Meet Jason Wall, the creator and CEO of Antenna Balls. Antenna Balls are cute car decorations that come in smiley face, college football team, and disco ball designs, among others. Shortly before his breakout antenna ball success, however, he was neck-deep in college stuff just like you.

Inspiration in the Box
After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) with a degree in political science, Jason worked at his family's business for two years. Although doing well, he decided to pursue an MBA at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA). Then one day, while chowing down at a local Jack In The Box, he noticed advertisements for antenna balls. "Whatever," he thought. But months later, Jason would find out that Jack In The Box had sold three million Jack antenna balls. Three million! If that simple idea could result in such sales success, thought Jason, why couldn't he profit from it?

It was then that his business education was put into practice. He created and placed an alien, eight ball, and happy face-motif antenna balls in select stores on consignment. The balls sold out in under a week and Antenna Balls was born.

Today, Jason's a huge success and is currently working with the NCAA on collegiate merchandise, including licensed football helmets and basketballs for school fundraisers. An anti-road rage campaign for high schools is also in the works. "Wherever there is an opportunity to give back, we do," concludes Jason.

Jason's Words of Wisdom for Successful Entrepreneurship:

1. While enrolled in college, see what areas you flourish in and what makes you happy. Then target those courses. The happier you are, the more successful you're going to be. "Don't let anyone, especially yourself, stand in your way."


2. Get to know your teachers. They may be future mentors. "I missed many opportunities to get to know, understand, and appreciate my teachers and the free resources at my fingertips."


3. Write everything down. Take thorough notes on daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Review them every week or every month and cross out the goals as you achieve them to build your confidence. It's important to tie up loose ends and follow through. "Positive reinforcement leads to success."


4. Explore endeavors that are financially feasible. Do thorough research in the early stages to figure out if a business idea is within your means and not already out there. "I went with antenna balls because it was financially feasible to get off the ground."


5. Don't be afraid to tell people about your ideas. By talking about the project, you're going to find out the positives and negatives. Most people you talk to aren't going to steal your idea. If you can, though, look into applying for a patent, which will protect your idea for a year.


6. Time management. If you are going to do projects outside of school, you have to set aside time each day for them. Spend a half hour a day on the project, and if you miss a day, make it up - put an hour in the next day. Don't write something down and let cobwebs grow on it. It's important to keep it fresh in your mind every day to stay motivated.

>>To find out more about Jason and his company, visit their site at www.antennaballs.com.

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