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| https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2515490/The-stunning-photographs-capture-magical-moment-delicate-butterfly-emerges-cocoon.html |
Friday, April 19, 2019
Final Reflection
This semester has definitely been of the most formative and memorable months of my life. Although this class was, at times, the bane of my existence, it helped me start thinking in more of an entrepreneurial mindset. For example, learning how to present and come up with an elevator pitch was one of the first things I did that made me start thinking of myself as a candidate in the career field. To future students, I would say that this class is easy if you try to understand concepts and develop a business-oriented way of thinking. Think outside the box.
Venture Concept No. 2
Building on the same premise of my first venture concept, I have learned a lot from feedback and my own personal experience. To reiterate the concept of my venture, I am proposing a portable laptop charger that has several ports in order to work with both Windows and Mac products. The proposed price is set to be round $60, and I am focusing on the accessibility and practical compatibility as the product's main selling points.
I also received feedback on my venture idea through my classmates, and I was continuously reminded the target audience will be much more likely to buy the product if it was significantly cheaper than any other similar products in the market. Since the audience of the product will be mainly college students, I have been thinking of ways to make the charger cheaper and more appeasing to the target audience. As such, I decided that the charger should be sold online with free shipping and multiple colorways. There will also be options to include certain ports: you can choose a portable charger that would only have an Apple port, or I can choose to have Apple, Microsoft and USB ports all-in-one.
I still agree with my previous idea to focus on networking for this product. Word of mouth and connections would be of upmost importance with this product, especially as we are in a college town with a lot of potential customers ready to buy a new product. A fully functioning, effective portable laptop charger would be a game-changer, especially if the product is made before Apple and other tech giants make their own equivalent product.
I also received feedback on my venture idea through my classmates, and I was continuously reminded the target audience will be much more likely to buy the product if it was significantly cheaper than any other similar products in the market. Since the audience of the product will be mainly college students, I have been thinking of ways to make the charger cheaper and more appeasing to the target audience. As such, I decided that the charger should be sold online with free shipping and multiple colorways. There will also be options to include certain ports: you can choose a portable charger that would only have an Apple port, or I can choose to have Apple, Microsoft and USB ports all-in-one.
I still agree with my previous idea to focus on networking for this product. Word of mouth and connections would be of upmost importance with this product, especially as we are in a college town with a lot of potential customers ready to buy a new product. A fully functioning, effective portable laptop charger would be a game-changer, especially if the product is made before Apple and other tech giants make their own equivalent product.
Friday, April 12, 2019
Your Exit Strategy
The exit strategy that I plan on following is selling the portable computer charger concept to one of the big computer retailers- such as Apple or HP. This could yield significant returns as this field has not been thoroughly explored. I plan on doing this because I honestly know nothing about electronics. I am construction major and am not cut out to sell chargers - although it is a profitable idea to. This is kind of a change from the beginning thoughts I had towards these big computer brands as I earlier was considering them competition but now I am considering them customers.
Failure
1.
Coming into this class and semester I told
myself that I was going to start some new trends and habits that would be
beneficial to my life. I said I would start reading more, work ahead and be on
time with all of my assignments. Unfortunately, I have not read a book, I have
been on time but not ahead, and I have a few classes that I have been lacking
in.
2.
One of the biggest things that I have learned
from all of this is the need to have your priorities straight. I need to get
better at my time management and knowing when not to go out. At the end of the
day it can pretty much all be brought back to my discipline and being able to have
the will power to do the right thing.
3.
Failure to me is essential and I think that to
be able to be successful one must fail at things. The need to learn from your
mistakes is so huge in my life. I cannot tell you how many things I have failed
at. It doesn’t feel good at first, but being able to see the positives in every
situation and keep moving forward no matter how hard it is is necessary. The
way that I cope with it is constantly looking for the little wins, no matter
how small.
Reading Reflection 3
Cognitive Surplus By Clay Shirky
1)
The main theme about this book is the concept of
cognitive surplus, an idea about how people can better society when correctly
using the excess of time, technology and connections that they encounter. This
is coupled with his 4 different types of sharing of information and how we can learn
more from each other than ever before.
2)
As we continue to go through this course, we
continue to see different themes from this book that connect very nicely. The
first is the need to constantly grow and learn from other people. Throughout
this book they emphasize the need to take the information from technology and
others to make the best possible outcome. In this class we are doing much of
the same, utilizing the technology that we have to discuss and get feedback
from others.
3)
I think that because of the discussion Shirky makes
based on the types of sharing, I would have students identify different ways in
which they can utilize these within their own business concepts. Of course,
they can pair this and take it a step farther by applying it to different
business if they would like to as well.
4)
The more and more that we get caught up in social
media, I think we begin to get wrapped up in the drama and insecurities
surrounding it. Instead of doing this, Shirky makes a case for the benefits of
social media and how we can continue to encourage each other and push each
other to new heights. I think this is a crucial step in the story of all of us
as humans and critical if one day we are going to solve the current problems in
society that we have.
Friday, April 5, 2019
Whats Next?
The existing market that I've chosen to target with this product is University students. What is next for my product (a portable computer charger) is to have it sold in the UF bookstore and nearby office stores to begin earning sales revenue.
In the interviews conducted, when asking "what should we be doing" the students all agreed with me that the plan to have it sold in the bookstore is a great way to have it noticed and sold quickly for a sustainable price. The only thing that the interviewees had brought up that I hadn't previously thought to hard on is the idea of cost reduction strategies. If this product is to come to the market, it has to be affordable if consumers are going to buy it. Growing this market beyond university students may be difficult but it is definitely doable. What makes the most sense to me is expanding this products sales beyond storefronts and to create a website to market and sell this product to whoever else may need it.
The new market I intend to enter is the need from consumers who do all of their shopping online- not specifically University students anyway. There is still plenty of value in a computer charger that is as portable as the laptop itself in almost any case besides what I have mentioned on campuses. This type of device can be used in office buildings, beaches, kids' sports games, and a ton of other places where there is no power outlets. For the second set of interviews regarding the new market, I interviewed my oldest brother's girlfriend and my mother - both who gave me immensely good feedback in terms of putting this type of device for sale on the internet. While they brought up the fact that you can buy a similar type of device online already, they are pricey and the reviews show the products are not trustworthy or worth the expensive price.
What I learned here is that there is a much larger opportunity than I thought for a portable laptop charger. It is not only needed in Universities, but parents and the working class all show a very similar need as I for a device like this. There are so many occasions in which a person needs to charge their laptop urgently and as a result, they can't complete their work in a timely manner. While this new market is not necessarily as attractive as the first one I intended to pursue, this one is still worth the time nonetheless.
In the interviews conducted, when asking "what should we be doing" the students all agreed with me that the plan to have it sold in the bookstore is a great way to have it noticed and sold quickly for a sustainable price. The only thing that the interviewees had brought up that I hadn't previously thought to hard on is the idea of cost reduction strategies. If this product is to come to the market, it has to be affordable if consumers are going to buy it. Growing this market beyond university students may be difficult but it is definitely doable. What makes the most sense to me is expanding this products sales beyond storefronts and to create a website to market and sell this product to whoever else may need it.
The new market I intend to enter is the need from consumers who do all of their shopping online- not specifically University students anyway. There is still plenty of value in a computer charger that is as portable as the laptop itself in almost any case besides what I have mentioned on campuses. This type of device can be used in office buildings, beaches, kids' sports games, and a ton of other places where there is no power outlets. For the second set of interviews regarding the new market, I interviewed my oldest brother's girlfriend and my mother - both who gave me immensely good feedback in terms of putting this type of device for sale on the internet. While they brought up the fact that you can buy a similar type of device online already, they are pricey and the reviews show the products are not trustworthy or worth the expensive price.
What I learned here is that there is a much larger opportunity than I thought for a portable laptop charger. It is not only needed in Universities, but parents and the working class all show a very similar need as I for a device like this. There are so many occasions in which a person needs to charge their laptop urgently and as a result, they can't complete their work in a timely manner. While this new market is not necessarily as attractive as the first one I intended to pursue, this one is still worth the time nonetheless.
Venture Concept No. 1
The opportunity present is the group of potential customers among the populations of colleges and Universities. These students have the need for a laptop charger that is as portable as the device itself and are the demographics are pretty easily defined as college aged students. This opportunity is huge as there is tons of marketing that can be done within colleges for this type of product. While the customers in this case are indeed loyal to the wall plugin chargers they use now, they would all be pleased if an affordable portable laptop charger came to the market. This window of opportunity will be open until it is taken by one of the big computer brands.
The innovation in this case is an incremental. Portable chargers for phones and other types of devices already exists while there are wall plug in chargers currently sold with laptops. This product is a combination of the two ideas into one universal laptop charger. It is to have a similar style as the portable phone chargers, but ports to plug into various types of laptops and enough power to actually sustain the batteries. One of these chargers is expected to be priced around $60, cheaper than the typical Apple wall plugins.
The venture concept here is addressing the opportunity of students' dying computers in libraries and lecture halls. My peers and I have had this problem continuously, and it would be solved by this product coming to the market. It shouldn't be too hard to get customers to switch to this product if it was to actually come into stores, because I am yet to see a portable computer charger in any sort of storefront. The competitors are the big computer brands, Apple, HP, etc. who's only weaknesses are the failure to address customer needs adequately. Packaging, price points, customer support, and distribution all are some of the most important roles here, as no one wants to travel far or spend large amounts of money only on a charger. In order to support the ongoing production of this business, I would like to organize a business as some sort of partnership, one in which someone could help with the design of the electronics within the product.
Again, my most important resource here is networking. Being able to work with other people is vital in this kind of business because there is an array of things I am yet to learn about the production of electronics and chargers. The second thing to handle is the actual production of the device. What's next is trying to get my product in the UF bookstore and nearby office stores where sales will flourish.
The innovation in this case is an incremental. Portable chargers for phones and other types of devices already exists while there are wall plug in chargers currently sold with laptops. This product is a combination of the two ideas into one universal laptop charger. It is to have a similar style as the portable phone chargers, but ports to plug into various types of laptops and enough power to actually sustain the batteries. One of these chargers is expected to be priced around $60, cheaper than the typical Apple wall plugins.
The venture concept here is addressing the opportunity of students' dying computers in libraries and lecture halls. My peers and I have had this problem continuously, and it would be solved by this product coming to the market. It shouldn't be too hard to get customers to switch to this product if it was to actually come into stores, because I am yet to see a portable computer charger in any sort of storefront. The competitors are the big computer brands, Apple, HP, etc. who's only weaknesses are the failure to address customer needs adequately. Packaging, price points, customer support, and distribution all are some of the most important roles here, as no one wants to travel far or spend large amounts of money only on a charger. In order to support the ongoing production of this business, I would like to organize a business as some sort of partnership, one in which someone could help with the design of the electronics within the product.
Again, my most important resource here is networking. Being able to work with other people is vital in this kind of business because there is an array of things I am yet to learn about the production of electronics and chargers. The second thing to handle is the actual production of the device. What's next is trying to get my product in the UF bookstore and nearby office stores where sales will flourish.
Your Venture's Unfair Advantage
My organization benefits from a multitude of unique benefits, namely my preexisting connections in the industry. With my close friend in the international shipping business I have possible allies and insight in that sector. In addition to this my business gains advantage from
- My prior business ownership experience. While easily replicated, it is something of immense value. This resource is essential and can be replaced by nothing else, experience and failure can be the most beneficial thing to a business owner.
- The laptop mobile charger market is currently undeserved. While this is not an asset unique to the business, it is telling of my ability to spot trends. This is something that will be incredibly valuable, something that cannot be replicated as it is impossible to teach, and something I believe to be incredibly rare
- Understanding of the amazon marketplace. Again easily gained information, but something that cannot be substituted for anything else. The value of this will be huge to the business, if you understand the bazaar more will come.
- Falling battery prices will be an essential
- Understanding of the battery market. This knowledge is something that is much more difficult to gain, but something essential nonetheless. The industry is confusing in a number of ways, and will only further in that regard.
- Easy pivoting from laptop chargers into other chargers. The business is one that a small shift in design and supply chain could allow for the introduction of an entirely new product.
- High personal financial capital, this will allow for the firm to incur early losses and not fold. This is not an incredibly rare advantage, but one that will serve as incredibly valuable.
- Established macro industry, while the personal laptop charger is an underdeveloped market, batteries are already a well established industry. This is a rarity to find something so blatantly undeserved yet developed, and will be vital to the early stages of this business.
- Advertising expertise through my prior endeavors and influence from my father. This is rare, will be incredibly valuable, isn't able to be replicated, and is completely essential.
My top resource is undoubtedly my connections in the industry. I am a firm believer in the age old saying, "it's not about the grades you make, it's about the hands you shake". This will be an essential asset to my business, as i will not lean on these connections, but rather view them as an opportunity to shake these hands. This is rare enough of an opportunity that it will set my firm above possible competitors, and hopefully aid my long term success.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Reading Reflection No. 2
Inbound Marketing by Brian Halligan is a book that was published in the year 2009, a time
period marked by the significant takeoff of social media. The book itself revolves around
running a business and marketing that business correctly in a world that is ever changing. The
book explains that Marketing is one of the most ambiguous concepts there is in business
because of how often it changes. It can be a Tuesday during a normal week and there is some
huge trend that the entire population of the world is losing their mind about, and by Friday,
that trend can be laughed at by half of the people who were losing their minds over it.
Halligan’s book focuses on the fact that in order to successfully market your business, you
need to use all of the tools at your disposal to not keep up with your consumers, but constantly
stay ahead of them. While this book focuses a lot on google, blogs, and social media, which are
all still relevant, it is a bit dated in the mannerisms in which Halligan talks about using them.
Regardless of the ways in which he uses them, his points make perfect sense. Using platforms
like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to market have become some of the biggest factors in
creating products that thrive in a technologically based world. Halligan makes the point that not
only should you use every platform to your advantage, you should always be thinking about the
next biggest thing and what is going to catch peoples’ eyes.
This book connects with my ENT3003 experience because it is all about fast paced thinking. The
main premise of this course revolves around being one step ahead of everyone else to create
and idea to help benefit consumers. While the book is focused on marketing, the conceptual
ideas are the exact same. Everyone should be focused and planning on the future so that they
can continually be ahead of the technological curve.
With so many marketing platforms at our hands in today’s day and age, my activity would
revolve around using three different platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and seeing how
much interaction they get with different types of marketing plans through a website like
Hootsuite or something similar. If you were to have students create different marketing plans
and place them across all three platforms, they could see how effective they would be
individually on each platform through data created by Hootsuite.
My biggest “Aha” moment came when I really realized that general push marketing techniques
are basically gone forever. Yes, you will see a general newspaper ad here and there or a flyer in
Turlington, but when it comes to full blown marketing campaigns, no one is spending money on
anything that is not technologically revamped. Our everyday shopper is now deeply delved into
online shopping and browsing, and gets most of their ideas from the internet. Companies
spending money on traditional marketing is over. The new traditional marketing is going to
revolve around technology and social media platforms. Mom and Pops diner is unfortunately
going to have to keep up with the times in the world we live in.
period marked by the significant takeoff of social media. The book itself revolves around
running a business and marketing that business correctly in a world that is ever changing. The
book explains that Marketing is one of the most ambiguous concepts there is in business
because of how often it changes. It can be a Tuesday during a normal week and there is some
huge trend that the entire population of the world is losing their mind about, and by Friday,
that trend can be laughed at by half of the people who were losing their minds over it.
Halligan’s book focuses on the fact that in order to successfully market your business, you
need to use all of the tools at your disposal to not keep up with your consumers, but constantly
stay ahead of them. While this book focuses a lot on google, blogs, and social media, which are
all still relevant, it is a bit dated in the mannerisms in which Halligan talks about using them.
Regardless of the ways in which he uses them, his points make perfect sense. Using platforms
like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to market have become some of the biggest factors in
creating products that thrive in a technologically based world. Halligan makes the point that not
only should you use every platform to your advantage, you should always be thinking about the
next biggest thing and what is going to catch peoples’ eyes.
This book connects with my ENT3003 experience because it is all about fast paced thinking. The
main premise of this course revolves around being one step ahead of everyone else to create
and idea to help benefit consumers. While the book is focused on marketing, the conceptual
ideas are the exact same. Everyone should be focused and planning on the future so that they
can continually be ahead of the technological curve.
With so many marketing platforms at our hands in today’s day and age, my activity would
revolve around using three different platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and seeing how
much interaction they get with different types of marketing plans through a website like
Hootsuite or something similar. If you were to have students create different marketing plans
and place them across all three platforms, they could see how effective they would be
individually on each platform through data created by Hootsuite.
My biggest “Aha” moment came when I really realized that general push marketing techniques
are basically gone forever. Yes, you will see a general newspaper ad here and there or a flyer in
Turlington, but when it comes to full blown marketing campaigns, no one is spending money on
anything that is not technologically revamped. Our everyday shopper is now deeply delved into
online shopping and browsing, and gets most of their ideas from the internet. Companies
spending money on traditional marketing is over. The new traditional marketing is going to
revolve around technology and social media platforms. Mom and Pops diner is unfortunately
going to have to keep up with the times in the world we live in.
Elevator Pitch No. 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOpRmZjTQqk
What still surprises me the most in regard to the feedback I've received is the fact that it has pretty much all been positive. The only negative feedback that I've gotten is that I need to be more concise and specific. In my third attempt at this elevator pitch, I tried to slow down my speaking in comparison to the other videos in order to further detail my product and explain it in the best ways possible. Altogether I think my third pitch is the best of the three.
What still surprises me the most in regard to the feedback I've received is the fact that it has pretty much all been positive. The only negative feedback that I've gotten is that I need to be more concise and specific. In my third attempt at this elevator pitch, I tried to slow down my speaking in comparison to the other videos in order to further detail my product and explain it in the best ways possible. Altogether I think my third pitch is the best of the three.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Growing Your Social Capital
There are a multitude of individuals that would be able to provide me with the information necessary to carry out my plans of a marketable, portable computer charger, however there is no one I trust more than Adam Nayfeh. Adam Nayfeh is a member of my fraternity that graduated after my freshman year, yet left a lasting mark on my academic and professional career. Since graduation, he has been an integral member of a start-up technology firm within the marketing department. With all of his professional knowledge, he has been able to walk me through the aspects of this process that I have yet to familiarize myself with yet.
A friend of mine named Dom who is a year older than I am is a founding member of a new tech company named RDM. He is only a Junior engineering major here at UF and works in the same company as Adam Nayfeh. Dom's job within RDM is to take people's new inventions and mold them into products that can be brought to the market. He informed me of the barriers that are present when taking an idea to a prototype and finally to a final product. With his wisdom, I will be able to foresee these barriers to entry and be proactive rather than reactive.
I reached out to the manager of a Verizon distributor in my hometown that is a family friend hoping he would be able to describe the process they use to distribute their goods to their consumers. I was hoping he would be able to provide me with some insight that would be able to help me with my own tech product. He outlined the entire process from the external supplier of materials, to the supplier, then the manufacturer and distributor, and lastly the final consumer. Knowing this information will absolutely provide me with the tools necessary to effectively bring my product to the market.
A friend of mine named Dom who is a year older than I am is a founding member of a new tech company named RDM. He is only a Junior engineering major here at UF and works in the same company as Adam Nayfeh. Dom's job within RDM is to take people's new inventions and mold them into products that can be brought to the market. He informed me of the barriers that are present when taking an idea to a prototype and finally to a final product. With his wisdom, I will be able to foresee these barriers to entry and be proactive rather than reactive.
I reached out to the manager of a Verizon distributor in my hometown that is a family friend hoping he would be able to describe the process they use to distribute their goods to their consumers. I was hoping he would be able to provide me with some insight that would be able to help me with my own tech product. He outlined the entire process from the external supplier of materials, to the supplier, then the manufacturer and distributor, and lastly the final consumer. Knowing this information will absolutely provide me with the tools necessary to effectively bring my product to the market.
Idea Napkin No. 2
I am Joseph Bergida. I'm loyal, an innovator, hard-worker, and conceptual thinker. I am an experienced student with knowledge in many fields: language, science, politics, public relations, history, art, business, and mathematics. My aspirations involve achieving the highest level of personal fulfillment with a steady job and healthy family, as well as, one day, constructing my own house. My product is a portable charger compatible with all common laptops: Dell, Mac, HP, etc. The charger is designed to be charged through a USB in an outlet and hold 48 hours of battery life for your computer. The charger would allow anyone with a laptop to be completely portable and have access to ample power in any location. The target market for my product centers around business-oriented individuals. Specifically, the 20-40 age range in large cities, who are likely to own a laptop and commute frequently. In many sudden situations, one needs immediate access to a computer, and outlets are inconvenient and infrequent unless intentionally sought. Imagine being able to charge your laptop in your backpack as you're riding on the bus, so that the battery is fully charged when you arrive at work. I'm beyond competent in marketing and development, so the assembly is feasible and the demand is constant.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Create a Customer Avatar
The ideal customer for my portable laptop charger is a University student that is very studious. This 18-22 year old young adult loves the outdoors and to surf the web on his laptop but oftentimes finds himself on lawns around campus with his computer dying. Being a college student that loves to watch Netflix and Hulu on his portable laptop, he stresses and struggles because he doesn't have a charger that is portable as well.
What I have in common with my customer avatar is we are both the same aged college students with similar interests. We both share the same need of a portable laptop charger in lectures, libraries, and outside, while there no good option on the market.
What I have in common with my customer avatar is we are both the same aged college students with similar interests. We both share the same need of a portable laptop charger in lectures, libraries, and outside, while there no good option on the market.
Elevator Pitch Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp4o6gVqT_c
My last pitch's feedback caused me to place an emphasis of the variability needed in this product. This charger should not be a device solely usable for a single computer, but should have outlets for as variety of different computers and phones.
My last pitch's feedback caused me to place an emphasis of the variability needed in this product. This charger should not be a device solely usable for a single computer, but should have outlets for as variety of different computers and phones.
Friday, March 1, 2019
Whats Your Secret Sauce?
1) I would say that my human capital is unique in a number of ways.
- I am very organized and scheduled allowing me to stay on task and motivated.
- I am diligent in problem solving in stressful situations.
-I am a great test taker when pressures are high.
- I have a passion for the field of construction, which is quite unique in regards to the passions of my peers.
- I have recently gone vegan, setting apart from my peers. I need find alternatives to animal products which is pretty unique.
2) https://soundcloud.com/joseph-bergida/sets/ent-interviews
In the interview with Alec Yagey, I found that others' perspective of me was even more positive than I had viewed myself. It goes to show that often what is more important than how we view ourselves is how others view us. In the interview with Caleb, I came to the realization of how hard I work to get things done. He pointed out my persistence which is a human capital trait. In my interview with Dylan Childers, I honestly didn't get much information out of it. Nothing too useful at least. In the interview with Cameron Gangle, the key takeaway was that I am a hard worker. I would agree with all that he said. In the one with Alex Silitch he pointed out how much I work not only to get my own work done, but to help those around me. I think it is a great trait to help your coworkers and peers to get their work done as well.
3) I think these interviews were all pretty accurate, other than the one with Dylan where there wasn't too much to take out of it. I see myself as a hard worker, and so do most of my peers. I would not make any corrections to my list other than maybe taking off my vegan status, and adding something about my work ethic.
- I am very organized and scheduled allowing me to stay on task and motivated.
- I am diligent in problem solving in stressful situations.
-I am a great test taker when pressures are high.
- I have a passion for the field of construction, which is quite unique in regards to the passions of my peers.
- I have recently gone vegan, setting apart from my peers. I need find alternatives to animal products which is pretty unique.
2) https://soundcloud.com/joseph-bergida/sets/ent-interviews
In the interview with Alec Yagey, I found that others' perspective of me was even more positive than I had viewed myself. It goes to show that often what is more important than how we view ourselves is how others view us. In the interview with Caleb, I came to the realization of how hard I work to get things done. He pointed out my persistence which is a human capital trait. In my interview with Dylan Childers, I honestly didn't get much information out of it. Nothing too useful at least. In the interview with Cameron Gangle, the key takeaway was that I am a hard worker. I would agree with all that he said. In the one with Alex Silitch he pointed out how much I work not only to get my own work done, but to help those around me. I think it is a great trait to help your coworkers and peers to get their work done as well.
3) I think these interviews were all pretty accurate, other than the one with Dylan where there wasn't too much to take out of it. I see myself as a hard worker, and so do most of my peers. I would not make any corrections to my list other than maybe taking off my vegan status, and adding something about my work ethic.
Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2
The market segment that I have chosen to pursue is college/university students and luxurious spenders.
1) The three people I have chosen to interview that fit my segment are:
-Mathew, student studying at Library West
-Alexander, student waiting in line for advising
-Carly, student hanging out at the HUB
3) -Matthew: Matthew said that to him it was price mattered to him the most, he could see himself losing the charger and would rather pay less for a lower quality charger that he may end up purchasing more than once.
-Alexander: When asked Alex said that the amount of charge the portable charger had was the most important to him. He's on the go frequently moving between classes and would rather have something that would last all day, but maybe more expensive so that he wouldn't have to recharge it during the day.
-Carly: For Carly it was both charge and quality. Carly said that she enjoys studying outdoors in places like Plaza so having a high quality charger that would last a long time is key to her being able to finish her assignments.
4) After interviewing the three students, they made it apparent that they believed that most students they knew would prefer to purchase the device online, as there is a larger selection of choices, however, one of the students preferred to purchase in person despite the benefits he outlined for buying online. All of the students interviewed would prefer to pay cash outright for the device, as the device would be fairly cheap and it becomes too much of a hassle to finance.
5) What matters the most to the customers is the functionality the device. If the device works well, has longevity, and doesn't damage the computer's battery then it was a good purchase. On the other hand, a faulty, or cheap device that either doesn't work at all or fails to work over a period of time would make the customers believe it was a bad decision to purchase the portable charger.
6) All together each of the interviewees believed that there was a real need for the portable charger, thinking that many students on campus could have use for such a device. There is really no where relevant to buy such a device but the need is overwhelming.
7) In conclusion, the customers want a high quality device that will last for a long time and not damage the batteries of their computers. All the chargers available are either expensive or low quality so I would describe this segment as in need.
1) The three people I have chosen to interview that fit my segment are:
-Mathew, student studying at Library West
-Alexander, student waiting in line for advising
-Carly, student hanging out at the HUB
3) -Matthew: Matthew said that to him it was price mattered to him the most, he could see himself losing the charger and would rather pay less for a lower quality charger that he may end up purchasing more than once.
-Alexander: When asked Alex said that the amount of charge the portable charger had was the most important to him. He's on the go frequently moving between classes and would rather have something that would last all day, but maybe more expensive so that he wouldn't have to recharge it during the day.
-Carly: For Carly it was both charge and quality. Carly said that she enjoys studying outdoors in places like Plaza so having a high quality charger that would last a long time is key to her being able to finish her assignments.
4) After interviewing the three students, they made it apparent that they believed that most students they knew would prefer to purchase the device online, as there is a larger selection of choices, however, one of the students preferred to purchase in person despite the benefits he outlined for buying online. All of the students interviewed would prefer to pay cash outright for the device, as the device would be fairly cheap and it becomes too much of a hassle to finance.
5) What matters the most to the customers is the functionality the device. If the device works well, has longevity, and doesn't damage the computer's battery then it was a good purchase. On the other hand, a faulty, or cheap device that either doesn't work at all or fails to work over a period of time would make the customers believe it was a bad decision to purchase the portable charger.
6) All together each of the interviewees believed that there was a real need for the portable charger, thinking that many students on campus could have use for such a device. There is really no where relevant to buy such a device but the need is overwhelming.
7) In conclusion, the customers want a high quality device that will last for a long time and not damage the batteries of their computers. All the chargers available are either expensive or low quality so I would describe this segment as in need.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Halfway Reflection
This semester has been very rewarding in terms of self-analysis and changing my main core principles and beliefs. For this course, I've had to develop serious time management skills as well as improving my work ethic over all. Last week, I had 3 exams and two quizzes within a span of three days. Although I felt like my whole was crashing down on me and I wasn't going to do well, what pulled me through was my continuous determination and non-stop studying. I've definitely developed a tenacious attitude within the past two months, with my last example being the defining moment where I myself feel like I am a tenacious individual. Also, taking this class has opened my eyes as to what it takes to succeed in life, helping me think about my priorities as a student in UF. If I were speaking to a student taking this course next semester, I would tell them that the key to developing a tenacious mindset is all about understanding your priorities as a student and knowing what it takes to excel in school and personal matters. Also, giving yourself a schedule where you force yourself to be productive is another great way to be more determined. Finally, I would tell them to never put yourself down, because we are all capable of doing whatever we set our mind to.
Reading Reflection
The reading that I chose to analyze was Steve Job's biography by Walter Isaacson. Easily the most surprising thing about him was his change in personality and the many 'phases' he endured during late high school. For example, Jobs was known for his varying exotic diets and his thorough drug use as teenager. Although having many hindrances and harsh situations presented to him, he still came out on top through his incessant work ethic and admirable creativity - both being characteristics that I deeply admire about Steve Jobs. The darkest parts of his life resided in his personal affairs. What I find least admirable about Steve Jobs is his relationship between his wife and many girlfriends; Jobs vehemently denied that his girlfriend's child was his, despite having been with her for five years on and off. Perhaps his greatest moment of adversity was, sadly, the start of his end. Jobs first learned of his cancer (a rare cancer named islet cell neuroendocrine tumor) during a routine exam in 2003. The discovery of his cancer caused him to question his mortality, and proceeded to go to Stanford for a commencement speech: his speech is said to be one of the greatest commencements ever given. Steve had a huge technological competence in design and innovation. One part of the reading that I found confusing was his thinking process in naming the company Apple. It doesn't make sense how a business name of a fruit can be so successful. If I could ask him anything it would be what makes him the happiest and if he can do anything over again what would he do differently. I think that he felt hard work was necessary to succeed and I would say that yes I do share that same opinion.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Sketching out the Beginning of the Buyer Behavior Process
1) The market segment that I have chosen to pursue is college/university students and luxurious spenders.
2) The three people I have chosen for interviews are:
-One Marston studier
-One Turlington walker
-One housemate
3,4,5) For need awareness, the situations in which my interviewees felt that the need was the most salient are what I previously expected, being in lecture halls and libraries with no outlets available. The Turlington walker stated he needs this during his double block lectures while my housemate and the studier at Marston both said they need this most during study sessions when the libraries are busy.
As for the information search, when the interviewees searched for a portable laptop charger, the only ones available do not specify which types of computers they charge or the power output. While there are portable laptop chargers are out there, they are hard to come across and quite expensive while only charging one single device. When the interviewees became aware of their needs, two plugged in there computers to charge up for later.
6) After these interviews, I concluded that the need is real and live. People are aware of the need/opportunity as there are a very limited number of places to even buy regular chargers. While yes a portable laptop charger can be ordered for large quantities of money, they need to be functional to different kinds of laptops with the appropriate power output.
2) The three people I have chosen for interviews are:
-One Marston studier
-One Turlington walker
-One housemate
3,4,5) For need awareness, the situations in which my interviewees felt that the need was the most salient are what I previously expected, being in lecture halls and libraries with no outlets available. The Turlington walker stated he needs this during his double block lectures while my housemate and the studier at Marston both said they need this most during study sessions when the libraries are busy.
As for the information search, when the interviewees searched for a portable laptop charger, the only ones available do not specify which types of computers they charge or the power output. While there are portable laptop chargers are out there, they are hard to come across and quite expensive while only charging one single device. When the interviewees became aware of their needs, two plugged in there computers to charge up for later.
6) After these interviews, I concluded that the need is real and live. People are aware of the need/opportunity as there are a very limited number of places to even buy regular chargers. While yes a portable laptop charger can be ordered for large quantities of money, they need to be functional to different kinds of laptops with the appropriate power output.
Idea Napkin No. 1
1) My name is Joseph Bergida, a second year construction management major at UF. I have some experience in sales from working at Reflective Glass Showers & Mirrors. I aspire to design and sell homes one day, and the construction industry heavily relies on computers for the design aspect which also brings me to the idea of needing a portable computer charger.
2) What I am offering to customers is a portable laptop charger. This will resemble the portable chargers made for phones but will have the appropriate cords available as well as a battery strong enough to power a laptop. This will solve customers' unmet needs of a dying computer when there is no outlets in sight.
3) I am offering this product to all the college students that use laptops. This includes almost everyone at the University except for those that use desktop computers.
4) Customers care in this case because it is a rarity that a lecture hall has power outlets all throughout it and there is a number of good spots at all of the libraries that do not go to use because there is no power outlets near.
5) What sets this idea apart from everyone else is the fact that there is no good portable laptop charger available in stores when there is an obvious need for one.
I believe that these five elements fit together well in this scenario. If this business plan was to go into action I feel as if there would be an extreme number of sales specifically among the college aged population. In my opinion, the need for this product is as clear as it could be.
2) What I am offering to customers is a portable laptop charger. This will resemble the portable chargers made for phones but will have the appropriate cords available as well as a battery strong enough to power a laptop. This will solve customers' unmet needs of a dying computer when there is no outlets in sight.
3) I am offering this product to all the college students that use laptops. This includes almost everyone at the University except for those that use desktop computers.
4) Customers care in this case because it is a rarity that a lecture hall has power outlets all throughout it and there is a number of good spots at all of the libraries that do not go to use because there is no power outlets near.
5) What sets this idea apart from everyone else is the fact that there is no good portable laptop charger available in stores when there is an obvious need for one.
I believe that these five elements fit together well in this scenario. If this business plan was to go into action I feel as if there would be an extreme number of sales specifically among the college aged population. In my opinion, the need for this product is as clear as it could be.
Friday, February 8, 2019
Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2
Who: While the opportunity for a portable laptop charger is huge for students, there are indeed certain people and businesses that do fall outside of the boundary. There are a number of people that love the idea of portable chargers for their electronics as well as a number of small businesses that need as many additional power outlets as they can get to be as productive as possible in their daily operations. On the other hand, there are people that fear the idea of using general chargers on their expensive devices, causing them to fall outside of the boundary.
What: This need differs from the needs of typical wall chargers in the matter that this device could be used almost as a spare computer battery. This would allow students to take their studies to a number of new places for much more extensive periods of time, including the outdoors.
Why: In these interviews, I have come to the realization that this idea could become huge if it was to be partnered with some of the big computer names. This would allow customers to use the chargers care-free if the brand of the charger matches the brand of the computer.
Inside the Boundary
Who is in: College students that go to the libraries, live lectures, or like to study in strange locations.
What the need is: To be able to charge your laptop when no power outlets are available.
Why the need exists: The need exists because there are so many people that go to universities with nearly every one using a laptop. The computers are already portable but the chargers are not.
Outside the Boundary
Who is not: Those not enrolled in college and people who have all the power outlets they need to succeed.
What the need is not: For those who have desktop computers or fear the idea of using generic chargers.
Alternative explanations: There have without a doubt been instances of batteries being damaged by using off-brand chargers. This kind of thing often happens with iPhone batteries as if you charge them with non-Apple chargers, they slowly deteriorate over time. People think that this would have a similar effect but it could be avoided if it was to be picked up by a major computer brand.
What: This need differs from the needs of typical wall chargers in the matter that this device could be used almost as a spare computer battery. This would allow students to take their studies to a number of new places for much more extensive periods of time, including the outdoors.
Why: In these interviews, I have come to the realization that this idea could become huge if it was to be partnered with some of the big computer names. This would allow customers to use the chargers care-free if the brand of the charger matches the brand of the computer.
Inside the Boundary
Who is in: College students that go to the libraries, live lectures, or like to study in strange locations.
What the need is: To be able to charge your laptop when no power outlets are available.
Why the need exists: The need exists because there are so many people that go to universities with nearly every one using a laptop. The computers are already portable but the chargers are not.
Outside the Boundary
Who is not: Those not enrolled in college and people who have all the power outlets they need to succeed.
What the need is not: For those who have desktop computers or fear the idea of using generic chargers.
Alternative explanations: There have without a doubt been instances of batteries being damaged by using off-brand chargers. This kind of thing often happens with iPhone batteries as if you charge them with non-Apple chargers, they slowly deteriorate over time. People think that this would have a similar effect but it could be avoided if it was to be picked up by a major computer brand.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Solving The Problem
The selected opportunity for exploiting is the need for a portable laptop charger that is affordable for college students. There are no outlets at most middle desks in classrooms and many times college students find themselves with a dead computer in the middle of a library or a lecture. The product to be invented is some sort of a rechargeable battery such as the ones that are used for phones, but one that has several different plugins for different types of laptops. For example, I believe that it should be a box that plugs into a power outlet that charges and retains its battery life, and it should begin with three or so of the most basic chargers, such as one for a Mac, one for an HP, and one for a Dell.
Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
1) An opportunity that I would like to pursue is the fact that there is no portable laptop charger. Many college classrooms require students to have a computer at their desks but oftentimes the only available power outlets are those against the walls. This leaves those in the middle with no power in the case that their laptops die.
2) The who: College students that use laptops.
The what: They are not able to charge their laptops when in classrooms
The why: There is no portable laptop charger available
3) Testing the who: While yes there are others that would have a need like this, the primary market would be to college students either in classrooms or in libraries. Libraries and classrooms are where there are an abundance of people all using laptops with a limited number of power outlets.
Testing the what: There are tons of different types of laptops but there are only so many different types of charging cables. The market is split pretty evenly between Macs and PCs so this opportunity could be explored through one, the other, or both.
Testing the why: The "why" that I identified holds true for the college students of interest. I have never seen a portable charger made specifically for laptops marketed and there is a clear need in these classrooms and libraries as my computer dies quite frequently.
4) In these interviews, most of the students that were questioned had very similar responses. Some of the variations and additions that they had are as followed:
Whos: This opportunity does extend beyond college campuses. In office buildings where they use cubicles there are people who like to use their own software on their laptops, but many times the power outlets are being used for the desktops
Whats: Laptop chargers are expensive first off. If there could be a universal one that would charge several devices with a rechargeable battery for extended periods of time either outside, in classrooms, or libraries, life would be easier.
Whys: Regular laptop chargers are already so bulky and take up so much room in backpacks and oftentimes get damaged by books and other things in your bag. There needs to be one that small and compact.
5) I had no idea people wanted this as bad as they do. I was the impression that my laptop either had a bad battery or that I was just bad at keeping it plugged in but everyone that I spoke with has the same issue as me in classrooms and libraries.
2) The who: College students that use laptops.
The what: They are not able to charge their laptops when in classrooms
The why: There is no portable laptop charger available
3) Testing the who: While yes there are others that would have a need like this, the primary market would be to college students either in classrooms or in libraries. Libraries and classrooms are where there are an abundance of people all using laptops with a limited number of power outlets.
Testing the what: There are tons of different types of laptops but there are only so many different types of charging cables. The market is split pretty evenly between Macs and PCs so this opportunity could be explored through one, the other, or both.
Testing the why: The "why" that I identified holds true for the college students of interest. I have never seen a portable charger made specifically for laptops marketed and there is a clear need in these classrooms and libraries as my computer dies quite frequently.
4) In these interviews, most of the students that were questioned had very similar responses. Some of the variations and additions that they had are as followed:
Whos: This opportunity does extend beyond college campuses. In office buildings where they use cubicles there are people who like to use their own software on their laptops, but many times the power outlets are being used for the desktops
Whats: Laptop chargers are expensive first off. If there could be a universal one that would charge several devices with a rechargeable battery for extended periods of time either outside, in classrooms, or libraries, life would be easier.
Whys: Regular laptop chargers are already so bulky and take up so much room in backpacks and oftentimes get damaged by books and other things in your bag. There needs to be one that small and compact.
5) I had no idea people wanted this as bad as they do. I was the impression that my laptop either had a bad battery or that I was just bad at keeping it plugged in but everyone that I spoke with has the same issue as me in classrooms and libraries.
Friday, January 25, 2019
Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends
1) An independent contractor food delivery service
I've found this opportunity through personal experiences of getting food delivered and having the order arrive incorrect. I believe this opportunity exists because I have seen many others stressed out about this as well. The prototypical customer here are the people that use food delivery services such as Uber Eats and this opportunity would not be too difficult to exploit, it would only take one person per order. I see this opportunity because I have brought this up in conversations and have always had people in agreement. No one like to get their order messed up
2) A phone carrier only for police officers
I found this opportunity in the Palm Beach Post as there has recent events where citizens are intercepting the police dispatches. I think the opportunity is clear here as the police communication lines should be private to the police force and there should not be a chance that criminals can be listening. The prototypical customer here would be a police unit but this would indeed be very difficult to exploit because establishing a phone carrier is an expensive and lengthy process. I formed the belief that this opportunity exists because intercepting radio signals is not that difficult to the computer savvy and can still be done even if they are encrypted.
3) Milk protein as a plastic substitute
I've found this opportunity through seeing all the litter on the Florida beaches at almost all times. Climate change is real, it is difficult to argue against that so it is pretty obvious that we need to start making things out of sustainable substitutes to preserve the world for our grandchildren. The prototypical customers here are those who are concerned for the safety of our planet and activists. I see this opportunity because I absolutely hate seeing animals eat litter and bring garbage into there nests.
4) A tarp system that is laid before the roofing in houses in order to help in the case of hurricanes or tornadoes
I found this opportunity when seeing blue tarps on roofs after/during hurricane season. Florida roofs often get torn off resulting in tons worth in damages from water getting inside. If there was some sort of system to putting down tarps after the initial framework is done and then just leaving it in the roof in case of emergency, I think many families would be better off during hurricane season. It would not be absurdly expensive either, as tarps are pretty cheap. I see this opportunity because I have had damages done to my home during hurricanes and it is not a pleasant experience whatsoever.
I've found this opportunity through personal experiences of getting food delivered and having the order arrive incorrect. I believe this opportunity exists because I have seen many others stressed out about this as well. The prototypical customer here are the people that use food delivery services such as Uber Eats and this opportunity would not be too difficult to exploit, it would only take one person per order. I see this opportunity because I have brought this up in conversations and have always had people in agreement. No one like to get their order messed up
2) A phone carrier only for police officers
I found this opportunity in the Palm Beach Post as there has recent events where citizens are intercepting the police dispatches. I think the opportunity is clear here as the police communication lines should be private to the police force and there should not be a chance that criminals can be listening. The prototypical customer here would be a police unit but this would indeed be very difficult to exploit because establishing a phone carrier is an expensive and lengthy process. I formed the belief that this opportunity exists because intercepting radio signals is not that difficult to the computer savvy and can still be done even if they are encrypted.
3) Milk protein as a plastic substitute
I've found this opportunity through seeing all the litter on the Florida beaches at almost all times. Climate change is real, it is difficult to argue against that so it is pretty obvious that we need to start making things out of sustainable substitutes to preserve the world for our grandchildren. The prototypical customers here are those who are concerned for the safety of our planet and activists. I see this opportunity because I absolutely hate seeing animals eat litter and bring garbage into there nests.
4) A tarp system that is laid before the roofing in houses in order to help in the case of hurricanes or tornadoes
I found this opportunity when seeing blue tarps on roofs after/during hurricane season. Florida roofs often get torn off resulting in tons worth in damages from water getting inside. If there was some sort of system to putting down tarps after the initial framework is done and then just leaving it in the roof in case of emergency, I think many families would be better off during hurricane season. It would not be absurdly expensive either, as tarps are pretty cheap. I see this opportunity because I have had damages done to my home during hurricanes and it is not a pleasant experience whatsoever.
Identifying Local Opportunities
1) Roof ripped off Central Fla. home as storms roll through state - County gets some rain, cooler temps, but the drought may not budge
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0125%21January%2B25&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1712CB87DE8E9DD8
Due to a tornado in Central Florida, the roof of a pastor's home was torn off leaving their house bare and exposed. Many of the roofs in Florida are often being damaged in extreme weather situations causing families to be in the face danger. There is a number of families across the state that have problems with their roofing and innovation could be answer to the storms and tornadoes.
2) City ditches plan for bike lanes on Swinton Ave.
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0124%21January%2B24&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/171276C6D2D45BB8
Swinton Avenue is a historic road that means a lot to many of the people of Delray Beach. It has been there for years and many of the locals grew up on this street, including myself. There has recently been some commotion because this two way road doesn't have bike lanes and the bikers want there to be lanes to ride in. On the other hand, the people of Delray beach don't want to sacrifice any trees or wildlife just to make bike lanes. This is a problem for the bicyclists and the conservationists and it could potentially be solved by splitting the sidewalk between a bike lane and a walking lane in my opinion.
3) Police radio fans bemoan agencies' use of encryption
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0121%21January%2B21&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17117910C22C1760
There has recently been controversy in the police force as a result of the police and fire dispatch radio signals being intercepted by civilians. While this may seem harmless, criminals can use this to execute crimes with less of a chance of being caught. As a result of the intensifying technology in hands of the public, the police have begun to encrypt their radio signals. This is a problem for the police force as all their communications can be intercepted.
4) Police: People believed to viewing lunar eclipse run over by police car
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0122%21January%2B22&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1711CF0FBAFFFD18
On Sunday night just before the lunar eclipse, a police officer ran over two people who were laying in the street to watch the eclipse. The problem is getting ran over of course and is a problem for both the people in the street as well as the officer. A potential solution could be walkways/bridges over roadways for the purpose of stargazing.
5) Dog day at beach passes test in Boynton
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0121%21January%2B21&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17117910C030C078
Dogs have been banned from the South Florida beaches for as long as I can remember but almost every day people bring their dogs to the beach and get tickets/fines. Recently there was a test run for a "Dog Day" which brought both good and bad feedback. The problem here is for the dog owners as they can't bring there pets to the beach and those who do not like dogs as they are disgusted by the idea of stepping in poop.
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0125%21January%2B25&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1712CB87DE8E9DD8
Due to a tornado in Central Florida, the roof of a pastor's home was torn off leaving their house bare and exposed. Many of the roofs in Florida are often being damaged in extreme weather situations causing families to be in the face danger. There is a number of families across the state that have problems with their roofing and innovation could be answer to the storms and tornadoes.
2) City ditches plan for bike lanes on Swinton Ave.
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0124%21January%2B24&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/171276C6D2D45BB8
Swinton Avenue is a historic road that means a lot to many of the people of Delray Beach. It has been there for years and many of the locals grew up on this street, including myself. There has recently been some commotion because this two way road doesn't have bike lanes and the bikers want there to be lanes to ride in. On the other hand, the people of Delray beach don't want to sacrifice any trees or wildlife just to make bike lanes. This is a problem for the bicyclists and the conservationists and it could potentially be solved by splitting the sidewalk between a bike lane and a walking lane in my opinion.
3) Police radio fans bemoan agencies' use of encryption
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0121%21January%2B21&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17117910C22C1760
There has recently been controversy in the police force as a result of the police and fire dispatch radio signals being intercepted by civilians. While this may seem harmless, criminals can use this to execute crimes with less of a chance of being caught. As a result of the intensifying technology in hands of the public, the police have begun to encrypt their radio signals. This is a problem for the police force as all their communications can be intercepted.
4) Police: People believed to viewing lunar eclipse run over by police car
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0122%21January%2B22&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1711CF0FBAFFFD18
On Sunday night just before the lunar eclipse, a police officer ran over two people who were laying in the street to watch the eclipse. The problem is getting ran over of course and is a problem for both the people in the street as well as the officer. A potential solution could be walkways/bridges over roadways for the purpose of stargazing.
5) Dog day at beach passes test in Boynton
https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APBPB%21Palm%2BBeach%2BPost%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0121%21January%2B21&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17117910C030C078
Dogs have been banned from the South Florida beaches for as long as I can remember but almost every day people bring their dogs to the beach and get tickets/fines. Recently there was a test run for a "Dog Day" which brought both good and bad feedback. The problem here is for the dog owners as they can't bring there pets to the beach and those who do not like dogs as they are disgusted by the idea of stepping in poop.
Friday, January 18, 2019
Forming an Opportunity Belief
1) I have a belief that there is an opportunity in the business realm for a service that links potential employees with only international employers.
2) There are tons of job opportunities for highly educated professionals around the world and the skill sets are distributed throughout the world pretty unevenly This would be a service that matches employees with jobs in the country of their choice with high salaries for financial security. The need is for both people who cannot find a job in their home country as well as the countries that do not have as many trained professionals. This need has always existed and I would say I am about 75% sure there is an opportunity for this kind of service.
3) The prototypical customers for this service are the kind of people interested in working or moving overseas. I found three people who want to study abroad and continue working abroad after college.
4) What is the exact nature of the need?:
Conrad - I wish to carry out an occupation that allows me to remain financially stable while also allowing me to travel.
Brady- I want to be able to experience other cultures while also being able to support myself.
Alex- I studied abroad last summer and it was an eye opening experience, I cant do another semester abroad at this point, unfortunately, but would absolutely love to work abroad,
When do they become aware of the need?:
Conrad- I became aware that I wanted to seek this occupation and a service to match me with a good career after I realized I've experienced a lack of travel and indulgence in other cultures.
Brady- I knew that this is an occupation that would fit me because of how much I enjoy being abroad and to provide service while travelling would be incredible.
Alex- I didn't know where to start. Although I want to work abroad I don't know of any platforms that would facilitate any connections for international job offers.
How long have you had the need?:
Conrad- For about a year.
Brady- 1 year and 7 months
Alex- Since I studied abroad last summer.
When did you first become aware of the need? Why?:
Conrad- I lost my job due to a lay off and decided I didn't want another job in the same town.
Brady- When I got accepted into college and realized that I wanted to gain new experiences.
Alex- I honestly didn't think there would be a way for me to do it, I don't know of any positions available, and I wouldn't want to take a trip internationally and ultimately fail to find a position.
How are you currently addressing your need?:
Conrad- Through various job applications.
Brady- Through various job applications
Alex- I've tried job applications, but there are few that I have found. Having some sort of agent/platform to connect me to more companies would be fantastic.
How satisfied are you with this solution?:
Conrad- This service that I am hearing about sounds like it will expand my job outlook and increase my potential to receive and maintain a job that allows me to travel with good pay.
Brady- The description of the service seems like a great match for my lifestyle and I can see myself being very satisfied in the future.
Alex- I think there is real potential, not just for me, I believe there is a real national need for a platform like this. Being able to expand job horizons beyond our border really appeals to me.
5) I learned that there is a real need for a platform like this and everyone I interviewed as well as others that I talked to were intrigued. There are many people interested in studying abroad and no way to facilitate connection for international companies.
7) All platforms for international jobs are confusing, hard to navigate and do not have many job options. Because of this I believe that my original opportunity is still there. I feel that the need was clarified/solidified during these interviews. The feedback that I received was entirely positive. Feedback from customers is vital to the success of entrepreneurs.
2) There are tons of job opportunities for highly educated professionals around the world and the skill sets are distributed throughout the world pretty unevenly This would be a service that matches employees with jobs in the country of their choice with high salaries for financial security. The need is for both people who cannot find a job in their home country as well as the countries that do not have as many trained professionals. This need has always existed and I would say I am about 75% sure there is an opportunity for this kind of service.
3) The prototypical customers for this service are the kind of people interested in working or moving overseas. I found three people who want to study abroad and continue working abroad after college.
4) What is the exact nature of the need?:
Conrad - I wish to carry out an occupation that allows me to remain financially stable while also allowing me to travel.
Brady- I want to be able to experience other cultures while also being able to support myself.
Alex- I studied abroad last summer and it was an eye opening experience, I cant do another semester abroad at this point, unfortunately, but would absolutely love to work abroad,
When do they become aware of the need?:
Conrad- I became aware that I wanted to seek this occupation and a service to match me with a good career after I realized I've experienced a lack of travel and indulgence in other cultures.
Brady- I knew that this is an occupation that would fit me because of how much I enjoy being abroad and to provide service while travelling would be incredible.
Alex- I didn't know where to start. Although I want to work abroad I don't know of any platforms that would facilitate any connections for international job offers.
How long have you had the need?:
Conrad- For about a year.
Brady- 1 year and 7 months
Alex- Since I studied abroad last summer.
When did you first become aware of the need? Why?:
Conrad- I lost my job due to a lay off and decided I didn't want another job in the same town.
Brady- When I got accepted into college and realized that I wanted to gain new experiences.
Alex- I honestly didn't think there would be a way for me to do it, I don't know of any positions available, and I wouldn't want to take a trip internationally and ultimately fail to find a position.
How are you currently addressing your need?:
Conrad- Through various job applications.
Brady- Through various job applications
Alex- I've tried job applications, but there are few that I have found. Having some sort of agent/platform to connect me to more companies would be fantastic.
How satisfied are you with this solution?:
Conrad- This service that I am hearing about sounds like it will expand my job outlook and increase my potential to receive and maintain a job that allows me to travel with good pay.
Brady- The description of the service seems like a great match for my lifestyle and I can see myself being very satisfied in the future.
Alex- I think there is real potential, not just for me, I believe there is a real national need for a platform like this. Being able to expand job horizons beyond our border really appeals to me.
5) I learned that there is a real need for a platform like this and everyone I interviewed as well as others that I talked to were intrigued. There are many people interested in studying abroad and no way to facilitate connection for international companies.
7) All platforms for international jobs are confusing, hard to navigate and do not have many job options. Because of this I believe that my original opportunity is still there. I feel that the need was clarified/solidified during these interviews. The feedback that I received was entirely positive. Feedback from customers is vital to the success of entrepreneurs.
My Entrepreneurship Story
The first time I was ever really exposed to entrepreneurship was my junior year of high school working at Reflective Glass, Showers and Mirrors. I realistically had no decent work experience prior to this job so going into it was a bit of a struggle. From the moment I walked in the door, I was put on the spot and my potential was tested as they put me in charge of the front desk and making in-store estimations and sales. The business belong to my girlfriend's parents at the time and they started it by themselves, this is an examples of the kind of entrepreneur that I'd like to be.
I enrolled in this class because it is one of the electives for me to take during upper division construction management and I can use it to fill my current schedule. Beyond just that, I feel as if there is a lot to be gained from this class. I would not consider myself an entrepreneur at this point in my life but one day I would like to be able to.
Bug List
1) The dryer at my house can never seem to get the wrists on my shirt sleeves completely dry.
This piece of equipment does not have enough heat capacity.
2) High pitched noises hurt my ears so those can go in the bug list as well.
There is all sorts of annoying signals being emitted from my receiver and stereo.
3) When the pool is cold and nobody wants to go it is pretty upsetting.
Sometimes I just want to swim but it is too cold.
4) Leaving my window open overnight allows all the bugs in and all the fresh air out.
These windows just simply push open and are quite difficult to keep closed.
5) When people take my things without asking definitely belongs somewhere in this list.
People seem to think they are entitled to things that are not theirs.
6) The fact that people who ride bikes on campus are totally oblivious to their surroundings and the traffic.
Bikers think the road is just theirs.
7) People don't know how to park their cars on campus.
They are always in between the lines so no one can fit in the next spot.
8) When my scooter wont start.
The thing is old so it takes some effort.
9) When I take my scooter in to get it fixed and the repair shop takes weeks to even look at it.
They are beyond too busy.
10) I hate seeing time be wasted.
Time is precious and valuable but not to everyone.
11) Getting sick is definitely on this list.
My immune system is not the best.
12) When you open your fridge and there is nothing in there.
Time to go to the store.
13) When someone eats my leftovers and thinks that it is okay.
Those are there for me.
14) Having a dirty room.
I always like things to be clean and tidy.
15) When people don't listen to what I am saying.
They are paying attention to something else.
16) Falling asleep before taking a shower.
Getting my bed dirty is a nightmare of mine but sometimes I just can't stay awake.
17) Running out of clean socks, my feet get cold.
I forget to do my laundry often enough.
18) When I cannot connect to UF wifi.
There is too many students and not enough internet.
19) This one ties back to number 15, having to repeat myself.
Not only is it a bug when people don't listen to me but when the information actually has some sort of importance and I need to say it again, I hate it.
20) Running out of soap or shampoo mid shower.
Unfortunately I cannot get an endless supply of either.
Making this bug list really was not too big of a challenge for me. Not only do I have a lot of pet peeves, but I know what they are and why they are the way that they are. If I was more optimistic this assignment would be much more difficult.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
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