SlideShare uma empresa Scribd logo
1 de 11
What Does It Take?
en.tre.pre.neur 
[ahn-truh-pruh-nur] 
-noun 
1. hard to define 
What is an entrepreneur?
How do they think? 
Optimistic 
Persistent 
Creative 
Confident
It is rare that an entrepreneur is both 
inventor and innovator. 
Image credit: http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngreathouse/2012/06/07/few-entrepreneurs-are-both-inventors-and-innovators-which-are-you/
Image credit: http://luciusblog.com/nature-of-entrepreneurship-how- 
to-improve-your-nature-of-entrepreneurship-and-achieve-better-results-in-business/
BASIC 
Entrepreneurs Through the Years 
Top left: Henry Ford 
Top right: Thomas Edison 
Bottom left: George Eastman 
Bottom right: Steve Jobs 
http://www.incomediary.com/30-most-influential-entrepreneurs-of-all-time-2
BASIC 
Failed 
Tried again 
1 
His Success 
Invested 
wisely 
Made money 
2 
Applied skills 
Taught others 
3
Know Your Customer 
“Customers don’t innovate, customer’s validate.” 
-Scott Cook, Intuit
Fatal Flaws of 
Today’s Entrepreneur 
1. Customer problem doesn’t exist 
2. Customers don’t know they have 
a problem 
3. Customers are unwilling to pay for 
a solution 
4. Solution doesn’t solve the problem
Pivoting 
? 
1. Know when to pivot 
2. Use good judgment 
3. Refocus and take what you 
have learned 
www.graphicriver.net/goashape
http://fcgarra.com/fc-garra/a-blueprint-to-success-what-is-success-and-how-do-we-get-there/

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Destaque

Final year ece projects in chennai
Final year ece projects in chennaiFinal year ece projects in chennai
Final year ece projects in chennaiThirumal Krishnan
 
Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)
Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)
Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)The Open Education Consortium
 
Planejamento Midia - Promott
Planejamento Midia - PromottPlanejamento Midia - Promott
Planejamento Midia - Promottpromott12
 
đồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuật
đồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuậtđồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuật
đồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuậtTÀI LIỆU NGÀNH MAY
 
Inteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería x
Inteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería xInteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería x
Inteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería xisai funes jaraba
 

Destaque (10)

Final year ece projects in chennai
Final year ece projects in chennaiFinal year ece projects in chennai
Final year ece projects in chennai
 
Aula 3 - Engenharia de Software
Aula 3 - Engenharia de SoftwareAula 3 - Engenharia de Software
Aula 3 - Engenharia de Software
 
Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)
Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)
Open Education 101 (OE Global 2015 Pre-conference workshop)
 
Planejamento Midia - Promott
Planejamento Midia - PromottPlanejamento Midia - Promott
Planejamento Midia - Promott
 
đồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuật
đồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuậtđồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuật
đồ áN ngành may đề tài tìm hiểu quy trình làm việc của nhân viên phòng kỹ thuật
 
Moodle Escola D João II
Moodle Escola D João IIMoodle Escola D João II
Moodle Escola D João II
 
Cambia tú primero
Cambia tú primeroCambia tú primero
Cambia tú primero
 
UNIDAD II COMUNICACIÓN Y COLABORACIÓN
UNIDAD II COMUNICACIÓN Y COLABORACIÓNUNIDAD II COMUNICACIÓN Y COLABORACIÓN
UNIDAD II COMUNICACIÓN Y COLABORACIÓN
 
Presentation
PresentationPresentation
Presentation
 
Inteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería x
Inteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería xInteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería x
Inteligencias múltiples aplicadas a panadería x
 

Semelhante a Finding Success as an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurial MindsetEntrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurial MindsetRetno Nindya
 
SIIA Previews Presentation 2009
SIIA Previews Presentation 2009SIIA Previews Presentation 2009
SIIA Previews Presentation 2009Roger Ehrenberg
 
8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the Interview
8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the Interview8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the Interview
8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the InterviewHowie DiBlasi
 
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupisland
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupislandDon't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupisland
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupislandVitaly Golomb
 
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014Vitaly Golomb
 
GBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime Hotta
GBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime HottaGBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime Hotta
GBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime HottaAntoree.com
 
FAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering Happiness
FAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering HappinessFAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering Happiness
FAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering HappinessDelivering Happiness
 
How should people be paid?
How should people be paid?How should people be paid?
How should people be paid?Frank Calberg
 
Chapter no. 01 snvm
Chapter no. 01 snvmChapter no. 01 snvm
Chapter no. 01 snvmSonal Patil
 
Personal Branding
Personal BrandingPersonal Branding
Personal Brandingtechie-prof
 
Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015
Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015
Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015Ken Courtright
 
Strategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive Environment
Strategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive EnvironmentStrategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive Environment
Strategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive EnvironmentY P Chawla
 

Semelhante a Finding Success as an Entrepreneur (20)

Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurial MindsetEntrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurial Mindset
 
EDP
EDPEDP
EDP
 
SIIA Previews Presentation 2009
SIIA Previews Presentation 2009SIIA Previews Presentation 2009
SIIA Previews Presentation 2009
 
Module 2
Module 2Module 2
Module 2
 
8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the Interview
8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the Interview8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the Interview
8 Secrets to Getting the Job: What to do Before, During, and After the Interview
 
Ep 01
Ep 01Ep 01
Ep 01
 
Ep 01
Ep 01Ep 01
Ep 01
 
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupisland
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupislandDon't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupisland
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Island Hvar Keynote #startupisland
 
PMBBC WEBINAR - June 2017
PMBBC WEBINAR - June 2017PMBBC WEBINAR - June 2017
PMBBC WEBINAR - June 2017
 
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014
Don't be a F'in Wantrepreneur - Startup Village #SUV2014
 
GBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime Hotta
GBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime HottaGBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime Hotta
GBG Hanoi_Event tháng 4_Startup Capital_Hajime Hotta
 
FAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering Happiness
FAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering HappinessFAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering Happiness
FAHR - Jenn Lim - Delivering Happiness
 
How should people be paid?
How should people be paid?How should people be paid?
How should people be paid?
 
CETS 2010, Mark Steiner, Starting Your Own Business
CETS 2010, Mark Steiner, Starting Your Own BusinessCETS 2010, Mark Steiner, Starting Your Own Business
CETS 2010, Mark Steiner, Starting Your Own Business
 
Chapter no. 01 snvm
Chapter no. 01 snvmChapter no. 01 snvm
Chapter no. 01 snvm
 
Personal Branding
Personal BrandingPersonal Branding
Personal Branding
 
Eurokid is an entrepreneur
Eurokid is an entrepreneurEurokid is an entrepreneur
Eurokid is an entrepreneur
 
Entrepreneurship
EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
 
Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015
Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015
Ken courtright at engaging speakers 2015
 
Strategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive Environment
Strategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive EnvironmentStrategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive Environment
Strategic Entrepreneurship in a Competitive Environment
 

Último

Call Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service Noida
Call Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service NoidaCall Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service Noida
Call Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service Noidadlhescort
 
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 MayIt will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 MayNZSG
 
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration PresentationUneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentationuneakwhite
 
B.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptx
B.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptxB.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptx
B.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptxpriyanshujha201
 
Value Proposition canvas- Customer needs and pains
Value Proposition canvas- Customer needs and painsValue Proposition canvas- Customer needs and pains
Value Proposition canvas- Customer needs and painsP&CO
 
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756dollysharma2066
 
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service BangaloreCall Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangaloreamitlee9823
 
Dr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdf
Dr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdfDr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdf
Dr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdfAdmir Softic
 
Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...
Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...
Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...Sheetaleventcompany
 
Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...
Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...
Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...amitlee9823
 
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756dollysharma2066
 
Call Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableSeo
 
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to ProsperityFalcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperityhemanthkumar470700
 
Famous Olympic Siblings from the 21st Century
Famous Olympic Siblings from the 21st CenturyFamous Olympic Siblings from the 21st Century
Famous Olympic Siblings from the 21st Centuryrwgiffor
 
Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876
Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876
Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876dlhescort
 
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League CityHow to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League CityEric T. Tung
 
MONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRL
MONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRLMONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRL
MONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRLSeo
 

Último (20)

Call Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service Noida
Call Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service NoidaCall Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service Noida
Call Girls In Noida 959961⊹3876 Independent Escort Service Noida
 
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 MayIt will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
 
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration PresentationUneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
 
B.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptx
B.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptxB.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptx
B.COM Unit – 4 ( CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( CSR ).pptx
 
Value Proposition canvas- Customer needs and pains
Value Proposition canvas- Customer needs and painsValue Proposition canvas- Customer needs and pains
Value Proposition canvas- Customer needs and pains
 
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
 
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service BangaloreCall Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
 
Dr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdf
Dr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdfDr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdf
Dr. Admir Softic_ presentation_Green Club_ENG.pdf
 
Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...
Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...
Chandigarh Escorts Service 📞8868886958📞 Just📲 Call Nihal Chandigarh Call Girl...
 
Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...
Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...
Call Girls Jp Nagar Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bang...
 
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
 
Falcon Invoice Discounting platform in india
Falcon Invoice Discounting platform in indiaFalcon Invoice Discounting platform in india
Falcon Invoice Discounting platform in india
 
Call Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Ludhiana Just Call 98765-12871 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
 
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to ProsperityFalcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
 
Famous Olympic Siblings from the 21st Century
Famous Olympic Siblings from the 21st CenturyFamous Olympic Siblings from the 21st Century
Famous Olympic Siblings from the 21st Century
 
Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876
Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876
Call Girls in Delhi, Escort Service Available 24x7 in Delhi 959961-/-3876
 
unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabiunwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
 
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League CityHow to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
 
MONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRL
MONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRLMONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRL
MONA 98765-12871 CALL GIRLS IN LUDHIANA LUDHIANA CALL GIRL
 
VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...
VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...
VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...
 

Finding Success as an Entrepreneur

Notas do Editor

  1. Growing up, I remember that every time my Dad wanted to learn about something, he would find one of these books. Funny enough, there is even one for Enrepreneurship. But can you learn how to be successful from a book? Is an entrepreneurial spirit born or learned? What does it take to succeed as an Entrepreneur? These are all questions that we will answer shortly.
  2. In order to figure out what makes an entrepreneur successful, we need to define what an entrepreneur is. The true definition is a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. But that doesn’t explain who an entrepreneur is? What are they made of? How do they think? What are their characteristics?
  3. Entrepreneurs can envision success long before they attain it. It is a specific mindset they live in. They are optimistic, persistent, creative, and confident. If you live in the mindset that you wont or can’t, then that is the exact result you will get. You have heard life coaches and motivators say over and over, “close your eyes and see yourself accomplishing exactly what it is that you want to.” I imagine successful entrepreneurs do this without a second thought. Thomas Edison said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Success takes hard work and living in the mindset of success is the first step to getting to the top.
  4. When doing my research, I struggled with finding a person in history to consider an entrepreuneur. I found plenty of inventors in history and slightly fewer innovators, but I learned that it is rare that an entrepreneur is both inventor and innovator. Read chart…. However, some of the most well-known entrepreneurs have found a balance between all of these characteristics. They are able to deal with complex problems, and relate them to customer problems. They are able to work individually and then know when they can’t do it all and rely on a team. We will talk about one of them in depth and what he did to find success.
  5. I came across this picture and it really made me think. (read quote) But not all entrepreneurs get to this point. So what are the contributing factors to the success of an entrepreneur? Are there certain rules or path that they all follow? We can take a look back at some entrepreneurs that found success that you may have heard of and find out what helped them.
  6. Henry Ford, made mainstream automobiles a reality. He liked to tinker. Once he took apart put together a timepiece that he father gave him just to see if he could. He had what it took to become one of the most influential entrepreneurs after several failures. But he knew that those failures contributed to his success. He said, Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. The second picture is Thomas Edison. One of the raritys that is inventor and innovator, he was no stranger to failure either. We will talk about him more in a minute. The next picture is George Eastman. I had to include him since he made so many strides forward in the world of photography. He too was an inventor and an innovator. He founded the Kodak company in 1884 and brought photography from a very expensive hobby to the public so anyone could take pictures and preserve memories forever. The last picture is someone we have become quite familiar with over the course of this program. Steve Jobs took a garage based business and turned it into a multi-billion dollar Apple empire. He was forced out by his own and yet he kept on fighting. He came to a crossroads and he made one smart pivot after another. He evaluated what he was doing and what he needed to do differently. One quote that I particularly love is, “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”
  7. Thomas Edison like most entrepreneurs was an agent of change. When he was 21, he patented the first 1,000 inventions in the United States. But he was more than an inventor. He understood the most important principles for success and that helped make him a . He knew the value of hard work. He said, “opportunity is often missed by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” He knew he needed to find success, because that success funded the next adventure for him. He said, “I always invented to obtain money to go on inventing.” He also knew that if he was going to put hours into an invention it was going to need to be one that the public wanted.
  8. Edison did not invent the first electric light bulb like you think, but instead invented the first commercially practical incandescent light. Others had gone before him but faced challenged like some of the early bulbs had flaws like an extremely short life or were too expensive to produce, therefore they couldn’t be scaled commercially. Edison saw opportunity here and found a a solution to an existing problem. Shortly after that, he founded the Edison Electric light company. He made the comment that we will make electricity so cheap that only the rich will burn candles.” Edison was asked several times what inventions was he most fond of. He always replied, the ones that could be commercialized. He knew that it wasn’t the customer’s job to know what they wanted. I am not certain if he did any rapid experiments or customer test panels, but he had to have known what they were looking for because he was quick to abandon an idea or invention that the public didn’t need. Common mistakes that are made by entrepreneurs today start there. It is important to not be victim to one of these fatal flaws.
  9. Pivoting is changing course to redirect or refocus your company or product while still utilizing the resources and learnings that you’ve gathered a long the way. Thomas Edison was an expert at this. When one way wasn’t working, he quickly was able to abandon it and move on to the next. 3 important things to consider are 1. Know when to pivot 2. Use good judgment 3. Refocus and take what you have learned. Pivoting is key in the journey to success for an entrepreneur.
  10. Sometimes we have to look to the past to figure out ways to sustain in the future. Following some of the entrepreneurial habits of Thomas Edison can guide us on the right path to success. Remember to be innovative, learn from your mistakes and know when to change direction, and don’t fall into some of the common traps we discussed and you can certainly find success. Oh, and you may have to come up with 10,000 wrong ideas before you get to the right one.