Washburn hosts Casnocha

Denise and I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Casnocha’s talk at Washburn University on Tuesday evening. If you have never heard of Ben Casnocha, I encourage you to check his blog out, http://ben.casnocha.com/ and his book My Start-up Life. His attitude and ideals parallel those of Transform Topeka (and the individuals that make up Transform Topeka). I’d like to highlight some of his talking points. (Author note - Warning, I’m not a journalist. I am paraphrasing and my comments are opinion. Spelling and grammar, at times, may be of my own invention. )

Be yourself. - A very refreshing take on living your life. His comments correlate the idea that many people live a life that is being handed to them by their schools, parents, family traditions, and society. Throw away the establishments text book! Don’t let others define you or your future. Entrepreneurs have a knack for bucking the system and doing it their way.
Optimism. - Entrepreneurs are by nature optimistic individuals. They see opportunity where others see irritation and annoyance. They think of solutions rather than problems.
Action. - Do something. Do anything. Don’t sit around waiting for others to solve the problems. Sit up, take notice, and shape your own reality.
Knowledge - Continue to increase your knowledge. Challenge yourself to learn something new every year, a hobby, or language, or instrument. Always be pushing your mind in new directions.

This is a very simple codex for living. Seek knowledge, be optimistic, be yourself, and do something. Want to change your paradigm, focus on these four things (and throw in a dash of self-awareness for good measure).

He also made some other very interesting comments concerning the education system and money. He commented that the education system was in a terrible disarray and needed a serious overhaul. On the money front, he made a great comment about how money can’t be your motivating factor forever, that need will wane over time, there has to be something of more substance to sustain you for the long term.

My Take - Casnocha gets it. His success proves it. Being long lived is not a requirement for wisdom and understanding. Keep going Ben!

Last 5 posts in Topeka News

The next step in the Heartland Visioning process - August 25th, 2008
City and County Taxes - August 21st, 2008
TPAC - To fund or not to fund... - August 21st, 2008
There really are things to do in Topeka - August 9th, 2008
Grand Re-Opening - August 2nd, 2008

5 Responses to “Washburn hosts Casnocha”

Ben Casnocha

July 19th, 2008 at 10:48 pm

Thanks so much for the kind words, Travis. I’m glad you enjoyed my talk and I look forward to staying in touch.

Travis Gooden

July 20th, 2008 at 11:04 am

You are very welcome. I can’t help but think of the positive affect you had on those high school and college students who had the chance to see you speak, they will never see the world the same way again. The average person does not think like you do and schools (in general) sure aren’t teaching kids entrepreneurial principles or skills. Thanks for checking our site out and I look forward to reading your blog and books for years to come.

Kirk Haskins

July 20th, 2008 at 11:41 am

I truly enjoyed having Ben on our campus. One should ask to see his birth certificate before he quotes his age. So bright and so young.

Our Camp BLUE (Business Leaders Understanding Entrepreneurship) students gave him positive reviews, and he was a nice conclusion of a very long day.

On the note of learning entrepreneurial principles, I’ve been teaching entrepreneurship for over a decade, and I can tell you that Washburn is getting it right. Interested in learning business ownership, I would encourage any high school junior or senior to attend Camp BLUE, and of course, I would encourge high school graduates to attend Washburn!

Travis Gooden

July 20th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

Hello Kirk, I would like to say thanks to you and Washburn for inviting Ben to speak. What an exceptional individual!

Washburn is indeed getting it right! I utilize the Small Business Development Center that Washburn sponsors for guidance with my business as does my wife for hers.
I have personally worked with Les and he was very helpful. I also know Scott Taddiken, who happens to do legal work for our companies, great guy.

Thanks for checking Transform Topeka out Kirk. We are all about entrepreneurship both in business and in living. I am extremely interested in Camp BLUE, while I’m not a college graduate (although some of Transform Topeka are), I am interested in what it is all about and how I (we) might be able to help support it. I look forward to future correspondence.

Shanae Gooden

July 20th, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Ben and Kirk,
Thank you very much for checking out our site. I wish I had been able to attend Ben’s presentation. Travis and Denise sure got a lot out of the presentation and were able to pass it on through the site. Kirk, if there is anything that we can do to help you out with Camp BLUE, please let us know.

Thank you again for taking the time to check out our site!