Evonne's Entrepreneurial Journal Blog

We made it to week 14! This semester has been a journey of self-discovery, goal setting, and milestones met. I have learned more about myself, my abilities, my weaknesses and my potential. And, most surprising, I was able to keep a consistent journal for an entire semester - one of the goals that I was least confident in being able to achieve. I would call this past semester a personal success! In essence, my entrepreneurial journey started here, but ahead of me lies an infinite path of personal improvement, service and achievement. This semester I have gained skills and tools that will help me as I navigate towards my goals (old and new). Through the process of self-reflection that often seemed unrelated to my limited understanding of business ownership I have discovered that without a clear personal understanding of who I am, what I can become, and what my unique talents can help me achieve I will be hard-pressed to find the professional success I desire. The basic trut...

This week our study was focused on the importance of gratitude while on our entrepreneurial journey. Through having a grateful attitude, we stay humble and open to the wisdom and experience of those we surround ourselves with – gratitude is an essential part of being a lifelong learner. This week’s assignments specifically focused on the case study of entrepreneur Randy Haykin and his passion for being a lifelong learner. His desire to continually learn pushed him to try new things, to think outside of the box in terms of his career path, and to push ahead with ideas (even if others might have discouraged him). Following his passions provided him with opportunities that helped him discover his own potential and allowed him to provide others with unique opportunities under his direction.  Another important aspect of Randy's entrepreneurial journey was his ability to develop genuine relationships. Networking, collaborating and learning are all important traits an entrepreneur sho...

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Great power involves great responsibility.” Through our reading this week, we learn that this statement is easily applied to our professional success. As we work hard to reach our goals and aspirations, it’s important for us to remember that the Savior teaches us through his example of service to others. We are also taught that as we do the Lord’s will, we will be blessed in our righteous endeavors. This relationship of work, success and service is illustrated to us over and over in the scriptures. We are commanded by the Lord to “look to the poor and … needy and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer.” While we are not required to do all things for all people, we are commanded to do what we can when it’s necessary and as we do, we will be sanctified. In his talk  Are We Not All Beggars , Elder Jeffrey R. Holland says of God, “He will help you and guide you in compassionate acts of discipleship if you are conscientiously wanting an...

Based on this week’s reading of “Attitude on Money” by Stephen W. Gibson, we were asked to answer three questions: What is your attitude towards money? How can your view of money affect the way you live? What rules are recommended for prospering? The answer to the first question is one that’s evolved over time for me. I was raised by parents who did not teach me healthy financial habits or skills. We always struggled financially and money took on the role of stress and contention. We always managed to get by, but never thrived or enjoyed the benefits of having extra. As I came into adulthood, I made a lot of financial mistakes. I accrued unnecessary debt and felt the pains of rectifying that situation early on. As I learned to manage my finances and make sound decisions in regards to my income, purchases and responsibilities, I have found that the financial contention that existed in my childhood has been avoided. As a family we work hard, meet our obligations and responsibilities ...

This week our focus was on dreaming big and directing our efforts and focus on the assets, components and/or processes that we need to help us achieve our dreams. These include hard work, creativity, flexibility, education, training, endurance, confidence, fortitude, optimism, and tenacity (just to name a few). In this week’s study materials we learned about a variety of techniques that we can utilize on our path to success. The three that I have found most in line with my own personality and unique dreams include knowing my potential, having faith in myself and putting one foot in front of the other! In  The Challenge to Become  by Dallin H. Oaks we are taught, “We must not give up hope. We must not stop striving. We are children of God and it is possible for us to become what our Heavenly Father would have us become.” As our eternal potential is limitless, so is the potential we have here on earth. Our responsibility is to encourage the same in others – to help them see thei...

This week’s study materials included A Message to Garcia from the Action Foundation that helps us better understand what it takes to develop the character and courage to accept challenges and lead others to success. One of the main focuses of the reading (and the part that I gravitated to most) is the section entitled DEVELOPING THE RIGHT ATTITUDES, HABITS AND INSTINCTS. This particular section really hit home for me – I can find aspects in all of these steps that I recognize in myself (both attributes I possess and those that I need to develop). The following steps are outlined in the reading (my thoughts on each are included below): Accept the mission and get started Often, the first and hardest part of the process is  accepting a challenge instead of lamenting the fact that we are faced with it. When  we embrace what’s before us as something to learn from, we set the expectation of a  positive experience instead of a negative one. Getting started is how we face our...

This week’s materials focused on overcoming challenges, something we will all struggle with throughout our personal lives and our professional endeavors. Our class discussion board not only provided useful information, tips and tricks for overcoming obstacles, but it gave us each a new perspective of our own individual journey. Learning that everyone has struggles (many similar to our own) helps us to feel a sense of comradery and to understand that our challenges are opportunities to grow and push us towards our true potential. My greatest challenge in business is doubting myself. I have a unique ability to present feigned confidence while I’m internally struggling to keep it together. I experience this most often in my role of photographer. I have extensive training and experience and have worked hard to cultivate an impressive portfolio. My business relies solely on repeat customers and referrals – I do not advertise and often am so busy that I have to turn down new clients. And y...