Education and Creativity

Creativity in education should be just as important as education itself, and should be treated with the same respect.

We should approach life and creativity as a child. Kids aren't frightened about being wrong. If you're not prepared to be wrong, you won't come up with anything original.

Education came into line with the need of industrialization. Since we needed higher paying jobs, we needed more education to get these jobs. It's skyrocketed so much that kids go and get degrees, and sit at home playing video games.

If we actually paid attention equally to all sides of education and creativity, we could revolutionize not only the face of education, but the world around us.

Itelligence is:
Diverse - Different for everyone. It's suited to who they are as a person.
Dynamic - There is interaction in the brain happening and creating brand new ideas.
Distinct - We have our own trademark on our work.

We need to evenly mix the creative side of education that the majority of people disregard. If we did this, I can only begin to imagine what kind of doors would open and what kids of possibilities could take place.

A Healthy Organization

After entrepreneurship class today, we were asked to give a statement saying what we thought a healthy organization looked like. After looking through many definitions my friend and I were able to come up with a pretty good definition.

"A healthy organization is an efficient, growing company, offering quality products in a motivated and professional environment."

Thats my definition. :0)

The Hunks and the Foxes.

College Hunks Hauling Junk has been a successful business in the United States. The two young entrepreneur's that stood behind and brought this company, also recently came up with a new business idea: "College Foxes Packing Boxes." They brought this business idea to the show "Shark Tank" to see if they could get some support. However, after the offers were made, they decided that sacrificing different amounts of portions of their two businesses just wasn't worth the support.

The fact is, everyone has junk that either needs to be packed or hauled away. They chose a very normal need to cater to. Their attitude for success, and bright marketting catchphrases throw them far as well.

These businesses can teach me that anything is possible for anyone. It doesn't matter if you're young or old. If you have a clever idea, you should put confidence and drive into what you believe in. They have learned to look like a strong business as well.

Going onto a international show such as "Shark Tank", these guys actually advertized more than they lost in offers. They sparked huge media attention to both company's, but actually, they created more attention for "College Hunks Hauling Junk". I think that even though the "College Foxes Packing Boxes" idea didn't catch on like they wanted, they didn't lose anything with "College Hunks Hauling Junk" in the end. I believe they won. They knew the risk of the businesses catching on, and were looking for a better offer. They knew thier limit and worked within it.

Sam's Wal-Mart

Sam Walton is often reffered to as a "bargain billionaire". He sold things cheaper than his competitor retailers - much cheaper. He was born in the dust bowl and grew up in the depression - learning to value the dollar and avoid unnecessary costs. He sold milk for his family after school every day. As he graduated into college with honors at the top of his class he was often referred to as "the hustler" because he had a knack for making money. He always had a classic leadership resume.

After college he began working in retail and studying it closely. He learned a way to capture the attention of customers by energetic service and dedication to the best price. After getting married he opened his own store and tried his hand in the retail business. He understood that a large amount of a very small number increased the number itself. Sam was simple and after many trials and heartaches of opening stores and yet falling deeper into debt, he finally opened a store double the size of his original locations and chose the no-thrills name "Wal-Mart". Sam watched his rivals continuously - was was the "stealth retailer". He was also the shrewd politician. He knew to to react in order to get a reaction.

Sam died on April 5th, 1992 and left behind him a legacy of low prices. He worked hard, believed in himself, outdid his competitors and put himself in the right place at the right time.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is the CEO of Apple and Pixar Studios. His fist story is about his life. His young single mother put him up for adoption, but would only sign the papers when his adoption parents promised that he would go to college. When it came to the time of his college, he dropped out. Seeing that he was draining his parents money on college classes that he could find no interest in, he could no longer see the value of it. He fought to make ends meet, and eventually got into a calligraphy class, which was the spark that created Apple.

He was successfully making money in business with Apple productions, and then all of a sudden he was fired. At 30 years old, he was free to go into new things. He created a new program called Pixar, and Nex. Pixar is one of the most successful animation studios ever. Apple bought Nex, and he was back working in Apple.

A year ago, he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. The doctors told him to go home and get his affairs in order. However, when they examined it more carefully, they were relieved to find that it was a simple enough cancer to cure. When faced with death, he was able to realize that he still loved what he did.

This man has had many close calls, and took a lot of risks. He remained hungry for adventure, and kept dreaming big. He lived like life was running out and never gave up or settled for anything.

Three Key Statements:
"Trust your gut. Even if it will lead you off the well-worn path. You'll understand it when you look back."
"Keep looking. Don't settle."
"Don't waste your time living someone else's life."

"Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They already know what they want to do. Everything else is secondary."

SHARK TANK!

Entrepreneurship class today was very interesting. We watched an episode of the popular show "Shark Tank". This is a show where entrepreneurs bring in business ideas, present them to investors, and wait to either being shot down, or supported under conditions. A man named Todd Wilson came in with what was left of a failing business in the food industry called Mr. Todd's Pies. He knew his information, and he recognized the potential in it. He was asking for $460,000 and he was willing to give up 10%. The biggest interest spark was when he informed the investors that he had McDonalds interested in selling his product.

The offer he took, was indeed the $460,000 but he also gave up 50% of his business. It was an offer worth taking for him. He wanted to see his business grow more than anything. He wanted to be personally successful - not just making wads of cash. This company was something he believed in and put his worth on. It made sense for him to actually go for the offer.

I would have asked for about 35% and I would have invested the full amount. He knew his facts, and he knew his information. He was passionate about his product, which means he knows how to sell it. I would have faith in Todd Wilson and *Mr. Todd's Pies.

Secrets Of Success - John D. Rockefeller.

John D. Rockefeller was an American industrialist. His success in the petroleum industry defined the structure of modern philanthropy. In 1870, he founded the Standard Oil Company and ran it until he officially retired in 1897. As the need for Kerosene and gasoline grew, Rockefeller's wealth and prosperity soared. He became known as one of the richest men. He is often regarded as the richest person in history.

Someone worth over a billion dollar's advice should definitely be heeded. So what are his secrets to success? Well it all starts at a young age. Rockefeller's father taught him that he should always make the best of any deal. He also taught him to keep a record of every penny he spent and saved. Even at an early age, Rockefeller displayed an excellent mind for numbers and detailed accounting.

Rockefeller continued to account for every penny he spent and saved far into his career. His organization and accounting skills plus his ability to see past a deal into the best result, thrust him far into the world of business success. He was able to use the money he had made for medical research and for hospitals to be opened. Even though many would say he had success on his own strength, Rockefeller once stated "God gave me money". I guess he saw that none of his accomplishments would be possible without the grace of God.

It is extremely important that we take all advice from people who have had immense success above us. We can still see the evidence of Rockefeller's success today, and his advice is worth taking to heart and applying.