Interview an Entrepreneur: A Living Case Study
This living case study is designed for you to gather information from a practicing entrepreneur regarding business start-up, strategies, and solutions to problems encountered.
Each person should prepare a set of 10 questions to conduct an informational interview with an entrepreneur. Questions should be open-ended and thought provoking with the intention of seeking answers to questions you have about owning and operating a small business. You must seek the owner of a small business. (Do not just interview a sales person.) The assignment should bring you out of your comfort zone; interviewing someone you personally know who owns a business is discouraged.
Begin by introducing yourselves and explain you are doing research for a college assignment and would like to have a 10–15 minute conversation about their business. Typically, we find owners are very willing to share insight and knowledge. Have your notebook and questions ready. Be aware of your surroundings. If customers come along during your interview, simply step aside, and resume the conversation once the customer has left the area.
Focus your questions on your interests and what you might consider to be roadblocks.
Since each student has different entrepreneurial interests, what you decide to ask is up to you. However, the intention is for you to learn something you did not know that will prove to benefit you when launching your business. I expect each paper to reflect these findings. (Seek that “aha” moment!) Listen carefully to identify a meaningful quote.
Be sure to get the full name and business name of the Entrepreneur you interview. Ask for a business card in case you wish to call back and clarify your findings as you write your paper. On your paper, clearly indicate the full name of the person you spoke with and the name of their business. (If applicable, add a website link.)
The final product is a professionally presented reflection paper of your findings. This paper is not just about the entrepreneur’s journey, but should clearly indicate 2-3 things you have learned about owning a small business. Identify a quote from the entrepreneur and how they will help you propel forward in your ventures you might consider in your future.
Papers must be double spaced.
Minimum of 2 pages and maximum of 3 pages.
12 point font.
Be sure to separate paragraphs.
Header must include student’s full name, date, and assignment name. Do not hesitate to contact the writing center to have your paper reviewed. Have Fun and Learn!
GRADING RUBRIC:
Introduction:
- Your name
- Date and time of the Interview
- Name of Entrepreneurs; Name of Businesses
- Products or Services Offered
- Length of Time in Business
Body of the paper:
Write out the 10 questions you asked and put in bold. Then elaborate on the answers and discussion Elaborate on what you learned.. Identify one quote or take away. Give an “Aha” moment if the interview led to one, or identify that it did not.
Conclusion:
Concluding paragraphs should clearly indicate what you took away from the interviews and how this might help you approach a business going forward.
—– Criteria ——
| F | C | A | Max Points | |
| Understanding Goals of the assignment
|
Student does not have grasp of assignment requirements; questions too general/ vague. . | Student is able to demonstrate only basic understanding of assignment. Work has areas that do not follow assignment requirements. | Student demonstrates full knowledge of assignment. Questions were thought provoking clearly indicating a personal benefit. | 20 |
| Follows Assignment | Student does not present interview findings in relation to questions asked. | Student presents basic findings; fails to demonstrate personal benefits of the interview. | Student presents an ultimate learning experience; providing that “aha” moment! | 30 |
| Organization and Style
|
Sequence of information or writing is difficult to follow. | Reader has difficulty following work because student jumps around. | Student presents information in logical sequence which reader can follow. | 30 |
| Writing Mechanics: Grammar, Spelling, and Professionalism
|
Paper has five or more spelling errors and/or grammatical errors. | Paper has two to four misspellings and/or grammatical errors. | Paper has no misspellings or grammatical errors. | 20 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
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