2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Panel discussion: an E-spiration
Jenna Drapkin
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Business
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You could not help but be inspired when listening to Rachel Doyle, Simon Sinek and David Schnurman talk about their experiences in the entrepreneurial world. We were all reminded that following your passions, not money, is what fulfills you at the end of the day.
Doyle founded GlamourGals in 2001. Although she said her first meetings were held in her high school broom closet, they now have over 50 chapters and 1,000 volunteers.
Doyle followed her passion to make a difference in the world. She proved that being motivated and inspired by something cannot only drive you but drive others as well.
She emphasized that if you are passionate about something, you will be successful.
Schnurman shared some of the guidelines and insight that helped him build TrueNYC. He acknowledged that not only should you be a "do-er" and have good networking skills but you should also not be afraid to make mistakes. Schnurman said that there will always be obstacles, and we learn the most from our mistakes.
He also pointed out that there will always be naysayers but you should ignore them because believing in yourself is what matters. The last advice he gave was to help others without expecting anything in return. "Only good things will come from it", he asserted.
Simon Sinek founded Sinek Partners through his desire to inspire others. He emphasized that no matter what entrepreneurial venture you pursue, you are not unique.
He said that it is not what you do, but why you do it and the belief system that you create that really matters. He also spoke about our advantages as students. We are in a non-threatening position to go out and network - so we should make the most of it.
He recalled an anecdote about paintings in a museum, and the simplicity of some of the paintings. He then countered that and pointed out that they might be simple, but we did not come up with it.
Relating it to business, he then said that if you really want something, you should go out and do it.
After listening to the successful entrepreneurs speak, students could not help but feel as though the sky's the limit when it comes to building a business. By no means were they saying it would be a walk in the park, but instead a ride that is fulfilling throughout the journey.
Like Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
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