MOTIVATION

Motivation is the intentions, desire and needs that determine people’s behaviour. It should include a practice and theory which population want to achieve. The most relevant to me theory of motivation is Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.

Before I started my degree course I was on Esteem Level on Maslow’s Hierarchy, confident and respected by others. At that time I was working full time as a line manager. My money was always tight but I had just enough to support my family. I was happy and cheerful but I felt that there is something missing in my life: “my dream”. My dream is that I always wanted to go to university. I started to think about my future and how to get higher to Self –actualization Level and to be fulfilled. To get there I needed to accept fact that if I go to university I will need to study for 3 years and work less hours or stop working completely. The idea of having less income scared me. I knew that for some time I will have to stay on Maslow’s Physiological Level and try to survive on basics. So I asked myself, is my dream worth it?

I decided to change my life and study in Bucks New University. I am very happy that I decided to take the big step and I continue my study in foreign languageI can see more work opportunities when I will finish my course and I believe that it will not be a big problem to get a better job and succeed at the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy. My daughter motivates me in everything I do, that is why in the next 2-3 years I will focus on hard work at university to achieve my goals.

I was de-motivated by one of my previous employer who said to me that I will never learn the English language very well and I have small chances to get good job in UK because of my nationality. The fact that I am from Poland should not matter but he had a different opinion. Every day he was laughing at my spoken English in front of everyone we were working with. I had a really hard and de-motivating time. The only solution was to search for a new job. I did not have to wait long, even of my weak English I was given the opportunity by other employer and gained position of Line Manager in big company. I stayed there for 3 years and I have improved my English and also decided to study Human Resource Management.

To conclude the motivation sector I will like to induce everyone to follow their dreams and to never let anyone de-motivate them, because if we want something very much we can get it. To help you achieve that Maslow’s hierarchy in my opinion is the best solution.

ENTERPRISE WEEK

At Bucks New University’s Enterprise Festival we had an opportunity to get practical help and information on how to start a new business, improve job prospects or get new skills to enhance our career.

There were many different and interesting events for us to attend for example; “The Game Challenge”, “Bucks Got Talent” and many others exciting shows, out from all of the events I have chosen the most interesting ;”5% Idea,95% Effort” and “ Music Event Management Showcase”. The events were places in our university, which was very convenient to us.

“5% Idea, 95% Effort” Nico Nicholas and his wife Elkie started company with chocolates in December 2007, after he become unemployed. His idea was born, when he had a small amount of money to spend for presents at Christmas for his friends and family. His budget was tight and he was thinking about the type of presents he could buy for only £7. He needed a good idea to impress his friends. To send flowers was expensive and not original.

He developed “Letter Box Chocks” by approaching a firm and what would be patentable, then they started to search for chocolates manufactures, packers, printers, etc. There are many different companies involved into such small product. They created samples and sent them to potential clients and from then they had an amazing response.

The company is growing fast. There are only tree people in the company but they are planning to employ some more. They have distribution agreements in few countries; the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Holland, Sweden, Belgium and Greece. In total 49 countries wanting rights to the product. They have just been to the US and have had an amazing response once again. The publication in Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, Yours, She Magazine, Saga magazine and also TV coverage; Building Britain’s Future, Number 10, SKY News and RTL.

Their plan is to develop that market and continue supporting and setting up European distribution. There are planning to launch different products in the future like jelly beans, toys and cosmetics.

That event has influenced me to always think positive and have eyes open for new ideas in unexpected places, for example the idea for “Letter Box Chocks” was born in the kitchen. Also it is very important to get information about different businesses, how they were established, what capital they have and what is the structure in firm; all of that information can help us to get new ideas. In my opinion these kind of events can inspire people to think more deeply about future career. I am very pleased that I had the opportunity to join the event.