A Journey of Gratitude

 

In the reading "Recognizing and Shaping Opportunities," they shared a quote. "Our job is to figure out what they’re going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said, “If I’d asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me, ‘A faster horse!’’ People don’t know what they want until you show it to them" —Steve Jobs. I think that is interesting. I have always wanted to be a person who comes up with great ideas. That's as far as I have gotten. I do have some ideas but never do anything about them. I usually just say, "It would be cool if they had this..." I would think of something cool. Never do anything about it. 

The reading for this week also talks about a restaurant owner following their passion but not selling what the public wants. That's the hard part. When something that really resonates with a person doesn't resonate or interest the masses. You will find people that will love what you give but you have to find the right place for it, then have to market yourself because no one is going to see it,  unless you have really good word of mouth. 

I liked reading about Randy Haykin and the case study for him. I appreciated the experiences that he shared. Something that stood out to me that I didn't share in my discussion was how people in businesses help each other. In the movies or on TV, you see many competing businesses trying to do better than the other and sabotaging the other. I don't think that is the case generally, although I'm sure if they are a competitor, then there is some of that going on. Maybe you can glean information from others if they are not a competitor. As I think about it more, they are not normally sharing trade secrets but more life experiences and general information with others. I like that people are mostly willing to help others in their business journey. If they can be a mentor to someone, that is more fulfilling. Like in the talk by President Monson, he shares the story of his old Sunday school teacher, Sister Gertsch. She encouraged them as they were earning money for a party. When one of the kids' mom died, she gave them a way to love their friend. It was a sacrifice for them, however, they did it with enthusiasm. The lesson they learned by giving the money they saved to their friend's father lasted far longer than the fun the party would have been. Sharing knowledge in business with others will be helpful to them and make them happy for the help. It will also bring joy to the giver that they helped someone else.