. What factors do you think have contributed to Rodriguez’s success? Was he merely “in the right place at the right time,” or are there characteristics about him that contribute to his success?
The success of Oscar Rodriguez is not something attained by luck or any magic wishes; nor did it happen just simply by being in the right place at the right time. There are, of course, certain factors that contribute to his way to great success. First is by being optimistic. Without having hope of the future, any individual who diligently seeks success in life would never be able to do so. If Oscar would be thinking about what others have told him before – that is, that he would never find success in selling diamonds – and eventually lose hope, it is very clear that he will not be in his current situation right now. Second, he ventures. This is associated with his optimism. Oscar proceeded in his endeavors without any hesitations concerning the possible risks along the way. Third, he didn’t become satisfied with his earlier job as a local jeweller. It may seem negative to say, but it is just another form of seeking development and progress in life. Knowing that he has capabilities far more than being a local jeweller, Oscar went on looking for better and greater ventures. As one described him, “Oscar is very ambitious.” That shows true dedication to success, by which entrepreneurs are able to “overcome obstacles and setbacks” (Kuratko, 2008, p. 32). Fourth, he made an immersion to his own venture. According to him, he came to “really know diamonds – their pricing and their quality”. This is very essential in entrepreneurship. It is a rule that if you will further your career, you must know your job better than anybody else and you must be able to see the nature of your career (Forbat, 2007). Oscar strived hard for being an expert for diamonds, and he is able to use that extensive knowledge and skill until now – most particularly in consultations with his customers. Fifth, he went into the market of higher potentials. Getting involved is one characteristic of a good entrepreneurship. But this can be extended through the advantage of technology. Internet has now become the great marketplace for almost every product. Although there are some disadvantages and risks in the internet, it gives way for the people from every city, town, state, and country to become [potential] customers. Moreover, the internet not only provides greater accessibility for the customers but also for the sellers in terms of transportation of the product(s). Sixth, Oscar is resourceful. He uses what he has and strives to make them more useful and abundantly fruitful. Seventh, he pays close attention to detail. This is also one important characteristic of an individual. In order to do the things necessary for the business – such as satisfying the customer requirements, setting precise pricing, organizing production and shipment of products, etc. – one has to be able to determine and follow every detail. Lastly, Oscar was able to stick to things. Associated with commitment, one need to ‘minimize the hats that he/she wears’. Having wide variety of skills is good, but there must be something that should be prominent. Oscar is goal-oriented; he has a focus.
2. How do you believe Rodriguez would score on the Big Five dimensions of personality (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness to experience)? Which ones would he score high on? Which ones might he score low on?
Regarding the “5 Big Aspects of Personality” (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness to Experience), Oscar must have scored the highest on openness to experience, next on conscientiousness, then on extraversion, then on agreeableness, then lastly – the lowest – on neuroticism. Openness to experience, together with its facets – such as imagination, artistic interests, and intellect – is greatly manifested in Oscar due to the fact that he pursued versatility in his business venture. Moreover, his act of involvement in the internet shows his intellect in gaining the market for his product. Neuroticism, along with its facets – such as anger, anxiety, depression, and self-consciousness – is doubtingly reflected on Oscar’s characteristics. Like other entrepreneurs, Oscar could have faced many trials, yet he did not give in to these.
3. Do you believe that Rodriguez is high or low on core self-evaluation? On what information did you base your decision?
Oscar is very high on core self-evaluation. Based on the information that he persisted on his business venture, instead of taking into heart the discouragement of one dealer, it is sure that he looked into himself and found out that there is much capability in him that only needs to be worked out and triggered.
4. What information about Rodriguez suggests that he has a proactive personality?
Oscar has a proactive personality due to the fact that first and foremost, he succeeded. Instead of waiting for other people to work out his venture for him, he made a commitment to go and work hard for it himself. He went out from being a mere local jeweller into being an entrepreneur, simply because he wanted to have success – his own way and with his skills and resources. Success was gained entirely through his own doing, not from others. He did not make himself negatively influenced by other people and things. Rather, he influenced his own field of specialization – the product, the customers, and the market.
Forbat, J. (2007). Entrepreneurship: The seeds of success. Petersfield, HAM: Harriman House
Ltd.
Kuratko, D. F. (2008). Entrepreneurship: Theory, process, practice. Mason, OH: Cengage
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