Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour

I’m consistently amazed and inspired by the entrepreneurs that I’ve had the opportunity to meet while on the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour.

The Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour visited Lubbock, Texas over the weekend and inspired and motivated students from WorkForce Solutions.

James Chapman, an entrepreneur, story teller, and overall passionate guy had the students on the edge of their seats during his presentation. His personal story was inspiring, he mixed in countless jokes, and his energy was sky high.

James shared three principles that his mom taught him to live by, and each of the three principles really resonated with all the students in attendance. They are:

1. Always act professionally

• Growing up in a difficult part of Chattanooga, TN forced both James and his mother to start from a different place than most people would start. But he knew that is not where he wanted to end. To make sure his end is not defined by his start, James focuses on always presenting himself in the best way possible.

2. Take advantage of your opportunities

• Opportunities show up from time to time for anyone with their eyes open. They may be something small, to work on something you are passionate about, or to be promoted in your organization. James advised to always take advantage of the opportunities that comes your way… but to also remember that like Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Do that work joyfully.

3. Work as hard as you can

• James reflected on the long hours that are required to start a business and run it successfully. You only have a certain numbers of hours in every day to take advantage of, so it’s important to do the hard work. Notice what you’re shying away from; find an accountability partner; just do it. As James exclaimed throughout his presentation, you need to “Hustle, hustle, hustle!”

Almost every student talked with James after his presentation, and I know that between them and our team there will be many people stepping up after hearing him!