Webster defines "tenacious" as "not easily stopped or pulled apart" or "very determined to do something." One of entrepreneurs' most important competencies are their tenaciousness. They persevere, despite all odds, despite waves of negative feedback, and despite failure and rejection.
1) Tenaciousness is a skill. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course?
After being halfway through the class, I can definitely see why tanaciousness is one of the most important competencies for an entrepreneur to have. Persevering through the challenges that these assignments task us to do, in order to be successful. I've felt the negative feedback that I've received from peers in order to better myself so that the negative feedback would dwindle.
2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?
I remember the first interviewing 5 customers assignment. I was so terrified of approaching strangers and to engage in something they may find so strange. The first two people I asked, immediately brushed me off. I felt dejected, like I should just take the 0 on this assignment. However, I had to face my fears in order to succeed in this class. That is when my tenaciousness grew within me. Before I knew it, I had my first interview, then my second, third, and I was finally finished. I grew more confident and saw the fruits of facing your fears.
3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset'?
1. You will step out of your comfort zone, expect it.
2. People are nicer than you think.
3. You will never know when you will find opportunity.
Hi Kevin! I agree with you that tenaciousness is definitely something entrepreneurs must have. So many of the assignments that we have completed have been about facing our fears and stepping out of our comfort zones. I also feel like I have grown throughout this course because of these challenges. I too was very nervous about interviewing my first round of customers, but it did get easier. The toughest assignment for me was Free Money. It pushed me far out of my comfort zone, but I'm glad that I did it and didn't take the zero like I originally was going to do. All of your tips are spot on! Check out mine if you get the chance http://jenniecarmody.blogspot.com/2016/02/half-way-reflection.html
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. It was very well written. My post was pretty similar. I too mentioned the interviewing customers and how a future classmate needs persistence and can't give up when completing these assignments. Some of them are pretty tough, but I'm glad we haven't given up. I also mentioned that organization is one of the keys to success in this class. When you get a chance, take a look at my post:
https://principlesofentrepreneurship.wordpress.com/2016/02/24/half-way-reflection/
Good luck!
Hi Kevin, great job on this assignment. This gave me a lot of insight. Tenaciousness is an important skill to have. I liked the last part with the three tips. I have found that there is opportunity where it is least expected in my business. The part about stepping outside of the comfort zone is something that has been suggested to me and I have trouble with it. There is always a risk involved when stepping outside to the unknown. Thanks for the great read and I look forward to your future posts.
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