My Secret Sauce (BBQ!)

I think five ways that make me different within my human capital is that I am great at creating solutions on the spot. Granted this seems like something everyone can do but not in every situation. One of my past jobs dealt with the general public and every situation was different. You had to create solutions on the spot for each different situation which was not always easy but I felt I did it smoothly and easily. A second way that my human capital is truly unique is that since I know so many different people – I know everyone’s story. With that being said, I can somehow connect and relate to pretty much anyone you put in front me. It may connect to my life or experience or someone I have met prior to meeting that person. This is useful in the business world because customers always want someone (or product) that is similar to them and relatable. This may seem off but I feel it is important in making me unique! I am fairly short in height but I am mighty strong for my size. I love working out and staying fit. Although I am not bulging with muscle; I lift and workout constantly. There have been times when people have doubted me in my physical strength because they see a small girl in heels. But I can move a lot and have a lot of endurance which I think makes me unique. You never know, when creating a business, when you will have to put on your construction hat or presentation attire. Therefore, having all these abilities makes the process easier. Fourthly, I am not afraid to show my true colors these days. I am not someone to hide part of who I am because that would not be me. I do not act any way but myself and I think that shows strength that may set me a part in my own human capital. If you are not yourself in an interview then the job may not know who the person really is. If you are in a pitch and act like what you think they want – it may not be what the company is looking for to invest in. So it is best to always be yourself at the end of the day. And I am truly beginning to understand that concept. Lastly, I think what makes my human capital different is that I am a perfectionist but am not afraid to show my weak points. I will gladly tell you what I am not capable of doing (or doing poorly) I would not want to jeopardize something important to “get by” but would rather be up front that I am terrible at a certain task but offer what I am good at to be the best of help to others.   

I interviewed with my brother and it was honestly nice hearing him give raw and natural feedback. It was simply cool to hear his thoughts without knowing what the interview would be about beforehand to then create a rehearsed response.

I interviewed one of my close friends who knows me very well. What stuck out to me the most that she said was that I am an ice breaker. No one has ever called me an ice breaker but it was really awesome to have that kind of analogy so to speak. I can see it now that she mentioned it. I thought it was unique and interesting to hear her perspective.

I interviewed my grandma, mom, and dad in the last video. It was awesome to hear my family because it has been a long time since I have seen them. My key take away was that my grandma thinks I am confident. If only she saw me in my day-to-day life. But hearing her say that made me feel really special and somewhat accomplished!

I see myself as someone who is ever changing and evolving into someone better and stronger. That may sound cheesy but I can see it within the difference of a month versus myself comparing to myself at age 14. I think all these changes are for the better and continue to grow and learn a whole bunch about what I am truly capable of. Others seem to see me as someone who has a bigger than life personality. I think this is a little exaggerated but that seems to be the general consensus. Most see me as someone who is kind and willing to do for others. I mostly agree with that but I think people think too highly of me, in all honesty! There is certainly a discrepancy when comparing how I assess myself as others do. I think what causes these differences is past lower self-esteem. I still tend to think poorly of myself but am more comfortable with who I am in a sense that I am not timid or shy (never been a word to describe me). So sometimes I think that old part of me still creeps back in and does not allow me to see what others do. Since I chose five of the closest people to me, I would say they are correct about me. I take their opinions to heart and would not think they would lie to me so I would say they are correct. I would not change my list as I meant each difference that makes my own unique BBQ secret sauce human capital. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bgMoG3hJgA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOs6SzySAck 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hRgYjkfy-g 

Idea Napkin No. 2 - When the Entrée Comes Out

My name is Isabella. I am a junior at UF studying sociology. I am 20 years old and would classify myself as somewhat creative. I grew up a dancer and have tons of creativity within a dance studio or stage setting. In regards to business building and being an entrepreneur – I would not classify myself as being talented as it is not something I am very familiar with.  I believe I have strong people skills along with experience with the general public. My aspirations would honestly be to get this idea off the ground. My brother recently graduated from UF with a business degree and it would be really awesome to team up on this concept. To actually begin making a prototype or having potential customers would be really awesome to see happen. This would play a huge role in my life as it would be my business and work. I would make sure everything is up to date, customers are happy, and always trying to think of ways to make my product better. Whether that is teaming up with top names in the industry or offering better warrantee or price comparing to make it the best.

What I am offering to costumers is a device to attach to a steering wheel in a vehicle to locate emergency vehicles sound coming within a 2 mile radius of the vehicle. This device 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. I am offering assurance to hearing impaired drivers. Being hearing impaired myself, it is really difficult to detect where sounds are coming from and often hearing impaired drivers are delayed with their response. 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. My product would have the name "Here Wheel." I will be solving customers unmet needs by providing a safety feature within vehicles that has not yet been introduced but is much needed this day in age.

I am offering this product to anyone who is hearing impaired. This includes those whom are just slightly hearing disabled. It is not just intended for fully deaf individuals. As stated above, I think others who are not hearing impaired would also benefit from this product. In that aspect I am targeting young teens, possibly those learning to drive (i.e. permit drivers), young moms with children riding in the car as distractions, and college age students with loud sound systems too. I project that a majority of my costumers’ will be hearing impaired and they all would have less than “normal”/average hearing in common.

Customers will pay me money to use this product as I made this connection and designed it with the hearing impaired in mind. As someone who is hearing impaired, it has depth and perspective from the inside versus being a company or inventor of a device that is from the outside looking inward on the issue. With that being said, it is a product that has purpose and use for hearing impaired drivers who need more assistance with locating siren sounds and warning time just as everyone else does.

My core competencies include being able to understand marketing toward hearing impaired drivers and population as a whole. There are certain phrases and ideologies that are very offensive toward a majority of those who are hearing impaired. Marketing is key in this production and being able to understand the balance line is important. I am very close to my hearing specialist as well. My specialist is well known in the North Florida region and well respected. I think this sets me a part by having a “shoe in” with someone to advertise and push my product with his patients. He is known all over the U.S. as well as his home country which could really help market my product internationally. Although someone may have a hearing specialist nearby – or find one via Google Maps, I have a personal connection to my specialist that could spread the word internationally.

All in all, I do think all of these elements fit together nicely. I do have a primary focus on helping assist hearing impaired drivers. Although someone reading this post may see some disconnects, overall I think so far it is okay for the stage I am at currently. My only concern would be if this product were to be developed further that someone may think I created a hasty generalization when in reality, I am not. I do think my weaker points for my business concept is my doubtfulness when it comes to believing it could really take off. This then affects my ability to sell a pitch and goes downhill from there. I have hesitation about how it may be perceived but I suppose that is part of the process! 
_____________________________________________________________________________

Feedback Memo:The three comments I received from my first napkin idea were all very kind. What I did was go back and reread them and sat thinking about their feedback. I then reread my napkin idea and tweaked what I feel differently about now. Overall, I do feel the same about my product idea and the process thus far. The comments were nice and all felt that I had a connection to my product, creativity, determination, concrete planner, and knowledgeable about my product market. 

My Customer's Avatar

I believe that my customers share a hobby of a love for sleep, exercise, and food. These may seem typical but sleep is a wonderful thing when you can get it! For the most part, those who have hearing impairments are elderly and therefore enjoy naps and sleeping when they can. Exercise is important for anyone but especially to help with balance for the hearing impaired. This can be a very difficult skill to achieve when your natural balance is already off. Lastly, a fun hobby is food. Exploring different foods and simply eating is fun, let’s face it – it’s a hobby.

I picture a majority of my costumers driving beige or white colored Toyota sedans. This seems like a safe choice and not too large for one or two people. And it seems a lot of older folks like lighter and natural colored tones.

Reruns of the Golden Girls because it is a funny show. Or any rerun of a television show from “the good ole days.”

I think most of my customers will have children, whether they are grown or not, children with be a common theme among my costumers.

I also think my customers would also be great at not letting their struggles get in their way. It truly is a silent struggle everyday but customers can read mouths, sign, and move easily through their day as best they can. Being able to not let their impairment hinder or stop them from completing something is important. This would be something a customer can purchase and install themselves and make one thing easier for them, driving. 

I would suspect most of my costumers to be 55+ in age. I debate whether I think my costumers would feel older or younger based on other abilities they have. I always feel older being that I have a hearing deficit and I am young. But my grandpa, who had a hearing impairment, always said he felt older. I think it depends on how long one has had a hearing problem to assess. But I would guess it would be a half and half of feeling much older than they are and feeling much younger than they are.

What I have in common with my avatar is that we both are natural brunettes. I chose to make the avatar not look like me in all ways because the product is for others. Of course, I too, am hearing impaired which would be a common thread. It is not a coincidence that my customers/avatar and I have this in common. I sought out a product or business idea in this class that can be related to those who have hearing impairments. There are a lot of devices but not enough day-to-day activity products to help make things easier. So this was designed with [me] in mind! 

Designed with my mom in mind. 

Elevator Pitch No. 2 - Going Up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26mPKrAt8Jk

I was purely shocked by the feedback I received from my first elevator pitch. Everyone was very open to my product idea, “seeing” me for the first time, the way I outlined my pitch, and my use of a whiteboard. I was very pleased and surprised to see such sweet feedback from classmates. It honestly made me so happy. I felt I could be stronger when it came to overall presentation and including more details about the product. So this time I decided not include reasoning of why I came up with the product but included price range whereas in the last pitch I did not include pricing at all. I did use a visual again with the whiteboard since it seemed like a hit. It was right under one minute but I wanted to throw myself into “the elevator” like the last time so it really was true to the assignment. 

#Meriout

Meriout

Mer/ee/out

1.      Someone whom feels self-worth and deserving.

2.      To praise oneself with reward.

I began using this word two weeks ago and boy was it weird. I did not know how to bring this up in a conversation. I began by using it while talking to my brother on Skype. He thought the connection was bad and could not understand what I was saying. Then he thought I was trying to say the hotel ‘Marriott’ and it went downhill from there. I then used it at work in regards to another coworker who does think highly of themselves. Two coworkers pretended like they knew what I said but the others asked what I was trying to say. My coworkers thought it was weird but when I wrote it out; many of them agreed it made sense and should be a synonym for the word ‘pompous’ however my word is not as harshly meant in manner as pompous. But this week, a coworker of mine remembered and referred to my new word. I finally began to use this word around my friends and I got some strange looks. After explaining the meaning, all of my friends thought it was a word that could become a hashtag pretty soon. I think that is a little bold to say but maybe the word could catch on in the future if it had a few tweaks. If it did become a popular new phrase for youngsters, I would like to patent the word/phrase!  

From Taste of Home magazine

Alternative & Post-Purchase Evaluation

During this round of interviews, I had a really nice spectrum of buyers and their reactions. These were all college students that I passed throughout the week that let me interview them. Danielle and I had a common bond when it came to only purchasing when needed. The mentality of the other two were a little more lenient with spending. Most often they pay with cards, knowing the money is in their account, because it seems now days no one runs with cash! Most folks also tend to do their purchasing online and it shows up on their doorstep some odd days later. I would conclude these interviews as a giant question mark. Most of us do not stop and think about our purchasing habits and can explain them to a stranger. It showed me that money is different for every individual and if one truly wants a product, no matter the cost, they will buy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY8DqKRJybU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAHRCt7UvFI 

Halfway Reflection

1.      Some of the behaviors I have used in an attempt to keep up with requirements in this course are my organization skills. I try not to rely on my organization skills to get me through a course, as that is not the only thing needed for success in any given course. I try to rely on personal behaviors and being able to observe those around me. When I am asking someone I do not know for an interview; I want to assure they are a great fit for this interview. Of course, they are helping me greatly by fulfilling part of an assignment but I also need profound feedback. By observing someone by their body language and general gestures – you can tell the kind of interview you will be conducting. I think that is a super important behavior as this class does require a lot of getting in touch with strangers. Another behavior I also try to rely on is watching the lectures and absorbing as much help as I can from Dr. Pryor for future assignments because not all students will watch lectures. Sounds simple but it really does help!

2.      I honestly felt like giving up the very first week. The Bug List set the tone for the class and what is to come of each assignment. I personally enjoy the challenge but I do fall through on submitting assignments on time (which in turn hurts my grade). I did not want to turn in the bug list because I spent a long time (multiple days) trying to come up with a substantial list but it was not working. I pulled through by taking a break away from over thinking the assignment. On my way to work I began a conversation with myself about things I really do hate and in no time I had a full list to turn in. So what pulled me through was stepping away and not stressing and returning with a fully functioning brain. I personally do not feel like I have developed a tenacious attitude in the past two months. In regards to the course, I have gotten a better awareness of entrepreneurship as a whole. I am understanding some of the jargon and background of entrepreneurs and what it takes to succeed. I am not a business major or remotely close to that and it is all new for me to dive into.

3.      Three tips I would give to a future student to this course would be as follows:

First, believe in your own idea. I did not believe in my idea and it became much more difficult to get started with assignments and interviews. No one will believe in an idea that you do not fully believe in. It is important to fully be involved with your idea/business/product so it can be the best it can be.

Secondly, in my opinion, is being bold. Do not be afraid to ask someone for help, support, or words of advice. All of these things are free and only take time. It sounds scary at first because everyone’s lives’ are go-go-go. But there are people who will be willing to offer advice and help on the journey.

Thirdly, get ahead of schedule. It is the best thing to on top of assignments, reflections, and reading materials. You will be more alert and calm during assignments and interviews from that point forward. Everything will go much more smoothly! 

Need Awareness and Information Search

For the three interviews I chose for this assignment, I learned that not everyone realizes they have a need for something. Aside from not knowing of an unmet need; the process varies for each individual and their background. What I mean by that is – some consumers buy on a whim and others may not search a single thing but only buy a product because it is a needed item. The last interview I had was the most insightful when it came to product crossover, the interviewee explained afterward, that it turns her away from products. It sounded like she also did not like false advertising when say a cereal box has an ad on the front for an action movie, which looks like there is something within the box, when after purchasing the box there is nothing regarding that movie inside. Everyone has unmet needs everyday (take for example Starbucks daily goers!) that may not think of it as an unmet need until they go a day without their coffee! Unmet needs range from small to extremely large purchases and can often be subconscious in purchasing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvuLBl3PJrU

Interview 1 Con't

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_934fUex5o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXKfkhOvFZs

Idea Napkin No. 1 - Waiting for the Appetizer

My name is Isabella. I am a junior at UF studying sociology. I am 20 years old and would classify myself as somewhat creative. I grew up a dancer and have tons of creativity within a dance studio or stage setting. In regards to business building and being an entrepreneur – I would not classify myself as being talented as it is not something I am very familiar with. That is another reason why I am taking this course. I believe I have strong skills and experience with people, and many have told me this as well. From prior jobs (I had lots of experience with strangers and the general public) and being within many dance auditions and companies; talking to people and listening became second nature to me. I would say it is still second nature to me! My aspirations would honestly be to develop this product more within this course and work with my brother (who was a business major at UF) in developing this further outside of this course. My brother has always wanted to run a business (or develop a concept) and specifically with me, knowing my ability to make honest/fast acquaintances, so this may be just the answer. I believe this business would play a major role in my life simply because I began the thought and initiated everything. I would always be checking social media and trying to connect with big names to advertise and keep up with the industry as it is ever changing. I would think of it as my child, in a way, and want the best for the product and results to be wonderful and respected in the industry.    

What I am offering to costumers is a device to attach to a steering wheel in a vehicle to locate emergency vehicles sound coming within a 2 mile radius of the vehicle. This device 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. I am offering assurance to hearing impaired drivers. Being hearing impaired myself, it is really difficult to detect where sounds are coming from and often hearing impaired drivers are delayed with their response. 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. My product would have the name "Here Wheel." I will be solving customers unmet needs by providing a safety feature within vehicles that has not yet been introduced but is much needed this day in age.

I am offering this product to anyone who is hearing impaired. This includes those whom are just slightly hearing disabled. It is not just intended for fully deaf individuals. As stated above, I think others who are not hearing impaired would also benefit from this product. In that aspect I am targeting young teens, possibly those learning to drive (i.e. permit drivers), young moms with children riding in the car as distractions, and college age students with loud sound systems too. I project that a majority of my costumers’ will be hearing impaired and they all would have less than “normal”/average hearing in common.

Customers will pay me money to use this product as I made this connection and designed it with the hearing impaired in mind. As someone who is hearing impaired, it has depth and perspective from the inside versus being a company or inventor of a device that is from the outside looking inward on the issue. With that being said, it is a product that has purpose and use for hearing impaired drivers who need more assistance with locating siren sounds and warning time just as everyone else does.

My core competencies include being able to understand marketing toward hearing impaired drivers and population as a whole. There are certain phrases and ideologies that are very offensive toward a majority of those who are hearing impaired. Marketing is key in this production and being able to understand the balance line is important. I am very close to my hearing specialist as well. My specialist is well known in the North Florida region and well respected. I think this sets me a part by having a “shoe in” with someone to advertise and push my product with his patients. He is known all over the U.S. as well as his home country which could really help market my product internationally. Although someone may have a hearing specialist nearby – or find one via Google Maps, I have a personal connection to my specialist that could spread the word internationally.

_____________________________________________________________________________

All in all, I do think all of these elements fit together nicely. I do have a primary focus on helping assist hearing impaired drivers. Although someone reading this post may see some disconnects, overall I think so far it is okay for the stage I am at currently. My only concern would be if this product were to be developed further and someone thinking I created a hasty generalization when in reality, I am not. I do think my weaker points for my business concept is my doubtfulness when it comes to believing it could really take off. This then affects my ability to sell a pitch as experienced in the elevator assignment. I have hesitation about how it may be perceived but I suppose that is part of the process! 

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

In the interviews I conducted for this assignment, I found out some really awesome marketing ideas from each individual. I also found that getting general and honest feedback is the most helpful one can receive. I enjoyed hearing everyone’s feedback regarding if they would test or even buy the product discussed. It was a really cool line up of interviews this round that gave me more insight to my own thoughts and got me thinking of other aspects that I had not seen before conducting said interviews.

Inside the boundary	Outside the boundary
None of my interviewers	All 5 interviewed
Provide assistance to hearing impaired drivers	Generally, non-hearing impaired can respond easily when emergency vehicles are nearby (Not always the case however).
Safety for hearing impaired drivers as well as others on the road when emergency vehicles are nearby.	Mothers with young children whom are distracted while driving. Teenagers whom are distracted by friends in the vehicle. Drivers on their phones while driving. Also, drivers with loud sound systems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFYOy-rACxc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hIz4aqqSxo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqxlS1rrvRc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skqCr6Lvb3Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43c4cqp32Dg

Tweaking the Innovation

Product/Service Mix:

Private hearing specialists to advertise and sell product.

Auto stores to sell product.

Factories to manufacture the different parts –

Wires, design, packaging

Map each item:

Private hearing specialists to advertise –

Benefit: Help hearing impaired drivers be safe and effective.

Tangible: The specialist is up to date with the latest technology for their clients (offering this new product on the market).

Augmented: Knowing that your hearing specialist recommends/advertises this device ensures it is a safe and great product.

Auto stores to sell product –

Benefit: Offering a car device to alert drivers of emergency response vehicles.

Tangible: Seeing this product in an aisle for steering wheels allows customers to hone in on what the device is for.

Augmented:  Knowing that safety for your car and passengers is one purchase away while buying other items for your vehicle.

Factories to manufacture different parts –

Benefit: Help new manufacture businesses get off their feet with a large production needed.

Tangible: Having factory companies logo/name advertised on the device or packaging. The help me, help you scenario as well.

Augmented: For different companies involvement can bring the best manufactures to ensure safest product for this market. 

Describe the innovations:

Private hearing specialists to advertise –

Begin on a local/regional level to monitor sales and ratings.

Then move to other regions and reach out to other private practices to then expand the knowledge and advertisement of this device.

Auto stores to sell product –

Begin with ads for auto stores with a sale special for the product on the cover of the store ad.

Move to multiple auto stores to create competition between stores (when and if product takes off). That way consumers could price compare and give business to the [better] auto store with the product.

Factories to manufacture different parts –

Start with younger manufacturing companies to generate their name and reputation.

Branch out to bigger and better manufacturing companies with notable accolades.