Very Short Interview, Part 2

For this exercise, I would like you to revisit that first conversation you had with an entrepreneur. In that initial interview, you asked an entrepreneur three questions. Now, revisit this interview and think about the questions you asked and the answers they provided you. From where you stand now, what is your impression of that initial interview?


In my first interview, I got the person's take on what an entrepreneur is, what I should learn from this class, and skills she wishes she would have been taught.  Her idea of an entrepreneur is someone who uses creativity to be successful.  I think this is true to a certain extent. Creativity is one aspect, but after being in this class I know it takes so much more. Ethics is the subject she wanted me to learn about.  Ethics plays a part in all aspects of business.  She wish she had known more about the financial aspect of business.


Second, visit the entrepreneur again. Record the interview if possible. The three questions you ask this time are entirely up to you. Let your experiences in this course drive what questions you ask -- and that will be very different for each of you! 


I visited the entrepreneur for another meeting last night.  I had three questions to ask based on my first interview, and what we have learned in this class.  Here are the questions and responses;


1. Besides creativity, what would be the most important skill to hone for starting a new venture? 
The most important skill I think would be useful is having a good work ethic.  It takes a lot of time to build a business and it generates a lot of pressure.  You have to be able to push through tough times, and keep coming back.


2. We talked about ethics last time as something that should be learned. Ethics is a huge part of business, how has your ethics affected your business?


Ethics has played a big role in the horse industry.  Everything with breeding is scrutinized and having a good ethical background helps minimize that.  It plays into the reputation of the business which equates to better sales.


3. Entrepreneurship is very demanding, what helped you keep your drive up to become successful in the horse industry?  One thing that is great about working in the horse industry are the horses.  They all have their own personalities and make it worth while.


Third, after the interview, try to gather some sense of how far you have come in this class. In your post, discuss your comfort level in talking about entrepreneurship in this interview now, compared to three months ago. Did the entrepreneur convey a sense that they thought you had progressed in your journey?


It has become easier to talk about entrepreneurship this time because I know a tremendous amount more on the subject.  Because of my background as a recruiter, I have never had trouble talking to people but it does get easier the more you understand the topic.
She was very interested about the class and what I had learned so far.  She thought the class was spot on for what we needed to know to focus on succeeding.