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.