Customer Interview No.2

1. I did not complete last week's interviewing customers assignment so this time around, this is an all new experience to me!

2. I felt like I interviewed with right people. As residents of Gainesville, we all have a role in its local economy and we have a voice in terms of what we want to see in this community. 

3. Not many tweaks needed to be made since there wasn't a foundation of questions from before. 

4. Interviews

5. I learned quite a bit from this exercise. Locals in Gainesville all have different needs and interests, driving for different preferences in stores. I learned that what I want to see in Gainesville differed from other people's opinions. People also had differing opinions from me about buildings that I want to be renovated and replaced. 

6. When interviewing customers/strangers, it's not about what you say, but more so how you say it. If you exude calm, confidence and comfort, your customers will also replicate your attitude. Also, be adaptable! Conversations will not always go how you think they will go in your mind. Best interviews are more so of a conversation, rather than a list of questions. Build a story and weave your questions all together. You may be nervous at first but put your best foot forward! Fake it until you make it. You'll eventually be comfortable enough with the stranger to continue through with the exercise. 

World's Biggest Problems

1. Donald Trump

- One of the front runners of the Republican Party has shown an incredible amount of ignorance and lack of empathy for non-supporters. Someone who is brash, abrasive, and has considerably closed-minded social and immigration policies has divided and polarized some populations in the U.S. Is popularity speaks to how his attitude and words actually reflect the views of some American voters. Once we get closer to primaries, hopefully another Republican candidate will sway the voters and snag the nomination. 

2. Ignorance

- Unfortunately many people throughout the world, like myself create misguided judgements about various situations and other people. I believe that there is good that exists in the hearts of many people, but quick judgements combined with ignorance cause for much mistrust and unkindness in the world. If people were to open their minds and hearts, not be quick to judge to seek the goodness in everyone, we will get closer to being free of ignorance.

3. Islamophobia

- With the advent of various attacks in the recent decades, many people have placed blame for all the suffering on the religion of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace, which the name itself translate to "peace" itself. However, the very few radicals who practice Islam, taint how people view the religion. I believe with more education, society will rid of their unrational hate for the religion.

4. Health Care Reform
- This is one of the paramount issues in some countries such at the US. People living in areas where health care is subject to capitalism have to deal with astronomical prices. Obamacare has sought to bring more affordable care for more Americans. However, America and other countries may benefit more from adopting a health care policy similar to Canada, where citizens are highly taxed but in return receive free or highly subsidized health care and medical procedures.

5. Equity for various gender identities

- In much more conservative societies, people who identify with other identities than the normal gender binary (man, woman) face much societal adversity. Even women in some parts of the world do not have the same social and economic rights as men. If laws were implemented and societal views were changed to be more inclusive of others, more equity can be had for the greater humanity.

6. World Poverty

- Several countries that serves as a destination for outsourced work have populations who work long hours in in humane facilities for very little comparable pay. If the industries who utilize outsourced labor can fund for higher compensation for their employees can play a major factor towards creating a more equitable global society.

7. Lack of consistent production of energy throughout the world 

- Many countries do not utilize renewable/green energy, polluting much of the natural environment and disrupting the local ecosystems. Third world countries also do not have access to a consistent flow of energy because of lack of infrastructure and resources to create energy. If these populations who desire more energy were able to relocate or if countries around the world can send aid to start urbanizing third world countries, more families and people around the world will get with the new times. 

8. Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) 

- Highly resourceful, dangerous and leading terrorist organization at the present time. This radical organization is responsible for many of the in humane acts of violence throughout the Middle East, Europe and other Western societies. I believe if several key military powers and the cooperation of the United Nations work to extinguish ISIS, defund them, and dismantle them, the world will be one step closer to peace and safety. 

9. Middle Eastern Conflict

- Anti-semitism, religious conflict, disputes over land and resources have torn apart that region for thousands and thousands of years. It's almost a question that is as old as the world. In an ideal world, if people can ultimately put their differences in religion aside, that region can see a future of less conflict.

10. Cancer

- Humans have gotten to the point in length of lifespan that the diseases and things that killed people many, many years ago have now become obsolete and nearly eradicated due to modern medicine and vaccinations. However, cancer has now become one of the leading causes of death. With the progress of research from top scientists and institutions, hopefully we will have a better alternative to dangerous chemotherapy. 

Top 5 World Problems

Most Serious Problems

1. Ignorance

- Unfortunately many people throughout the world, like myself create misguided judgements about various situations and other people. I believe that there is good that exists in the hearts of many people, but quick judgements combined with ignorance cause for much mistrust and unkindness in the world. If people were to open their minds and hearts, not be quick to judge to seek the goodness in everyone, we will get closer to being free of ignorance.

2. World Poverty

- Several countries that serves as a destination for outsourced work have populations who work long hours in in humane facilities for very little comparable pay. If the industries who utilize outsourced labor can fund for higher compensation for their employees can play a major factor towards creating a more equitable global society.

3. Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) 

- Highly resourceful, dangerous and leading terrorist organization at the present time. This radical organization is responsible for many of the in humane acts of violence throughout the Middle East, Europe and other Western societies. I believe if several key military powers and the cooperation of the United Nations work to extinguish ISIS, defund them, and dismantle them, the world will be one step closer to peace and safety.

4. Cancer

- Humans have gotten to the point in length of lifespan that the diseases and things that killed people many, many years ago have now become obsolete and nearly eradicated due to modern medicine and vaccinations. However, cancer has now become one of the leading causes of death. With the progress of research from top scientists and institutions, hopefully we will have a better alternative to dangerous chemotherapy.

5. Equity for various gender identities

- In much more conservative societies, people who identify with other identities than the normal gender binary (man, woman) face much societal adversity. Even women in some parts of the world do not have the same social and economic rights as men. If laws were implemented and societal views were changed to be more inclusive of others, more equity can be had for the greater humanity.

Solutions
1. Donald Trump

One of the front runners of the Republican Party has shown an incredible amount of ignorance and lack of empathy for non-supporters. Someone who is brash, abrasive, and has considerably closed-minded social and immigration policies has divided and polarized some populations in the U.S. Is popularity speaks to how his attitude and words actually reflect the views of some American voters. Once we get closer to primaries, hopefully another Republican candidate will sway the voters and snag the nomination. 

2. Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS)

I believe if several key military powers and the cooperation of the United Nations work to extinguish ISIS, defund them, and dismantle them, the world will be one step closer to peace and safety.

3. Health Care Reform
However, America and other countries may benefit more from adopting a health care policy similar to Canada, where citizens are highly taxed but in return receive free or highly subsidized health care and medical procedures.

4. Cancer

With the progress of research from top scientists and institutions, hopefully we will have a better alternative to dangerous chemotherapy.

5. Lack of consistent production of energy throughout the world

If these populations who desire more energy were able to relocate or if countries around the world can send aid to start urbanizing third world countries, more families and people around the world will get with the new times. 

Week 3 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 from this chapter was seeing my generation being referred to as "Generation E". Reading this chapter, it was the first that I heard of millennials being called Generation Entrepreneurs. However, I don't disagree with Kuratko with this point!

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

I would have liked if Kuratko mentioned what are some of the characteristics that more prominent business people have exhibited specifically.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?
    a) What were his preferred methods of destressing

    b) What characteristics of entrepreneurship does he identify closely with

Identifying Local Opportunities

1. Title: Law preserves status quo for polluters.

Opportunity: Florida residents to engage their legislators to protect their interests and environment.

a) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A9388BE6DE2E18?p=AWNB

b) Story: Robert Knight, an environmental scientist writes to the residents of Florida that the new bill that was just signed into law, the 2016 Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act" does not adequately protect Florida water. He details that many of Florida's water sources are subject to years and year of continuous pollution and that the police force and judicial system seldom enforce protection of water.

c) Problem: The new bill actually protects the interests of lobbyists, powerful agricultural businesses and other big businesses. These interests come at the cost of the residents of Florida and prevent a sustainable economy and further pollute Florida's waters.

d) Who it effects: Florida residents and the ecosystem

2. Title: Tiniest of snow events hits area

Opportunity: Gainesville residents get a chance to see snow/flurries, perhaps for the first time in their lives!

a) http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A9388B88910228?p=AWNB

b) Story: Gainesville for the first time in many years experienced snow/flurries fall from the sky on Saturday. Shortly after 9 am, people took to social media to post about the phenomenon. A rarity in the state of Florida.

c) Problem: Unfortunately it was not cold enough to accumulate snow on the ground. Some reports for sleet were filed. 

d) Who it effects: Gainesville residents

3. Title: 24 hours, five brains, can you create an app?

Opportunity: Students can showcase their technical programming abilities to national companies for prizes.  

a) Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A9388BAA0B4288?p=AWNB

b) Story: UF hosted its second annual SwampHacks where students can push their programming skills to the limit in effort to win prizes. Located on the first floor of Marston Library, teams of maximum 5 must collaborate to design and execute innovative applications.

c) Problem: Students have only 24 hours to design, create and implement a functional application. 

d) Who it effects: UF Students and students from the south east region

4. Title: Uber for seniors program to expand

Opportunity: Senior residents who are unable to drive or travel to the nearest bus stop have another travel option.

a) Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A88EA7E221EE28?p=AWNB

b) Story: Gainesville City commission voted to extend the Freedom in Motion program to expand it to all senior residents in city limits. The program performed a pilot test program and deemed it successful after 102 rides. They gave participants up to $5 co-pay and smart phones, which were provided by Wells Fargo. 

c) Problem: Senior citizens are increasingly becoming isolated to their homes as they lose their ability to drive and travel to the nearest bus stop.

d) Who it effects: Senior residents of Gainesville 

5. Title: More than 300 march to say: Hands off our parks

Opportunity: 

a) Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A9388BC0BA7E30?p=AWNB

b) Story: More than 300 Gainesville residents protested openly about the proposed privatization of state parks. Protesters hope that their message will reach state legislatures in Tallahassee and that awareness will raise about the subject. There is a state-wide movement towards privatizing parks.  

c) Problem: Privatization of state parks can lead to impairing the environment of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, Jon Steverson, moved to open state parks to activities such as hunting, logging and cattle grazing to make parks self-sufficient. 

d) Who it effects: Florida residents

Week 2 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 the costs of free trade. The book states that there's a new movement in US politics towards fair trade rather than free trade. There's a chance that the service industry may be conducted across international borders instead of domestic borders. When international factories are shutting down small business in places around the factory, many are asking what can be done to amend the situation. Government? Community? Other businesses?

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you + 3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

The author included a section for hot trends to look out for. One of those hot trends includes high school athletes.

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

Bug List

1. My roommate singing while I'm working or sleeping
       - His singing distracts me from my work and his voice is not pleasing to my ears
2. My landlord conducts business in an unprofessional manner
       - I expect someone who I am paying rent to everyday to at least to be competent in grammar and not charge me the wrong prices
3. When drivers on roads fail to utilize their turn signals
      - Drivers not using turn signals may surprise me. Those that do it suddenly may cause accidents and lots of expletives
4. A coupon failing to work or expired before I can use it
      - I love to shop frugally, and a non-valid coupon makes me feel like I'm not getting the best deal possible
5. When my roommates leave their cooking utensils on the stove
      - It is unsightly and does not leave me much room to do my own cooking, which means I have to clean up their mess    
6. When I can't find a parking spot on UF campus
      - This is especially irritating because I may be running late to class or a meeting and lack of parking makes me late even more.
7. When I feel uneasy when cop cars drive behind me
     - I have a fear that there's something wrong with my car or I committed a traffic violation and the cops would write me a hefty ticket
8. Paying utility bills
     - isn't rent enough? Why is Gainesville utility so expensive?
9. Taking out the trash because the dumpster is too far
     - The trip to the dumpster is a long one, which is a waste of time
10. Getting the mail because the mailbox is too far
      - The mail used to be a stress reliever, now it's a burden
11. Using the bus system when it's unreliable
       - The bug exists because sometimes technology can't account for the human nature of bus drivers
12. When people do not do the things they said they were going to do
      - This bug exists because some people like to make promises without having the effort to carry them out
13. The University Athletic Association banning dancing at the stadium
      - They do not want to deal with students potentially disrupting business hours
14. When the waiter doesn't fill your water as often as you want them too
      - Waiters may be too busy to fill my water
15. When a store doesn't have Apple Pay
      - Stores probably do not want to spend the money to upgrade check out systems
16. When you're getting too fat to fit in your clothes
      - This bug exists because I like to eat and sleep in
17. Hearing a recording of my voice
      - I think my voice makes me sound like a kid
18. Having a canker sore
      - Not sure why these exist, my mom says it's not from enough vegetable in my diet
19. Accidentally burning my mouth on hot food and needing a couple days to heal
      - I don't blow my food before putting it in my mouth
20. When my mom posts screenshots on Facebook instead of the actual image
      - She's not an expert on social media

Reflection:
At first, this assignment was a little difficult because I was trying to think of all the things that bugged me, then drawing a blank. However, I got my first bug, then second, and then I got the ball rolling and completed the list of 20 without a hitch. Doing this assignment with my roommate proved to also be a little humorous.