One of the amazing dynamics of Gateway CEO is that these students get to own most facets of this class. While they are led by a Facilitator to help keep them moving forward on a journey to understanding business and getting put into real life situations for hands on learning, students also get to determine what this year looks like. When one of our students, Drew Jansen, shared about a dynamic speaker he met over the summer, I told him to absolutely reach out to see if he could set up a guest speaking opportunity... And that's what he did! We welcomed Steve Epner, an entrepreneur, public speaker, a professor and a genuinely curious individual that loves brainstorming and is always on the search to find a new way to solve problems!
It was a fantastic morning of workshopping ideas. Steve started the morning sharing the Thunder Stick. Originally developed as an instrument with a higher price point and limited distribution to only symphonies, someone else took this idea and continues to sell hundreds of thousands - as a toy that makes thunder. This was the entire premise for our workshop. How do we take everyday ideas and items and help to solve problems that exist around us. The world is full of ways to develop solutions and make plenty of money! We have to see it. Here are a few nuggets that Steve shared with the class -
- What is the problem? What is the purpose? Answer these questions and you can always help someone. People will pay to make pain go away.
- You can dream about any business without risk. The minute you stope out to start, you take the risk on.
- When you find yourself in a mental block for ideas, find your people, set the timer and brainstorm until you can move forward with a better solution.
- Always ASK customers what they want. They will tell you what they need.
- In interviews, you have the opportunity to always set yourself apart. Rather than asking about what benefits you - what happens when you ask your interviewer - what would I have to do to help you get to your next promotion or execute on your biggest goal? This immediately changes the conversation and sets you apart.
- In business, always learn from your mistakes. Remember CASH is king and you always must have cash flow. Be very careful to take on partners. Make them buy their way in so that they have vested interest that they have earned.
- Don't worry about competition and competing on price along. How can you be better and different from everyone else? This will always set you apart.
Thank you so much for the wisdom that you shared with Gateway CEO. We know you are retired and a long drive, but we will always have hot tea if you come our way!
