OXFORD – The Oxford Academy and Central School District will play host to an event bent on encouraging people to “think like an entrepreneur,” featuring football Hall of Famer Floyd Little.
The event, titled “How to Think Like an Entrepreneur,” is the continuation of a series that connects business-minded dreamers with successful entrepreneurs to impart the value of basic business principles – principles like networking, risk management, and nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic.
The event will also feature guest speakers Dr. David Rogers, president of Morrisville State College; and Pivotel, LLC President Mary Branham. It will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday in the Oxford Academy High School Auditorium.
Floyd Little, a three-time All-American running back at Syracuse University, is best known for his professional career with the Denver Broncos. But his legacy goes beyond his accomplishments on the field, and that is what’s at the heart of Thursday’s event, explained organizer Otis Jennings.
“Floyd Little is an example of the American Dream,” said Jennings. “It’s awesome to have him as a speaker because he shows that if you have an idea or a dream, there’s nothing that can stop you.”
Other topics on Thursday’s itinerary touch on the benefit of hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, and the importance of maintaining personal and professional relations as you grow your business venture.
“My goal is to have people develop an appreciation that every person’s story is different,” Branham said in explaining the focus of her message. “There’s more than one way to reach your dream. I’ve learned that it’s not impossible to reach a dream, but everyone gets there differently. You have to be able to think outside the box.”
Branham, a local success in her own right, first opened the doors of her Norwich based, women-owned telecommunications business in 2001 with one employee. Today, Pivotel has grown into a 30-plus employee operation with service contracts with corporate giants the likes of Comcast and Juniper Networks.
“As a professional, I learned that every relationship I’ve had over the years was so important moving my career forward. It’s a very small world, and any person you meet could be the one to help you get to the next level,” said Branham.
The Oxford Academy and Central School District has partnered with sponsors Morrisville State College, NBT Bank, and Commerce Chenango to make Thursday’s event happen.
“Our goal is to encourage people to live their dream, and to surround themselves with the people who can help them achieve that dream,” said Jennings.
“How to Think Like an Entrepreneur” is the third event presented by a working group of leaders and networkers from all sectors of greater Chenango County, including the Oxford Academy Central School District, Town and Village of Oxford, Commerce Chenango, local business persons, and other local foundations, community organizations, and higher education.
For more information, visit www.learnatboces.com.