Lecture offers encouragement to future business entrepreneurs

October 30, 2006 —

A business lecture in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts attracted many students last Tuesday night.

Jim Pilgrim, CTO of Pilgrim Technology, offered various tips to future business starters.

One of his main points was to remain professional but to never push away friends, family, or community.

He stressed the importance of their support, continuing to build relationships, and having fun.

"If you're not having fun in what you do, then you're not going to work for very long," he said.

Pilgrim also emphasized the need for an advisory board in business. He mentioned it is virtually impossible to know every single detail about business, and asking for advice from others is a good business idea.

"I don't know everything about business," he said. "I rely on a strong board to back me and show me what to do."

Acting on ideas quickly and marketing them was another important message. Pilgrim told students that there are no bad ideas, and that many ideas just need to be refined in order to work.

"You might see something no one else sees," he said.

He said to quickly verify facts and act on an idea before anyone else does. The quicker one acts, the faster the message can be marketed to the public.

"Marketing is the conveyance of an image," Pilgrim told the audience.

The lecture taught students that opening a business requires true drive, dedication, and focus. If employees are having fun and being inspired and creative, then a business will likely prosper.

Students who actively participated in the lecture were given free t-shirts throughout the hour.

Pilgrim closed the lecture by telling students they can all make it if they focus and send out clear messages to both employees and customers.

"There is nothing I cannot achieve," he said.

For additional information on Pilgrim Technology, go to pilgrimtechnology.com.