How to be an entrepreneur in the international education industry. Learn how to be a creative thinker, find a mentor, and implement a start-up company!

1. How to Start a Company in
International Education
NAFSA 2013
Mitch Gordon

2. Be a Creative Thinker
Think of a problem in the field and try to solve it
Brainstorming sessions work great (and are fun)
Be creative with your Business Model
Think ahead 5 years
Divergent vs. Convergent Thinking

3. What Holds People Back
Fear of failure
Confidence
Finances
Life Events

4. Find a Co-Founder
Two is almost always better than one (Three might be
even better)
Find someone with a different skill set
What makes an Entrepreneur?

5. Find a Mentor
Mentors help you stay focused and accountable
Find someone who can be a mentor for years to come
Don’t be shy, mentors will find your relationship
rewarding as well

6. Test, Don’t Build
Be lean, quick, nimble and flexible
Talk to clients before you start building
Build, Measure, Learn. Repeat.
Don’t be afraid to pivot

7. Be Generous &
Transparent
With your time
With your employees
With your ideas
Show before you charge

8. Wrap Up
This is to get you started.
Lot’s more to cover: Financing, Business Models, HR
issues.
Entrepreneurship is a travel experience in itself. Good
luck!

9. Additional Resources
The Lean Start up by Eric Ries
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
Business Model Generation by Alex Osterwalder
Anything by Malcolm Gladwell

10. Additional Resources
The Lean Start up by Eric Ries
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
Business Model Generation by Alex Osterwalder
Anything by Malcolm Gladwell