Entrepreneurs love talking about their business so start talking to them– buy them lunch if you have to and ask the following questions to help you on your path:
1. Why did you choose this person and how you did you meet him or her?
2. Describe their business and industry.
3. Describe the background of the entrepreneur, education, family, interests.
4. Where did the opportunity for this business come from?
5. What did the entrepreneur do to prepare to start the business?
6. How did the entrepreneur deal with any perceived risk prior to start-up?
7. What major problems did the entrepreneur encounter during start-up,
8. How were these problems solved?
9. Who did the entrepreneur use for help and guidance during the startup of the business?
10. What are the entrepreneur’s growths plans for the business?
11. What special steps did they take during business slump, terrorist activity, etc?
After you answer the above questions ask yourself the following:
1. What advice would the entrepreneur give to someone thinking about starting a business?
2. What advice did the entrepreneur give you?
3. Summarize what you learned from this experience
