1) What surprised me most is that Ray Kroc didn't come up with franchising until he was 52. What I admire most is that he didn't let his age stop him from pursuing a new opportunity. What I least admired about him was that he was a salesman, I think salesmen for the most part are sleazy. He definitely encountered adversity and failure, and he overcame that by never giving up.
2) I noticed that the entrepreneur exhibited tenacity, perseverance, dedication, analytical skills, persuasion skills, and charisma.
3) One part of the reading that confused me was that I don't understand how Kroc's paper cup company was able to take 60 percent of his business just because he used to be and employee for that company.
4) My two questions would be: How did you train yourself to look at opportunities at every corner? and: Did you ever feel like giving up?
5) I think Ray Kroc definitely believes that hard work is a key ingredient for success.
Graham,
ReplyDeleteI think you would be surprised, most salespeople are not like the ones you see on TV and at a used car dealership. Many people believe salespeople are gimmicky and unauthentic. While some may be, the majority of sales are relationship based and include good will. From your reflection, it seems that Ray is someone to look up to and displays the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur.
Graham,
ReplyDeleteI also read Ray Kroc’s Grinding it Out: The Making of McDonald’s for a previous reading reflection. I think the fact that he started the franchising when he was 52 was shocking as well. It does show that no matter how old you are, it is never too late to seek new opportunities. Ray Kroc most definitely took advantage of this opportunity, while using perseverance and drive.
Graham,
ReplyDeleteI didn't read this, but I'm sure that Ray Kroc's Grinding it Out: The Making of McDonald's would be a very interesting read. I'm a little confused by your "lead admired" quality. Sure, he was a salesman and salesmen can be sleazy, but was there a record of him being that way? I'm not saying there isn't, but I just wasn't sure. Also, I'm no law student, but there must be more reason behind his paper cup company being able to take more than half of his business. I don't think there is any way that it was just because he used to work for the company. But, then again, I'm no law student.