IA05: Guest Lecture


Rebecca Harris is an executive director for the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship, which is a part of the Chatham University Women's Institute. She came in and spoke with our foundations of business class about starting a business. She personally has 30+ years of experience as an entrepreneur. Rebecca has founded businesses, patented innovations, and consulted others in developing their own. She has received many awards and honors for her work and dedication. 

Throughout the lecture she reminded us to be passionate about an idea, but to remember that it isn't about what you want to sell, instead it is what the consumer wants to buy that matters. She also spoke on knowing your style of entrepreneurship, such as knowing if you're the type to see it to the end or walk away when your part is done. Another point was patience, like with her parent news, it took awhile to take off but it was steady growth. Continue cultivating an idea to be its best is something I learned from her. Rebecca Harris mentioned working with others, either as a co-owner or as a boss. While that was covered in human resources, it is important as an entrepreneur too to know how to work with others. This is key, especially if you are the one in charge to interact well with coworkers. 

"Social Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, and Innovation in China and the United States" is an article that talks about life after being successful, and how to give back. This reminded me of Rebecca's lecture because she does something similar now. The article talks about how successful individuals who want to become philanthropists should focus on using their learned skills and knowledge as a way to give back, rather than just making big donations. Rebecca now spends her time as an executive director for the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship and is doing exactly that. She is taking what she learned and imparting that knowledge on women who are looking to start their own successful businesses. In turn, she keeps being successful and helps others reach this point as well. 




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