Dr Jeff Cornwall

The Tennessean (our local Nashville paper) ran a story today about our Entrepreneurship program here at Belmont. They included a side-bar with some quotes from student entrepreneurs. I thought I’d share these quotes so you can see why I enjoy my job!

Why own your own business?
“I have nothing against working for someone else. I just find the idea of owning a business exciting as well as challenging. I would get to know and be involved in all the different elements on the business. I also think it would give me more freedom and allow me to be more creative in my career.”
Sally Munns, manager of Reverb Media
“Having my own business is more fulfilling and meaningful to me. I want to be able to call the shots. Even though it’s tedious, I want to be involved in every aspect of the business.”
Emily Swinson, co-manager of Feedback Clothing Company
What’s the biggest lesson this program has taught you about business?
“I would say that this program has taught me the importance of self-confidence. Entrepreneurs are salespeople, we not only sell our ideas and products, but we sell ourselves. If people do not believe me, they will not believe in my product.”
Michelle Wilkerson, co-manager of Feedback Clothing Company
“Risk cannot always be eliminated, though it can be reduced and prevented. We pay close attention to where and how others have failed so that we don’t follow their footsteps. We are dissecting case studies and looking at current events and trends. I’m working with cash flow in the classroom, and in practice for my business. My experience has allowed me to gain knowledge in the classroom, and feed that growth to my business, on a day-to-day basis. All of this while learning about the entire growth process, starting with exit planning. I recently heard an entrepreneur state that you cannot be largely successful in business life and in family life. What I’ve learned is that you can, if you plan for it.”
Andy Tabar, sophomore, his business is Nashville Creative