium in our lives.

This habit has a physical dimension which encourages us to spend a minimum of 30 minutes exercising to improve our capacity to work. The times when I´ve applied this habit, I felt more energetic and happier.

The spiritual dimension is a good reminder to focus on our purpose in life.

The mental dimension does not mean watching TV all the time to relax our minds. It means educating ourselves by doing activities that will help us to sharpen our mind. I love reading books because I always learn something new and have the opportunity to develop my imagination.

The social or emotional dimension requires communication and interaction with other people. Serve others is a great opportunity to develop this dimension. Happiness comes after realizing we have a special purpose in this life.

Lesson 6

This week has had great readings and videos about how to be a successful entrepreneur.

There are three areas we should know before starting a business:

1. Know the industry:  I do not think people start a business without knowing anything about the industry. We should first investigate and analyze how the industry works, who will be our competitors and customers, what are economic and legal barriers, etc. Another useful thing I learned is to build a network of personal relationship within the industry even before starting our business. 
2.  Understand daily operations: Despite knowing a lot about the industry, our business could be disorganized if we do not understand daily operations such as accounting, production, finances, or general business principles.
3. Develop the ability to raise money: Although money is an important financial source to start a business, it is considered the least valuable of the areas. However, a business cannot survive without having the ability and capacity to generate profits and positive cash flows.

I think this reading is very helpful because teach us the best way to start a business. If we do not know how to manage a business, our dream job may become a nightmare.

Lesson 5

This week I read a case study which helped me to remember I have to use my talents to bless others. Eric Mills worked hard to increase her profits, but worked twice to research, plan, design, and give the customers what they wanted. As she did, we can also use our talents to benefit the lives of many people.

I also enjoyed the podcast video because it had a strong relationship with the case. There are three things we learn at BYUI:

• How to learn
• How to make money
• How to live a life of meaning

We usually think that learn how to make money is what will make us successful, therefore, we just focus on making money. However, those who are older than us have realized the most important is living a life of meaning because that is what makes a difference.

• Have I contributed to something meaningful? 
• Was I a good person?
• Who did I love? 

If we learn how to live a life of meaning, we will find our calling which will help us to serve and bless the life of others. Even if the hero´s journey is hard, we should never give up.

A hero´s journey is not easy, but we will be satisfied because we made a difference by using our gifts to change the world.

A life well lived – How will you measure our life?

The title of this week invites us to ponder about our life and how we are living it. I'm hundred percent sure that what I ´m learning in this course will lead me to a life well lived.

One of the most beneficial assignments so far in this course was to write about my fears, how could I avoid them, and what to do if they become real. Before this week, I thought I had the same fears as the others (lose my job or money). It was interesting to realize my biggest fears are caused because I do not want to disappoint my family or have less time to spend with them.

What I appreciate most about this activity is the fact that I learned how to deal with my fears. Fears do not let us accomplish goals and follow callings, so we must eliminate them as soon as possible. Because I know which my fears are, the process to deal with them will be easier.

This week I also have finished reading an entrepreneurial book called Mastery. I enjoyed it since the first page because I felt identified with some situations and examples. What I learned from this book is that anyone can get on the path of mastery; we just need instruction, practice, surrender, intentionality, and never stop training.

Week 3

This week I learned about the story of a successful entrepreneur: Magdalena Yesil. What I like most about her is the habit of lifelong learning she has even since her childhood. Her example has been an answer to my questions. I used to ask frequently about the purpose of spending too much time and money studying. I know it is important to have a higher education, but I did not consider studying more after getting a degree. My parents usually recommend me to take all the opportunities I have to study because in that way I can support my family and help others with my knowledge. Magdalena Yesil did not have it easy, but she never stopped to enjoy each opportunity of learning. This habit also benefited all the people who surrounded her because they learned from her knowledge and were motivated to be like her.

When I hear that the use of a product has been harmful to the society, most of the time it is because the producer cared more about the money than the people.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins said, “What you do to make a living, or how many dollars you earn, aren’t nearly as important to the Lord as whether you:

• Are building His kingdom including strong and valiant families.
• Are honest in your dealings with your fellowmen and using your God-given talents in their service; 
• and if you are filling your life with good works, that positively impact your community and world.”

                                                                                         

Grade	Primary Motivation	Secondary Motivation
A	Love	Income
B	Money	Love
C	Love of money	Indifferent to customers
D	Filthy Lucre	Harmful to customers
F	Filthy Lucre	Harmful to customers and to society, nations destroyed.

Source: http://www2.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2010_10_12_Robbins.htm

“To begin with the end in mind”

                                                                                Steven Covey

This week I read a famous lecture from Randy Pausch, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”. As a child, he expected to do many things during this life and dreamed without limitations. The majority of us had especial dreams during our childhood that now have been forgotten because were unattainable or a waste of time. I think dreams are what motivate us to keep on the path that will lead us to happiness.

Like many children, my biggest dream was going to Disneyland. That could have sounded unrealistic in that time because to accomplish it I would had to travel from Peru to the U.S.A with an adult (a lot of money), but I never stop dreaming of being there. Going to Disneyland sounds a realistic dream now that I´m 20 years old. I´m not sure if my parents will give me money to travel, but I can work and save enough to say: Dream fulfilled!

One lesson to learn from Randy Pausch is his philosophy. Despite achieving dreams is not as easy to be done in few weeks, he never gave up when seemed he would fail.

“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.”
                                                                                                                                     Randy Pausch

I can identify myself with this quote because there have been moments when I thought I was not able to accomplish my dreams because of problems that arose. However, those brick walls can be destroyed and motivate me to pursue my dreams if my desire is bigger than my fear.

First Week

“But remember: pursue something where you have some sort of a natural gift, one that brings you great joy, one where you lose track of the hours spent in it, and one where you would practice for the sake of practice alone. Why? Because the road to mastery is a long and trying one: it usually takes at least ten years and ten thousand hours of practice.” 

Jeff Sandefer

When I decided to take this course, I did not imagine how beneficial it would be even since the first class. There have been some phrases and ideas that have caught my attention and made me ponder if my actions are leading me to the person I want to be. 

I think I have been following dreams that are not mine. I just expected to achieve what others do: Having a house, a job, and a car. I did not know where and how to start, and it was because I was not dreaming by myself. I was also omitting an important part to start this entrepreneurial journey: Recognize what I am good at - my talents.

Each time someone ask me about what I´m good at, I have to think more than twice before answering. Sometimes I prefer to do not participate in the conversation just because I cannot recognize any special talent. However, this week I learned that maybe those gifts come naturally that is hard for me to recognize them.

What is my dream? 
What is my talent or gift? 

This week I will focus on finding the answers to these questions that will help me to start my life as an entrepreneurial hero.