The first time through I intended to speak with two entrepreneurs. I swung for the fences and got a hold of Dan Price of Gravity Payments. Dan promised to answer the questions via email but never came through even after I did all I could to make it as easy and simple for him. In the end, what bothered me the most was that he committed but did not deliver. As someone aiming to craft a socially responsible financial eco-system with SORIN, I relearned the age old lesson about how "your word is your bond" but not from Dan.
I learned it again from Asif Khan who was my local entrepreneur the first time time around. Asif is a CPA who owns his own accounting firm in the Tampa area. This time, I reached out to Asif at the absolute peak of tax season - the filing deadline is Monday. He is in the office routinely until 11 pm these days but he still made time to call me before the deadline for this assignment and gave me a few minutes of his valuable time. It wasn't even that he was just haphazardly answering questions to get me off the phone; he actually took the time to provide thoughtful answers. He really showed me what is meant by "your word is your bond."
Reflecting back on the original interview with Asif, I can say that I do not agree with him that entrepreneurship is only about products and services that provide profit but the other lessons he mentioned about managing risk and being cognizant of the uncertainties of business are absolutely on point.
For this second interview, I focused on the following questions:
- What would you list as the most important characteristic of an entrepreneur?
- What is a personal characteristic of yours that has contributed most to your success?
- What is the most important advice you would want to give to a potential or existing entrepreneur?
I feel that I have learned a lot in this class but more about what it takes to step out of your comfort zone and speak to various people about your business concept not from a marketing or sales perspective but truly with an intention to learn about how others perceive you and your entrepreneurial concept.
I love the set up of your post. It was so easy to follow. I also loved that you used sound-cloud for your interviews - I would have never thought to do that. You definitely sound like you gained a lot from your interviews and got advice and feedback from some key entrepreneurs in the field. I think it is so neat your interviewee took the time out of his busy job to answer questions for your blog. Great job! http://meganerobb.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2_13.html
ReplyDeleteHello, by far one of the best post I have read so far. I really enjoyed the fact that you were very through. Also, the story about the other person who didn't give you the time of day was a great touch. It really showed the character of the different people you spoke to. Any way I wish you well on your venture and you should read my blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://fernspeaks3493.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-shrt-interview-with-entrepreneur.html