1) You read about an entrepreneur: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
What surprised you the most?
The thing that surprised the most was the fact that Nike started out of the trunk of Phil Knight's car. Although not farfetched, it is still incredible that an idea and a goal can transform into a net worth of $30 Billion.
What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?
I admire the fact that Phil Knight simply let employees find their path to success. Rather than telling his employees what to do, he would tell them what his goals were. This allowed for each individual to work towards the goal in their own efficient way. I also admire the fact that Mr. Knight didn't take credit for everything regarding the company. For example, a college student designed the swoosh and his first salesman proposed the name "Nike".
What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?
Shoe Dog portrays Mr. Knight as a humble, admirable person. However, the least admirable aspect of the memoir would be the fact that Mr. Knight stole files belonging to Mr. Kitami. Although it may have been the correct decision at the time, it si the least admirable factor pertaining to Mr. Knight.
Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?
One of the obstacles that the entrepreneur encountered before his business even began was the fact that he was forced to wait over a year for the first shipment of Mr. Onitsuka's shoes. Mr. Knight also dealt with financial issues over the first years of Blue Ribbon, which is why he worked as an accountant roughly six days per week.
2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?
Phil Knight is hardworking, persistent, and goal-oriented. He knew what his goals were and broke through obstacles to achieve them. Moreover, his persistence and dedication is revealed in the risks he took to keep Blue Ribbon/Nike afloat.
What surprised you the most?
The thing that surprised the most was the fact that Nike started out of the trunk of Phil Knight's car. Although not farfetched, it is still incredible that an idea and a goal can transform into a net worth of $30 Billion.
What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?
I admire the fact that Phil Knight simply let employees find their path to success. Rather than telling his employees what to do, he would tell them what his goals were. This allowed for each individual to work towards the goal in their own efficient way. I also admire the fact that Mr. Knight didn't take credit for everything regarding the company. For example, a college student designed the swoosh and his first salesman proposed the name "Nike".
What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?
Shoe Dog portrays Mr. Knight as a humble, admirable person. However, the least admirable aspect of the memoir would be the fact that Mr. Knight stole files belonging to Mr. Kitami. Although it may have been the correct decision at the time, it si the least admirable factor pertaining to Mr. Knight.
Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?
One of the obstacles that the entrepreneur encountered before his business even began was the fact that he was forced to wait over a year for the first shipment of Mr. Onitsuka's shoes. Mr. Knight also dealt with financial issues over the first years of Blue Ribbon, which is why he worked as an accountant roughly six days per week.
2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?
Phil Knight is hardworking, persistent, and goal-oriented. He knew what his goals were and broke through obstacles to achieve them. Moreover, his persistence and dedication is revealed in the risks he took to keep Blue Ribbon/Nike afloat.
3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
The most confusing thing regarding Shoe Dog is the fact that Phil Knight worked with a variety of companies, representatives, and employees. Due to the amount of contacts Mr. Knight had, it becomes difficult remembering what each corporation or person does.
The most confusing thing regarding Shoe Dog is the fact that Phil Knight worked with a variety of companies, representatives, and employees. Due to the amount of contacts Mr. Knight had, it becomes difficult remembering what each corporation or person does.
4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?
If you knew Nike would become a leader in sneakers, what would you have done differently?
I would like to see what Mr. Knight would have done differently if he knew his business would be successful. Would he have changed anything?
What are Nike's plans (if any) for the future?
Nike is one of my favorite companies, it'd be interesting to be able to see what's in hold for the future of the organization in regards to clothing and sports.
5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?
I believe Phil Knight loves hard work. Given that he is a competitive individual, the feeling of success drives him to work hard. I'm also a competitive individual which is why I enjoy working hard as well. Personally, success without hard work doesn't feel like success.
If you knew Nike would become a leader in sneakers, what would you have done differently?
I would like to see what Mr. Knight would have done differently if he knew his business would be successful. Would he have changed anything?
What are Nike's plans (if any) for the future?
Nike is one of my favorite companies, it'd be interesting to be able to see what's in hold for the future of the organization in regards to clothing and sports.
5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?
I believe Phil Knight loves hard work. Given that he is a competitive individual, the feeling of success drives him to work hard. I'm also a competitive individual which is why I enjoy working hard as well. Personally, success without hard work doesn't feel like success.
I am very loyal to Nike, like you seem to be. I think it is very interesting that Phil Knight started Nike out of the trunk of his car - I did not know that! Phil Knight has created a truly amazing brand and company, and it represents a lot all over the world. Nike is definitely the leader in sports gear and apparel, and I definitely admire Phil Knight for starting it. I like how he let his employees find their own path to success. I think that it is important for entrepreneurs to hire the right people and then let them make decisions on their own, rather than micromanaging.
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