Commit

Maximum Time: 10 Minutes

Business Notebook

Read:

Your business will need more refinement than you can imagine. A key part of refining your business is to write down your ideas, observations, and spiritual impressions each day. This week, begin using a blank notebook or an electronic device to record your thoughts and ideas. This is your business notebook. Next week you will be asked to report on how many days you wrote in your notebook. Bring it to the group meeting each week.

Paper Clip Challenge

Read:

Business owners discipline themselves to reach out to new people every day. Making these contacts is essential to the success of your business. As you extend yourself and talk to more people, doors will open that you wouldn’t expect. This week, begin having daily conversations with new people.

The activity below will help you engage with others, even if it’s difficult at first. Next week you will be asked to report how many days you had conversations with people. As you start a business, it’s critical that you develop confidence in your ability to build relationships, encourage and persuade others, and gain agreement on mutually beneficial solutions.

Activity (5 minutes)

When you go home, find a paper clip (or another small item of small value like a pushpin or rubber band) to use for this activity. Start by trading your paper clip (or the small item you selected) with someone for an object that has more value. Continue making trades with people to exchange your object for something of even greater worth. Make trades with people both inside and outside of your family. Next week, report back to the group on your trading experience and present the object you ultimately earned.

Each week we make commitments. When we meet next week, we will begin by reporting on our commitments. Use the “Evaluating My Efforts” chart (at the front of the workbook) to review where you will be tracking your commitments.

Read each of the commitments below with your action partner. Your ability to succeed in starting or growing your business will dramatically improve as you diligently keep your weekly commitments. Promise to keep your commitments and then sign below.

My Commitments
A. I will keep the “My Foundation” commitments for this week: Read the First Presidency letter at the beginning of this manual, underline the promised blessings, and write what I must do to obtain them. Share what I’ve learned today about self-reliance with my family or friends.
B. I will participate in the Paper Clip Challenge and report on my experience next week.
C. I will begin writing in my business notebook each day and bring it to our next meeting.
D. I will review my “Ponder” page and keep the commitments.
E. I will contact and support my action partner.

Remember that next week, you will be asked to report the number of days that you talked with customers and wrote in your business notebook (see the “Evaluating My Efforts” chart in the beginning of the book.)

My signature

Action partner’s signature

Have a closing prayer.