Very Short Interview, Part 2

I want to start by stating my biggest take away from this class; risk. I learned that entrepreneurship is all about taking risks and putting yourself out of your comfort zone. When I look back at my interview with the entrepreneur, he stated risk multiple times. When I first interviewed him, I didn't think much of it, but now I have a lot better of an understanding about how important taking risks are in entrepreneurship. He also discussed a lot about leadership, which is very important as an entrepreneur I've learned. It was smart of him to state leadership rather than management in my opinion. At the end of the interview my reflection was the importance of relationship and communication. As much as I still agree with that being important, I've learned taking risks is even more important as an entrepreneur.

The Interview

1.     What is the key to sustaining a competitive advantage through your entrepreneurial journey?

In my experience the key to sustaining a competitive advantage is to focus on your core competencies that make your company unique and continually improve them.  With that in mind, I recommend pursuing cost reduction, improving quality, and most importantly adding value and to better meet the consumer’s needs providing a more rewarding experience.

2.     What advice do you have about hiring quality employees that perpetuate your company’s vision?

When it comes to hiring you should always cover your basics. I always start with a background check to ensure no criminal record.  The next thing to do is ensure the potential employee has the correct education for the job description and has a stable work history. Checking social media platforms have is a new technique we have been utilizing to get a more accurate representation of the person’s character. I recommend hiring employees that seem to fit in with your company’s culture, what ever that may be, and provide proper training to show what is and is not acceptable behavior.

3.     Looking back over your time as entrepreneur, what is one thing you wish you had done differently?

I would have to say to take the time and enjoy the journey you are about to embark on.  Many people, myself included, tend to focus on the end goal and don’t take the time to appreciate everything along the way that makes the entrepreneurial journey so special.  Take any opportunity you have to network, focus on people and conveying your purpose to them, not profits, and be optimistic for your plight as an entrepreneur.

My Reflection

I would say I was more comfortable in discussing entrepreneurship, but I am not as passionate about it as some other students in this class so I still am on edge a little with the idea of entrepreneurship. I'm not sure if the entrepreneur I interviewed thought I had progressed. This interview was done over the phone, and I didn't ask him about my progress or anything of that sort.