Last Lecture

When you hear the word entrepreneur what do you think of? Do the words scary, risky, expensive, or waste of time come to mind? They sure did for me. I thought there is no way I could ever become an entrepreneur and at this present time I’m still not one but I can report that I definitely have a better idea of where I’m headed and some of the fear has been eliminated. Fear of this topic or any topic for that matter usually comes from the unknown which in the world of entrepreneurship is definitely a factor.

There are 4 points that I would like to touch on in regards to starting an entrepreneur’s journey and the things that I have been able to take away from this course and they are as follows;

1.      Always ask questions- always ask for help

2.      Your ideas matter

3.      It is never too late to start

4.      You will never know until you try.

The first point is to always ask questions and always ask for help. This point may seem kind of strange or out of place for the topic but the truth is we all have questions especially when it comes to starting your own business or venturing out on your own, and that you are not alone. Many people before you and many people after you will make the same steps towards owning their own business and no one can do it without some help from either books, articles, or advice from people who have taken the same steps as them. Don’t be afraid to ask and then listen to the advice that you are given.

The second point is “Your ideas matter” This point struck me from day one and has continued to stick with me regardless of the other things that I learn. This journey is hard and not everyone will get it on the first try. That is a known but the important thing to remember is that when you have an idea, a passion, something worth fighting for, you don’t give up on that dream. You continue to fight and work for you dream until you achieve it. Your idea is never dumb or stupid and the harder you work for it, the sweeter it will be when you finally do achieve it.

Next, is “It’s never too late to start”. This point is probably one of my top 2 favorite. I know that life gets in the way and when you have a family and other financial responsibilities. That is a given. You obviously can’t drop everything and start your business and follow your dream if it means that you can’t take care of your family but what I have learned is that times may become hard. There will be challenges and obstacles. But whether you are 20 or 60, there is no difference. You can always find  a way to make it happen and the more you work at it, the more likely you are to achieve the end goal. Don’t ever say that you are too old or that it’s too late. Your dream is yours to keep.

The final piece of advice that I learned from this class and to pass onto those who are interested in entrepreneurship; is that you will never know the end outcome unless you try. Have you ever wanted to do something but have been too afraid to try? Or you don’t know what’s going to happen so you just don’t? And eventually you always come back to wonder what may have come of the situation or how it would have changed your life? I feel full heartedly that entrepreneurship is the same way. You will never know the outcome until you try it. Is it scary? Absolutely! Is it risky? YES! But is it worth it? Definitely. Don’t give up on yourself. Know that your dream, your passion, It matters and when you decide to take that first step into this journey, you will find scary things but you will also find joy like you have never known before.

Keep going. Find what you are passionate about and chase it and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t because the only person holding yourself back, is you!