Dispatch from the
Business Sense - Eureka Times Standard
By
Published Sunday, August 13, 2006
I'm writing this column from the goat barn at the Humboldt County Fair. Surrounded by harried 4-H kids in their white and green uniforms tending to their goats and with the near constant sound of bleating, it seems appropriate to continue with the theme from my previous column in June.
In my June column called “Forbes, 4-H, and the Budding Entrepreneur,” I referenced an article in Forbes magazine that discussed a study on what factors are common in those people who start businesses, and I related those factors to my family's experiences in our local 4-H program. In brief, the point I tried to make was that many of the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs were being taught through the various projects and programs of the 4-H program.
A number of years ago, the
* Show up every day
* Be on time
* Be ready for work
* Be willing to learn
* Maintain a good attitude
This list was developed, at least in part, by asking employers what was the most important thing they needed from their employees and themselves as successful employers. The result is not rocket science, but often the best advice stems from the simplest wisdom. It's really all about taking responsibility for yourself and your relationship with your employers. For entrepreneurs, we could add the following:
* Be creative
* Take risks
* Be willing to fail
* Be persistent
* Be responsible for your own decisions and actions
This brings me back to my reasons for supporting and promoting the 4-H program. We have to look beyond the common (and somewhat inaccurate) perception that all the 4-H program focuses on is raising animals. As a youth development program, it's really all about promoting all 10 of the items above.
What is not commonly known is that there can be a myriad of projects that
are not animal related. The number and skills of adult volunteers in the local
clubs are the only limit on the number of potential projects. We're always
looking for volunteers who have a desire to teach a group of kids how to do
something. From photography to fly fishing, the possibilities are virtually
endless. For more information, contact the
The real point of the 4-H program is that a kid can find something they are interested in and set a goal of completing a project. This may mean becoming sufficiently proficient to teach others. It could also mean entering the completed project in one of the local fairs to compete for prizes. Yes, they might not win a ribbon and will be disappointed. But my experience is that this disappointment generally leads to a desire to improve and compete harder the next time. This is a very useful trait to acquire if you want to succeed later in life.
For fear of getting stuck in a rut, I'll change the subject for my next column. It will focus on my recent field trip to the Walnut Creek Whole Foods Supermarket. They want what we got and, boy, are they willing to pay for it. More on that next time. Meanwhile, see you at the fair.