1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?
The general argument of this book revolve around several life lessons Phil Knight learned throughout building Nike. These life lessons are if you have nothing to lose, take big risks, find a partner who compliments are skills and abilities, and let people figure things out for themselves.
2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
This book connects perfectly with what we are learning in ENT 3003 because it goes through the story of starting a very successful entrepreneurial venture. This is as much a story of Nike as it is a story about Phil Knight and the advice given throughout it and explanations for how he built the company are extremely relevant to what we learn in this class.
3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
The exercise I would do is something to help students practice synergizing and working with a partner. I would have people write a list of what their strengths and weaknesses and pair them based on this. Then I would create a group exercise that requires them to work together and learn about the usefulness and importance of working with a partner.
4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?
Since I had learned he started Nike, I had always Phil Knight as the single brain behind the operation. I learned that he got significant help from his partner and mentors. This was an ‘aha’ moment or realization that it is important to surround yourself with valuable people who will help you, because it is impossible to do it entirely by yourself.
Hi Ben. It sounds like you made a great book choice, it appears that it related to our ENT 3003 thoughts and ideas. Nike is a highly successful company and it's nice to see that its origins came from people working together. The saying "two heads are better than one" comes to the forefront of my mind when I read your 'aha' moment.
ReplyDeleteHi Ben,
ReplyDeleteIt seems as if the book is very tied to this course, in its relation to connections and creating the actual business model itself. Nike is very successful, and very recognizable, so having advice from its founder would be great insight into how to create a successful company. I did not know that Phil Knight had a business partner either.
Hi Benjamin
ReplyDeleteI did not read this book, I read How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams. However from your post I would most definitely want to give this book a go, it sounds very interesting. I really liked how it connects perfectly with our class along being an entrepreneur and how it's about Nike in general.