o If you had one final
lecture to share with a group of students on what you have learned from this
course, what would you share?
- I have loved learning about the
way successful people organize their business, in the sense of putting God first and also how they serve. With the companies and CEO’s I’ve studied
this semester, almost all of them have figured out the way to true success
is service and putting God and family first. It is rare in today’s world
for people to really show their religion and to be selfless, but I loved
studying the why behind these successful people and how they figured it
out.
o What would be your last
bit of advice to someone wanting to begin the entrepreneur journey?
- To have a good idea. To think
about it, get advice from friends and family! Find something you’re passionate about. But most of all, to just do it! The scary part is just getting out there and getting started. As a photographer, I had to start out taking pictures for free to show people what I could do first. But, I
had to start somewhere! Also, to study your competition. I love seeing what other photographers are doing with their business and how they sell themselves.
o What words of advice,
direction or caution would you give him or her if you had only one chance to
give your own last lecture?
- One caution I would throw out
there is to not be a “fauxtographer”. Set yourself apart from those who think they’re photographers. Find what makes your work unique, and work with
that. Study photography, go to workshops, and become an exceptionally good photographer in your field. For example, I have recently realized I love taking pictures of kids and babies a lot more than weddings. For my specialty,
I focus on family pictures and babies. But, I have a photographer friend who specializes in destination weddings and loves to travel, so if
someone wants me to shoot a wedding I refer them to her instead. Supporting
other businesses brings the best feeling.