Students seeking honors credit should complete this activity. For this activity you will investigate how
the concepts you have learned about markets apply in the today's world. Identify a local
entrepreneur to interview about their experience with starting and running business.
If you cannot find a local business owner to interview
please click here for assistance***
Step 1: Prepare for the Interview
***
Watch this presentation for help in preparing for this activity: Conducting an Interview
Step 2: Conduct the Interview
Be prepared to take notes and have your questions ready. If your interviewee consents, you could
record the interview. Introduce yourself first and make sure to get the person's full name, job title,
and contact information. Here is a list of required questions, although you may add more of your
own.
Name of business owner: Sanela Kanjiza
Title: Real Estate Agent
Contact information: Cell: 786-224-0494 Email: sanela@sanelakanjiza.com
1. What inspired you to start a
business?
2. What products does your company
offer?
3. How do you organize your business?
(Identify sole proprietorship,
partnership, limited liability company
(LLC), corporation)
I wanted financial independence and
the opportunity to help people buy and
sell homes. Real estate allows me to
work directly with clients and build my
own career while helping families
achieve their goals.
I provide real estate services, including
helping buyers purchase homes, helping
seller's market and sell properties, and
assisting clients with rentals and
investment properties.
I work as an independent real estate
agent under a brokerage. I manage my
own clients, marketing, and business
decisions like a small business owner.
4. What are the advantages and
disadvantages to the way you
organize your business?
5. How do you determine how much to
sell and what prices to charge?
6. How does competition with other
businesses affect your decisions?
An advantage is flexibility and the ability
to control my schedule and income. A
disadvantage is that income is not
guaranteed and depends on closing
deals.
I study the real estate market by
comparing similar homes that recently
sold in the area. Prices are based on
market value, location, and demand.
Competition motivates me to improve
my marketing and customer service. I
work hard to stand out by providing
personalized service and strong
communication.
7. How do you determine whether your
business is successful?
I measure success by satisfied clients,
repeating customers, referrals, and
successful home sales.
8. What advice would you give a young
person who wants to start their own
company?
Work hard, stay patient, and never stop
learning. Choose something you are
passionate about and be consistent
even when challenges arise.
Be sure to thank your interviewee for their time and follow up with a handwritten thank you note.
Step 3: Write and Reflect on Your Interview
Type up your notes from the interview in question-and-answer format. You may summarize your
interviewee's responses if necessary. View a sample interview summary. Be sure to include the
person's full name, job title, and contact information in your report.
Answer this question in a detailed paragraph
of at least three to five sentences:
Type answer below
If you were to start your own business,
what would it be and how would you
organize it? How would competition
affect you? Explain.
If I were to launch my own company, I
would open a surf cafe by the beach
where surfers and tourists could get
coffee, smoothies, and healthy snacks. I
would set it up so that employees make
food and beverages, serve customers,
and a manager that handles supplies and
accounting. The cafe would have a beach
theme to attract customers to stay.
Competition from other cafes would
force me to maintain affordable prices,
good food, and friendly service. This
would make my company stand out and
attract more clients.
Please contact your instructor if you have any questions concerning this assignment.