Friday, October 20, 2017

What's Your Secret Sauce?

I think that through my experiences, background, and passion, I have significant human capital that would support my venture concept: a replacement for the textbook. My experience within education and business education gives me a leg up. Not only do I TA entrepreneurship courses here (and develop course content for them), but I also produce business workbooks/curriculum for DECA, and mentor business students one-on-one. My background in business is an additional strength; it is one thing to be interested in a product/knowledgeable within the field, however, a competency as a business owner is necessary in order to truly be successful. I also believe that my perspective as a student gives me an advantage- these books are created in order to appeal to students and make them more interesting, so it is best to understand what a student would want out of educational materials. My competency within the field of graphic design is another strength, as these books are designed in an infographic style, and having the skill set to create these designs is crucial. Finally, my passion for education and business development will motivate me to create the best possible products and the strongest company.

Interviews


  1. Paula: Paula has identified my dedication and passion for the work I do as my biggest strength. She also mentioned that I am very goal-oriented, which I have definitely noticed about myself. According to Paula, I am also very "unselfish" as well as loyal, which can definitely be a strength, as long as you don't get taken advantage of. (http://www.filedropper.com/paulaonme)
  2. Julian: Julian has identified my optimism and professionalism, as well as my experience out of school as personal strengths. He also believes I am adept at juggling a large workload and that I have "impeccable time management." In addition, I have an ability to bounce back from difficulty. (http://www.filedropper.com/julianonme) 
  3. Gadi: According to Gadi, the work I do has become a part of me, and I know myself very well. He also believes that I am good at managing and delegating, and planning for the future. (http://www.filedropper.com/gadionme)
  4. Denise: Denise has identified my willingness to network and my tenacity as strengths. She also understands that I love to be challenged, which is an interesting take on a strength. (http://www.filedropper.com/deniseonme)
  5. Nicole: According to Nicole, I am very goal-oriented and professional, and do not let barriers get in my way. In addition, my ability to juggle many responsibilities is a strength, in addition to knowing what I want and my drive to get it. (http://www.filedropper.com/nicole_1)
Many of these people (especially the first three) have worked closely with me in the past, and know me very well. I do find that I agree with many of their objective statements: I am loyal, I'm definitely very goal-oriented, and I do try to always have a passion for what I do. However, I think Paula and Julian may be overstating some of my abilities-- I am a very hard worker and will make sure to stay committed and go beyond what is required; however, I don't think that means there's "nothing too hard" for me or that I'm just amazing. I think anyone can do the things I've done if they try hard enough... they just need to do it. 

*You may need to download the audio file from the link in order to listen to it

3 comments:

  1. Hey Lauren,

    I think there is a high correspondence between your self-reflection and the interviewees' impression of you. I am convinced that you already have most of the characteristics and skills which are important for creating your own business. I am sure your passion, goal-orientation, your experience and tenacity but also the professionalism are very helpful for your idea and the implementation.

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  2. Your interviews show that you possess entrepreneurial skills naturally. I like how you included that you thought your friends were overly positive/nice about their thoughts and expressed very little criticism. Your hard work and experience is what is going to push you to do great things in the future. Your human capital shows that you are a goal oriented, professional, and determined individual.

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  3. We are often our own worst enemies and studies show that we don't see what other people see in us - literally. There is a cool campaign by dove that covers this on youtube - worth the watch. People describe a person and an artist draws their features and then they are revealed to the person. It is very emotional. We have trouble being proud of our accomplishments and although, as you said, anyone could do it with the right effort - the important part is you actually HAVE done it. That makes you YOU.

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