What I have learned from Intro to Entrepreneurship

 

This is the final journal entry regarding my Intro to Entrepreneurship class at BYU Idaho.  It has been a blessing to participate in this class.  I must say that this class isn’t what I expected at all.  I expected a rigorous exploration of the mechanics of starting a business.  Instead, we explored the spiritual side of entrepreneurship, the emotional and family toll as well as basic mechanics of starting businesses or careers that are entrepreneurial in nature.  I wish I would have taken this class years ago as it has fundamentally changed the way I look at business.  My prior thinking was that career and business were a means to a personal financial end – we work, create and build so that we can earn money.  This course has helped me understand that we work, create and build for the love of God and fellowman.  We do these things in alignment with His principles and His objectives, with the intent to help our fellowmen along the way.  Money will always be a byproduct of entrepreneurial success, however when it is the sole purpose of our work we too often let revenue or personal wealth take us away from the purposes of God.  I look forward to putting these principles into practice and spending my life in harmony with the principles of the gospel in a business setting. 

If I were to give advice to anyone beginning their own entrepreneurial journey, I would encourage them to focus on building themselves, growing their skillsets and to watch for business opportunities that allow them to help and serve others.  I would encourage them to build an “A” company. 

As the same time I would offer a caution and advice: Do not spend your career, your life’s work chasing money.  Spend your life finding opportunities to love God and your fellowman.  Perhaps that is a product or service that can improve or world while you use the profits to build the Kingdom of God and elevate those around you.  Become the best you can at your profession, even world class, with a focus on lifting everyone around you.  My guess is the rewards will astound you. 

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