My name is Keshelle Davis and I cried last Friday. This confession is probably not a good way to start an article, but it speaks to my intent behind why I write.
On Friday, December 12, 2014 I led a tour of several New Providence schools along with 14-year-old, award-winning American entrepreneur, speaker and author, Gabrielle Jordan. The intent was to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs within our country. As Gabrielle spoke to 100-plus students I observed the reaction on their faces and realized something significant was happening...new seeds of entrepreneurship were being planted in the younger generation.
Over the last five years, through my organization Creative Wealth Bahamas, I've educated, empowered and inspired on the topics of entrepreneurship, youth, women and people in general. However, as I sat and listened to Gabrielle talking to the students it was different. The students were able to relate to someone of their own age. I saw an entirely new era of entrepreneurs being born.
The death of my pastor and mentor Dr. Myles Munroe and other powerful persons on that ill-fated flight, has forced me and many others to stop, think and reflect. It has also inspired me to rethink the concept of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is beyond business. It has more to do with building a legacy than anything else. The founders of many businesses have passed on and the businesses they spent decades building have also died with them. It got me thinking -- what legacy will I leave behind after I am gone?
My definition of an entrepreneur is someone who uses his/her gifts and talents to create an impact and it is not just about making a profit. What would our country or our world look Iike if more people used their gifts and talents to create something of value?
I am on a mission to cultivate a new breed of entrepreneurs in The Bahamas and by extension the world who are interested in creating and leaving a legacy. Being an entrepreneur does not only mean you have to take risks and start your own business. It does mean, however, that you have started something! -- A cause, movement, ministry, etc. that makes a difference in your environment.
So where do you start?

Purpose
Purpose is one of the main ingredients in starting an entrepreneurial venture. Simon Sinek states "The goal of life is to know why you do what you do." For example, the purpose behind whatever I create is to educate, empower and inspire. I place my business endeavor through this filter before I invest time, effort and energy.

Path
In addition to knowing your purpose, it is important to follow a clear path. Andrew Carnegie in his book "Your Life, Your Legacy" articulates that, "The men who have succeeded are the men who have chosen one line and stick to it." This does not mean sticking to a particular professional, industry or business, it means sticking to your entrepreneurial path. Rodger Hamilton, a famous entrepreneurial systems developer, calls this path your entrepreneurial profile, a profile that is tied to our natural abilities. His premise is that until you follow your natural path, life feels like a struggle and you will find little fulfillment and success.
Hamilton also gives the analogy of different strategies in a sporting game. The soccer player would say "Kick the ball, don't pick it up." The basketball player says "Pick up the ball, don't kick it." Are they contradicting each other? No, they are simply playing different games. The successful entrepreneur knows which game he is in and then plays that game...only that game.

Perseverance
Once you're on the right path, another essential quality to possess is perseverance. Ted Turner proposed "You can never quit!" The very nature of starting something significant takes perseverance. It takes deliberate effort on the part of the entrepreneur and consistency to ensure that the vision, mission, and purpose are fulfilled.
In writing this article, I finally realized why I was never interested in exit strategies as a business concept. If something is part of your purpose, passion and the legacy that you want to create, there is no "exit". You cannot abandon your passion and purpose. The first thing you are told when you get on a plane is where the exits are! However, the exit strategies are for the passengers, not the pilots. The last thing you want to hear when you get on a plane is that the pilot will be leaving at 30,000 feet!

People
In his book, "Passing it On", Dr. Myles Munroe wrote, "Your legacy should not be in buildings, programs and projects, your legacy must be in people." As entrepreneurs, we can become so consumed with the operational and technical aspects of the business that we forget that it's the people who will carry out the work, even in your absence. As legacy entrepreneurs, our focus should be on the people that power the business. The book goes on to say, "If your business dies when you do, you are a failure."
Another quote by George Washington Carver states: "No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it."
In summary, our country needs more of the type of entrepreneurs who are focused on creating and leaving a legacy for the generations to come. In order to achieve this, it is important that they know their purpose, choose a clear path, persevere in spite of any challenges and work with and through people.

o Keshelle Davis, educator, entrepreneur and author, is the executive director of the Chamber Institute, the education arm of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation. She is also the founder and president of Creative Wealth Bahamas. Keshelle was listed as The Nassau Guardian's Top 40 under 40 for the 40th anniversary celebrations of The Bahamas Independence. Visit Keshelle Davis on Facebook or contact her at keshelle@keshelledavis.com.

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