Journal 1 - Creating your Character (3%)

Your Character Sheet: Part 1

In the small business world your character is important.

Instructions: Create a 'character sheet' for an imaginary (or real) business owner that includes the following:

A brief description of the business your character will operate (one short paragraph). The business can be modelled on an existing business, or something completely new. The business must be feasible, and it must meet the definition of a 'small business'.

A brief statement that describes why you have selected the business for the character.

Your character sheet will include the 5 core traits that are selected in the class discussion. In addition, you will select up to 5 additional traits or abilities to include in your character sheet.

List each of the core and optional traits on your character sheet. For each trait, include a brief statement to explain why it is important to the success of the character.

Allocate your initial character points: You have 100 character points to distribute among your selected traits. All points must be allocated. The more points you allot to a trait, the greater the ability.

Here is the 5 Traits :

1. Strong People Skills

Thriving businesses aren't rooted solely in the labour of one person alone - like most things, teamwork is required. Think of Steve Jobs: While his name may be associated with Apple, the development of the first iPhone involved the work of an entire team working cohesively together.

Since the majority of our working lives are spent communicating - in both written and verbal formats - it's important to have strong people and communication skills, and these go hand in hand. The most successful business people cannot only effectively communicate with their team but also make them feel comfortable and open.

2. Disciplined

In a world full of Netflix binging, all-you-can-eat restaurants, and SparkNotes, discipline is a rare trait to come by. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to overcome the deadly sins of gluttony and sloth, but those who do have the priceless attribute of discipline.

Successful business people are hardworking, motivated, and well-disciplined. These individuals have the willpower and determination to cross off a task when it needs to be done. Being disciplined is what will take you to places.

3. Willingness to Learn

All of us are human, which means that none of us know absolutely everything - there is always something that we can learn, no matter how much we think we already know. Having the willingness to learn helps successful business people learn and grow into becoming better versions of themselves.

Plus, no one wants to stay in the same place anyway. So, having the willingness to learn pushes everyone (including you and me!) to reach destinations you would otherwise not reach or reach in a longer period.

4. Creativity

Creativity is one of the key features that highly successful business people have. Not only are they creative with their product ideas, but also with how they market and sell them. Some of the most successful business ideas are creative. These outside-of-the-box thinking ideas are innovative and tend to fill a particular niche in the market that hasn't been touched before - which all help create a successful product.

5. Resilient

In business (and life!), there are always going to be ups and downs. The reality is that most things don't go according to plan - and that's okay.

However, when the worst strikes, successful business people are resilient and bounce back up again. These obstacles are just learning curves to help them become better and stronger versions of themselves. Having the strength to rise stronger and smarter is what sets these successful people apart - they don't let setbacks bring them down.

Journal 1 - Creating your Character (3%) Your Character Sheet: Part 1 In the small business world your character is important. Instructions: Create a 'character sheet' for an imaginary (or real) business owner that includes the following: A brief description of the business your character will operate (one short paragraph). The business can be modelled on an existing business, or something completely new. The business must be feasible, and it must meet the definition of a 'small business'. A brief statement that describes why you have selected the business for the character. Your character sheet will include the 5 core traits that are selected in the class discussion. In addition, you will select up to 5 additional traits or abilities to include in your character sheet. List each of the core and optional traits on your character sheet. For