Week 15 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

The biggest surprise to me was reading about SKS located in India.Not knowing about that much about the organization before this reading, I was thoroughly impressed with their efforts, values, and integrity that this company exuded even in times of hardships, like when they got robbed. They truly care about their customers and even decided to leave the village when it was in the best interest of its customers.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

What was confusing or baffling to me is how the company remains popular when it only collects $1 a month from its customers in order to pay back loans. It only speakers for its hold on it customers and the trust it developed with them. 

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

Some questions I would ask are, what are other businesses that are quite profitable and successful in areas of the world with high poverty? Also how successful is micro finance?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I don't disagree with anything.

Final Reflection

1) I remember the most difficult assignment for me was the first assignment where we had to interview strangers, or "our customers". Stepping out of my comfort zone to get them to agree to being recorded and provide their insight on my idea was a challenge.

2) The most formative experience was probably the entrepreneur's mantra. Speaking in front of a camera, that was what formed me. It gave me a taste of what to expect for future assignments. Some of the more fun aspects were exploring different business ideas that would happen in the Gainesville locale or just cool products. I don't think these ideas are far off and with the right amount of money, it may just happen! Also an experience I will probably remember for years was interviewing Joe Ciruli, the CEO of Gainesville Health and Fitness. Being able to interact with such a successful local entrepreneur, seeing his relatively unorthodox path to leadership inspired me that no matter how different people are, they can achieve success.

3) I think I have moved closer to having the entrepreneurial mindset. Looking at the mantra, I experienced failure throughout this assignment, but facing this failure and picking myself back up to move forward is a tenet to entrepreneurship. However, something that could have helped me in the past was not receiving as much praise that everyone regularly gave for their comments. If people were more willing to give constructive criticism, rather than praise, this class would have benefited. 

4) Something easy to do for yourself in order to be successful in this course is set reminders for yourself about the assignments due. Setting a phone alert or writing in your calendar can help remind you to do crucial assignments! Also, you will be uncomfortable, you will have to step out of your comfort zone, but it's okay! It will only help you become a better entrepreneur. 

Elevator Pitch No. 4

1) The pitch. Same as last time, 1-minute long. No Web cams. No sitting. Be dynamic! Upload the video to YouTube (as you do with all of your videos) and post the link.

2) A reflection on the feedback you received from your last pitch. 

Other people's feedback help encourage me to become more confident when giving elevator pitches! To hear such positive words of encouragement really helped me add that extra pizzazz to my elevator pitch! I really appreciate the comments from other bloggers, it's like we help each other grow in confidence and as entrepreneurs so that when we really need to give the Elevator pitch that counts, we can land that job or deal.

Week 14 Reading Reflection

1.) The most surprising thing in the reading this week was the part where they said that Southwest Airlines is successful because of its fun and  positive service. I would think it would take more than that to be successful.

2.)One thing that was confusing to me was the model about entrepreneurship strategy. It seemed really all over the place and not clear enough on what the correction strategy was.

3.) Questions
1.) For developing a vision do you think this has to be short and concise in order to be effective? 
2.) How would a top tier executive make sure that management support exists within their organization on a consistent basis?

4.) One thing I thought was maybe wrong in the reading this week was the part where the author said Southwest Airlines is the most profitable airline in the industry. I though it was one of the newest one and it just seems crazy if its true

Google Gold

1) I unfortunately did not keep SEO in mind when doing my blogs. I had simply just placed the respective week labels for each post. However, despite not having a huge emphasis on SEO, I still gained, in my opinion, traction on my blog, receiving over 500 views since its induction.

2) If I were to choose keywords, I would probably incorporate pop culture references, like Damn Daniel, DJ Khaled, Snapchat, etc.

3) I was sort of embarrassed to share my blog on social media, so I did not tell my friends about it. However, I have some friends in the ENT class as well and they like to promote my page out of fun.

4) My most viral post was the Twenty Percent assignment which can be found here http://kevindoanent3003.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-twenty-percent.html. It generated 27 views and 9 comments. I think this was one of the more challenging assignments so I feel that people went on the class blog directory and looked at other people's assignments to get direction on how to do the assignment.

5) Searching for "Week X" didn't really come up with too many great results, however if you search "Kevin Doan Blogger" you can find your boy on the top result.

Very Short Interview, Part 2

I forgot to complete my submission for the first "Very Short Interview" assignment. I went to an Entrepreneurship club meeting earlier in the semester where Joe Cirulli, founder and owner of Gainesville Health and Fitness. Not only focusing on his business and his clients, he speaks around the world sharing best business practices and how he accomplished his dream. However, I couldn't reach him for a follow up interview, and since I didn't do the first assignment, I decided to interview another business! Bearbottom Clothing, a local company that produces casual clothing, was founded by a UF student, Robert Felder. Founded in 2014, the company was started after Robert visited Bangladesh and he was inspired to help the citizens of the country by placing his first factory there and donating a pair of shorts to Bangladesh with every purchase made. 

If you want to support the business and Bangladesh, visit his website! 

https://bearbottomclothing.com/

1. How have you learned to overcome failure in entrepreneurship?
I learned to minimize risk as much as possible so that when things don't work out, it isn't a tragic event.


2. What are some of the key resources have been in starting your company?
Despite being a business management and food and resource economics senior, I found that the most valuable resources were my parents and my friends. Their encouragement and experience with business was instrumental in starting this monumental project. 


3. What about Bearbottom makes you the most proud?
There are a lot of things I love about having my own company, but one of the major ones is being able to help a community thousands of miles away and knowing that my efforts are making a positive difference in this world. 


I definitely think I am more comfortable talking about entrepreneurship and assessing success and failure now than I was a few months ago. After being challenged to go outside of my comfort zone, I was taught the steps it takes to be successful in entrepreneurship. Also because of all the video interviews I feel more confident talking to people and being direct with my questioning.

Week 13 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

I really enjoyed how through the chapter was in describing each part of the business plan and all the considerations to be had in such a venture. I wish I read this chapter before doing my Venture Concept and Idea Napkins because this chapter could have enhanced my assignment!

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

Nothing was too confusing.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

I'd like to ask the author how accurate financial forecasts usually are and if writing business plans are the same process for every type of business venture, no matter their uniqueness. 

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

There may be disagreements with what really goes into a successful business. Do all entrepreneurs go through the same business plan write up in order to be successful? How many different variations exist when creating a new business?

Celebrating Failure

1) Something that I have failed this semester was sticking to a regular exercise schedule. I have gained many things this semester while taking this entrepreneurship class, including weight. After spending a spring break with my family in south Florida, I decided I was tried of my mom telling me to stay active. To combat this, I started running and even signed up for my girlfriend's sorority's charity 5K. The week leading up to the 5K, I was training daily. After the 5K, I stopped running and back on track to the 200 lb club.

2) I never felt so dedicated towards exercising this year until I forced myself to train for the event. I think that instead of setting a general goal of "being active and healthy", I think signing up for more events, adding more activities to my calendar will force me to prepare and continuously stay active!

3) Failure is inherently essential to growing as a person. Every successful person has had to go through failure to be where they are today. The experiences and lessons you learn from failure are sometimes more valuable than what is taught in the classroom and any advice. Failure is tough, but what separates you from the rest is how to respond to it. Will you be downtrodden by failure or will you pick yourself up and learn from it? This class challenges you to get out of your comfort zone and embrace failure. Failure isn't always negative!

My Exit Strategy

1) So my idea is LitVille, an all in one entertainment park. Mini golf, go karts, trampoline arena, Ferris wheel, human slingshots, indoor laser tag, it's going to be lit. Students can definitely understand that the city of Gainesville can be quite boring, with nothing seemingly to do for those who can't partake in social drinking. This gives an avenue for students, kids parties and adults to come relieve some stress.

After a few years of booming business, I will decide to sell the venture when its value is the highest. I will then use my profits to explore other business ventures.

2) Why have you selected this particular exit strategy?

I believe that the park will lose its local appeal and turn into a major financial loss due to litigation and lack of participation.

3) How do you think your exit strategy has influenced the other decisions you've made in your concept? For instance, has it influenced how you have identified an opportunity? Has it influenced your growth intentions or how you plan to acquire and use resources?

I feel that this assignment made me rethink about the long term success of this business venture and how realistic it is. After looking at similar businesses like Boomers, Fun Spot I figured that it is very difficult for a theme park to be hugely successful and sustainable at the same time. So my decisions are now reflective of ways of how I can easily remove myself of the business once I sell it.

Week 12 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?

I was surprised to read that it is not always the best decision to join attractive markets, but to actually join markets with high barriers to entry. I guess this brings some legitimacy to Frost's poem, that choosing the road less traveled has made all the difference.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

The reading wasn't confusing!

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

1. Has the author ever encountered an entrepreneurial venture where he chose to enter a market with high barriers to entry and failed?

2. What experiences do you have overcoming a growth wall?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

No disagreements but I would like to see the author include more examples of overcoming these walls.

The Next Idea

Existing Market

Step 1: My next idea is that this product will completely revolutionize the gaming rechargeable battery industry. Consumers individually go through dozens of AA batteries trying to supply their power hungry gaming controllers. To mitigate that usage, companies have offered rechargeable battery packs, however, most require taking the batteries out and charging them separately or plugging the controller in order to charge the batteries. My product will truly make the experience, wireless, consumers will simply place their controller on the wireless Qi charging pad to bring juice back into the batteries.

Step 2: 

Step 3: I really appreciated the feedback my interviewees gave me. With such a promising technology, it can serve much more than just gaming controllers, but to many other electronic devices as well. 

I'm getting excited just thinking about the new possibilities that this technology will serve. We can do away with the tangled mess that wires can get themselves into, and create a multifaceted charging plate that is able to charge not only a game controller, but a phone, laptop, smartwatch, etc, all at the same time. And then imagine a lifestyle where you don't even need to place the object on top of the charging plate, but only need to be in it's range/vicinity in order to charge. It's revolutionary. 

New Market.

Step 1: A radically different market I can pursue is B2B. The Qi wireless technology is originally thought to fit for the consumer but I think with a little tweaking, we can make it in high demand for other businesses/industries.

Step 2: Imagine a world, with electric cars that can travel FOREVER! But how, do you ask? Don't you need to stop and charge it every once in a while? I think you know where I'm going with this. BUT ALL ROADS WILL HAVE WIRELESS QI TECHNOLOGY BUILT IN. Your car will charge as you drive. It will charge while you are parked at the Busy Bee rest stop. It will charge when you're waiting outside your friends house so you can pick them up to take them to midtown. Damn Daniel, back at it again with the innovation. Bye bye fossil fuels and say hello to the Jetsons. 

Step 3: 

Step 4:  This new market is a tad-ridiculous and out of reach in my opinion. And the more I think about it, I think about all the R + D to even get to the point where we can implement such a technology in our driving roads. I think about all the lobbying from fossil fuel industries against such a revolution. But hey, a guy can dream right? 

This new market definitely is attractive and I grew more excited about the idea the more I typed about it. Despite all the obstacles that face its success, I find comfort in knowing that today's miracles and possibilities have all been considered an improbable ridiculousness at some point in the past. 

Week 11 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?

The most surprising thing to me was looking at the innovation timeline. It puts into perspective how far we have come in technology improvement. Going from Edison's fragile glass light bulbs to now we have Gorilla break-resistant glass, it makes me wonder what magnificent products we will have in the near future.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

The innovation landscape map could have used more of a focus and expanded more than just a 2x2 box.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

What industry in your opinion, needs innovation the least?
Is innovation the solution to any business falling behind in the market or is there a point of no return?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I didn't disagree with any statements

The Amazon Whisperer

For this assignment, I decided to completely deviate away from my idea of Lit-Ville, essentially a theme park similar to Fun Spot in the city of Gainesville. I thought it would be too difficult to try to incorporate a new "product" within my business type.

1. Current revenue drivers: Admission tickets, season pass sales, concession sales

2. New product: My new product(s) are rechargeable battery packs that you can purchase for your Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U controllers. What makes this product different is that it will utilize Qi wireless charging technology.

3. This product will completely revolutionize the gaming rechargeable battery industry. Consumers individually go through dozens of AA batteries trying to supply their power hungry gaming controllers. To mitigate that usage, companies have offered rechargeable battery packs, however, most require taking the batteries out and charging them separately or plugging the controller in order to charge the batteries. My product will truly make the experience, wireless, consumers will simply place their controller on the wireless Qi charging pad to bring juice back into the batteries.

4.  Currently few electronic devices use this technology namely Andriod products such as this one

http://amzn.com/B01ALCG1M2

5. Reviews: Currently the listed device has 3.7/5 stars on Amazon. Customers appreciated the level of quality of the product, including its packaging as well. Customers also liked how the product did not get hot after constant use, which is definitely an issue for other rechargeable battery apparatuses. It also supports quick charge, which helps out those on the run. Others have mentioned that this does not work with phones that have thick cases and was missing accessories.

6. Changes: I would ensure that my product would have room to comfortably fit two controllers at once. I would also check to ensure that the current is strong enough to charge the controllers in normal circumstances.

7. Its quite a far off product than my business concept of Lit-Ville but if that business venture doesn't work, I can focus my efforts on Qi charging!

Week 10 Reading Reflection

1. I was surprised to see how in depth budgeting entails
2. As a finance major, this assignment was not confusing.
3. Questions: how many businesses normally employ the services of financial advisors
4. I do not disagree

Growing My Social Capital

A business concept I have for the city of Gainesville, FL is an all in one entertainment park called Lit-Ville. Mini golf, go karts, trampoline arena, ferris wheel, human slingshots, indoor laser tag, it's going to be super lit. Similar to the Fun Spot in Orlando, FL,  locals and tourists will be able to visit to get away from the day-to-day Gainesville routine of movie nights, shopping, and drinking. Now, residents in Gainesville can no longer say, “there’s nothing to do in Gainesville” because this gives an avenue for students, kids and adults to come relieve stress and release their inner wild side.

1) One person must be a domain expert in your industry

1. McLane Edwards, he is a political science major but he has many interests and experiences with entertainment industry and parks

2. Domain expert

3. We met while on a conference in DC

4. We were speaking about our interests and I brought up my business idea. He said we would love to provide his input in exchange for season passes

5. McLane knows what works and what doesn't work in an entertainment park. He will help ensure that I do not waste capital on failed projects.

2) One person must be an expert on your market. 

1. Avi Snyder, he wants to be a lawyer and a preview staffer but he has experiences in marketing

2. Market expert

3. We met in line at a Starbucks 

4. We ordered the same drink and laughed about it. Then we got talking and spoke about LitVille

5. Avi knows the target market well of LitVille, the FunSpot of Gainesville, since he is the target market. 

3) One person must be an important supplier to your industry. 

1. Avery Smith, started getting into the entertainment supply industry, balloon provider for 5-6 years. Now expanded more clown materials like make up and stilts, after that he got into Ferris wheels, toys, rubber duckies, wheels for gears

2. Supplier

3. I came to one of his fairs, doing a clowning job on the side and Avery was an established contact ever since 

4. I complained about the quality of his fake flower but then he told me I was using it wrong. We had a brief tussle but we got over it to talk about business ventures.

5. His expertise. No one has the variety that Avery has

Finally: Reflect. This experience showed me how you can never really take a break from working to be successful. You will never know where you will meet the people that matter to you the most in life! I had a tough time thinking of all the places where I could have met each respective expert. If I had networked more, I may have had an easier time finding who I need!

Elevator Pitch No. 3

1. The Pitch

2. Reflection

Most of the comments I received on my last elevator pitch were very positive.
Except for one comment, which said the following,

Hey Kevin, I really like your idea but I think that because this was your first time doing this elevator pitch you could work on the confidence and delivery a little bit.

At first I was taken aback. Why did he say that? Was he in a bad mood? Was he one of the few that deviated from the normal ENT comments that consist of "wow, great idea, I totally agree, you are awesome"? Was he pulling my leg?

I watched the video again and I just wrote off his comment. It made me laugh, and also think a bit.

3. What did I change?

Nada, I'll block out my haters.

Week 9 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

What stood out to me was the section talking about market research. In large, there is no one way to correctly carry out effective market research because every business and demographic is different. I liked how the author clarified the topic. 

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

This chapter is written pretty clearly and straightforward. Nothing was too confusing since I was familiar with most of the concepts. 

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

I would ask the author about the various methods of market research. What did he find to be the most effective forms of market research and how he's able to discern which works better than the other. 

My Secret Sauce (Sounds Dirty)

1) Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique. What is it about you, exactly, that makes you different? Write this up in a detailed list. 

• My desire to connect with people socially
• Solve issues creatively and pragmatically
• Able to perform under pressure
• Caring for others well-being
• Cleaning after myself and others

2) Interview the five people who know you the best. Ask them what they think makes you different -- remember, focus on your knowledge, skills, abilities, emotions -- in other words, your human capital. Try to stay away from discussing your other types of capital (such as who you know). Record each interview. In your blog post, please post each interview, as well as a two-three sentence summary of each interview, explaining what your key takeaways are.

So here I interview my mom, who was all the way back home in South Florida but I thought she was definitely one of the people that knew me the best. It was so funny interacting with her when I told her I had to record the interview and post it on my blog but over all she said that I was smart, good with numbers, I care about other people, great people skills, and I'm able to take risks. I'm glad my mom is still my #1 fan. 

Here is an interview with my roommate David. He said that I was reliable, always willing to lend a hand and some thoughts whenever he has questions about classes or life. Glad to have him as my roommate. 

Here's my bud Jaewon. He kept it short but essentially he said that I am skilled in connecting with others and putting people at ease. 

Yen here was funny. She messed up the first part so if you are short on time, skip to 0:45. She also said that I am able to connect well with others and put people at ease I but she said I'm able to think in high pressure situations, I'm articulate, I'm a great leader and have a great sense of humor. Thanks for inflating my ego.

3) Reflect on the differences. How do you see yourself, and how do others see you? Are there differences in how you assess yourself compared to others? What do you think causes these differences? Do you think your interviewees are correct about you? Finally, going back to your list from part 1, would you make any corrections to the list? How?

I think there are a lot of similarities from what my interviewees said and what I think about myself, especially about my people skills and how I want to connect with people. Some thing I hadn't really considered was my sense of humor and how I take risks. Now thinking about it, I do YOLO it up sometimes. No one commented how I clean, so I guess I'm not that clean.

Idea Napkin No. 2

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life?

I am a third year finance major who has a love for couponing and people. Throughout life, I have been blessed to been able to be exposed to entrepreneurs at a young age. With my parents opening more than a dozen nail shops in their travels, I found a way to learn more about the business world. Interacting with people and aiming to make them happy or offer something that no one else can is something I aim to do. My business, and entertainment facility will give students and local Gainesville residents a business that they didn't even know they needed.

2) What are you offering to customers? Describe the product or service (in other words, how you'll solve customers' unmet needs).

An all in one entertainment park. Mini golf, go karts, trampoline arena, Ferris wheel, human slingshots, indoor laser tag, it's going to be lit. Students can definitely understand that the city of Gainesville can be quite boring, with nothing seemingly to do for those who can't partake in social drinking. This gives an avenue for students, kids parties and adults to come relieve some stress.

3) Who are you offering it to? Describe, in as much detail as possible, the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your customers. Think especially of this question: what do your customers all have in common?

I am aiming at an audience that includes children and adults ranging from 5 to 30. This will be a destination for group parties an a place for stressed students to relieve their worries with fun, physical activity, first of its kind in Gainesville. 

4) Why do they care? Your solution is only valuable insofar as customers believe its valuable to them. Here, explain why customers will actually pay you money to use your product or service.

Customers need this service because it adds to the entertainment mixture that exists in Gainesville. Those in the college environment can only drink, karaoke, go to the movies, shop , and drink before it becomes boring. 

5) What are your core competencies?

What sets me apart? I am adding what Gainesville needs in a work, love, play environment. Play is an essential mix to the triangle and will help Gainesville retain graduates in order for the city to become more urbanized.

This idea is a proven concept that exists in major cities, such as Orlando. Gainesville is moving towards a higher level of urbanization, and in conjunction with the new Celebration Pointe, Gainesville will become a new tourist destination for those all around the country. I think the capital to start and maintain such a venture will prove to be extremely challenging, especially if visitors are injured on site. However it's a golden opportunity where if I don't act on it, I'm sure another entrepreneur will pounce on the idea.

6) Feedback memo

• Do not clash with other Gainesville businesses that offer the same attractions, i.e. Skatestation
• Obtaining capital will be challenging
• How Lit-Ville can give back to the local community 

The Twenty Percent

1) Find a business owner and talk to them about their customers. Who do they think their target customers are? What are their customers' unmet needs? Where do they find their customers? What are their customer's demographics? What kinds of media do their customers consume? Etc.

For this assignment, I interviewed Nam Diep of Lollicup. Lollicup is a boba tea cafe business located on 34th street near the Kangaroo. They have various flavors of tea and is a prominent study location. Nam said that his target customers are those who like to drink boba tea, find a place to hangout and socialize, and study. For awhile, Lollicup was the one of the few businesses dedicated to selling boba tea in Gainesville. He relies on two major forms to find his target market. He advertises in coupon books and sponsors many local events. However, one major way he finds most of new customers from, which he doesn't have direct control of is word-of-mouth. He finds that mostly college students, Asian American, and travel in groups for his main demographics. He also finds that his demographics frequent Facebook and Instagram.

2) Next, go and talk to 3 'target customers' -- using the demographics/psychographics the entrepreneur described. Ask these 'target customers' the questions in the paragraph directly above.

3) Reflect. Does the entrepreneur adequately understand their customers' problems? Where are the differences? Why might these differences exist.

I felt that Nam's analysis of his 20% is spot on. Knowing that he has been a business owner for over a decade, sticking to his tried and true formula, he has narrowed down where his sweet spot is. Nam is a true entrepreneur, he truly engages his customers and make a relationship with them. He is an ardent supporter of local events be believes in giving back to the community. I wish him much success in the future when we have small business owners like him being the backbone to successful communities. 

Week 8 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

I was most surprised when reading about Chief Marketing Officers. The textbook presented them in such a way that they operate with disregard to the company's  strategic goals and values.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
Psychographic types and demographics. I did not previously know that psychographic types were considered in segmentation and thought it was chiefly about demographics.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I disagree with what I mentioned in point 1. CMO's can't possible operate with such lack of regard of their company's policies and goals. I believe there are numerous businesses who have CMO's who are well aware of the company's values and adjust their actions correctly. 

Half way Reflection

Webster defines "tenacious" as "not easily stopped or pulled apart" or "very determined to do something." One of entrepreneurs' most important competencies are their tenaciousness. They persevere, despite all odds, despite waves of negative feedback, and despite failure and rejection.

1) Tenaciousness is a skill. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

After being halfway through the class, I can definitely see why tanaciousness is one of the most important competencies for an entrepreneur to have. Persevering through the challenges that these assignments task us to do, in order to be successful. I've felt the negative feedback that I've received from peers in order to better myself so that the negative feedback would dwindle. 

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

I remember the first interviewing 5 customers assignment. I was so terrified of approaching strangers and to engage in something they may find so strange. The first two people I asked, immediately brushed me off. I felt dejected, like I should just take the 0 on this assignment. However, I had to face my fears in order to succeed in this class. That is when my tenaciousness grew within me. Before I knew it, I had my first interview, then my second, third, and I was finally finished. I grew more confident and saw the fruits of facing your fears. 

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset'?

1. You will step out of your comfort zone, expect it.

2. People are nicer than you think.

3. You will never know when you will find opportunity. 

Week 7 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

I was most surprised when reading about Chief Marketing Officers. The textbook presented them in such a way that they operate with disregard to the company's  strategic goals and values.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
Psychographic types and demographics. I did not previously know that psychographic types were considered in segmentation and thought it was chiefly about demographics.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I disagree with what I mentioned in point 1. CMO's can't possible operate with such lack of regard of their company's policies and goals. I believe there are numerous businesses who have CMO's who are well aware of the company's values and adjust their actions correctly. 

Free Money

Strategy

• Where will you go? Reitz Union
• What kind of people will you approach? People who are by themselves and look like they aren't doing anything important.
• What will you say to get the conversation started? "Hey I just won the lottery and I'm giving away money."
• What is your plan for the conversation? I'll approach people and shove money into their hands.
• Out of five attempts, how many dollar bills do you think you will be able to give away. 
• 5 out of 5

Reflection

I think what made my approach so successful was the "genuine reason". Saying winning the lottery is a quick reason for people to accept your generous donation. At first I didn't understand the point of the assignment. However, thinking about it more. I realized that this assignment was testing your ability to be an entrepreneur and have people "buy" into what you are selling to them. Overall I thought the assignment was fun and I hope Pryor reimburses me $5.

Elevator Pitch Pt. 2,

1. Opportunity 


Gainesville is a destination where they aim for the work, live, play lifestyle. However, Gainesville is lacking in the play department.

2. Solution

A business concept I have for the city of Gainesville, FL is an all in one entertainment park called Lit-Ville. Mini golf, go karts, trampoline arena, ferris wheel, human slingshots, indoor laser tag, it's going to be super lit. Similar to the Fun Spot in Orlando, FL,  locals and tourists will be able to visit to get away from the day-to-day Gainesville routine of movie nights, shopping, and drinking. Now, residents in Gainesville can no longer say, “there’s nothing to do in Gainesville” because this gives an avenue for students, kids and adults to come relieve stress and release their inner wild side.

3. Reflection and improvement

This is my first time doing the elevator pitch as I did not do that last assignment.

Customer Interviews No. 3

"A business concept I have for the city of Gainesville, FL is an all in one entertainment park called Lit-Ville. Mini golf, go karts, trampoline arena, ferris wheel, human slingshots, indoor laser tag, it's going to be super lit. Similar to the Fun Spot in Orlando, FL,  locals and tourists will be able to visit to get away from the day-to-day Gainesville routine of movie nights, shopping, and drinking. Now, residents in Gainesville can no longer say, “there’s nothing to do in Gainesville” because this gives an avenue for students, kids and adults to come relieve stress and release their inner wild side."


1) Describe your interviewing strategy. What questions do you intend on asking? Who are you going to ask? And so on.

    1. What is your reaction?
    2. If this were to exist in Gainesville, would you go?
    3. What would be the largest factor in why you may not go?
    4. How much would you pay for such an attraction?

2) Conduct the interviews. As always, 5 interviews, video recorded.

3) Reflect on what you learned. What did you learn from the interviews? What surprised you the most? What do you expect to change as an outcome of these interviews?

These interviews give something very valuable as an entrepreneur, a business person, and a human being, they gave me perspective. Sometimes it's very easy to miss the little, or even the big things when you tackle things by yourself. However with the aid of others, you can get closer to success. This shows how important collaboration and team work is. 

Idea Napkin No. 1

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life?

I am a third year finance major who has a love for couponing and people. Throughout life, I have been blessed to been able to be exposed to entrepreneurs at a young age. With my parents opening more than a dozen nail shops in their travels, I found a way to learn more about the business world. Interacting with people and aiming to make them happy or offer something that no one else can is something I aim to do. My business, and entertainment facility will give students and local Gainesville residents a business that they didn't even know they needed.

2) What are you offering to customers? Describe the product or service (in other words, how you'll solve customers' unmet needs).

An all in one entertainment park. Mini golf, go karts, trampoline arena, Ferris wheel, human slingshots, indoor laser tag, it's going to be lit. Students can definitely understand that the city of Gainesville can be quite boring, with nothing seemingly to do for those who can't partake in social drinking. This gives an avenue for students, kids parties and adults to come relieve some stress.

3) Who are you offering it to? Describe, in as much detail as possible, the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your customers. Think especially of this question: what do your customers all have in common?

I am aiming at an audience that includes children and adults ranging from 5 to 30. This will be a destination for group parties an a place for stressed students to relieve their worries with fun, physical activity, first of its kind in Gainesville. 

4) Why do they care? Your solution is only valuable insofar as customers believe its valuable to them. Here, explain why customers will actually pay you money to use your product or service.

Customers need this service because it adds to the entertainment mixture that exists in Gainesville. Those in the college environment can only drink, karaoke, go to the movies, shop , and drink before it becomes boring. 

5) What are your core competencies?

What sets me apart? I am adding what Gainesville needs in a work, love, play environment. Play is an essential mix to the triangle and will help Gainesville retain graduates in order for the city to become more urbanized.

This idea is a proven concept that exists in major cities, such as Orlando. Gainesville is moving towards a higher level of urbanization, and in conjunction with the new Celebration Pointe, Gainesville will become a new tourist destination for those all around the country. I think the capital to start and maintain such a venture will prove to be extremely challenging, especially if visitors are injured on site. However it's a golden opportunity where if I don't act on it, I'm sure another entrepreneur will pounce on the idea.