Requirement number Two: Identify and interview an individual who has started his or her own business. Find out how the entrepreneur got the idea for the business and how the entrepreneur recognized it as a market opportunity. Find out how the entrepreneur raised the capital (money) to start the business. How well is the business doing? Report what you learn.
Here is an example to follow when your visit with an entrepreneur.
STEP 1:Contact the person you have selected and make an appointment. Be sure to explain why you want the appointment and to give a realistic estimate of how much time you will need.
STEP 2:Identify specific questions you would like to have answered and the general areas that you would like information about (SEE SUGGESTED INTERVIEW IN STEP 3). Using a combination of open-ended questions, such as general questions about how the entrepreneur got started, what happened next, and so forth, and closed-ended questions, such as specific questions about what his or her goals were, if he or she had to find partners, and so forth, will help to keep the interview focused and yet allow for unexpected comments and insights.
STEP 3:Conduct the interview. Recording the interview on audiotape can be very helpful to you later and is recommended unless you or the person being interviewed objects to being recorded. Remember, too, that you most likely will learn more if you are an interested listener. You also have the option of emailing the entrepreneur the interview questions and have them fill it out and returned back to you.
Here's an interview sheet that you can use to help structure your interview. You can print out a copy of the sheet using your browser. If you'd like a MicroSoft Word version click here and download it--then you can make changes on your computer to meet your needs.
STEP 4:Evaluate what you have learned. Write down the information you have gathered in some form that will be helped to you later on. Be as specific as you can. Jotting down direct quotes is more effective than statements such as "highly motivated individual." And be sure to make a not of what you did not find out.
STEP 5:Write a thank you note. This is more than courtesy; it will also help the entrepreneur to remember you favorable should you want to follow up on the interview.
