How did you come up with your business idea/concept?

Overview: Entrepreneurial Interview Assignment

The objective of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your ongoing learning in the process of developing as an entrepreneur.  You and your teammate (if you choose to work in a group of two) will meet and interview an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurial Profile Assignment

You will meet and interview an entrepreneur.  The interview can be done in person (if appropriate), by phone, by Skype/Facetime/Bluejeans by email, etc, etc.  The entrepreneurial interview is designed to put you in contact with an entrepreneur/business owner to discuss any number of questions relating to the operation of a business.  You will seek out an entrepreneur and conduct an interview.  The assignment topic is open in that you can address a wide range of questions/issues.  The written interview should include a brief introduction, the questions/answers and a conclusion.  You will be expected to provide a written summary of your interview and be prepared to present this assignment in class.

Output:

First you should describe the business and the entrepreneur being interviewed and why you chose them.  Your description of the business you should identify the revenue source and what problem(s) does the seller solve for the buyer and how?

The entrepreneurial profile requires (but is not limited to) these questions to ask/address:

1. How did you come up with your business idea/concept?
2. What are the three or more best things about being in business?
3. What are the three or more worst things about being in business?
4. How do you attempt to increase your revenues (getting the work)?
5. How do you find good employees?
6. How do you train employees (doing the work)?
7. How do you handle the administrative (paper work) side of being in business?
8. How do you or did you finance your business?
9. How do you consider and address your corporate and social responsibilities (consider: climate change, environment, Indigenous issues, work conditions, etc. pick one)
10. How much government requirements do you have to deal with?
11. What is your operational and strategical (competitive advantage) stength?
12. How are you using social media in your business?
13. What type of financial statements or information do you use to make decisions?
14. How do you measure your success each year?
15. Your own questions #1…
16. Your own questions #2…

Written summaries are normally about ten pages in length (12pt font minimum single or double spaced) are to be orally presented and the written summary maybe shared with the rest of the class. The summary also requires that you retell in a few words what has been said by the entrepreneur interviewed.  Please know that this is just not an exercise in paraphrasing. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of the interview and information gathered and provide your opinion of the information and knowledge you have gained.