Student Insights for Entrepreneur Interviews
Entrepreneur insights and perceptions related to their businesses were obtained through interviews conducted by students. Student insights and reflections regarding the interview process are shown on this page.
Simply scroll down the page to view. They are shown with the most recent reflections appearing first.
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This project tremendously affected the way I thought a small business was run. I also received several useful tips about entrepreneurship that could be useful if I ever decide to start my own business. The information I acquired regarding start up costs, bank loans, and maintaining bills could possibly guide my actions later on in life. Customer service was an area in a business that I always knew was crucial, however Mr. Sornoso clarified this area up for me even more by revealing tactics and simple acts of kindness that could keep a customer loyal. One of the most important keys to success in a business is to build a strong relationship with your customers, however before you do this you have to build up a clientele. Overall, the most meaningful part of this project to me is the final statement made by Mr. Sornoso. “Until you have something people will buy, then you don’t have a business.” This closing statement is the main reason I changed my outlook on businesses and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are not just people who start a business, but also the individuals who create the blueprint and brainstorm for ways to create or better a service or a product in a way that would attract customers. Even after figuring out what type of business they will run, an entrepreneur is still not expected to succeed. Especially with sole proprietors running small businesses, the daily tasks expected to be performed in a small business can be time consuming, and also excruciating work for owners in a sole proprietorship. The most important fact that I learned from Mr. Sornoso was that creating a product that you know you can promote and sell, while not overwhelming yourself, and then you will be able to run a lucrative business. |
| Date Submitted: 2010-10-07 23:52:42 |
| This project all in all helped me out in a way to see things from a different viewpoint, the entrepreneurs perperspective. By sitting down and conversating with one another about the company helped gain valuable knowledge that is useful for future business men. It was not much of a surprise finding out that technology was one of the most important sources for an entrepreneur but all the tools the company depends on through technology was an eye opener. Technology by means of communicating through the smartphone or laptop to employees is crucial. And finding out once again that its important to have excellent communication and being open-minded was meaningful. The thing that meant most was being able to learn about the inside of a company. The way a successful entreprenuer thinks and actions to take in order to survive and thrive in a certain trade. Something that was repeated was "cutting cost." Being efficient by cutting back, saving money, or even speeding up any process can increase your chances at becoming successful. What stood out the most and what i wont forget is never do it for the money, work in a type of business where you find it interesting and later with time and hard work the money will come. |
| Date Submitted: 2010-10-07 23:56:58 |
| The thing that was most meaningful to me about this project is that I was able to interview a high school classmate of mine about their online business. They helped me understand that in order to do well in a business that I must be doing something that I love to do and also have passion for it. Going into buiness for yourself is not really about making alot of money but about doing something your passionate for. I saw it in the way they spoke to me how passionate they were about this business that they started. Also what was meaningful to me is to see that they are doing rather well in their first 6 months on business. Selling online may seem easy but it could also be hard at the same time. You must check your site everyday to see if someone ordered something, then ship it out, and make sure you communicate with your customers. What was also meaningful to me was the advice they gave me. To make sure that I never give up when times get tough. To look at what your competition is doing and strive to be just as good or better. Also to take business classes in college that could help me make better business decisions and to also help me understand how to run an effective business. Another thing that was meaningful to me is to understand the challenges that they are facing and also the things that they must do and do well in order to stay in business. Overall this project was very helpful as a resource for my future business endeavors. |
| Date Submitted: 2010-10-13 19:23:57 |
| What was most meaningful to you about this project? Why? (Provide details - at least two strong paragraphs of 6-8 sentences each) Answer: The experience of doing this project has taught me a few things about starting and running a small business. Though this project was only limited to the experiences of only one entrepreneur, his personal experience is as valuable as what I have learned, and what I am still learning in the classroom. First, planning ahead is an essential part of starting a business. Second, continuously analyzing and making adjustments as necessary are vital to survival and the ability to thrive in one's business. And finally, where motivation to begin and keep a business going comes from. My short interview with the owner of this business has given me greater insight into the challenges faced by an entrepreneur and his start up. He stressed the importance of planning ahead i.e. making a thorough business plan. He did not have any formal education in small business, but had come to realize the importance of concepts such as feasibility analysis and financial planning. Unfortunately, he has had to learn in the worst way the importance of properly keeping track and analyzing finances. Though some people are motivated by financial gain, as well as other reasons, there are still those who chase the dream, namely, doing and being involved in what they love. |
| Date Submitted: 2010-10-13 22:20:19 |
| In the class starting a small business seemed to be easy and favorable. Videos explaining that your chances of becoming a millionaire jump up dramatically and other videos life FISH to make it seem like a walk in the park. So a small business would be something that takes a month and will definitely get you rich, right? Not so, in interviewing a small business owner I saw what most people on his side of the fence see. Owning a business is grueling work that is for the most part not a “Get rich quick” grantee. But there must be a positive side to a business that is not one of the lucky few; for Tim Kreitzman this is his own gym to do what he loves, train. Instead of paying his classes he found a way to mix business with convenience. What was most meaningful to me about this project was how a man found a loophole to a stressful business by choosing something that he is truly passionate about. He only has three people working for him and all where assigned trainers after training in that gym for years. So the owner did not have to learn the business since he was around it for the grater part of his life. He kept that mind thought going by hiring the very people that he trained and knew the gym well. That also keeps relationships close and gives the gym more of a friend zone vibe. Although I am sure the business is hard to run and is stressful it does help to do something you love. |
| Date Submitted: 2010-10-14 09:20:08 |
| I have learned that it is a difficult process to own your own company. Having to worry about so much and having to have all the knowhow on how to fix anything if it goes wrong. All the liability is on your shoulders if you decide to open it up yourself. It is scary having to put your own money into a company that you have no idea that it wont just die the next day. It is very inspiring and motivating hearing it from somebody that is making it work. They have to push themselves every day, because nobody else is going to do it for them. Not only are you the owner, but you have to know everything. It isn’t enough to just manage your workers and deal with the money; I mean that is a lot of the business, but knowing your trade and being able to jump in when needed is a big part. I have also learned that it isn’t smart to burn bridges. Always have friends because all they can do is help. Building relationships with people leaves a good impression on your customer. It is hard work and it takes dedication. The only way to make money in running your own business is to take risk sometimes, because those people who stay conservative will get passed up. |
| Date Submitted: 2010-10-14 19:19:03 |
| Everything in this project was meaningful to me because I am going to the same industry this person is going for. I want to run a clothing company involved in the skateboarding industry. This person is runs a big company in the skateboarding industry and he started in 2007. I look up to this entrepreneur for what he has accomplished in such little time. This person has been detailed and opened up to what ever he has done to get to where he is. I feel honored for him taking the time to help me out. |
| Date Submitted: 2010-10-15 03:01:38 |
| The most meaningful thing about this project was that i got the opportunity to ask a friend. I have known her for four years, we worked together when I worked in the home loan service. We became close friends so much so that even when the company went under we stayed in touch and see each other when we can. knowing what helped someone close to me helps me and gives me hope. Plus knowing that I am perparing myself to do what she is doing gives me extra motivation to keep going and reach my goal. I have tried to learn about every aspect of business like marketing, business management, HR, TQM total quality management, business organization, accounting so that I can be a complete owner and handle as much as I possibly can. However meeting someone that knows very little about these subject, and still made their dream come true is inspiring. Then listening to her say that she believes I am ready to start my business as well, her having faith in me gives me faith in myself. |
| Date Submitted: 2011-03-18 18:44:02 |
| There are many factors in running a business and the more the owner understands how it functions the more successful it can be. Each component is essential for the company to succeed. If one area fails then the organization as a whole fails. Customers / clients are the life blood of a business and should be taken care of. A happy customer is a loyal customer. That’s why in order to satisfy a customer the quality of the product / service is extremely important. If a company has no customers then there can be no business and they will be forced to close down. This project was very enlightening to me. It provided me with some insight about how a business is run and some of the common worries that a new business will face. The information I gained can be used as a stepping stone towards success. Since I may consider starting my own business someday this information is very valuable to me. I can better prepare myself now and get a head start on the game. Now while I am still in school I can also focus more on some of these areas and get a better understanding of them. That way there are no problems in the future that will be very costly. |
| Date Submitted: 2011-04-10 13:09:54 |
| The most meaningful things I learned from this project is that it’s very difficult to get a business started in the economy we have today. The reason why it is so difficult to start a business today is because people are trying to save money and they aren’t interested in anything but what they absolutely need. I also learned that you need to familiarize yourself with your business before you start it. You need to know absolutely everything before you even think about starting one. Your location is also key to your business. If you don’t have a good location, your business will not succeed. Researching or surveying the area you plan on starting you business in will give you a good outlook on how your business will do. I learned so much from this interview. It really opened my eyes to the ups and downs of owning your own business. If the companies you are in business with raise their prices it affects you and your paycheck. That is something that never even crossed my mind and that is a very important aspect. I also learned that you should always be watching your competition and if they are using the newest and greatest thing, you should be doing the same. If you continue to use the old your business could slip through the cracks. This interview has made me somewhat rethink whether I really do want to own my own business or not. There is a lot more involved with a business than what I thought. |
| Date Submitted: 2011-04-10 22:49:07 |
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