The Sandspur

Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: Holt News

You don't have to own your own business to think like an entrepreneur.

Ever wonder why Donald Trump, billionaire real estate investor and co-creator of the NBC television show, "The Apprentice," hires former (and current) entrepreneurs as employees?

No need to guess, I'll tell you in his own words: "It's always interesting to watch people who have been incredibly successful in their own businesses work in a group made up of equally strong personalities.

It takes a special kind of leader who can eff ectively manage a team of veritable strangers and find the best way to get strong, winning performances from them."

In fact, The Donald isn't the only CEO who knows that having an entrepreneurial mindset
is a huge asset to any organization. Randal Pinkett, winner of "The Apprentice: Season Four," recently published a book entitled Campus CEO: The Student Entrepreneur's Guide to Launching a Multi-Million-Dollar Bsiness" (Kaplan Business, $6.95), about his life as a student and business owner before his stint as an executive with the Trump organization.

The book is a student'sguide to launching and growing a profitable business from any
college campus, and it comes right on time in light of the rising cost of everything from education to gas.

In fact, studies show that more and more students areropting to quit the dead-end jobs that often have nothing to do with their major or future career aspirations and instead take a swing at running their own business.

THE VALUE OF REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE
I did not start my company while I was in college, but I quickly figured out (within three years of graduating) that the best way for me to create a lifestyle that I love was to start my own business.

In 1997, when I started my first company, I knew that I didn't have all the answers nor was I prepared to go "cold turkey" and bite the corporate hand that was feeding me. So I set out to learn as much as I could about how business works while I was still working.

I am a huge proponent of getting the necessary education you need first (i.e. stay in college and get your degree) and getting tangible practice if possible as well, so "moonlighting" was the best option for me.

As a student, the best way to do this is to learn about courses your campus offers for wouldbe business owners.

Also, business incubators are popping up on campuses all across the country, join one, and internships are still great options for getting hands-on experience as well as access to managers, executives and even business owners who can become valuable mentors. So be sure to apply early to as many

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