https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egILZzM_bNA
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Saturday, May 28, 2016
My Solution
In prior exercises, I had developed
the idea of a radio to be placed in vehicles with a decibel reader for hearing
impaired drivers. This idea could also help those that are not hearing impaired
but would like to maintain the hearing they have. After conducting some
interviews and thinking further, I have changed my idea and shaped it further.
My solution to this idea is to
include a device within vehicles that attaches to the steering wheel. Radio
decibel readers is a nice idea but most people may get agitated with such a
feature. A new solution to help the hearing impaired (as well as others) is a
device that can detect, within a two mile radius, sirens or emergency vehicles
coming toward the vehicle. This would then alert the driver by vibrating the
wheel. This would be beneficial to hearing impaired drivers who may not detect
the sound as quickly as others. It may also be helpful to other drivers; as
nowadays many use their phones and other devices while driving. Being alert is
important for anyone behind the wheel.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Looking for Opportunity
The first
economic trend opportunity: Gas Prices on the Rise Again
a)
I
was listening to the radio getting ready for work and the station stated gas
prices will be on the rise again. So I began to research this online for
further investigation.
b)
What
leads me to believe there is an opportunity is that throughout an entire
calendar year, gas prices vary. Of course with the oil spill from 2008, there
was a huge rise in prices. Once the prices dropped, those that went from
driving their Hummers to bike riding, went back to their car lifestyles. When
prices rise again – people usually get very angry. If more people convert back
to their cars when prices are lower then maybe steady lower prices is the way
to go!
c)
I
think anyone who frequently drives a vehicle (or owns a vehicle) would be the
customer for this opportunity as cars need gas to drive.
d)
I
think this would be moderately difficult to exploit only because when one pays for
gas it goes to more than just one thing. Therefore, splitting the costs for gas
may not be even for a long term change. However, if it works for a short term
then what makes that possible?
I
find that since prices have been stable and lower than recent rises, people are
purchasing cars that take a lot of gas or not thinking of a future rise in
prices. When I got my car, prices were just beginning to rise. At the time I
was only part time and not able to swing school/groceries/gas/car maintenance
and the occasional makeup splurge. When the prices began to drop I was super
happy but am anxiously awaiting a large rise in price to occur. This can be
connected to my personal experience and emotional struggles with my
vehicle.
The
second economic trend opportunity: U.S. Defense Changing Technology
a)
I
found this opportunity listening to a podcast while at work. I was thinking
about the U.S. Defense and how they are going to update their technology soon.
I cannot recall the amount of millions needed to convert all the technology to
updated ways but it will be implemented.
b)
The
issue I find with this is that I feel later down the road something may go
wrong. I feel that one way or another, some sort of information will not
transfer properly or become lost. I think there should be a better system or
way to organize and revise technology for all military bases.
c)
The
customer would be (down the line) tax payers I am sure who would have an
increase to try and recover missing information or revamp a process that failed
at converting information over.
d)
I
think this would be fairly simple to complete if there were specific guidelines
across the board.
I
think most would see an article or quick interview about this and think that it
is a great thing and move on. I too think this is great to update technology
but I see flaws happening during this process and becoming a larger issue than
it is now without converting! My personal inexperience with technology makes me
think about all the issues that can happen and my questions regarding the
process in doing so.
The
first regulatory change
opportunity: Real Estate/Housing Market
a)
I
began researching this topic in another course and since the terrible crash in
2008, many are predicting another dip (or crash) will soon take place.
b)
What
leads me to believe an opportunity exists is that people have begun to purchase
homes they cannot afford and may not be able to keep in the future if a crash
happens. I think bankers should have stronger stipulations when it comes to
approving home loans and tighter restrictions should be made. If everything has
a microscope, home buyers can remain in an affordable range. An opportunity
exists but between real estate agents wanting their large cut and the bank,
people are put into homes that cannot be kept down the line.
c)
First
time home buyers are the prototypical costumers in this situation.
d)
This
may be very difficult to take place because people like to buy things out of
price range and pay for it longer over time. Buying a shirt out of budget is
one thing but a home is much worse. I think trying to persuade home buyers and
first time home buyers especially that less is best, will be very tricky.
A
family friend had bought a home that they could no longer afford after the
crash. Looking back, they wish they had not over gone on budget and went
smaller in size. Since things are on an upswing currently, I do not think first
time home buyers are heavily thinking about the
“what if” of another crash. Most people do not think of the bad things unless the bad things are happening to them/currently.
“what if” of another crash. Most people do not think of the bad things unless the bad things are happening to them/currently.
The
second regulatory change opportunity: Legalizing Marijuana in Florida
a)
This
topic has been circling for a long time nationwide. Once a few states voted to
legalize the use of marijuana, Floridians began to wonder when they will be
next! There are countless meetings per county about this as well as articles
and debates within the state. I also found some great articles online.
b)
This
information certainly suggest the legalization of marijuana in Florida may take
place within the next few years. With knowledge of economic status of the
states that have legalization versus the states that do not help indicate where
there are pros and cons to this advantage.
c)
The
prototypical customer for this opportunity would be hospital patients that need
this medication for recovery.
d)
I
think overall it will be tough to have this opportunity to succeed. I believe
awhile back it was on a ballot for Florida but was not passed therefore majority
of people voted against it. But a second chance may prove us wrong.
Most
people smoke illegally, as most of the snapchats I receive are marijuana
related, so having it legalized would help boost the economy for Florida. I
honestly do not have any personal connections to this but think it would make a
lot of money regardless for the state.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Identifying Local Opportunities
1. . “Pinellas works fast to
replace dozens of teachers leaving troubled schools. HUGE RUSH TO FILL SPOTS”
·
This article was all about different schools in
and around Pinellas County that are in need of teachers for the next
school year. Many schools deemed “troubled” have had teachers leave, retire, or
teachers whom have transferred. The county held a job fair for the turnaround
schools in need. Many people showed up but that does not guarantee a job.
·
The problem in this story is that not all of
the possible candidates who showed up are qualified for the job. Aside from
having the education degree(s); some may not have experience or enjoy the job
once they receive it.
·
The school board of Pinellas
County has the problem of not having enough teachers to switch and provide all
schools with proper instructors. The school board needs to recruit and add more
teachers to their payroll.
2. “SUPPORTERS OF TRANSIT TAX COULD PETITION”
·
This article was
all about the proposed .5 tax raise that could take place for Hillsborough County.
This tax raise would last for fifteen years to help generate enough money to
work on the roadways and transit projects. In prior
attempts to raise the taxes, the idea has never been put into action. This time
around, with a shorter time span of 15 years, it is going through the steps and
may be on the November ballot.
·
The problem is those who reside in Hillsborough
County who do not want an increase in taxes for the next fifteen years. I do
not think anyone really cheers when taxes are raised.
·
The Hillsborough County commissioners have the
problem in this case as it will be difficult to arrange this tax for the
ballot. The problem is wasting the space for this question, instead of
something more achievable, during voting and possibly having it denied after
tallying the votes.
3. “CAN
PARK DELIVER ON $35.5M PROMISE?”
·
This article was
all about the possible renovation of a park in downtown Tampa. The park is
going to waste and unused by the general public. Combining the BP oil spill settlement
money with other funding; the 35.5 million park would create a modern and
useful park with sport courts, boat areas, and common area buildings.
·
The problem in
this article is the general public of Tampa and some city council members do
not think that much money should be put into a single park renovation. It is
certainly a lot of money but claims to create a park worth the wait/financial investment.
·
The older
generations have an issue with this park being torn down (originally built in
the 1970’s) to create an over the top unneeded park in old West Tampa.
4. “BEST CITIES FOR JOBS? NONE HERE MAKE CUT”
·
This article is
all about the top cities to find jobs released by a website. There were not any
cities in Florida listed in the top 25 by this website. The website ranked such
cities by the happiness of employees, the pay rate, how easy to get a job in
said city, and how affordable is it to live in that city.
·
The problem is
that all cities in Florida do not have appropriate answers to the four criteria
listed above according to the website.
·
The people in
the workforce of Florida have the problem of not being satisfied with their
jobs or benefit of hefty pay. The cost of living is naturally increasing and
Florida’s questionable tax raises does not help make job offers in Florida more
appealing to outsiders.
5. “SPORTS
AUTHORITY IS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS”
·
This article is all
about how the sports store, Sports Authority, is going out of business and
closing all locations. There are multiple Sports Authority located in the Tampa
area, all of which will be empty buildings soon. The company began in Fort
Lauderdale in 1987 and has been bought out by some companies and eventually was
bought by a private company which could not manage to
stay afloat with alternative methods to purchase sports goods.
·
The problem in
this article was there were not enough profits to keep Sports Authority in
business with numerous locations nationwide.
·
The problem in
this article are the business owners not able to generate new customers and
continue to bring old costumers coming back for more. Marketing wise there was
not enough produced to help the company spread far and wide.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Forming An Opportunity Belief
1) I
do have a belief that an opportunity exists in this world. There are several
opportunities that are all around us and it can simply be just getting up in
the morning!
2) My
belief is that a radio (more specifically in vehicles) can include a decibel
reader to alert hearing impaired drivers or passengers of high frequency waves
while in a motor vehicle. This is an unmet need of those who are hearing
impaired and has been an issue for many decades – if not longer. This need is
currently being met with apps and small decibel reader devices available. Many
of us are encouraged to put our phones down while driving and if a hearing
impaired driver is alone in the car, it is unsafe to pull out a phone and enter
an app for reading decibel sounds. Hearing impaired drivers just have to
mentally take note of a “good volume” in the car while traveling aside from
apps and device assistance. Decibel devices are fairly expensive and not always
needed in daily life if other devices can help monitor hearing such as hearing
aids. I myself have had some experience with a decibel device only through my
hearing specialist during a project I did in middle school. Otherwise, I do not
own one or work with such a device regularly. I would say that I am fairly
certain this opportunity exists and may be developed some day as a feature in
future vehicles. I would state that I am 89% positive this opportunity exists.
3) The
prototypical costumer would be any individual with a hearing deficit that may
need assistance. I would also think that any individual who would like to
protect their hearing (may not have a discrepancy) for as long as possible may
also be prospects.
4) I
interviewed three people. A friend of mine who is fully deaf, my hearing
specialist, and a random costumer of my hearing specialist.
5) I
learned that my opportunity is out there but may be harder to reach than
expected. The opportunity is doable but would be years of process and trying to
get vehicle companies on board in adding this feature to a future model of a
vehicle. I also learned that with the limited work of vehicle making in select
areas in North America may also affect the efficiency of this feature. What surprised
me the most, as I had not thought of it that much, is that would mean any
prototypical costumer would have to purchase a new vehicle solely for this
feature. This newfound knowledge certainly gave me a different outlook on my opportunity.
6) I
interviewed three people. A friend of mine who is fully deaf, my hearing
specialist, and a random costumer of my hearing specialist.
7) Part
of my original opportunity is still there. However, I am feeling much more
struggle to have a solid base for this opportunity. I would like a solid idea, efficient
approach, and a relatively reasonable process. Right now the process part has
shifted vastly since my initial opportunity began. I may find another approach
that will work for this opportunity but it is not coming to light currently. With
that being said, I find my opportunity is less accurate now than it was when I
began. I do think entrepreneurs do have to adapt but be able to balance staying
firm as well. If an entrepreneur is not able to adapt then their idea may not be
accepted or ever take off. But I think it is important to be firm in your
belief and not have someone else take over and change your entire vision “in
your best interest.” I think this can lead to money discrepancy later on and
product production claim struggles as well. It is important to listen to prospective
customers but keep yourself driven and have a plan. I am adapting and changing
the outlook on my opportunity but staying firm in my belief and feeling that
this feature should be available to prototypical customers.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Bug List to Dis!
The program,
Excel, is a bug of mine as it makes those less experienced with the program not
receive better jobs that work with Excel.
I think this
bug exists to create more of a hierarchy in the workforce on top of the other
hierarchies that exist when it comes to finding a job. It is very competitive
and I find that if one lacks experience with Excel it may boot you from a job
offer.
IPhone
updates are a bug of mine as it ironically is to remove bugs, but most often
from my experience, the updates do not!
I think this
bug exists to create a trap and monopoly. I have an older IPhone because I am a
college student on a budget and cannot afford the latest IPhone phone. When
updates release often they make my phone run slower and run my battery quickly.
It is a trap because with my frustration I should just go get an IPhone 6.
Which would lead me to still be in a monopoly of “IPhones are the best phone
battle” (as compared to other phones like Samsung).
Self-Check
outs at Walmart are a bug of mine. During peak hours of the day, the machines
of self-check-out fail to scan and accept items. I have gotten so annoyed I
bashed my items on the scanner once (true story).
I think this
bug exists to give you an illusion that the store is trying to make shopping
easier and more convenient for you but in reality the line is just as long. And
checking out is probably more difficult since you are pricing, scanning, and
bagging yourself.
Customer
service representatives are a bug of mine. Those customer service
representatives that are only available through a 1-800-number are rather
difficult to speak to. Most often from my experience they are not helpful and
usually rude.
I think this
bug exists because there is no face to face contact with the representative.
You can use any word in the dictionary but at the end of the day the problem
may not be resolved through a phone call. By removing in person contact, a
company is removing several errors and issues that arise in person versus phone
only customer service.
Websites
that are ad crazy are a bug of mine. A website that has ads pop up every five
seconds and the page decorated top to bottom with other ads makes it really
difficult to read an article or browse.
I think this
bug exists clearly for advertising. However, it makes me wonder how much
traffic the website gets from viewers instead of ad sales. I usually do not
spend more than sixty seconds on a website that is ad crazy. So I do not know
if even just a second brings money to the website from my view.
Packaging
for brands are a bug of mine. When shopping at Walmart or Publix there are
brands that have options. For example, tissues of a certain brand have multiple
options. But if you prefer a softer tissue then you may get less tissues per
package.
I think this
bug exists for those that do not pay attention to what they are grabbing so a
company can produce less and gain more revenue. You may get six boxes for $8.00
but if you want soft tissues it may be five boxes for $9.50. Simple packaging
can throw someone off completely and overpay.
Products
available on the top shelf in a store are a bug of mine. When I shop 8 out of 10
times what I need is located on the top shelf and as a shorter individual;
shopping turns into a tall challenge.
I am not too
sure why this bug exists but I do know it bugs me a lot. Maybe it is product
placement but I think it may be because most of society is not as short as me.
I am the abnormal one in the store but the struggle is clearly visible.
Books that
are not available to buy back are a bug of mine. Most of college students have
mandatory book(s) for classes. There are certain books that you cannot rent but
only buy and will not be available to sell back after the term.
I think this
bug exists simply to make students insane. But also exists to have maximum
profit as each semester X amount of students will need that book and have to
purchase at full/new price.
The line at
the local post office is a bug of mine. From open until close, the line is out
the door at the local post office. Any given day expect to spend 25 minutes in
line minimum.
I think this
bug exists because the post office does not have more than two people working
at a time to reduce paying more employees than they have to. If they hire only
part time postal service employees, they do not have to pay out benefits or
overtime. So it slows the entire mailing process down by having the line backed
up to Georgia and only two employees.
Free items
that are not truly free are a bug of mine. For example, I went to a UF baseball
game awhile back and the announcer said for those with their UF ID could
receive a free piece of pizza. Of course I went to get my pizza but it was not
really free. All students pay students fees which go into funding things like
“free pizza at a baseball game” or leftover money for free bracelets at a
gymnastics meet.
I think this
bug exists to make students feel like they get free items when in reality you
paid for whatever item it is. You just happened to pay in advance and not in
that particular moment.
A product
that is available at both Target and Walmart but have a price discrepancy is a
bug of mine.
I think this
bug exists due to how each company treats their employees. It is not the
products fault for where it is shipped. So maybe the price is higher at Target
for the shopping experience to be more pleasurable than at Walmart. It still
does not make sense because the parking lot at Target can be just as insane as
Walmart. This bug really makes me curious.
The Nike
brand is a bug of mine. I love working out but it seems like the best running
shoes and workout shoes are from Nike.
I think this
bug exists to create a monopoly for those that are athletes for strictly
exercise and strength versus sports. I have tried to purchase other brands that
seem to be similar to Nike but nothing beats the specific types of Nike shoes I
wear when working out. I also think people love to advertise they are wearing
Nike shoes.
Women who
ask to borrow my perfume on a daily basis is a major bug of mine. Pretty much
daily multiple people ask me to borrow my perfume for themselves or ask what I
am wearing.
I think this
bug exists for the sheer fact that ladies like free perfume! I will not say no
to someone wanting some of my perfume but literally two or three different
ladies will ask me daily. I also think it is funny when someone phrases it with
“borrow” because I will not get the fragrance back later on.
T.V. shows
that have product placement is a bug of mine. If I am watching a cooking show,
I do not need to see Food Network pots placed in the kitchen set every five
segments.
I think this
bug exists to advertise products or maybe show sponsors throughout a show. But
it does not mean I will go buy the placed product. I think it is a false effect
to do this.
Commercials
are a bug of mine. While most people record shows and movies, commercials are
irrelevant as people fast forward through them.
I think this
bug exists because there will always be a time when you are watching a show
live or as it premiers in that moment and will have to sit through commercials
as they play. Maybe it is to not only fill the gaps that a show cannot air but
to recognize the show sponsors and contributors.
Paying for
bottled water is a bug of mine. Water should be free – even in bottles.
I think this
bug exists because although water may be easier to produce there are still
costs for the plastic of the bottles. To produce the plastic and run the
machines or factories to produce the bottled water money must be given to keep
the water cycle going (no pun intended).
Warranty
policies are a bug of mine. Warranty policies that most people decline and
boost the price sky high.
I think this
bug exists to lead the costumer to think they will be protected for however
many years. But in most cases (when added warranty is bought) people throw away
the appliance or have misplaced the paperwork proving they have the policy. So
essentially the costumer wasted money on a warranty that never held a service
to them.
Fees at
ATM’s are a bug of mine. Paying money to receive money that is yours is crazy.
I think this
bug exists to generate extra money to the credit union or bank. It also may be
in existence because of the placement of the machine. It may be in a spot that
has a low amount of visitors so in order to keep that ATM in that location, a
fee is required.
Charging
women more for a haircut than men is a bug of mine. Why are women haircuts (no
coloring or anything, just a haircut) more expensive than a male haircut?
I think this
bug exists because women can be more complex in the sense of layers, bangs, and
styling techniques needed as compared to men. Maybe it is more expensive for a woman
cut because it is more time consuming than a cut for a man. But the service is
still the same and require the same tools so cost wise there should not be a
cost gap.
Products
built to die after a certain amount of time is a bug of mine. Why build
something that will not last?
I think this
bug exists to ensure a companies’ existence in the near future. If you build a
company to make items not last a long time but is something people likely need
then you know costumers will probably repurchase the items in the near future
so it ensures business. Too bad the good ole days are gone and products that
last decades are over.
I found this
assignment really cool to complete. I was certainly frustrated toward bug
number 11-14. I really wanted to think about what I was putting down and come
up with true bugs I have thought about before. It was the why that I also found
to be difficult. At first I would think, “Well just because” but I had to dig
and think for a reason as to why things are the way they are. After viewing the
lecture it was crazy neat that Chris stated students would get agitated at
either the 7th or 11th bug. He was completely right!
Monday, May 9, 2016
My Entrepreneurship Story!
There was a time when I met and worked closely with an entrepreneur
whom owned their own business. I grew up a dancer and the studio I went to was
owned by a woman who was an entrepreneur. When I was younger, I approached the owner
about taking more classes than I could afford by working for the studio in some
way. I began to help instruct classes for younger students at age twelve. I
also would clean the studio throughout the week in exchange for more classes. I
ended up working (under the table) for the studio for five years. The
experience throughout most of that time was rather great. I enjoyed teaching
students the passion for dance that I had. I did not mind cleaning the studio because
I would often eavesdrop on other classes going on to receive tips and ideas. It
turned southward during the fifth year of doing so because I felt I was being
taken advantage of. I was earning my class tuition by working for the studio
but I felt I had a heavy workload (some stress was partially my fault) that was
being taken advantage of. Aside from instructing and cleaning I soon began to
have added tasks like going to pick up costumes or ship off materials, etc.
These types of things took up time and gas which if I were employed by the
company – I would get reimbursed. However, since it was under the table work,
there was no way for reimbursement but it was simply free work through the eyes
of the entrepreneur.
I enrolled in this course for two reasons. My brother was a
business major at UF and took this course and had enjoyed it very much. I am
not a business major but the way he spoke of this class made it sound really intriguing.
My brother and I are close and have always bounced business ideas off of each
other and would love to create something together one day. I am a sociology
major and am required to take many electives at the 3000 level. Luckily, this
course gives me the chance to explore entrepreneurship and meet a requirement I
need to graduate in the future. I hope to get more information out of this
class about entrepreneurship, real world examples (which from lecture I will
get!), and more inspiration to help assist my brother who has the mind for
business.
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