This week the class received a lot of good advice from successful entrepreneurs. I gained the most knowledge from three speakers.
They were:
1. Steve Blank-- The Entrepreneur and Family
2. Jan Newman-- Loyalty to God and family
3.Wences Casares-- Three lessons about what it means to be an entrepreneur
Steve Blank made the biggest impression on me this week. The basic idea I took away from his talk was that you should make rules or start-ups will take over your life. Each person needs to set boundaries that make sense for them during the start-up of the new business. I like that Blank focused his responses on keeping the family together during the busy time of a start-up. His suggested 3 guides to help maintain family life:
1. Set a dinner time.
This allows you to be home with the family. By eating together every night you will be able to stay connected with each family members life.
2. Weekends with your kids.
This is important so that your kids understand that they are as important to you as your company. "Love to a child is spelled T-I-M-E" said, Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Spend time with your children on a regular basis.
3. Put your kids to bed.
Taking time to be with your children will be something that you will never regret. They are only young once and time won't wait on you. Enjoy the special bedtime routines while they are little.
Jan Newman also talked about family but included God into his conversation. I think that one of the most important things I took away from his talk was to not let my busy life pull me away from my church responsibilities. Newman said, "always take your church callings." By accepting calling you are being loyal to the promises you made at baptism. You are increasing your level of integrity. By doing this you are increasing your loyalty to your family as well. Being a good example to your friends and family be keeping your promises is a legacy that should be important.
Finally, Wences Casares had three lessons that he shared. I really liked his comments but can only relate to two of the three.
1. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle.
I don't really relate to this lesson, but I am working on implementing it in my life. I am not a natural born entrepreneur but learning.
2. Time is the most valuable asset.
Take the time to look at your life, not in the short-term 2 to 5 years but in the long-term of 20 to 30 years. What do you want to do for the long-term?
3. Stick with something for a long time.
Here he is talking about sticking with your vision or company. Don't sell your company too early or too fast. Let the company grow with you. You might have another great vision that others might miss. Stick with your original dream before jumping ship.
When you marry all of these lessons, I found that each one of them is encouraging you to stay true to yourself. Be true to your family. Be true to your religion. Be true to your entrepreneurial spirit. It might be hard, and you might get lost but by setting guides and sticking to them you will have a better chance of keeping all 3 of these important aspects in balance--Family-Religion-Company
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