Initially I interviewed Mitch Nelson, a graduate from Florida State University that started his own business, DivvyUp socks, from participating in an entrepreneurship program. My impression of the initial interview remains somewhat similar, however I can better understand how his business came to be from taking this course.
Due to location differences, I could not meet face-to-face with Mr. Nelson.
I asked him the following questions.
1. Why do you think your product has been so successful?
"I think my product has been successful because it feeds a person's need to do good for the community while providing them with a useful product. Our product being socks helped grow our business because we noticed, at least on our campus, the growing trend in cool, unique socks among males and females, and this trend aligned with the needs of the homeless we're seeking to address."
2. What business move played the largest role in growing your business?
"Starting this idea on a college campus made networking easier as well as getting our business idea across to students, faculty, and eventually other Tallahassee residents. I would also say moving our business online played a huge role in DivvyUp's development by expanding the amount of consumers we could reach."
3. If you could have done anything different, what would you have done and why?
"I'm very happy with the story and success of DivvyUp, so to change the way we developed our business could mean a different current standing. If anything, I wish we would have brought our business online earlier since we did take some time to make that happen, despite tons of positive feedback and suggestions pertaining to the idea of a website."
After taking this class and having a better understanding of the requirements of turning a venture concept into a successful business, I was more comfortable talking about entrepreneurship. The interview was definitely less awkward this time, but I did emphasize the purpose of this assignment was for a class that I was taking for elective credit.
Hello Haley,
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job with this assignment. You seem like a very a very insightful person to look back at you questions and realize that there were improvements that could have been made. I also feel like I’ve come a long way as an entrepreneur. This class has defiantly taught be a lot. If you get the chance, check out my post: http://ryangsharpe.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2.html
Great post Haley. I liked how you found another entrepreneur to interview instead of excusing this as a reason not to do the assignment. I found it hard enough to find one person to interview, so I can imagine it was tough getting a second person. And his business is a great concept with a cheap start. I find his story very motivational. Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteIf you have a chance, take a look at my post.
http://myso-bloggedlife.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2.html
Hayley,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great choice of questions. I will definitely have to agree that the second time around, the interview was way less awkward. Also, since the first one I have learned a lot more, so that helped the interview go a lot more smooth and more comfortable like you said.
Go check out my post @ http://entwill3003.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2.html