What Did I Learn From My First Guest Lecture

A few weeks ago, I was given an opportunity to guest lecture at the University of Plymouth, sharing some ideas with students studying entrepreneurship on how to survive in an ever increasingly competitive environment.

As I saw it as an opportunity to influence the next generation of business men and women, I asked my network here on LinkedIn to give me some ideas of what they would share with the students if they were give the same opportunity. The response was fantastic. I received over 50 comments directly to the post, but even more impressive, were the close to 200 emails and direct messages I received all with incredible ideas, insights and thoughts.

Ideas like, 'never stay still, always be evolving' (Alec Joynes), 'remember you won't get anything done totally on your own, take advice and criticism in the same manner.' (Ashley Griffiths), 'Listen to what people need and want. Be human and not a robot' (Dayna Woodcock) or 'Surround yourself with good people and be prepared to listen. Getting it right most of the time will often be enough so don't beat yourself up if something doesn't happen the way you would like, just try something different!!' (Mark Lindsay)

There were other thoughts like, 'Have a clear vision for the business and life you'd like to build for yourself. Be prepared to fail and make mistakes but do your very best to never repeat them.' (James Shakespeare), 'integrity; tenacity; and never stop learning, particularly from others. Everything else like the tide; it comes in, it goes out, it comes in again...' (Robin Rowland Hill), 'The purpose of a business is not to make money; its purpose is to meet customer needs. The result is to make even more money' (Vincent Denham) or 'Focus on customer goals first and business goals second. If you do it this way round you have a chance.' (Paul Randall)

Obviously space on this article and time prevent me from mentioning all the great ideas I received, but thanks you to everyone who did add their comments and those who emailed me.

So with all of these ideas and my own thoughts swimming around in my head, I set about putting together a lecture to fill the 2 hours I had been allocated. Although I have been a speaker and trainer for years, I had never previously lectured. I have spoken in front of large and small groups of business people on many occasions, on a variety of different topics, but felt incredibly unsure of how best to convey my thoughts, ideas and passion for entrepreneurs and small business.

And despite being well prepared, the 1 hour drive from my office to Plymouth was likely the most nerve-raking of my life. I can't explain why or even justify!

In spite of these feeling, which went away as I started to share these ideas, it appeared from the responses to be a very successful 2 hours, as many of the student came and chatted with me afterwards. They wanted to discuss their business ideas and plans for the future and the present. They had many interesting and challenging questions, which were great to hear and discuss.

So what were my 'take-aways' from this experience?

2 things.

1. Enthusiasm. The majority of the students were enthusiastic about the opportunities, possibilities and potential that lay ahead of them. I have subsequently met with a few of the students and seen how real their enthusiasm for the future is. I felt invigorated by their enthusiasm and excitement and looked with renewed optimism, not only at my business, but at the economy and business environment as a whole.
2. They had not discovered or been influenced by those negative word, 'It can't be done!' As I listen to some of the business ideas, I was almost knocked over by the seemingly limitless innovation and bold thinking. Their attitude was not cluttered and restrained by what could not be done, but rather filled by what could be done.

So, as an entrepreneur, business owner, company director, are you enthusiastic about the future of your business? Do you see the possibilities, opportunities and potential of your business and the future? Or are you caught up in those 'It can't be done' words? Are your thoughts and actions constrained by past failures? Or are your thoughts, attitudes and actions limitless and bold?

I have always been very positive about the future irrespective of the past failures and success, but from this brief experience have lifted my game, my sights and my attitude. What about you?

Who am I?

I am speaker, consultant, coach, trainer and the author of Audacious Leadership, who is focused on empowering you with tools and knowledge to become better than you already are! I specialise in #Business Growth, #Leadership, #Management & #Sales.

Audacious Growth Mapping 2.0 is a unique, market leading and premier business growth program. It is a step-by-step framework designed to move you and your business rapidly from where you are to where you want to be. This is business growth at the next level.

#StudentVoices #LinkedIn #Entrepreneurship