Entrepreneur shares tricks of the trade for success
By Sierra Vaughn
Rocket Rocket Contributer
Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: Focus
"I learned that most business owners make the same mistakes and struggle with the same issues, whether they are a startup business with two employees or an established business with a team of 500," Caldwell said.
Caldwell gave insight from her own experience on business topics such as naming a company, borrowing start-up loans and leasing. She also gave her opinion about the troubled economy.
However, the point that Caldwell emphasized most was that it is important to never settle for less than what you want. Caldwell said that she was proof that there are avenues to be both successful and happy in starting your own business.
"Do not settle," Caldwell said. "Please have confidence and courage to do it on your own if you cannot find what you are looking for in a corporation."
Come the end of the presentation, Caldwell willingly took the time to address the questions that the students-primarily from seniors with anxious concerns for the future-may have had. One particular question that several students asked regarded gaining work experience for resumes.
"Be really creative," Caldwell advised. "Think back to all of your experience, no matter how little or silly they seem, because all of the volunteer, club and internship experience you have will add up."
Both Caldwell and the audience seemed to have an enjoyable time while at the presentation.
"I've spoken at other colleges before where students where kind of underwhelming," said Caldwell. "I was happy that the SRU students were very interactive and asked intelligent questions."
Several students said that they felt as though her knowledge and advice would help them as they pursue their careers.
Michele Wachenheimer, a 22-year-old senior psychology major, said that listening to Caldwell was both encouraging and inspiring.
"She gave a lot of real-life scenarios with what she has been through, which makes it feel like she connected and related with us students," Wachenheimer said. "I really liked how she said, 'Follow your intuition,' because everyone wants to hear that they should follow their dreams and it is inspiring to see that she followed hers and it actually worked out for her."
Matt Mongell, a 22-year-old marketing and business finance senior, was hoping that he could get some ideas to successfully start his own business after graduation. He said he felt as though her journey to success was interesting and provided recommendations for his future.
"I eventually want to start my own business after graduation," Mongell said. "I thought that it was unique the way that she followed her career path and didn't start with the typical business model."
Another 22-year-old marketing and business finance major, Ross Hornish, felt the same as Mongell.
"I was expecting more of a corporate person today, but to see someone who went out and set their own path gave me a lot of reinforcement," Hornish said. "I experienced a look at the modern and global business environment today."
Caldwell gave insight from her own experience on business topics such as naming a company, borrowing start-up loans and leasing. She also gave her opinion about the troubled economy.
However, the point that Caldwell emphasized most was that it is important to never settle for less than what you want. Caldwell said that she was proof that there are avenues to be both successful and happy in starting your own business.
"Do not settle," Caldwell said. "Please have confidence and courage to do it on your own if you cannot find what you are looking for in a corporation."
Come the end of the presentation, Caldwell willingly took the time to address the questions that the students-primarily from seniors with anxious concerns for the future-may have had. One particular question that several students asked regarded gaining work experience for resumes.
"Be really creative," Caldwell advised. "Think back to all of your experience, no matter how little or silly they seem, because all of the volunteer, club and internship experience you have will add up."
Both Caldwell and the audience seemed to have an enjoyable time while at the presentation.
"I've spoken at other colleges before where students where kind of underwhelming," said Caldwell. "I was happy that the SRU students were very interactive and asked intelligent questions."
Several students said that they felt as though her knowledge and advice would help them as they pursue their careers.
Michele Wachenheimer, a 22-year-old senior psychology major, said that listening to Caldwell was both encouraging and inspiring.
"She gave a lot of real-life scenarios with what she has been through, which makes it feel like she connected and related with us students," Wachenheimer said. "I really liked how she said, 'Follow your intuition,' because everyone wants to hear that they should follow their dreams and it is inspiring to see that she followed hers and it actually worked out for her."
Matt Mongell, a 22-year-old marketing and business finance senior, was hoping that he could get some ideas to successfully start his own business after graduation. He said he felt as though her journey to success was interesting and provided recommendations for his future.
"I eventually want to start my own business after graduation," Mongell said. "I thought that it was unique the way that she followed her career path and didn't start with the typical business model."
Another 22-year-old marketing and business finance major, Ross Hornish, felt the same as Mongell.
"I was expecting more of a corporate person today, but to see someone who went out and set their own path gave me a lot of reinforcement," Hornish said. "I experienced a look at the modern and global business environment today."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Dale Bhagwagar
posted 4/03/09 @ 4:27 AM EST
This was an interesting article. But it could have been better if it shared a couple of "secrets" of Beth Caldwell's success too.
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