Title: Credit Unit 1 Introduction
Course: SkillsCom BA 260 15.0 > Section: Credit Unit 1 Module 1- Entrepreneurship in Today's Business Environment

The Lifestyle of an Entrepreneur

Ricky Gervais, creator of the TV series The Office said that the difference between him and other people who have a business idea is that he followed his idea through and actually made a pilot TV show. This pilot then got accepted by BBC TV in England and the rest is history!  The rewards of following through with an idea can be endless.

The Office is now shown in over 80 countries. How rewarding is that?

Do you ever have ideas to start your own business? Do you ever have ideas that might benefit an existing business? Do you follow them through or do you toss them onto the pile of other business ideas that you will never get around to?

Some people actually look for opportunities in their everyday lives, like Ricky Gervais who got the idea from people working in the BBC offices. In this Credit Unit, we will explore where in particular to look for these opportunities.

Constantly scanning the environment for business ideas takes time. The actual creation of a business takes a lot more time. The entire process often becomes an obsession and finally a way of life.

Course Outcomes:

- List and discuss the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
- Analyze new business opportunities that exist in the marketplace.
- Evaluate the feasibility of pursuing an opportunity that you’ve recognized.
- Develop a business plan that includes both conceptual and technical components.
- Identify and discuss obstacles to entrepreneurial success.
- Identify the resources and financing necessary to start an entrepreneurial venture.
- Discuss organizational characteristics and best management practices for start-up companies.