14A Halfway Reflection

1)    What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 
I was proactive. I read the assignment requirement at the beginning of each week and as I walk around campus, I’d take a few minutes to talk to someone who is willing to indulge me and answer this week’s interview question.
2)    Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?
When I first started interviewing people, I got feedback that rejected my beliefs of who my market was and whether they would buy my product. It was disheartening to say the least. Interviewing what I thought was my market made me start realizing how off I was and the thought that this plan wouldn’t work scared me. What pulled me through was the passion I have for the product and the belief that there are bound to be people who need this product as much as I do- I just need to find them. The tenacity needed to interview so many people is what has shown me how determined I can be. 
3)    Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset'?
Something that really helped me when it started getting tough was thinking about running. When you run for a long time and you are almost at the end, it’s the last few meters that you feel your lungs wheezing, your heart pounding, and your muscles tensing. The most intense pain is right before you reach your goal. With that in mind, whenever I felt like it couldn’t do it anymore, I reminded myself that if it hurts, I’m getting close to the finish line. Because of that I work a little harder and a little longer.
Something else that helps is to listen to other entrepreneurial stories to remind you of where you will one day be.
Chose a topic that really interests you and is something you are fascinated about whether not it turns into a business. That way, you are invigorated to learn more solely on your interest in the topic and not just a need for money.


Comments

  1. The Tavern TimesOctober 15, 2017 at 12:26 PM

    Emily,
    I 100% feel for you when you talk about interviewing people and not getting the positive reaction that you hoped for. It can be really easy to feed off of this and feel like your idea is hopeless. However, if we can keep in mind that these are only singular opinions and that we can adjust, grow, and adapt, to better meet prospective customers needs. I also liked your tips. Those are interesting tactics I have not ever really heard of before.

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  2. UnknownOctober 15, 2017 at 2:07 PM

    Emily,
    I really enjoyed reading your halfway reflection. The negative feedback is always hard to take, but I think that your passion and determination with your product is what really makes you a great entrepreneur. The advice you gave was amazing and I think the analogy of the runner is inspiring and can really help students stay motivated to get through the rough spots in going through with their opportunity.

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  3. UnknownOctober 15, 2017 at 4:21 PM

    I felt the same way that you did when it comes to interviewing people as people were telling me that they weren't too excited about some of my product ideas however like you with my passion for my products I was willing to listen to people's ideas and adapt them to my ideas in order to make them the best ideas that they can be. The running analogy to this class is very interesting and it surprises me how much I can relate to that analogy but like running as soon as one finishes it is truly great.

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