Week 2 Reading Reflection

Another assignment! Imagine that. Here's what I think of this week's assigned readings:


1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?


I've never differentiated between entrepreneur and small business owner. That was certainly the most surprising thing in the reading. As an entrepreneur, you're constantly trying to innovate but as a small business owner, you're looking for stability and sustained profits. I've always thought of a small business owner as an entrepreneur but that's not necessarily the case, according to the readings.


2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.


The idea of corporate entrepreneurship is confusing to me. I get that anyone or anything can be entrepreneurial, but corporate entrepreneurship was presented in the context of an entrepreneurial community. Corporate and community don't seem to go together...


3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?


Are those the only entrepreneurial schools of thought? I feel like there could be more considering the wide reaching effects of entrepreneurship. Also, this may be addressed later in the course, or this might even be a stupid question, but what's the process of finding a root of an idea? How can you possibly "find" an idea when there are so many factors involved in looking for one?


4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?


I don't disagree with the author, but I think it is interesting that entrepreneurs are symbols of business achievement. The book said that 85% of startups fail, yet entrepreneurs are a symbol of success??? Successful entrepreneurs may be symbols of business achievements but then how do you measure success in business exactly? How many products sold? How long you hold out before closing down? Amazon didn't make a profit for 10 years yet they are considered successful. I think that entrepreneurs are idolized but the reality of a life devoted to entrepreneurship is often overlooked.