Assignment 29A – Venture Concept No. 2

Throughout the semester I have been developing an idea around a pen that functions as a stylus for touch screen devices, but also works on paper as a regular pen. Here I will describe a description of a potential venture I would start around this idea/product.
Opportunity:
As a student I spend a lot of time in the library working on my iPad around other students. With increasing amount of online work, textbooks, and online assignments I have used my iPad to take notes. Yet some classes still require handwritten notes and assignments. Having to switch between writing utensils made doing work an even more tedious and stressful task. After discussion with students facing similar problems, I came up with the idea of having a pen that works for both uses. The driving forces behind this need is the development and accessibility of technology. More users are beginning to use touch screen devices to complete task, especially with the integration of technology in education. Initially I thought students would be the primary target, but after feedback I realized many businesses would benefit from a pen like this, as well as graphic and fashion designers who often sketch out idea before transferring them to a digital state. Currently people don't satisfy this need, and still switch between stylus pens for touch screen devices, and normal pens for paper. The people who have this need have the money to afford expensive touch screen devices to take notes and design on, therefore I believe they have the money to afford a pen that makes this process more efficient. For this reason I see this as a small opportunity, medium sized at best. While this opportunity will be available as long as technology remains dominant, I question if consumers will be willing to pay for a product that only solves a simple problem.
Innovation:
This product would be a functioning pen that also works as a stylus for touch screen devices such as iPads. I would primarily focus on making it a efficient for the use on touch screen devices that can also write as a pen. This product would be the size of a regular touch screen stylus with the added functionality of being able to write on paper. I would price my product at $90.
Venture Capital:
Having to switch between writing utensils while working with paper and a touch screen devices is a very tedious process. This product will combine the two writing utensils in one for more convenience
Touch screen stylus can range between $75-$150. I would like to price my product around $90. Currently the Apple's stylus pen is $130, by pricing it lower than that and with more functionality, I would hope to attract and gain customers from my competitors. I would test my product on a college campus because it has a young population that is affluent in technology. I would attempt to keep my business small at the start and expand as needed. I have a specific audience I want to target and can easily advertise through the internet.
Three Minor Elements:
My secret sauce would be a stylus with added functionality, without the premium price of a name brand. If this product were to be successful I would want to sell my product to a company and have a bunch of money. I would take my money and attempt to be more successful with my next idea as a entrepreneur.

30A- Final Reflection

    After reading all of my post I realized how much I have learned from this class. The interviewing process was the most formative experience for me. This is because I am introverted so interviewing people felt strange to me, but as the class progressed I got better and became more confident in my communication skills. I will remember interviewing people and hearing them describe me. They spoke very highly of me and I will always remember that. I am most proud of myself for accomplishing this class as a whole and making deadlines each weak after a slip up one of the first weeks.

    I definitely have began to a develop and entrepreneurial mindset in life. I often find myself looking for ways I can find a solution or improve things in my everyday life. This is going to help me be successful in my career and I am glad I was able to look at things a different way.

    To future students I recommend putting effort into the assignments if you strive to get a lot out of this class. Waiting till last minute to do assignments will never help you grasp new concepts. To do the best in the class I suggest doing the assignments ahead of the deadline and watching the lectures to do good on the cupcakes.

27A – Reading Reflection No. 3

In this reading reflections I read, Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s, Ray Kroc. It surprised me the most that Kroc started out selling disposable cups as a kid. Kroc always had a mind of a business man. I admire Kroc's ability to stay composed during the expansion of McDonald's. I noticed that Kroc is a simple business man. The book states Kroc was "careful not to be extravagant with the company’s money, and he practiced techniques to manage stress when overwhelmed with the complications of running an ever-expanding company." I also admire Kroc's dedication to the restaurant. Encouraging franchises allowed McDonalds to grow quickly while remaining with quality. If I had to ask Ray Kroc a question is would be: "What did you see in the California restaurant operated by the McDonald brothers?" Kroc's opinion of hard work is long 19 hour work days which the book mentions Kroc did often.

28A – Your Exit Strategy

For my venture my exit strategy would be to sell my business in the short run to make a large sum of money. If I were to plan this out correctly, I would only have my venture/product as a side project. Therefore I would see it as a way to make some extra money. I do not think I have room to grow and change my product once I have it on the market. This also contributes to me wanting to sell my product to a later business. I have selected this strategy because I want to keep this as a side project. If it is successful I would not want to stick around and try to make it grow when I could sell it and get money. This money would be used to invest in future products and developments when I am more experienced businessman. This did not influence my opportunity at all, I had come up with the opportunity before I thought of how I wanted to end it.

26A – Celebrating Failure

Each semester of school I usually have a few moments of failure. During this semester I failed to adequately study for one of my exams during a week I had back to back exams. I was making sure I did well on my first exam, without taking the proper time to study for my second exam. This has been an ongoing theme of my struggles in college, but I have finally learned from my mistakes. For finals this semester I have had time to study simultaneity for both classes. I hope that I can improve my exam sores by being more prepared. I think failure is something that needs to be embraced more. I am scared of failure which will make me not try to do things. By embracing failure in society so one can learn from it, I think more people open to try new things.

25A – What’s Next?

Existing Market:
In terms of my product there is not much I can expand on it.  My products is already an expanded on stylus for touch screen devices. If I am successful with my product I can potentially reach into other tech accessories. Maybe a software program for taking notes or cases for one's devices.
Due to my limited opportunities after my current product, I expect myself to sell my product or idea to a major company for a large sum of money. This would be my best case scenario as there is not much I can expand my product on.

New Market:
Currently my target audience is young, technology affluent people. A radically different market I could explore is the elderly who are not tech savy. I think giving older people the opportunity to write on touch screen devices as well as paper would open their minds about technology. Writing is something they grew up doing, so combining something they are used to with technology could possibly open their mind to exploring new things. I could target nursing homes and retirement facilities. Based on my interviews they agree that this is something I could potentially explore. With a huge population of elderly in the world, it would be huge to attract this demographic into my potential customers.

24A – Venture Concept - Universal Pen

Throughout the semester I have been developing an idea around a pen that functions as a stylus for touch screen devices, but also works on paper as a regular pen. Here I will describe a description of a potential venture I would start around this idea/product.
Opportunity:
As a student I spend a lot of time in the library working on my iPad around other students. With increasing amount of online work, textbooks, and online assignments I have used my iPad to take notes. Yet some classes still require handwritten notes and assignments. Having to switch between writing utensils made doing work an even more tedious and stressful task. After discussion with students facing similar problems, I came up with the idea of having a pen that works for both uses. The driving forces behind this need is the development and accessibility of technology. More users are beginning to use touch screen devices to complete task, especially with the integration of technology in education. Initially I thought students would be the primary target, but after feedback I realized many businesses would benefit from a pen like this, as well as graphic and fashion designers who often sketch out idea before transferring them to a digital state. Currently people don't satisfy this need, and still switch between stylus pens for touch screen devices, and normal pens for paper. The people who have this need have the money to afford expensive touch screen devices to take notes and design on, therefore I believe they have the money to afford a pen that makes this process more efficient. For this reason I see this as a small opportunity, medium sized at best. While this opportunity will be available as long as technology remains dominant, I question if consumers will be willing to pay for a product that only solves a simple problem.
Innovation:
This product would be a functioning pen that also works as a stylus for touch screen devices such as iPads. I would primarily focus on making it a efficient for the use on touch screen devices that can also write as a pen. This product would be the size of a regular touch screen stylus with the added functionality of being able to write on paper. I would price my product at $90.
Venture Capital:
Having to switch between writing utensils while working with paper and a touch screen devices is a very tedious process. This product will combine the two writing utensils in one for more convenience
Touch screen stylus can range between $75-$150. I would like to price my product around $90. Currently the Apple's stylus pen is $130, by pricing it lower than that and with more functionality, I would hope to attract and gain customers from my competitors. I would test my product on a college campus because it has a young population that is affluent in technology. I would attempt to keep my business small at the start and expand as needed. I have a specific audience I want to target and can easily advertise through the internet.
Three Minor Elements:
My secret sauce would be a stylus with added functionality, without the premium price of a name brand. If this product were to be successful I would want to sell my product to a company and have a bunch of money. I would take my money and attempt to be more successful with my next idea as a entrepreneur.

23A – Your Venture’s Unfair Advantage

1. Two in One Pen Idea/Product
- This resource is the idea and product for my venture. It is a two in one pen that functions as a stylus for touch screen devices. I believe this product is valuable and rare. I have not heard of anyone who uses this. This product could be easily repeatable though.
2. Money
- This resource is very valuable to my venture. It will be what gets my idea started. It is inimitable in a way but still hard to acquire.
3. Passion
-This resource is a driving component of my venture. I want all my employees and brand to be filled with passion about my product and our customers. This is a valuable resource to have if done right. It is common to have passion but I want to take it to another level which is hard to replicate by others.
4. Access to a target market
-I myself and part of my target market which is a huge advantage. People I know are interested and would use my product. This is valuable, rare and difficult to imitate.
5. Knowledge in IT and technology.
-Knowing how to use technology efficiently and problem solve with tech is a huge advantage my venture has. I have knowledge to build my own computers and such which is a rare and valuable skill.
6.Time
-Time is very important resource which I have. I am young and have no rush. While this is valuable it is also inimitable. Being a young college student I have time to work and perfect my job.
7. Entrepreneurship experience
- This very valuable to resource will help us stay ahead of the competition and seek new opportunities to explore. This is rare and hard to replicate.
8. Culture
- An important part of my venture will be creating and fostering a unique work environment.This is something hard to replicate and is very valuable in being successful.
9. Vehicle
-This resource is important for traveling and making meetings. It is valuable but note rare. Many people have cars.
10. My most important resource would be my money. Without nay money it would be impossible to make any of the other things possible. Having a great idea is only so helpful when you don't have the funds to make it happen.

21A – Reading Reflection No. 2

For my reading reflection I read, Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson. I found this biography inspiring and it will definitely enhance my ability in this class. Seeing the perspective of one of the worlds greatest innovators opened my mind up to think in different ways. The general theme of this biography was to emphasize the intensity in everything Steve Jobs did. Steve Jobs saw himself as "chosen" and "special" and these themes were very much present in Apple, a company which he helped create and eventually became CEO of. I did not realize Steve Jobs had left Apple after its creations, but later returned after his own company NeXT, was acquired by Apple. I think this was the most surprising thing I read in the book because it shows you might not succeed at first, but you should not give up. If I had to design an assignment for this book it would be to explain what made Steve Jobs different than his competitors.

22A – Elevator Pitch No. 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTEemb9LlP4

On my last elevator pitch I received no feedback so I did not have anything specific I wanted to improve based on feedback. In general I wanted to be more dynamic and confident with the way I spoke. I also committed to memorizing my speech. I still had a slight pause where I forgot one part, but overall I felt like my last elevator pitch was better. Now that I am more confident on camera I would like to add hand motions.

20A – Growing Your Social Capital

1) Colleen Gonzalez. She has created her own non profit that works with public education.

2) This person would be considered a market expert. She is constantly meeting with schools and local business in the community.

3) This person is a family friend.

4) When I was still living at home I would volunteer with the non profit and still do when I return home. I think this would be enough to get a favor from her.

5) I could use this as an opportunity to advertise at her events and even show off my product. With her influence on educational programs she could possibly introduce this product to those she works with.

1) Carl Vano

2) This person would be a domain expert.

3) I knew this person through a mutual friend who was able to get me in contact with him.

4) I was able to have a brief conversation with Carl and got some solid advice, but I did not give anything in return.

5) This person can be someone I model by business after as he has already succeeded. As I have not developed a full relationship with this person I only want to ask from small advice for now.

These contacts will prove important as I look to start and grow my business. All these people have experience running their own business/non-profit. Their advice and support could give me a major advantage as I start.

19A – Idea Napkin No. 2

1) You. 

I am a second year business major at the University of Florida majoring in business information systems. I am proficient in using technology and problem solving with computers. I have a strong work ethic and have been told I am a leader by example. I would hope to have this business on the side throughout my adult life. As my business grows I would attempt to sell it to make a lot of money. 

2) What are you offering to customers?

My product is a two-in-one pen that is usable on touch screen surfaces in addition paper. This unique pen would solve the problem of need to switch back and forth between writing utensils while using multiple methods of writing. 

3) Who are you offering it to?

This would be offered to students and business people who frequently use technology to aid in note taking, presentations. I could see this product being common in professional workplaces and universities across the nation. All my customers would be tech savy and most likely wealthy. I have gotten feedback that this pen would also be helpful to graphic designers and even fashion designers.

4) Why do they care? 

People would pay for my product due to the inconvenience of having to switch between writing utensils while writing on tablets and paper. As a student myself I would find this very useful when taking notes and doing my assignments on my ipad. It would also eliminate having to carry around to pens with you.

5) What are your core competencies?

My product would be the first of its kind which would set me apart from the traditional ball point pen. 

I believe all 5 elements of my business concept go well together. After gathering feedback on my last post I believe my range of potential customers has increased. There are many fields that use touch screen devices simultaneously with paper. I think I would need to add a few features that would increase the "why they care" element of my product.

17A – Elevator Pitch No. 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLqrzS9Zmtw

After the last elevator pitch I took time to improve based on my feedback. I made sure to dress nicer in this elevator pitch. I also made sure to cut the introduction and get right into my pitch.

18A – Create a Customer Avatar

The customer for my pen that works on paper and on touch screen devices would be affluent in technology. They need to use iPads, tablets, or touch screen laptops. This would lead me to believe my target demographic is young business people or students. Both these types of people switch back  and forth between handwritten note taking and touch screen devices. This type of person will be organized and friendly. They probably watch The Office on Netflix while drinking their coffee. Due to the expensive nature of iPads and other touch screen devices my customer has the extra money to spend on two-in-one pen. As a student I have a lot in common with this customer. This idea was inspired by frustration of switching back and forth between writing devices while I work on school work. I do not think it is a coincidence that I am related to my potential customer. Other students I have spoken with are also interested in the idea.

16A –What’s Your Secret Sauce?

One way I think I am unique is my critical thinking ability. In tough problems, I can think of alternative solutions and creative ways to solve the problem that others might not think about. Another human capital skill I have is knowledge of technology. I have built my on computer from scratch, know how to troubleshoot computer errors, and also know basic coding. I am currently attending University of Florida to get a degree in information systems. This is important for me as I am learning valuable skills and gaining important experience for the work force. A final trait that I value in myself is my ability to work as a team and get a long with others. I was captain of my soccer team in high school and have played in a team environment my whole life. This experience is valuable in any workplace.
Interview 1: https://soundcloud.com/ashton-neff/interview-4/s-yLbY4
This interview speaks highly of my athletic ability. It also emphasizes my ability to lead and self-discipline that allows me to be successful.

Interview 2: https://soundcloud.com/ashton-neff/interview-1/s-8SPd1
A key take away from this interview is that I am generous and care a lot about building relationships with people.

Interview 3: https://soundcloud.com/ashton-neff/interview-2/s-IyLpc
This interview highlighted my ability to be a leader by both example and with my voice and the fact I am a team player.

Interview 4: https://soundcloud.com/ashton-neff/interview-3/s-t40dn
This interview gave insight on my knowledge of technology. I am able to trouble shoot most computer problems or technology problems.


I see myself pretty similar to how others see me. People see me as more of a leader and someone of knowledge than I thought. I think this difference is because I am humble person. I think my interviews described me accurately.

15A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

After conducting my interviews, I gained a lot of insight on how customers complete the information search process. A major buyer behavior was purchasing the same products their parents purchase. This includes same brands and packaging that they have seen their parents buy. For two of my interviewees, price was the most important factor when evaluating alternatives, while quality of the products was most important to just one. While online shopping is a common trend among my interviewees, shopping in person is still the most popular method. My interviewees felt satisfied with a product when its quality is equal to its price. I noticed they were more likely to feel unsatisfied with riskier and more expensive purchases. For my segment, I learned it is important to cater to both online and in store customers as well as keeping a reasonable price.

14A – Halfway Reflection

1) To keep up with course I have used habits such as setting timers, and alarms. I use timers to take 5 minute breaks between 25 minute work periods. Also setting alarms so I do not forget assignments. I have also learned to think creatively and outside-the-box. This has helped me in all aspects of life. 

2)I felt like giving up when I had to interview various people for my assignments. As a quiet person it took a lot of courage to interview people. I feel like I have developed a tenacious attitude because it is a lot easier for me to interview people. I also have more confidence in my creativity and speaking skills.

3)
1) Work ahead and do not wait till the last day to do the assignments.
2) Make sure to stay focuses and committed to watching the lectures.
3) Have an open mind about things as solutions to many problem are not straight forward. 

13A – Reading Reflection

I read Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance.
What surprised me most about Elon Musk was that he was so close to going broke.
This was due to his ability to never give up on his leap-forward visions.
I admire his determination and drive to be successful in his dreams.
While this was an important reason for his success, Musk was balancing on a thin line between success and failure.
On the verge of being bankrupt during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis, Musk secured
a government contract with SpaceX and scraped together enough money for Tesla's automobile industry.
Some of Musk's competencies include determination, the ability to squeeze the most out of his workers,
and the ability to deal with stress. I found some of the interviews confusing.
If I were to ask two questions to Elon Musk I would ask: 1) How do you manage to stay focused on such large
scale projects? 2) Why did you make a flamethrower?

I think Elon Musk's definition of hard work is staying focuses and committed to a project

12A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

My unmet is having a pen that writes on paper and is safe to use on handheld tablets. In my interviews I found 3 people that had met the requirements of having the unmet need as me. The people who had the unmet all used iPads as a main form of note taking and reading text books, but also have assignments needed to be done handwritten. To these people it was tedious and frustrating having to switch between writing devices when working. None of the interviewees had thought to look for something to solve there unmet need. They would need this product in libraries, personal work desk, classrooms, offices. One of the interviewees mentioned knowing others with similar unmet needs. 

11A – Idea Napkin No. 1

1) You. 
I am Ashton Neff a student at the University of Florida. I am a motivated person and great critical thinker. I lead by example more than words. I hope to start my own business as side project in my life. 

2) What are you offering to customers? 
The product I will be selling is a pen that can write on both paper and also act as a stylus pen for hand held devices. This would eliminate having to switch back and forth between different writing devices while taking notes. This all in one pen would be safe to use on tablets while also having the ability to write on paper.

3) Who are you offering it to? 
My customers would have to include people who take notes on hand held devices and tablets. These would include people in a variety of businesses and fields who have to write. Students would also be a big demographic to target as classes move to online assignments and textbooks. 

4) Why do they care?
People would pay for my product due to the inconvenience of having to switch between writing utensils while writing on tablets and paper. As a student myself I would find this very useful when taking notes and doing my assignments on my ipad. It would also eliminate having to carry around to pens with you.

5) What are your core competencies? 
My product would be the first of its kind which would set me apart from the traditional stylus pen and a ball point pen.

I believe these 5 elements of my business concept work well together. My weakest element is why they care, it would be a niche group of people who use this product. But I think as the use of touch screen devices to take notes becomes more widespread the need for this product. 

10A – Elevator Pitch No. 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whp8SDVOaWQ

9A – Testing the Hypothesis

In my interviews I conducted I found a lot of interesting results. Parking at college is an issue for many people but to a different extent for each person. I found it surprising that students living on campus did not have a parking problem. This group of people was someone I thought this issue would affect, but it appears otherwise. Students living on campus get priority parking spots so they do not have to worry about parking. While driving to campus and parking would be preferred to most off campus students, some would be satisfied with an improved bus system or other alternatives. The need for on campus parking is not desired by everyone, but the need for an efficient way to get to campus is. Outsiders' who do not have this need do not commute to a college campus daily, or live on or within biking/walking distance.

Inside the boundary
Who is in: Living Off Campus Students/Staff What the Need Is: More and improved on campus parking for off campus students or an efficient alternative to driving to campus
Why the Need Exists: Thousands of students and staff making daily commute to campus with limited space and infrastructure to hold the cars and traffic. Outside the boundary Who is Not: Students living on campus, Staff with parking permits What the Need is Not: More parking for non students  Alternative Explanations: Students living on campus do not make the daily commute to campus

7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1. Parking on College Campus
2. Colleges in the United States have an increasing student population with limited parking space, therefore students cannot drive themselves to campus for class.
The who:college students, faculty and staff; public universities and their visitors
The what: They don't have the parking infrastructure to hold cars for the student and faculty population.
The why: Limited space for large parking lots and limited funds to build parking garages.
3. The people who have this need are mainly college students. You can narrow that down even more to college students who live off campus and who don't live in walking distance. Most staff and faculty already have spots but they would still like better parking. Universities might not have the infrastructure to build more parking spaces and also to not be able hold the traffic that comes with additional parking. Possible alternative method for students such as scooters that are smaller. They why is generally the same for all those affected. Students might think parking is a higher priority problem than the university itself because the problem affects them.
4/5. After interviewing people around campus I found interesting responses. Mostly everyone is aware of the parking situation at University of Florida. Everyone I interviewed said they would drive to campus for class if they could. Taking the bus or riding a scooter is the most common alternative methods of travel to campus among those I interviewed. A few people walk to class or live on campus and do not have this problem. It was interesting to see how different people were affected by this problem.

6A – Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

1. Adult Diapers in the Baby Boomer Retirement Crisis
a. Article/Source that led to my opportunity.
b. The elderly population is growing and living longer, so I think there is an opportunity here regarding adult diapers. Once old people cannot use the bathroom they switch to adult diapers. With the increase in elderly population I believe adult diapers is an opportunity worth exploring.
c. Elderly adults, nursing homes, assisted living,
d. I think this opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because aging is something that every human experiences, and improved medical technology is keeping people alive longer, leading to a growing elderly population. A growing elderly population is going to need more diapers.

2. The San Francisco Planning Commission has approved tightened regulations on the rental of furnished apartments on short term leases ranging from 30 days to a few months.
a. Article/Source
b. Housing in San Francisco is being overcrowded with Corporate rentals. This is when companies rent out many units, or whole complexes to house employees for short term use leaving no units available for locals. With new regulations, these companies won't be able house employees as easily. I think there is an opportunity for short term housing for business men in San Francisco.
c. Start Up companies, business men, big corporate companies, San Francisco residents.
d. I think this opportunity is a little difficult to explore. An alternative to short term rentals are hotels, and condos which corporations can still afford to rent out.

3. Regulations Affect California Farmers in a Big Way.
a. Article/Source
b. With stricter regulations on health and environmental standards driving up cost, as well as the increasing minimum wage, California farmers are having trouble affording the increasing cost. I believe there is an opportunity to either use less labor intensive crops, or more efficient ways to farm.
c. Farmers
d. I think this opportunity is also difficult to explore. Farming has been practiced since the beginning of society, and it is almost already perfected. It is going to be hard to innovate in the agriculture field.

4. 2020 Valentine Economics For Jewelers – Looks Like A Diamond In The Sky
a. Link/Article
b. Business continues to grow yearly for stores during valentines day. This year business is up 32% from last years record year. I think there is an opportunity here because Valentines day is a yearly event and sales continue to grow yearly with consumers spending billions of dollars each year.
c. Men and Women in relationships
d. I think this opportunity is easy to explore. Valentine's day has a variety of routes to explore (Jewelry, Dining, Small Gift, Cards) which have potential to make profit.

5A – Identifying Local Opportunities

1.
a. Florida could use drones to fight pythons, invasive species
b.LINK
c. New legislation would allow two state agencies to use drones to help search for invasive species. Drones are equipped with thermal imaging which would spot out pythons in the dark. This bill will also allow drones to fight wildfires.
d. There are numerous invasive species in Florida that need to be controlled. Using drones to help identify invasive species would make this process easier and more efficient, but current legislation bans state agencies of drones in aid of gathering information.
e.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Forest Service, Florida Senate, Florida Residents,

2.
a. Gainesville Regional Airport reaches new heights with passenger record
b. LINK
c. Gainesville Airport had a record number of passengers this year. Lower cost compared to neighboring airports has attracted more travelers than ever before.  The airport expects more passenger growth in the upcoming years. Construction to expand the airport has started and should be finished by 2022.
d. The increase in passengers has led to construction to expand the airport. Gainesville's Airport Administration is unsure if this will be enough to accommodate the increase in passengers or if more flights will need to be added.
e. Gainesville residents and visitors, Gainesville Regional Airport

3.
a. UF lobbyists ask legislators for $50 million to achieve top five rank
b. LINK
c. University of Florida is working hard to achieve a top 5 rank. It is getting tougher to climb spots as you get closer to the top. To reach this goal UF is requesting $50 million from Florida's Department of Education. The university would use this money to decrease student to teacher ratio and also work to solve to the worlds most challenging problems.
d. University of Florida wants to increase its rank and needs more money to do so.
e. Florida Residents, UF Studnets, UF Staff, Florida's Department of Education.

4.
a. Coronavirus outbreak being monitored by UF Health officials
b. LINK
c. UF Health Officials are monitoring the recent Coronavirus outbreak around the world. With many international students who travel to China attending the university, it is important for the university to pay close attention to those traveling to affected areas. The Coronavirus is a group of viruses with no cure of vaccine that can be fatal. For now the university just plans to spread awareness to students.
d. The University of Florida can't monitor all students traveling internationally to ensure a safe and healthy campus to students from the Coronavirus.
e. UF students, Local Medical Services, UF staff, Close Airports

5.
a. Tampa Bay burglars dressed up like construction workers, stole $1 million in valuables, deputies say
b. LINK
c. There were a series of similar robberies in Tampa. A group would arrive in a white van dressed as construction workers and enter through the windows of homes. Over $1 million of valuables were stolen. A tip sent in led to the arrest of 6 people for grand theft and most of the valuables were returned.
d. Homes had no security and no police around.
e. Tampa bay residents, Tampa bay police, Home Security Services

4A – Forming An Opportunity Belief

1. I believe there is an opportunity to improve on campus parking at UF.

2. What: The unmet need is limited on campus parking
    Who:  Students, Staff, Visitors, Faculty, Transportation Department
    Where: The need came from an increase student population and in cars used by students, while there was no increase in parking infrastructure. This has not always been problem but has gotten worse as the school has grown.
    What now: Students and staff have to find alternate ways to get to campus.
     I am 85% sure this in an opportunity that exist.

3. The prototypical customer for this opportunity is college students and staff living close to campus who commute daily to campus.

4.
a. Interview Number 1: Maria Fe- Teacher Assistant and Third Year Student
Maria has been aware of the lack of parking on campus since she transferred to UF 2 years ago. Living far from campus, driving to class would be her preferred way to commute. Despite having a scooter, she rides the bus because she feels unsafe on scooters. Sometimes she will park on campus and risk getting a ticket if she is late for class.


b. Interview Number 2: Marcos - Second Year Student
Marcos has known about the parking problem since he first started attending UF, but did not experience it himself until he moved off campus his second year. Not being able to drive himself to his early morning class was inconvenient to him. As a result he had to ride the bus which is not always reliable to make it to class on time. Marcos did mention he prefers to ride a scooter to class but does not personally own one.

c. Interview Number 3: Bennett - Second Year Student-
Bennett hasn't had many issues with parking since attending. Living on campus both years has allowed him to have a parking decal to park on campus, while also living in close proximity to classes.

5. Reflect: As a former student who lived on campus, I agree that living on campus makes the parking problem not exist. It is mainly for students and staff who live far from campus. Scooters and buses seem to be alternatives to parking on campus.

7. Summarize: My original opportunity still exist, but I learned that it is only an issue for off campus students. I think my opportunity is more specific now than when I started. I think it is important to listen to customer feedback because they are the ones consuming your service/product.

   

3A – Your Entrepreneurship Story

As a kid I would always look forwards to my neighborhood's garage sale day. The week leading up to the garage sale I would collect old toys, clothes, and anything I could find and potentially sell. Carefully I would choose prices that would allow me to make the most profit. When it came time to Saturday morning I would wake up bright and early, ready for the big day of sales ahead of me. Some garage sales were rough while others were very successful. It was always exciting making sales as a kid because any money went a long way.

I took ENT3003 because I have always dreamed of being a businessman. I enjoy watching shark tank and seeing young entrepreneurs be successful. I figured this class would be a great place to start learning about entrepreneurship at a professional level. By the end of this class I hope to have the mindset of an entrepreneur and be able to transfer these skills to the workplace.

Bug List

1. When people at Turlington stop me to hand me flyers and try to get me to join their club.
     -This exist because Turlington is a free speech zone so anyone can say or advertise anything.

2. When my roommates leave out their dirty dishes in the sink.
     -This exist because the dishwasher has limited space and fills up quickly, so dishes build up in the sink.

3. When the wait time for a bus is wrong on the app.
     -This exist because the GPS on the bus stops updating.

4. When I get out of the shower and it is freezing cold.
    -This exist because the shower is very hot and the air temperature is much cooler.

5. When the hot tub at my apartment complex does not work.
    -This exist because once the hot tub breaks management never fixes it.

6. When the line is out the door at the Chipotle on University.
     -This exist because it is the closest Chipotle to campus so it gets crowded quickly.

7. When fast food restaurants prioritize mobile orders over customers in store.
    -This exist because because restaurants have to serve mobile customers at the time they want it.

8. When there is no open seats at the library during finals.
    -This exist because there are 50,000 students who attend UF, any only a limited amount of Library        space.

9. How there is no student parking for off campus students.
    -This exist because our school was planned and designed before cars were accessible to every                student.

10. How the weight room at the school gyms are always crowded.
      -This exist because our school has 50,000 students and only 2 gym facilities.

11. How my computer takes a long time to boot up.
      -This exist because my computer has an on hard drive.

12. When the construction across the street wakes me up in the morning.
      -This exist because many new apartment complexes are being built for the influx or students                needing housing.

13. When people drive slow in the left lane.
      -This exist because people do not know driver etiquette.

14. When McDonald's on Archer gives me the wrong order.
      -This exist because low paid workers are rushed to get put out orders and often make mistakes.

15. When I get out of the shower and my wet hair gets my clothes wet.
      -This exist because my hair takes a long time to dry and I do not have time to let it dry before I              put on clothes.

16. When my phone connects roommates bluetooth speaker.
       -This exist because phones automatically connect to bluetooth speakers.

17.  When people slurp their soup and other food while eating.
        -This exist because people do not know how to eat properly.

18.  When homeless people ask for my money on at red lights.
       -This exist because the large number of homeless people in Gainesville.

19.  When my laundry takes two cycles to dry.
        -This exist because there is too many clothes in the dryer or because the dryer is inefficient.

20.  When the only parking spot left is under a tree and a bird poops on my car.
       -This exist because developers put trees in parking lots which birds live in.

After writing my 20 bugs I found it more difficult than I expected. Often things bug me but I do not really think about it much. A lot of the things that bug me are smaller things that I do not have any control over. It was much easier to think of why a bug exist rather than a bug. Some bugs were things other people do so it was hard to know an exact reason why it exist.

Test Blog

this is a test blog