Journal Post #6

Mid-Term Reflection

As we are approaching mid-term this week, I have taken some time to reflect on what I have learned up to this point.  Not necessarily the specific subjects themselves, but things that will help me become a better entrepreneur.  The first thing that popped out in my mind is time management.  I then started to dig a little deeper and determine why that area of my life has improved.  I was able to associate this improvement to one skill set that I have begun to implement in my life, which is delegation.

I hate to ask people to things.  For most of my life I have operated under the mantra that “if you want something done right, you are gunna have to do it yourself”.  Not that I think I am better than most, I think it is more so that A) I hate asking other people to do things for me, as it feels like I am too weak or unable to do it myself, and B) Not knowing if someone else is going to place the same level of importance or priority on a project that I would.  As a manager, this has been an area where I struggle. 

This semester I have been assigned to be the group lead on a couple of projects in two of my other classes.  In both classes, I have roughly 4 other classmates I have been working with on group projects.  (Did I mention I hate group work?)  In both situations the first couple weeks were really tough.  Motivating the others to get involved, do their part, and making sure it was done on time… Not necessarily my cup of tea.

I quickly found out that I couldn’t do this all on my own.  It was at that point I was pushed into that uncomfortable area of asking people to do things.  I found that when I explain clearly what needs to be done, when we need it completed and what we are expecting it to look like at the end; that doesn’t necessarily mean it is going to get done.  However, it does give you peace of mind in knowing the assignment has been delegated effectively.  It can however increase the quantity and quality of things you accomplish in this life, as a student and as an entrepreneur. 

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

Orders are in!!!  I have few orders now that I have some materials; I am going to start building my projects.  I haven’t determine if I am going to paint or stain each of the projects, as my customers seemed to feel somewhat indifferent on what was done.  I am going to review the prices for both paint and stain and try to stick to just a couple of colors for all the projects to keep my costs low.