ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNAL

This week I studied a case study on Jack Welch and General Electric.   I tried to be empathetical towards those in the 1980’s who lost their job due to Welch’s cuts.   I found that, even though I’ve lost jobs before, it was easier to see the big picture through Welch’s eyes, than to feel the job-loss in the employee’s eye’s.   The case study opened up nearly three decades of the visionary internal workings of a masterful leader.   Welch made moves that seemed risky and unorthodox, however is created a learning/ teaching experience for all leadership involved.   I can see today how a lot of companies are riding on the shirttails of Jack Welch.   The company I work for now (Cummins, Inc.) tries to emphasize a liberal agenda – the “happy hand holding” method of leadership.   However, on the ground level (where I reside and labor), the fight is real.   Our division was purchased by Cummins, Inc. in May of 2014 and corporate leadership remains in a...

This week I learned a lot from studying different case studies.   One of the things I learned is to choose good business partners.   It’s clear to me that if your partners don’t have the same goals and mindset, then struggles can often arise.   Also, if your partners aren’t investing enough time and energy, possibly because they have multiple “other” business responsibilities pulling them in different directions, it would be hard for them to devout as much energy towards your own project.   Another thing I learned was choose wisely for the location of a new business.   For an example, near my home in Arizona there are plans to build a very large outdoor theme park.   This park would be in competition with others like Magic Mountain or Disney.   The main theme would be extreme sports and activities.   I’ve read many articles about different inclusive theme areas that would suit our climate and surrounding area.   Southern Arizona would be ...

This week I started off by studying the assignments involving “case studies”.   I’ve used case studies before in other classes, however this week I read Hammond’s “Learning by Case Study” and found that my initial assumptions of this method of learning were not on target.   I learned that there isn’t a right/ wrong answer.   We’re given a case study to read, digest and allow brainstorming to happen.   If we ask questions during the process than it allows a simple case study assignment to help find answers in others tasks and daily situations.   I also learned what a “mompreneur” is.   It’s a very clever name, however I think the concept behind the idea is the true genius.   In my experience, most mom’s will develop ideas when they run into problems that arise during childrearing.   The simple fact that a toddler’s foot didn’t quite fit the booties available allowed a mom to develop and market a fresh idea that has made millions.   This le...

This week was spent reading, a lot.   Many interesting things were learned about the ever-changing markets and worldwide competition.   The one thing that really surprised me was how much culture played into business choices.   I’m able to understand how language could be a barrier, however I never quite understood the requirements needed when dealing with a countries cultural differences.   I find it very intriguing that many other countries struggle with the same difficulties that American companies do – that of understanding both foreign strategic business partners and competitors.   I found this is a topic that piques my interest and I’m curious to know if there are careers in understanding the cultural bias of partners and competitors within some businesses. There’s a great question in comparing and contrasting the pride cycle found in the Book of Mormon and an economic/ business cycle.   I prefer to start this cyclical pattern on the humility s...

This week during study time I had a good time learning about John Deere Co. and their ethical rules and company mandates.   I assume that all companies have a similar mantra, however I wonder how many take personal responsibilities for their company codes of conduct.   I read through all the material presented to me by the company I personally work for; after an honest evaluation I concluded that a majority of my coworkers often try and live accordingly.   However, I don’t know if I can honestly say the same thing for those in management.   I’m often in meetings and hear things from managers, both those directly above me and those who lead on a much higher level, saying they believe whole-heartedly in our company’s code of conduct.   However, I often see in their day-to-day dealings with me, my co-workers and even others in management that they believe words speak louder than actions.   It’s sad, knowing their actions are not congruous with company mandat...

         I’ve always enjoyed having a completed and up-to-date resume, I’ve just never enjoyed the work required to accomplish this task.   I understand the purpose behind a resume – to honestly state the facts of both “who I am” and “what have I done”.   With these two things being the easy part, the hard part is converting the possible employer into being my personal fan.   I’ve tried to always include an “objective statement” in my resumes – something that can be read quickly and packs a punch.   In this statement I don’t really care about complete sentences or thoughts.   In a concise method, I try and explain my best attributes required for the specific job I’m attempting to procure.   The resume process is an ongoing process, something that I try and update every couple of months.              I’m a graduate of the “Pathway” program.   It truly w...

        The last couple of weeks my wife and I have been on a trip to British Columbia. I had a lot of time to reflect while my wife and I traveling around the province enjoying each other and the sites.   I finally was able to complete this assignment, in terribly late fashion, while bunking in a hotel room in multiple small towns.   While completing research into other careers and what it is to be an entrepreneur, I was able to ponder and understand my own personal choices to become involved with a mechanical trade.   I can see now, twenty years later, how the Lord blessed me with skills and abilities to succeed in this career.   It hasn’t always been easy; however, I’ve found that as I apply different technical and communicative skills, I’ve been able to thrive at whatever I’ve set out to accomplish.   I realize most of these skills were learned or developed while serving a full-time mission.     ...