Bryan Davis’ Post

I ran the Entrepreneurship Game in the past few weeks for my 8:00am sleepy students. By 8:15am, the room was noisy and the excitement was off the roof. As an educator, we really have the power to make it or break it for students. Stage 1 - Regular Sales - Some were lacking motivation, some others were running the show. Stage 2 - Government Boost- I acted as the government providing funding for an exchange of equity, $150 for 10% of their company. Most say yes and take it right away. But there were a few clever ones who did the math and realised it wasn't worth giving away equity. So they negotiated for more. Stage 3 - Triple the Sales - Asking them to come back when they have tripled their sales. This turned a room of unmotivated learners, to become fire rockets! Stage 4 - Innovate and invest your cash - Yes, selling is just 1 way, offering investment to the lower performing teams and elevating them could make you a giant in the market. Don't let your money sit there. Stage 5 - Pitch competition changes the game - Offering a $500 prize pitch competition with 6 judges. The winners would change the game if they catered their speech to the judges. Stage 6 - Time - Christopher Voss's negotiation skill , if you have 5 minutes left to spend your money, you will make radical decisions. Someone bought off an entire company for 20$. Lessons learnt - The best team is the most innovative and persistent team, not the product. When you are first, people want to crush you! Get up and find a strategy by winning people. I didn't present slides, I gave them 8 years of my life experience in a few classes. I'm ready to take this on and compete with other educators for more fun! #entrepreneurship #leadership #business #highereducation

This past week brought a moment that both warmed my heart and opened my eyes. Picking up my daughter from school, I found her clutching an organized chart of names, dates, and times. With the brightest eyes, she declared, "Mom, I've finally started my business." Now, it's no secret that my daughter is a fountain of business ideas, each week bringing a new venture to life. Despite the school's firm stance against selling products, she's never deterred. This time, she unveiled her latest endeavor - a nail business, where services are offered for "free". Yes, free! She's cleverly navigated the school rules by not charging, yet her appointment book is filled, teachers included. I couldn't help but express my admiration for her creativity but gently reminded her of the school's policies against business transactions. Without missing a beat, she looked up at me, eyes sparkling with mischief and wisdom beyond her years, and said, "Well, Mommy, I'm not charging them, so I'm not doing anything wrong. BUT, I did tell them the recommended tip is $2." That moment was a profound lesson for me. In the face of restrictions and red tape, my daughter didn't see a dead end; she saw a challenge to be met with creativity and determination. How often do we, as seasoned professionals, encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable? How quickly do we sometimes consider giving up when the path forward isn't clear? Yet, here was a lesson in seeing through the lens of possibility and innovation, taught by a young child not yet jaded by the word "no". Her spirit is an encouragement for all of us navigating the complex world of entrepreneurship and leadership. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most innovative solutions come from thinking like a child - uninhibited, fearless, and endlessly creative. The best way forward is keeping the spirit of "what if?" alive. #Leadership #Innovation #Creativity #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #LifeLessons #youngentrepreneur

My entrepreneurial journey began when I was in 8th grade. I started selling seasonal food prepared by my mom. My mom was an excellent cook, and her dishes captured the essence of each season. One day, a friend wanted to taste the food my mom made for me, and she loved it. That gave me an idea. Why not share these delicious seasonal treats with everyone in my school? I talked to my mom, and she agreed to help me. We named our little business "Seasonal Cravings" because it celebrated the changing seasons and the tasty food they brought. Every morning, my mom would wake up early and prepare. I would pack them and sell them to my classmates during lunchtime. Soon, our food became very popular in the school. Everyone looked forward to our mango peel candy, kiwi candy, and chatpata amla candy. Selling our treats made me feel proud and accomplished. It wasn't just about making money; it was about creating something special and unique. Seasonal Cravings was about making memories and bringing our school community closer. Now, in my current job, I miss those simple but important moments of selling my mom's food. Even though my career has taken me to new and exciting places, I still long for the days when I could share something wonderful with the world through my business. I've thought about starting a special brand that would honor my roots and the lessons I learned. I'm looking for a partner who shares my passion for quality, creativity, and telling stories through food. Together, we could create something amazing, a brand that not only offers great products but also a real connection with our customers. So, my journey as an 8th-grade entrepreneur may have faded into the background of my professional life, but the lessons I learned and the memories I made continue to inspire me. Like the changing seasons, I know that my entrepreneurial spirit still lives within me, waiting for the right time to flourish once more. Pic credit: Google #Inspiration #Motivation #Success #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Creativity #Leadership #Determination #Happiness #Gratitude #Empowerment #DreamBig #Achievement #HardWork #PositiveVibes #LifeGoals #Mindset #Passion #Ambition #NeverGiveUp

Day 2/5: Building the Foundation Welcome back to Day 2 of my entrepreneurial journey! Today, I want to delve into the process of building the foundation for my bakery business. 1. Research and Planning: Before diving headfirst into the world of baking, I spent countless hours researching the market, analyzing consumer trends, and studying successful bakery models. This phase helped me understand my target audience, identify potential competitors, and carve out a unique niche for my bakery. 2. Crafting the Vision: With a clear understanding of the market landscape, I began crafting my vision for the bakery. From the type of products I wanted to offer to the ambiance of the storefront, every detail was thoughtfully considered to reflect my passion for baking and create an unforgettable experience for customers. 3. Securing Resources: One of the biggest challenges I faced was securing the resources needed to turn my vision into reality. From finding the perfect location to sourcing quality ingredients and equipment, every aspect required careful consideration and strategic planning. 4. Building a Support Network: Throughout this journey, I leaned heavily on the support of my family, friends, and mentors. Their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my vision kept me motivated during the most challenging moments and reminded me that I was not alone in this pursuit. 5. Embracing the Unknown: As I laid the groundwork for my bakery(on land my grandparents gave to me in their yard) I quickly realized that entrepreneurship is a journey filled with uncertainty and unexpected twists and turns. While daunting at times, I embraced the unknown with a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that every challenge was an opportunity for growth and learning. Moving Forward: As I reflect on the foundation we've built together, I'm filled with gratitude for the support and encouragement that surrounds me. With each brick laid and every hurdle overcome, we're one step closer to bringing our vision to life. Join me tomorrow as we explore the power of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity. Together, we can achieve anything! Let me know below your thoughts on building your foundation. 💪🍰 #EntrepreneurshipJourney #BuildingTheFoundation #PassionAndPerseverance

With school out and spring in the air, my 10 and 7 yr old kids decided to venture into the world of business during spring break, setting their sights on a classic - a lemonade stand. But here's the twist: we didn't have a single lemon at home. Unfazed, they showcased their first lesson in resourcefulness by reaching out to our neighbors, striking a deal to acquire lemons with a promise to share the profits. Then they rally the neighborhood kids to help them spread the word that they're "in business". Their business acumen didn't stop there. Recognizing the sunny Idaho afternoon brought out many dog walkers, they immediately expanded their offerings to include dog treats. But that wasn't all, creativity flowed as they fashioned tiny cat hats from clay, and my 7-year-old added her drawing and sticker collection to the mix. The result? An impressive $80 in sales in just one afternoon. As we adults know, entrepreneurship often comes with its highs and lows. After their booming success the first day, the following day presented a stark contrast - a mere $10 in earnings. The day was cloudy, less dog walkers and the market for their lemonade and assorted goods had shifted, teaching them a valuable lesson in the unpredictability of running a business. 💥 The same effort doesn't always guarantee the same results daily, a reality many entrepreneurs know all too well. Yet, I'm immensely proud of their entrepreneurial spirit and industriousness. From outsourcing lemons to diversifying their product range, they've exemplified key business principles: innovation, adaptability, and perseverance. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that in business, and in life, success and setbacks are two sides of the same coin. Each day offers its own set of challenges and opportunities, and it's our response that defines our path forward. Hope this story encourages you today if you've felt the ups and downs of running a business. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLessons #Innovation #Adaptability #Perseverance #BusinessGrowth

"I come from a family of entrepreneurs, thanks to my dad, Jack Schaffer. He co-founded Game Discount World, which is now part of Massmart. His journey into entrepreneurship started in the '60s, influenced by his parents who ran a bucket and spade shop on Durban's South Beach. It was a seven-day-a-week hustle, with only his mom and dad working there. I guess you could say retail got into his blood early. He passed away 25 years ago, missing out on a lot. But he left behind something special—his book of quotations. He loved collecting quotes, whether they were funny, business-related, or personal. It's something I've held onto, along with a few articles about his successes and failures. This weekend, as I was flipping through his quote book, I realized that, even though a lot has changed, some things haven't. I want to share some of his timeless quotes and thoughts from over 50 years ago, reflecting on how they still resonate today. And of course, I'll throw in some of my own reflections." The picture below opens his book: This saying suggests that it's good to try things that are a little harder than what you can already do. When you aim for bigger and tougher goals, you can become better and achieve more. It's like saying that having big dreams and working hard to reach them makes life more meaningful and fulfilling. So, in simple terms, it tells us to aim high and not just go for what's easy. So, on reflection, this is the question we should be asking ourselves: "What's one big dream or goal you have that, if achieved, would make your life more meaningful and fulfilling? And what steps can you take to reach that goal?" I'm working on my vision board to help clarify mine. What do you or your business need to clarify? Get in touch. #mediumbusiness #growthphase #smalltomedium #foundation #strategicleadership #planning #brainstorming

When do you have fun? This is fun! I recently came across the incredible story of Bistro Morgan Bakehouse led by a young entrepreneur Morgan Hipworth who has been making waves with a passion for donuts and a drive for success. Key takeaways: 1. Age Knows No Bounds: Youthful founder, $10,000 opening weekend sales, $1 million valuation proof that success has no age limit. 2. Beyond the Norm: 60-hour workweeks, managing school showcasing an exceptional work ethic and dedication to the craft. 3. Passion = Fun: "This is fun" - a powerful reminder that true passion can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. 4. Balancing Act Mastery: Excelling in school while handling wholesale orders and retail operations a lesson in effective time management. 5. Financial Triumph: From $500,000 revenue and $130,000 profit to a projected $850,000 revenue and $350,000 profit impressive financial growth. #sharktank #profitability #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurmindset #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurshipeducation #pitchingmechanics #pitchperfect #ideasworthspreading #keeplearningkeepgrowing #sharks

Do you ever wonder what goes through kids' minds? Their creativity to make an object beyond what it is, is fascinating. Here in Texas, playing at the splash pad during the summer is a must, even if just once. At the splash pad, we brought these small plastic sandcastle pieces. I expected that they would be used to just fill with water from the different areas where water would pop up. That did happen, but then you had kids helping "make" ice cream with this water cannon picture below. They would loudly announce, "Come get your ice cream!" and run over with the plastic toys, filling them up. One girl even set up an ice cream booth to "sell" ice cream to the other kids. This is such a fun opportunity to watch them grow and explore what they can do with what they have. They're not afraid of the boundaries others place on them. A seemingly ordinary water cannon, that most kids run away from, became an ice cream maker, sparking an entrepreneur on the spot. Kids are amazing to learn from. Clearly, since I talk about my kids often enough, but it's because they offer different perspectives. They show that growth and change are about where you are and taking it and making it what you want. Isn't that what we should be striving for as we grow? Not allowing preconceived perceptions to hold us in their mold. We should be expanding ourselves, because we know we are capable, and no one can tell us different. Their opinion holds zero weight in how we shape what we are creating. So, here's a thought: Reflect on your life and work. Are there "water cannons" in your daily routine that you can transform into something extraordinary? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to break boundaries and embrace creativity and innovation. #Creativity #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #Leadership

In 2014, I made the “Top 100 Most Powerful Chicagoans”. The next year, I fell off the list. Humbling, really. Here are 3 powerful lessons I learned as a part of it - 🔔 Some background: It was Chicago Magazine's annual list. I'd look forward to it every year it just to see who I knew! I never thought I'd make it. I just sell protein shakes. But then there it was. I was over the moon, happy and feeling accomplished. I was even ahead of Chicago Cubs GM Theo Epstein. (Two years later, the Cubs would go on to win the World Series for the first time in 108 years) 1️⃣ Lesson 1: Success is Temporary, Learning is Forever External validation feels nice. Learning every single day feels even better. 'Falling off' the list taught me that success is rented, never owned. 2️⃣ Lesson 2: Responsibility and Reflection Adapting and growing became a priority. I started consistently beating my best self yearly. This is similar to the "1% better" each year approach. 3️⃣ Lesson 3: You can reinvent yourself anytime. Being relegated back to being “normal Chicagoan” could hurt. But I didn't let it. It gave me a chance to reassess my priorities Growth is never linear, and some years are better than others. It's up to you to compound your efforts and collect small wins. #founder #startup #entrepreneuer #chicago #chicagomagazine #cubs

🔴At school/college: “If you don’t listen to me you will be punished.” “You have the guts to not do I what I told you to do?” “This is what happens when you don’t listen to us.” 🔴At work: “Why can’t you think independently?” “Why are you so dependant on my instructions?” “Why you do you lack so much courage?” 🍀Notice how what we are taught ‘not’ to do in school or college is exactly what we are expected to do at work and in business. The world is schizophrenic in its ways - there is no doubt about it. The more you listen to it, the more it will drive you crazy. I don’t know what you (or whoever) is reading this wants to do but what I can guarantee you is that, if you try to make sense of the noise around you in the form of your teachers, friends, parents, well-wishers, back-biters etc - you will neither know or do anything profound in your life. This, I promise. 🔥The Five Monkey game There are 5 monkeys in a room and there is a basket of bananas at the top of a ladder, the monkeys of course want to get climb the ladder and get the bananas. but every time one tries, they all are sprayed with cold water. After a few times being sprayed with cold water, the monkeys learn not to climb the ladder to get the bananas. The experimenters then take one monkey out and put a new monkey in, and the new monkey sees a banana. He thinks, 'Hey, I am going to grab a banana.' But when he tries to climb up the ladder, the other monkeys grab him and pull him back. Eventually the experimenters systematically pull every monkey out, and now you have 5 new monkeys. Any time a new monkey comes in and tries to climb the ladder, they grab the monkey and pull it back, but none of the five have ever been sprayed by cold water. #compliance #business #entrepreneurship #riskmanagement #school #collegestudents #innovation