Management
CS CH 6
Sprinkles
1) In this case, Candace and Charles Nelson displayed many characteristics associated with entrepreneurs such as, self-confidence, tolerance for ambiguity, high energy levels, and share a desire for independence. Candace and Charles displayed confidence by believing in them and in their cupcake business and made the decision to quit their lucrative careers to pursue the uncertainty of the cupcake only bakery. Their confidence could be tied in with their tolerance for ambiguity. Entrepreneurs are risk takers; they tolerate situations with high degree of uncertainty. This is the case for the Nelson’s. To bring the cupcake concept to L.A. during a time that the United States was deeply influenced by the “South Beach Diet” a diet that inspired low-carb eating was a major risk to take. Success in the beginning was uncertain yet they quit their jobs and made a go of it. Having a high energy level is critical in any small business. Hard work was something the Nelson’s were used to. They both were obviously college educated and I am sure it takes a great deal of hard work and energy to be an investment banker. The Nelson’s brought their high energy level to Sprinkles. This is observed through Candace’s actions to get 300 cupcakes ready and flying on a red eye flight to be on the Oprah Winfrey show. Her hard work here gave Sprinkles the publicity it needed to gain a steady customer base. The Nelson’s ignored the negatives surrounding them and pursued their dream. One could argue that they desired independence. This could be the reason that they left lucrative careers that paid them well to venture out and open a cupcake only bakery. Here they are the owners, bosses, employees. They work for themselves and their success or failure is their own. Other traits and characteristics that may be necessary to possess for an