Week 15 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?

This was an amazing article to read as the narrator was able to explain the chronicles of his start-up. It reinforces the notion that there will certainly be setbacks that each individual will face in unique ways. The journey will be tough for many, but only those who truly envision the value of their concept will be able to succeed. I also laud his efforts for only lending to women because the research itself shows that they reinvest better than men.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

 There wasn't anything confusing in this article. In fact, my favorite part in this article was when it stated, "I launched SKS in 1998 to build that next-generation microfinance company. I remember early on walking down a dusty road in a remote drought-prone region of India, looking for potential customers...[I] came upon a group of women...and explained that I was starting a microfinance program and could bring collateral-free loans right to their doorstep. “You can start small businesses and get out of poverty,” I said. The women met my pitch with silence and probably some skepticism, but one had a sparkle in her eye. That woman was Saryamma."

 3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

Not everyone is able to receive donations from family and friends in order to start up their business venture.

So, how can an entrepreneur reasonably come up with enough funds to start up his or her own venture if they lack a stable, reliable source of funding from family and friends?

I love how the article detailed the story of an entrepreneur starting at the base of the pyramid because it highlights the idea of modesty.

That being said, how essential is it to maintain a prime focus on the base of the pyramid before ultimately focusing on the needs of the "higher ups"?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

Since this was a personal anecdote, there wasn't anything necessarily to disagree with, nor was there anything that the author stated falsely.