Why I Do What I Do

Jill Wilson, a local attorney for Brooks Pierce and Gail LeBauer, a psychiatric nurse, spoke to SOAR this morning about their professions. Jill, who always liked to read, became a lawyer because lawyers solve problems using written materials. Gail, always curious about the workings of the mind, went to nursing school, became a psychiatric nurse and practices as a therapist.

Jill explained constitutional rights, fundamental rights and how these play out at schools. "Lawyers," Jill said, "balance interests when they collide." She shared her favorite line from the Tinker case, "Students don't leave their constitutional rights at the school house gate," in the process of explaining how Supreme Court decisions rely on precedents set by previous cases. Students discussed a specific case regarding freedom of speech in the school environment.

Gail explained concepts of behavior modification and motivation, from smiley faces in early grades to "great job" in middle school. She told students that they need to know professional standards of appropriate behavior in whatever professions they choose, talked about "time outs for grownups" and oppositional behavior. The session concluded with Gail leading a short Channukah-themed meditation.

The Learning Curve: Everything Takes Longer Than You Might Think!

Dan Bensimhon, a local cardiologist, spoke to SOAR on December 11. Halfway through his undergraduate work at Duke, he switched from Pre-Med to Journalism as a major. He wrote about men's cycling and running, working for Men's Health and Rolling Stone magazines. Eventually, he went to medical school, moonlighting to cover night shifts for other doctors. This evolved into a business, as he began managing all of the "moonlighters" and setting them up with doctors to cover their shifts.

Dan told the eighth graders about needing a business plan, a loan and some help to start his business. He called a lawyer to get some pointers and quickly learned that everything takes longer than one might think - and more money! He explained about loans, venture capitalists (who own part of your business) and taking control of your own company. Dan advised students to retain as much of the company equity as possible, so that you have more to give away at a later stage.

He told the eighth grade to always ask questions, to take advice from those who know more than you do and to make sure that any partner can do his or her job before giving him or her a portion of your business. Dan also explained the need to anticipate by hiring ahead of growth - to be proactive in growing your business.

Dan noted that while people start businesses to make money, he feels good about helping other cardiologists and making a difference by giving back to the community.

Marketing is Pervasive

Pam Goldberg and Kevin Daniels visited SOAR class this morning. After defining PR as "spreading good news or managing disaster," Pam taught students the SWOT analysis used in marketing (examine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). Kevin emphasized the importance of good decision making in the newsroom. He told the eighth graders that "knowledge is power;" the more they know, the better equipped they will be to make smart choices. Kevin and Pam also talked about changes in the world of marketing, including the use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Hulu and internet sites.

Students Speak

In today's SOAR session, students worked in small groups to synthesize some of the information presented by guest faculty. Steve Friedland and Micah Goldstein facilitated these sessions. Students spoke first about what they have learned from the sessions:

1. It's difficult to get a patent (from Eric Kraus).

2. If one loses a trained employee, the business loses a lot of money (from Mark Hyman).

3. You can start from nothing, do what you enjoy, and create a business (from Jillian Reich).

4. One can use his business to help others (Gary Lindenberg).

5. Build a relationship with your employees (Mark Hyman, Arthur Samet)

6. Business needs to change with the environment. Adapt to what your customers want and need (Joe Nehman, Tom Sloan).

Steve and Micah asked students to name the top three lessons that they would post on the walls of their new offices.

J and K Inc. posted: Customer Service - Good Quality - Latest Technology.

ME Enterprises: Passion - Experience - Good Education - Good Employees.

JRM Inc: Enjoy your work - Be your own boss - Help others.

D and E: Accomplish - Believe - Control.

JS Inc: Open Mind - Build relationships with clients - Don't break the law.

The discussion moved into the realm of ethics as students debated whether or not Nike and Gatorade should retain Tiger Woods to promote products. They wrestled with whether or not it was important that he represent the values of their companies. To be continued!

Why Entrepreneurship?

Local entrepreneur and venture capitalist Tom Sloan visited SOAR on December 1. He told the story of his father fleeing Germany in the 1930's, just a few months prior to Kristalnacht. Tom's first message to the class was, "No one can take away your education." He told the story of growing a small optics business into a nationally known company. He sold the business, bought it back and sold it again, eventually taking the proceeds and investing in other businesses. Students learned that in order to start a business, one needs money, education, employees and most importatnly - an idea or a concept of a product.

Echoing the words of other guest faculty, Tom emphasized that in business, one needs to find something the world does not have, but needs. He explained that a business needs customers before it needs employees and that to be successsful, an entrepreneur must be passionate about his or her work.

Tom mentioned the role of boards in for-profit and non-profit businesses, explaining how they help with strategic thinking and governance. He then described several of the ventures he is currently launching as an investor.

Tom's advice to the class:

1. You can't have too much education.

2. Learn some skills.

3. Work hard. Running your own business is difficult.

4. Have the wind at your back. Pick a business where trends are in your favor.