1. Biggest Surprise:
Reading about the experiential view of the entrepreneur and that "a venture is not simply produced by an entrepreneur" caught my attention. You would think that entrepreneurs start out with an idea and decide to go on a venture to realize their vision. However, according to researchers Minet Schindehutte, Michael H. Morris, and Donald F. Kuratko, there is much more in the process of entrepreneurship than entrepreneurs simply creating ventures. I found it very interesting, and I suppose surprising, that "venture creation... forms the entrepreneur." Creating the venture and experiencing the venture itself is what shapes a person into truly becoming an entrepreneur. How can you be called an entrepreneur before you've actually lived through your venture and created a meaningful story to tell?
2. Confusion:
The theoretical form that "entrepreneurship is a function of the entrepreneur."
3. Two Questions to the Author:
How do you recommend "paddling" or "steering" to get to the desired outcome as mentioned by a discussed author? Many entrepreneurs apparently are going about their journeys wrong, and I would like to know how you would advise someone to paddle his own boat per se.
What would you say are the most important resources "needed to transform dreams into a reality?" Are these resources universal or unique to every entrepreneur?
4. What was the Author Wrong About?
The author stated that "inexperience and incompetent management are the main reasons for failure." However, I believe that you can have a lot of experience in a particular field but can still experience failure in an entrepreneurial endeavour. I believe it is the mindset and the vision that ultimately leads an entrepreneur to success. The author does discuss the importance of mindset and vision in this chapter, but he doesn't state that a lack of these resources is a major cause of failure, which I believe to be true.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Week 3 Identifying Local Opportunities
First Opportunity:
1. Article title: DIB Looking for a new Home
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/downtown/2016/01/23/dib-looking-new-home/79000154/
3. Story description: The organization that hosts "Gallery Night" in Pensacola, FL needs a new office because its lease at the current office ends in October of this year. The chairman of the organization in interested in moving the office location to City Hall because it is more accessible to the public.
4. Problem Description: There is no option to renew the current lease, so John Peacock, chairman of the board, is interested in relocating to city hall
5. Who?: John Peacock and those affiliated with the production of "Gallery Night"
Second Opportunity:
1. Article title: Researchers to Give Long Hollow Tower Presentation
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/01/23/researchers-give-long-hollow-tower-presentation/79188900/
3. Story description: The Long Hollow Radio Tower was claimed by researchers to have been constructed illegally in a conservation district. Melanie Nichols and her team at the North Hill Preservation Association are presenting their findings at a public forum this coming week and discussing how the creation of the tower affects the public and how the functions at city hall can improve.
4. Problem Description: The city has not taken appropriate measures to enforce laws and support the conservation district
5. Who?: North Hill Preservation Association of the conservation district
Third Opportunity:
1. Article title: Local Charter Schools Worth Taxpayer Money?
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/education/2016/01/23/charter-schools-cost-taxpayers-produce-mixed-results/79070036/
3. Story description: Newpoint Academy is considered the worst of the charter schools in the Escambia County School District due to allegations of grade tampering at both the middle school and high school locations. According to Escambia Superintendent, Malcolm Thomas, "Almost every [charter school] that had a business that was running the school ended in failure...because the business wanted to siphon money for profit, and there is no profit." The failed charter schools that closed in 30 districts collectively received $70 million (reported by the Associated Press) from state taxpayers' pockets and only $133,000 was able to be recovered from the Florida Department of Education in the past 3 years.
4. Problem Description: Many argue that funding for charter schools takes away money from public schools that are deserving of funds. The charter schools get more money per capita because there are far fewer of them than public schools. Senator Don Gaetz argues that there is a great need for infrastructure in Northwest Florida.
5. Who?: taxpayers, charter schools wanting funding, public schools wanting funding
Fourth Opportunity:
1. Article title: Studers Weigh Potentials of ECUA Land
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/money/business/2016/01/22/studers-weigh-potentials-ecua-land/79203064/
3. Story description: 19 acres of land previously occupied ECUA's treatment facility of waste water, and now Quint and Rishy Studer haven't decided what they will do with this vacant land that they own. They are planning to spend $150,000 to study potential business opportunities. UWF officials contacted the Studers in hopes to build the UWF Center for Entrepreneurship, but Quint and Rishy decided to sublease 50,000 square feet to the Community Maritime Park.
4. Problem Description: There are a number of potential uses for the open land. The Studers have considered using it for a movie theater, an assisted living facility, a health-care office, and a residential property. First, a study must be implemented to uncover what is still underneath the land such as rubble and concrete foundations and discover potential drainage issues and the like which may impact what kind of new facilities can be built. As mentioned before, this study will cost the Studers $150,000.
5. Who?: Quint and Rishy Studer and community.
Fifth Opportunity:
1. Article title: United Way: Escambia County has 'Pockets of Wonderful'
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2016/01/23/united-way-escambia-county-has-pockets-wonderful/79194918/
3. Story description: Escambia County community leaders and public citizens met and discussed ways to improve the community.
4. Problem Description: Cynthia and one-year-old daughter moved from Washington State to Pensacola and became homeless after faced with economic hardship. The local food pantry, church, and child advocacy center helped this family with temporary food and shelter.
5. Who?: Cynthia and her daughter
1. Article title: DIB Looking for a new Home
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/downtown/2016/01/23/dib-looking-new-home/79000154/
3. Story description: The organization that hosts "Gallery Night" in Pensacola, FL needs a new office because its lease at the current office ends in October of this year. The chairman of the organization in interested in moving the office location to City Hall because it is more accessible to the public.
4. Problem Description: There is no option to renew the current lease, so John Peacock, chairman of the board, is interested in relocating to city hall
5. Who?: John Peacock and those affiliated with the production of "Gallery Night"
Second Opportunity:
1. Article title: Researchers to Give Long Hollow Tower Presentation
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/01/23/researchers-give-long-hollow-tower-presentation/79188900/
3. Story description: The Long Hollow Radio Tower was claimed by researchers to have been constructed illegally in a conservation district. Melanie Nichols and her team at the North Hill Preservation Association are presenting their findings at a public forum this coming week and discussing how the creation of the tower affects the public and how the functions at city hall can improve.
4. Problem Description: The city has not taken appropriate measures to enforce laws and support the conservation district
5. Who?: North Hill Preservation Association of the conservation district
Third Opportunity:
1. Article title: Local Charter Schools Worth Taxpayer Money?
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/education/2016/01/23/charter-schools-cost-taxpayers-produce-mixed-results/79070036/
3. Story description: Newpoint Academy is considered the worst of the charter schools in the Escambia County School District due to allegations of grade tampering at both the middle school and high school locations. According to Escambia Superintendent, Malcolm Thomas, "Almost every [charter school] that had a business that was running the school ended in failure...because the business wanted to siphon money for profit, and there is no profit." The failed charter schools that closed in 30 districts collectively received $70 million (reported by the Associated Press) from state taxpayers' pockets and only $133,000 was able to be recovered from the Florida Department of Education in the past 3 years.
4. Problem Description: Many argue that funding for charter schools takes away money from public schools that are deserving of funds. The charter schools get more money per capita because there are far fewer of them than public schools. Senator Don Gaetz argues that there is a great need for infrastructure in Northwest Florida.
5. Who?: taxpayers, charter schools wanting funding, public schools wanting funding
Fourth Opportunity:
1. Article title: Studers Weigh Potentials of ECUA Land
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/money/business/2016/01/22/studers-weigh-potentials-ecua-land/79203064/
3. Story description: 19 acres of land previously occupied ECUA's treatment facility of waste water, and now Quint and Rishy Studer haven't decided what they will do with this vacant land that they own. They are planning to spend $150,000 to study potential business opportunities. UWF officials contacted the Studers in hopes to build the UWF Center for Entrepreneurship, but Quint and Rishy decided to sublease 50,000 square feet to the Community Maritime Park.
4. Problem Description: There are a number of potential uses for the open land. The Studers have considered using it for a movie theater, an assisted living facility, a health-care office, and a residential property. First, a study must be implemented to uncover what is still underneath the land such as rubble and concrete foundations and discover potential drainage issues and the like which may impact what kind of new facilities can be built. As mentioned before, this study will cost the Studers $150,000.
5. Who?: Quint and Rishy Studer and community.
Fifth Opportunity:
1. Article title: United Way: Escambia County has 'Pockets of Wonderful'
2. Article link: http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2016/01/23/united-way-escambia-county-has-pockets-wonderful/79194918/
3. Story description: Escambia County community leaders and public citizens met and discussed ways to improve the community.
4. Problem Description: Cynthia and one-year-old daughter moved from Washington State to Pensacola and became homeless after faced with economic hardship. The local food pantry, church, and child advocacy center helped this family with temporary food and shelter.
5. Who?: Cynthia and her daughter
Friday, January 22, 2016
Week 3 Very Short Interview No. 1
I interviewed Donna Delfin, an entrepreneur who runs the online clothing boutique, ShopSereneSky.com. I worked as a fashion marketing intern for her company last summer.
The interview questions and answers are as follows:
1. What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?
Growing up with an entrepreneur father, I was surrounded by him starting many businesses and partnerships. It seemed only natural for me to start my own business. To be an entrepreneur, you have to have passion, dedication, and a vision. You have to have the birds eye strategy view yet get lost in the details as well. Being your own boss is tough as you need to be motivated, constantly shift priorities to get things done, and delegate where you can.
2. What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?
I think honing in on creating a strategy and vision is key. During my career as a producer or project manager, I was in a place where management informed us on projects and priorities. We were not privy to why projects were picked or important. Having my own business, I learned the skills of following trends and researching competitors and the marketplace to see what can work for my brand. I was able to build a brand strategy and stick to it. I've been able to sell this brand style to customers, media, bloggers, influencers, and partners in order to grow further and build brand awareness.
3. What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?
I wish school taught students the ins and outs of building a business and the growing pains associated with it. I've been thankful to have great mentors such as my entrepreneur father, accountant turned interior designer mother, and other women entrepreneurs I've met along the way. Thankfully with the Internet, there are many articles out there with resources to start your business, free mentors and free webinars online for other entrepreneurs to review and get started.
During this interview, I learned how important it is to shift priorities depending on what needs to be done on any given day. For Donna, if a blogger contacts her on a particular day about a potential collaboration, she has to switch her focus to this opportunity and send over appropriate contracts. She has to stay up to date with fashion trends so she knows what types of products and clothing/accessory styles to buy and sell; be up to date with current trends and national holidays (such as national doughnut day) in order to write effective blog posts and stay popular on social media; and be willing to accept change whenever consumer preferences shift or new opportunities arise.
The interview questions and answers are as follows:
1. What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?
Growing up with an entrepreneur father, I was surrounded by him starting many businesses and partnerships. It seemed only natural for me to start my own business. To be an entrepreneur, you have to have passion, dedication, and a vision. You have to have the birds eye strategy view yet get lost in the details as well. Being your own boss is tough as you need to be motivated, constantly shift priorities to get things done, and delegate where you can.
2. What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?
I think honing in on creating a strategy and vision is key. During my career as a producer or project manager, I was in a place where management informed us on projects and priorities. We were not privy to why projects were picked or important. Having my own business, I learned the skills of following trends and researching competitors and the marketplace to see what can work for my brand. I was able to build a brand strategy and stick to it. I've been able to sell this brand style to customers, media, bloggers, influencers, and partners in order to grow further and build brand awareness.
3. What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?
I wish school taught students the ins and outs of building a business and the growing pains associated with it. I've been thankful to have great mentors such as my entrepreneur father, accountant turned interior designer mother, and other women entrepreneurs I've met along the way. Thankfully with the Internet, there are many articles out there with resources to start your business, free mentors and free webinars online for other entrepreneurs to review and get started.
During this interview, I learned how important it is to shift priorities depending on what needs to be done on any given day. For Donna, if a blogger contacts her on a particular day about a potential collaboration, she has to switch her focus to this opportunity and send over appropriate contracts. She has to stay up to date with fashion trends so she knows what types of products and clothing/accessory styles to buy and sell; be up to date with current trends and national holidays (such as national doughnut day) in order to write effective blog posts and stay popular on social media; and be willing to accept change whenever consumer preferences shift or new opportunities arise.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Week 3 World's Biggest Problems
In no particular order of importance:
1. It is a major problem that the media sells lies to the public. I wish that we as American citizens and as people in general could trust what we see and hear in the national/world news and in product advertisements. In particular, reality television shows, celebrity gossip, and product commercials are completely staged to convey false messages only to gain a certain reaction by the public and to lead the public's attention towards trivial drama and away from important national/world issues. We need to wake up and pay attention to what is actually going on around us.
2. Overall health is a major concern in the world right now, especially in America. More and more people are discovering issues with their health due to lack of proper diet, stress levels, etc. Modern western medicine only seems to cover up symptoms and mask the underlying problems. However, diet choices and mental/emotional clarity need to be prioritized to truly reverse illness and regain health.
3. There are several endangered species in the world, and we need to take action to stop this. Destruction of wildlife habitats needs to end.
4. Pollution of air, water, and soil are major concerns caused by heavy metals, plastics, oil spills, and industrial waste. Clean drinking water is becoming scarce, and industrial development pollutes our oceans, rivers, and seas with toxins. Accumulation of waste impacts this issue greatly. Better waste disposal methods needs to be implemented. Recycle, recycle, recycle.
5. We need to reduce our water footprint (the amount of fresh water that we use daily) and make choices to conserve this vital resource. The meat and dairy industry contributes immensely to this problem. 27% of the water footprint is related to the production of animal products while only 4% of this footprint is related to at-home water use. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) it can require up to 18,000 gallons of water to produce just one hamburger. Wow. Instead of cutting back on shower time, how about we just swap the hamburger at lunch for a delicious fruit smoothie?
6. Animal cruelty is a huge world problem. Every day animals are enslaved, beaten, and killed for human consumption, clothing, enjoyment (such as state fairs and circuses), and lab studies. Many people do not realize this harsh reality because it is kept quiet from the public. Why would the media show it? No animal or living being should be treated like property and have to go through such pain and agony. Sorry.
7. Deforestation is a major concern. 40% of all Rain forests have been cleared to raise cattle for the meat industry. If we could all cut back on the consumption of meat, we could do a great service not only to our bodies but also to our rain forests and the amazing animals that naturally inhabit them.
8. Poverty and world hunger is a big problem. Many people do not have financial security, and as a result they are living without shelter and without enough food. I think more loan options, non-profit shelters, and food banks should be available to the public.
9. The importance weight that people put on their own and others' outward appearances is a major problem in our modern society. Many young girls especially concern themselves with how they look; they are constantly comparing themselves to others which can be very unhealthy both mentally and physically. Please, let's stop wondering if something about us is considered "weird" or "unpopular" and just live.
10. This may seem minute compared to other serious issues in the world, but I believe it is a concern that should be addressed. I feel like the majority of people on this planet, my self included, worry about the most insignificant problems, fail to see silver linings, get consumed in negative thought, and cause undue and unnecessary stress to themselves. Through this way of life, relationships are not easily formed, desired outcomes are not easily met, happiness is harder to find, and overall physical and mental health suffers. No fun. Let's be more positive and uplifting, yeah?
1. It is a major problem that the media sells lies to the public. I wish that we as American citizens and as people in general could trust what we see and hear in the national/world news and in product advertisements. In particular, reality television shows, celebrity gossip, and product commercials are completely staged to convey false messages only to gain a certain reaction by the public and to lead the public's attention towards trivial drama and away from important national/world issues. We need to wake up and pay attention to what is actually going on around us.
2. Overall health is a major concern in the world right now, especially in America. More and more people are discovering issues with their health due to lack of proper diet, stress levels, etc. Modern western medicine only seems to cover up symptoms and mask the underlying problems. However, diet choices and mental/emotional clarity need to be prioritized to truly reverse illness and regain health.
3. There are several endangered species in the world, and we need to take action to stop this. Destruction of wildlife habitats needs to end.
4. Pollution of air, water, and soil are major concerns caused by heavy metals, plastics, oil spills, and industrial waste. Clean drinking water is becoming scarce, and industrial development pollutes our oceans, rivers, and seas with toxins. Accumulation of waste impacts this issue greatly. Better waste disposal methods needs to be implemented. Recycle, recycle, recycle.
5. We need to reduce our water footprint (the amount of fresh water that we use daily) and make choices to conserve this vital resource. The meat and dairy industry contributes immensely to this problem. 27% of the water footprint is related to the production of animal products while only 4% of this footprint is related to at-home water use. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) it can require up to 18,000 gallons of water to produce just one hamburger. Wow. Instead of cutting back on shower time, how about we just swap the hamburger at lunch for a delicious fruit smoothie?
6. Animal cruelty is a huge world problem. Every day animals are enslaved, beaten, and killed for human consumption, clothing, enjoyment (such as state fairs and circuses), and lab studies. Many people do not realize this harsh reality because it is kept quiet from the public. Why would the media show it? No animal or living being should be treated like property and have to go through such pain and agony. Sorry.
7. Deforestation is a major concern. 40% of all Rain forests have been cleared to raise cattle for the meat industry. If we could all cut back on the consumption of meat, we could do a great service not only to our bodies but also to our rain forests and the amazing animals that naturally inhabit them.
8. Poverty and world hunger is a big problem. Many people do not have financial security, and as a result they are living without shelter and without enough food. I think more loan options, non-profit shelters, and food banks should be available to the public.
9. The importance weight that people put on their own and others' outward appearances is a major problem in our modern society. Many young girls especially concern themselves with how they look; they are constantly comparing themselves to others which can be very unhealthy both mentally and physically. Please, let's stop wondering if something about us is considered "weird" or "unpopular" and just live.
10. This may seem minute compared to other serious issues in the world, but I believe it is a concern that should be addressed. I feel like the majority of people on this planet, my self included, worry about the most insignificant problems, fail to see silver linings, get consumed in negative thought, and cause undue and unnecessary stress to themselves. Through this way of life, relationships are not easily formed, desired outcomes are not easily met, happiness is harder to find, and overall physical and mental health suffers. No fun. Let's be more positive and uplifting, yeah?
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Week 2 Bug List
1. Ballpoint pens often leak ink onto my hands when I write.
-The top section of the pens are not secured properly to the body of the pens.
2. Markers often leave their color on my hands after I use them.
-The color doesn't dry fast enough before my hand swipes against the paper. And no, i'm not left-handed.
3. Pencils get lead inside my pencil case, and my pencil case is now stained gray inside.
-Pencils have no cap like pens do to keep the ink from staining fabrics. Pencil hats need to be invented.
4. The Paderno Spiralizer is a great tool and concept, and it is the best brand that exists on the market. However, the blades and the machine itself are difficult to clean.
-The blades easily slice up a kitchen sponge, and the entire piece of equipment must be wiped down from top to bottom after use because the vegetable juice gets everywhere.
5. Automated cat litter box do not do what the name implies.
-These supposedly "clean themselves." I had one of these for my cat, and it made a huge mess that had to manually clean which defeated the purpose of having a self-cleaning litter box. I wont go into much detail in case anyone is trying to enjoy their breakfast or dinner right now, but when the machine would scoop, what was scooped would only stick to the scooper and not get discarded. Much fun that was.
6. "Wonder Hangers" are supposed to add to your closet space and keep your closet organized, but they are ineffective.
-These hangers are very thick and made of plastic. They allow you to hang up to four or five articles of clothing on one hanger (saving you hanger, thus saving you closet space right?) but you have to space these hangers out very far from each other to avoid bunching. You have to use less hangers which defeats the purpose of creating more closet space for the addition of more clothes. I found these on an infomercial. I should have known.
7. Clear plastic cling wrap almost always knots up before I can rip it from the box.
-the plastic doesn't rip off effectively and it bundles to itself instead of forming a nice flat sheet.
8. Re-seal-able plastic bags don't always open after you've torn on the dotted line.
-I still have to end up breaking out the scissors to open these bags because the perforation was placed in the wrong spot on the bag in manufacturing.
9. Electronics typically come in hard plastic packages that even scissors won't get into well.
-The plastic is very thick and there is no clear opening.
10. The "Hot Air" hair curler curls hair by winding the hair up and then releasing, but hair can get very tangled in the process.
-Fine hair can easily get entangled in the bristles of the device.
11. Appliance repair gives you a four-hour time frame of when the service will take place, and often time the servicemen do not arrive on the first call
-Schedules are not set-in-stone and the servicemen cannot make guarantees on timing.
12. Beauticians performing manicure services often dig client's cuticles in before painting their nails. I find this service unnecessarily painful.
-Apparently, cuticles prohibit nail polish from covering the maximum service area, so by pushing them in, more polish can be applied which makes client's nails look longer and more appealing.
13. Jars that have in incredibly tight seal are very hard to open.
-They are sealed tightly for preserving freshness.
14. Some cooking pots have metal handles that get hot when cooking.
-The handles absorb the heat.
15. Automated Recordings on phone sometimes seem to not ever get the caller in contact with an actual representative
-This phone service seems to be helping clients by fixing the problem as simply and quickly as possible by not having to wait for a rep to answer, but often times service reps are needed.
16. I-phone Auto-Correct "corrects" words I wish it wouldn't.
-This service corrects misspelled words to save users time from spell-checking themselves. However, often times I find my spell spending even more time undoing what auto-correct corrected.
17. Youtube places advertisements on videos.
-YouTube is a way for companies to gain exposure, capture audiences, and generate revenue. However, nine times out of ten I skip the entire ad when I have that option, so I don't know if these ads are even effective at all.
18. GPS systems are often give you weird routes when another route is much more feasible had you known the area.
-these systems seem to be outdated with the current road systems.
19. Many gloves are not compatible with touch-screen phones and electronics. I have to take my gloves off if I want to type on my I-phone.
-the electronics cannot sense the touch action due to the smooth fabric. I did come across some "Iphone compatible" gloves in a Bloomingdale's store though that had a rough grove of fabric on both the thumb and index finger though!
20. I often find that bracelets and watches are too large for my wrists as is, and I have to get them taken in if I want them to fit correctly
-Apart from rings, jewelry manufacturers only make accessories to fit the average size.
This exercise actually surprised me in that it wasn't that difficult to come up with these "bugs." Once I got started brainstorming, more ideas came to me easily!
-The top section of the pens are not secured properly to the body of the pens.
2. Markers often leave their color on my hands after I use them.
-The color doesn't dry fast enough before my hand swipes against the paper. And no, i'm not left-handed.
3. Pencils get lead inside my pencil case, and my pencil case is now stained gray inside.
-Pencils have no cap like pens do to keep the ink from staining fabrics. Pencil hats need to be invented.
4. The Paderno Spiralizer is a great tool and concept, and it is the best brand that exists on the market. However, the blades and the machine itself are difficult to clean.
-The blades easily slice up a kitchen sponge, and the entire piece of equipment must be wiped down from top to bottom after use because the vegetable juice gets everywhere.
5. Automated cat litter box do not do what the name implies.
-These supposedly "clean themselves." I had one of these for my cat, and it made a huge mess that had to manually clean which defeated the purpose of having a self-cleaning litter box. I wont go into much detail in case anyone is trying to enjoy their breakfast or dinner right now, but when the machine would scoop, what was scooped would only stick to the scooper and not get discarded. Much fun that was.
6. "Wonder Hangers" are supposed to add to your closet space and keep your closet organized, but they are ineffective.
-These hangers are very thick and made of plastic. They allow you to hang up to four or five articles of clothing on one hanger (saving you hanger, thus saving you closet space right?) but you have to space these hangers out very far from each other to avoid bunching. You have to use less hangers which defeats the purpose of creating more closet space for the addition of more clothes. I found these on an infomercial. I should have known.
7. Clear plastic cling wrap almost always knots up before I can rip it from the box.
-the plastic doesn't rip off effectively and it bundles to itself instead of forming a nice flat sheet.
8. Re-seal-able plastic bags don't always open after you've torn on the dotted line.
-I still have to end up breaking out the scissors to open these bags because the perforation was placed in the wrong spot on the bag in manufacturing.
9. Electronics typically come in hard plastic packages that even scissors won't get into well.
-The plastic is very thick and there is no clear opening.
10. The "Hot Air" hair curler curls hair by winding the hair up and then releasing, but hair can get very tangled in the process.
-Fine hair can easily get entangled in the bristles of the device.
11. Appliance repair gives you a four-hour time frame of when the service will take place, and often time the servicemen do not arrive on the first call
-Schedules are not set-in-stone and the servicemen cannot make guarantees on timing.
12. Beauticians performing manicure services often dig client's cuticles in before painting their nails. I find this service unnecessarily painful.
-Apparently, cuticles prohibit nail polish from covering the maximum service area, so by pushing them in, more polish can be applied which makes client's nails look longer and more appealing.
13. Jars that have in incredibly tight seal are very hard to open.
-They are sealed tightly for preserving freshness.
14. Some cooking pots have metal handles that get hot when cooking.
-The handles absorb the heat.
15. Automated Recordings on phone sometimes seem to not ever get the caller in contact with an actual representative
-This phone service seems to be helping clients by fixing the problem as simply and quickly as possible by not having to wait for a rep to answer, but often times service reps are needed.
16. I-phone Auto-Correct "corrects" words I wish it wouldn't.
-This service corrects misspelled words to save users time from spell-checking themselves. However, often times I find my spell spending even more time undoing what auto-correct corrected.
17. Youtube places advertisements on videos.
-YouTube is a way for companies to gain exposure, capture audiences, and generate revenue. However, nine times out of ten I skip the entire ad when I have that option, so I don't know if these ads are even effective at all.
18. GPS systems are often give you weird routes when another route is much more feasible had you known the area.
-these systems seem to be outdated with the current road systems.
19. Many gloves are not compatible with touch-screen phones and electronics. I have to take my gloves off if I want to type on my I-phone.
-the electronics cannot sense the touch action due to the smooth fabric. I did come across some "Iphone compatible" gloves in a Bloomingdale's store though that had a rough grove of fabric on both the thumb and index finger though!
20. I often find that bracelets and watches are too large for my wrists as is, and I have to get them taken in if I want them to fit correctly
-Apart from rings, jewelry manufacturers only make accessories to fit the average size.
This exercise actually surprised me in that it wasn't that difficult to come up with these "bugs." Once I got started brainstorming, more ideas came to me easily!
Week 2 Reading Reflection ch. 1
The biggest surprise for me in the reading was learning that kids and teens ages 8-14 have a purchasing power of over $40 billion dollars annually. Wow. I knew that the tween market must be large, but I didn't know that that age bracket dominated in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs should enter this market and/or come up with the latest and greatest products that will succeed in it. I also didn't know that the market for high school athletics was so large. There are more than 7 million high school athletes in the United States who demand products, transportation services for games and tournaments, and even recruitment events and programs.
When reading about the integrative approach to entrepreneurship I became a little confused and had to re-read the section to grasp its main points. What particularly confused me were the input and output components involved in the entrepreneurship process. The integrative approach is meant to "provide a logical framework for organizing entrepreneurial inputs" such as environmental opportunities, the individual entrepreneur, creation of a business concept, implementation of a business concept, and financial/non-financial resources. Entrepreneurship, itself, is also its own output variable, and specific "entrepreneurial events" can differ in measures of intensity. Entrepreneurship as a variable will discussed in more detail in the next chapter, so with further reading, I am sure I will be able to fully grasp the material.
I would ask the author why he claimed that "sooner or later, all companies wither and die." I do understand that interests among people are always changing, but I also believe that brand loyalty is a very strong entity. With the right strategic planning and implementation, business can keep their loyal customers and continue to grow through innovation and acting on changes in consumer demand. For example, Macy's Department store has been in business for 157 years and is still a leading company in the retail fashion industry due to its high quality yet affordable products, excellent customer service, online presence, and technical innovations.
I disagree partly with "myth 2" that states, "entrepreneurs are born, not made." I don't think this statement should be classified as a myth. Yes, teaching entrepreneurship as a discipline where individuals can acquire knowledge on the subject can be beneficial. However, the drive certainly has to be there, and an individual needs to be bold, assertive, and not risk-averse. I think being a people-person and being naturally creative are necessary to be an entrepreneur as well.
When reading about the integrative approach to entrepreneurship I became a little confused and had to re-read the section to grasp its main points. What particularly confused me were the input and output components involved in the entrepreneurship process. The integrative approach is meant to "provide a logical framework for organizing entrepreneurial inputs" such as environmental opportunities, the individual entrepreneur, creation of a business concept, implementation of a business concept, and financial/non-financial resources. Entrepreneurship, itself, is also its own output variable, and specific "entrepreneurial events" can differ in measures of intensity. Entrepreneurship as a variable will discussed in more detail in the next chapter, so with further reading, I am sure I will be able to fully grasp the material.
I would ask the author why he claimed that "sooner or later, all companies wither and die." I do understand that interests among people are always changing, but I also believe that brand loyalty is a very strong entity. With the right strategic planning and implementation, business can keep their loyal customers and continue to grow through innovation and acting on changes in consumer demand. For example, Macy's Department store has been in business for 157 years and is still a leading company in the retail fashion industry due to its high quality yet affordable products, excellent customer service, online presence, and technical innovations.
I disagree partly with "myth 2" that states, "entrepreneurs are born, not made." I don't think this statement should be classified as a myth. Yes, teaching entrepreneurship as a discipline where individuals can acquire knowledge on the subject can be beneficial. However, the drive certainly has to be there, and an individual needs to be bold, assertive, and not risk-averse. I think being a people-person and being naturally creative are necessary to be an entrepreneur as well.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Week 2 My Entrepreneurship Story
Last year, a few classmates and I were given the challenge to come up with an idea for a new product. We each considered different gadgets that we would like for ourselves, things that would make day-to-day life easier and more fun, etc. In the end, we decided on cellphone cases that could protect phones from harsh temperatures. I thought of this idea because I've had several experiences where my iPhone has gotten too hot and has turned itself off. Living in Florida during the summer, overheating a mobile device is certainly not hard to do. Also, last March while I was in New York City, my phone actually became too cold. I was in the middle of a call, and my phone shut off on its own due to the weather. We decided that thermal-insulated cell phone cases would be a hit, and picked our designated retailer to be Best Buy. Maybe this invention will become a reality one day! I'd certainly buy it.
I enrolled in ENT3003 because I've definitely teetered with the idea of starting my own business. I am very passionate about the fashion and beauty industries, and am also passionate about health and wellness, healing, and stopping animal cruelty. Since I was young I've thought about opening my own boutique, starting my own clothing line, starting a business that supports and funds animal shelters, etc. I hope to learn what it takes to make these thoughts a reality. I hope to learn the mindset needed to make all these things possible. It certainly can be done, and I'm eager to see how others have accomplished their own goals and how I can accomplish mine.
(backstage at Pensacola Fashion Week talking with designers)
(backstage at Pensacola Fashion Week talking with designers)
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