Week Fourteen

And that's a wrap. This course is now over. This journal will now end. This is the last assignment of the semester. It is to write a summary of things learned, some advice, and maybe a little caution for those about to embark on the entrepreneur journey.  

I've learned a great deal about the marketplace, opportunities, and most importantly about myself. The marketplace is ever expanding with room enough for new ideas, products, and services. However, for one to succeed they must set themselves apart from the competition. This can be done through niche product lines, specialized services, and/or superior products and services. Couple those items with hard work, passion, integrity, and a bit of luck will all but assure success. 

My advice to those about to enter the entrepreneur path would be to take it slow.  Quick cash, growth and success might be awful tempting but in my experience such ventures usually have sandy foundations and are just as quick to fail. When something feels too good to be true it is most likely illegal, a con, or misunderstood.  Don’t be in a rush. Take time to make decisions. If someone is pressuring you to make a business decision immediately, walk away because most likely they don’t have your best interest in mind. 

Seek God first in all that you do and trust that everything else will work out. Never put work above family.  Family is eternal. Work is temporal.  Remember charity never fails so seek to enlighten, lift, support, sustain, and empower others in all that you do.  An instrument in the Lord’s hands can accomplish anything.   

Expect failure. Don’t hide from it. Don’t fear it. Don’t give into it.  Find motivation in the struggle. Find strength in the obstacle. Find growth in the disappointment. True character is developed while one’s heart is tried in affliction.  Always press forward no matter what trusting in God, trusting in family, trusting in yourself, and trusting in others.  With a positive attitude and growth mindset success will come. 

And finally, in all things be grateful.  Gratitude is the antidote to unmet expectations and the resulting disappointment.  For in the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, “And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.” D&C 78:19  

So, whatever you decide to do make sure to enjoy the ride.  Have fun along the way.  Create wonderful relationships and memories that provide flavor to life.  You can do it.  




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