This time of year always brings to mind an unusual fantasy.

No, not that kind of fantasy. I want to be a commencement speaker. Each graduation season renews my yearning to shower graduates with my wit and wisdom. I can almost hear the raucous laughter that follows a deftly delivered punch line. I can almost see the tears wiped from eyes moistened by a poignant anecdote. I can almost feel the thunderous ovation of a crowd caught up in the emotion of the moment.

Yeah, right.

I’m neither famous — nor infamous — enough to be a commencement speaker. More problematic still, I’m not even sure what I’d say or how I’d say it. I’d want to say so much, of course, to articulate in clear and compelling fashion that which I hold dear and believe to be true. But in attempting to deliver something akin to the Gettysburg Address, I’m afraid I’d offer something more like shampoo instructions. Not four score and seven years ago, but wash, rinse and repeat.

What advice could I share? What enduring message could I impart?

At the least, I could offer some observations from my vantage point as editor of a business journal. Not so much in recounting my experiences, but sharing the collective wisdom of the entrepreneurs it’s been my privilege to interview over the past 25 years.

Here then, graduates, are four points I’d contend are worth consideration. And if business owners and managers draw either inspiration or affirmation as well, then so much the better.

Pursue your dreams. What drives entrepreneurs is their steadfast belief they can not only provide better products and services, but also do so faster and cheaper than competitors. Moreover, they’re willing to work harder and sacrifice more. Think long about what you want to accomplish. Think longer about what you’re willing to do achieve your goals.

Learn from your mistakes. Most entrepreneurs describe their most instructive experiences as those involving not successes, but failures. Here’s the thing about failure: You’ll learn something that will ensure success if not the next time, then the time after that or, more likely still, at some distant moment when you least expect the revelation.

Treat others the way you want to be treated. Entrepreneurs cite the golden rule as the basis for everything from delivering quality customer services to engendering employee loyalty to developing productive networking connections. It’s an idealistic, but also practical, principle in fostering good relationships of all sorts. Moreover, it promotes personal satisfaction. Treat the people you meet with respect and kindness. It’s a small world. You never know when you might encounter those people again or under what circumstances.

Give back. Nearly without exception, entrepreneurs who do well also do good. Think of all the businesses here in the Grand Valley that support philanthropic causes. Share your time, skills and money.

Maybe I would know what to say if I ever fulfill my fantasy to become a commencement speaker. What are the not-so-secret secrets of success apply not only to business, but also life.

Phil Castle is editor of the Business Times. Reach him at (970) 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com.