Warrington communication resources for student entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs must nurture their ability to convey a compelling vision to connect with consumers and build a thriving business.

“It’s important to be able to tell their story seamlessly and align with the beliefs, values and goals of their audience,” said Jamie Kraft, director of the UF Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center.

The Warrington College of Business offers a variety of opportunities that allow students to improve their communication skills and find ways to evolve along with the growing communications field.

Classroom

Courses focused specifically on communications are available and are a requirement for students pursuing the Thomas S. Johnson Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and the Professional Selling Minor. Like:

• MAR3400 Professional Selling
• MAR2401 Professional Selling Seminar
• MAR3023 Principles of Marketing

The Management Communication Center in the Warrington College of Business offers courses and other resources tailored to developing strong business writing and speaking skills for both undergraduate and graduate students. A young entrepreneur can benefit from the following courses:

• GEB 3213 Professional Writing in Business
• GEB 3218 Business Speaking and Presentations
• GEB 3219 Writing and Speaking in Business
• GEB 5212 Professional Writing
• GEB 5215 Professional Communication

In the classroom, professors may also invite professionals or other student groups to talk to entrepreneurs about the importance of communication.

The UF College of Journalism and Communications Bateman Team recently visited entrepreneur-centered courses in the UF Warrington College of Business to show students how strategic communication can build credibility and visibility as a company is starting up.

“The team not only discussed PR and its importance in the startup journey [of a company] but additionally outlined several resources available to the students,” Kraft explained. “[Such as] consulting support from journalism students and the opportunity to leverage Access Newswire to provide insight into each of their brands.”

Competitions

“Students are able to strengthen [their professional selling] skills through a multitude of pitch competitions that exist on campus and in the community annually,” said Kraft.

The UF Big Idea Competition, the UF AI Days Pitch Competition, and the Luby Microgrant Pitch Competition all hosted by the UF Warrington College of Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center offer students the opportunity to learn how to properly pitch their business ideas in front of a panel of judges.

Pitch competitions offer an experiential learning opportunity for entrepreneurial students to learn how to use their communication skills to garner support for their business concept. 

Gator Hatchery

The Gator Hatchery is operated by the Warrington College of Business’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center and is open to all UF students. Through the Gator Hatchery, student entrepreneurs have access to facilities, guidance and funding opportunities to help transform their ideas into thriving Gator businesses.

Through the Gator Hatchery, students have access to direct support in putting together their business plan. As a part of that plan, sections like “Section II: The company, concept and product(s) or service(s)” and “Section V: The marketing plan” support students in determining how to communicate their business concept. 

“[Students have the opportunity] to continue revising one’s business model through the support from the Gator Hatchery,” said Kraft. “The plan itself and all the elements included contribute to the ‘sales pitch’ and are there to help bolster the compelling message.”

Advice

For students interested in learning “how to communicate like a pro” now, the Management Communication Center has short video lessons on their website with quick tips on how to become a better listener, how to convey complex messages, how to persuade others and how to properly use body language.

Persuasion, pitching, storytelling and marketing play an important role in expanding a business.

“Always be prepared to deliver an elevator pitch that succinctly and seamlessly outlines the problem you solve and the solution you provide,” said Kraft.