Interview an entrepreneur, preferably in person. Entrepreneurs are busy people, but many are willing to spend time talking with someone who is interested in what they are doing. Meeting over-alight meal might be the most efficient use of the entrepreneur’s time. Before the interview, brain-storm 10 questions in the following four categories. After the interview, be sure to write a thank-you note.

a. Information gathering: Open the interview with questions about the entrepreneur’s family (any other entrepreneurs in it?) and educational and work background.

b. About the business: Next, ask questions about how the business was started. How did the entrepreneur recognizean opportunity and develop it?

c. Running the business: Ask about which challenges arose as the business got underway and how they were solved.

d. Reflection: Ask the entrepreneur to reflect. What advice would he or she give to an aspiring entrepreneur? Has running a business been rewarding?

e. Evaluation: Reflect on the interview and what you learned about entrepreneurship and small business. Summarize your thoughts and describe how this new learning may impact you as an entrepreneur.