29A – Venture Concept No. 2

Opportunity:

A giant need exists in metropolitan areas with no adequate public transportation methods. The people of these large areas are either forced to drive a car and sit in traffic, or ride a bus and sit in traffic. In major cities we have seen metros and other train transportation methods be built and thrive. Potential customers would include people who can’t afford a car, or simply have to travel distances that would make more sense to use this new product. In large areas, there are more and more people crowding roadways which is causing it harder and harder to get around. In L.A. alone, drivers are forced to wait in traffic for hours to only go short distances. The market exists in large metropolitan areas that do not have any real public tram systems. Tampa, and Los Angeles are a few cities that come to mind when that is said. People are also on a budget would be interested as this would be a much more cost effective way to travel around their city. Current customers do not have many options when it comes to getting around other than the bus and car, therefore they are forced to not only settle but do not have any other choice. There is a large opportunity because population will continue to grow and traffic will continue to become more abundant. I believe the window of opportunity will remain open until somebody fills it. Like I mentioned, everybody is looking for a better way to get places will it being more time efficient. The goal for everybody is to connect the city and make the time of travel shorter. While doing all of this for a more cost efficient price. This need will stay open until somebody plugs to hole, which I plan to do. 

Innovation:

The innovation that I would like to address is an overhaul of the public transportation in Los Angeles County, specifically the major cities of Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Downtown L.A., Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita. This innovation is long overdue and would provide a great service to the community, and the city. It also has the potential to generate large amounts of revenue. Everyone has heard about how bad Los Angeles traffic is. It has almost become a legend that has been spread to visitors. Having been to Los Angeles and experienced this traffic first-hand, I realized that something had to change and that this was unacceptable for such a major U.S. city. It has almost no means of public transportation, and the transportation that is there is old and inefficient. For these reasons I would like to create a subway system throughout the cities that people would be able to use to get to almost any location they desire. Los Angeles’ current subway system is old and run down. It also is very limited in the place that it can take you. This overhaul of the subway system would provide transportation for those that can’t afford to owner a car, and it would also create a faster means of travel as opposed to sitting in three hours of rush hour traffic. We would follow a similar payment plan to that used in New York City and their subway system. We would charge $2.75 for a single ride. We would also offer seven day passed for $32 and thirty day passes for $121. This should provide large amounts of revenue as there is a massive need for a subway system in Los Angeles. There would be a quick overhaul of how people travel in the county and the project would quickly flourish.

 Venture Concept:

This product is something that everybody needs. It will benefit the communities as a whole and will add a lot of new ways to get around. The reason customers will buy this is because it is more efficient and less expensive then what they are currently doing to transport in their city. In my idea, we would upgrade/build an entire new rail system which allows for the residents to get around faster. For most of the customers they would have not had this option in the past so they will be more inclined to try the new system since it has had so much success in other markets. I think we will battle with them trying to get out of their daily routine. Most customers have a way they have done things for many years so it may be tough, but once they see how efficient it is, I believe we will have them hooked. Location and price is everything for this business. We need to be able to connect the entire city and still keep it at a low cost. The good thing is we do not have to hire a bunch of employees. We will continue to have to keep up the train’s condition and handle any maintenance issues that arise. We will start in a few cities, and look to expand into other markets. The ultimate goal is to provide every city with this system. We would have to hire some workers to man the phones in case of customer support but the system would run pretty self-dependent. Each person would have a card that can be recharged, which would allow them to just swipe and ride. This system is used in many different markets and I can recreate and market it to these new markets.


2. Unfortunately I did not receive any feedback from other students on my first venture concept. 

3. Based on personal growth, I updated some of my designated audience that this will target. Realized maybe some more people may use it. 

30A – Final Reflection

2. One of the most formative experiences was the one where we had to reach out to people who worked in the field of our idea. This is was a very useful experience because it really made us get out of our comfort zone and do something many of us have never done. I think the bug list is one I'm most proud of because it made me more aware of what bugs me and how to solve it. The most joyous definitely goes to creating an idea and continually building on it. Gives me hope for pursuing other business opportunities in the future.

3. If you haven't moved closer to developing an entrepreneurial mindset then you haven't been doing this class correctly. Each exercise pushes us to think more entrepreneurial and pushes us to think in ways we never have. I 100% feel that I have begun the process of developing an entrepreneurial mind and feel I am becoming an entrepreneur.

4. Think outside the box and don't be afraid to fail. Its all about not being afraid and doing what you feel. Once you have an idea take all the steps to develop it and continually learn from your mistakes. Its a great path to take!!!

28A – Your Exit Strategy

1. I think the ultimate goal of an entrepreneur is to continually create new ideas. After this company blows up, I will plan to hopefully sell it for a huge return. 

2. I have selected this exit strategy because I will try to come up with the new idea. Take the money I made and use some of it to fund a new company. I have seen many business people do that and are continually being innovative. 

3. I think it definitely helped shape my decisions. Most decisions have been made with the purpose of fast growth. I have pin pointed the locations I hope to build and then would hope for somebody else to take it more global. Their is no limit on this idea but my decisions have been made with the purpose of growing it fast and then hopefully turn it for a major profit.    

27A – Reading Reflection No. 3

Inbound Marketing:

1. The general theme about the book is all about people finding you online. Doing whatever it takes for prospects, customers and and the public to come to your website or personal page. Its the opposite of outbound marketing and its all about the steps you take to get found.

2. I think this class is all about marketing yourself and finding ways to do just that. As an entrepreneur you have to market yourself and sell yourself to get your ideas through. This helped me continue to understand what it takes.

3. We have to find ways to help drive people toward our personal page / website. What steps would we take to make sure this happened.\

4. It really was a step by step way to do it. I wasn't expecting this but at the end of each chapter there is a "To Do List" which was easy to follow and gave me something to do after reading.  

26A – Celebrating Failure

1. I time I failed this past semester had to do with my job. I was handed a project to do and unfortunately failed miserably. It was for the new coaches who had just gotten hired here and it was a terrible look to start off with them. They gave me another chance and I redeemed myself which made me feel better. 

2. I learned that I'm not perfect and have a lot to learn in this profession. It was good for me to fall on my face because it allowed me to learn some good lessons that I can use while I pursue coaching. 

3. Thankfully my dad has instilled in me many characteristics that allow me to get through these things. He always told me that life is like learning to hit a curveball and you never quite know exactly where the ball is going to go. You have to learn how hit those curveballs. I think risks has to be apart of everybody's life because it makes us try to extend ourselves and become a better person. This class showed me that even the best have failed and they took risk. 

24A – Venture Concept No. 1

Venture Concept Write-Up:

Opportunity:

A giant need exists in metropolitan areas with no adequate public transportation methods. The people of these large areas are either forced to drive a car and sit in traffic, or ride a bus and sit in traffic. In major cities we have seen metros and other train transportation methods be built and thrive. Potential customers would include people who can’t afford a car, or simply have to travel distances that would make more sense to use this new product. In large areas, there are more and more people crowding roadways which is causing it harder and harder to get around. In L.A. alone, drivers are forced to wait in traffic for hours to only go short distances. The market exists in large metropolitan areas that do not have any real public tram systems. Tampa, and Los Angeles are a few cities that come to mind when that is said. People are also on a budget would be interested as this would be a much more cost effective way to travel around their city. Current customers do not have many options when it comes to getting around other than the bus and car, therefore they are forced to not only settle but do not have any other choice. There is a large opportunity because population will continue to grow and traffic will continue to become more abundant. I believe the window of opportunity will remain open until somebody fills it. Like I mentioned, everybody is looking for a better way to get places will it being more time efficient. The goal for everybody is to connect the city and make the time of travel shorter. While doing all of this for a more cost efficient price. This need will stay open until somebody plugs to hole, which I plan to do. 

Innovation:

The innovation that I would like to address is an overhaul of the public transportation in Los Angeles County, specifically the major cities of Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Downtown L.A., Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita. This innovation is long overdue and would provide a great service to the community, and the city. It also has the potential to generate large amounts of revenue. Everyone has heard about how bad Los Angeles traffic is. It has almost become a legend that has been spread to visitors. Having been to Los Angeles and experienced this traffic first-hand, I realized that something had to change and that this was unacceptable for such a major U.S. city. It has almost no means of public transportation, and the transportation that is there is old and inefficient. For these reasons I would like to create a subway system throughout the cities that people would be able to use to get to almost any location they desire. Los Angeles’ current subway system is old and run down. It also is very limited in the place that it can take you. This overhaul of the subway system would provide transportation for those that can’t afford to owner a car, and it would also create a faster means of travel as opposed to sitting in three hours of rush hour traffic. We would follow a similar payment plan to that used in New York City and their subway system. We would charge $2.75 for a single ride. We would also offer seven day passed for $32 and thirty day passes for $121. This should provide large amounts of revenue as there is a massive need for a subway system in Los Angeles. There would be a quick overhaul of how people travel in the county and the project would quickly flourish.

 Venture Concept:

This product is something that everybody needs. It will benefit the communities as a whole and will add a lot of new ways to get around. The reason customers will buy this is because it is more efficient and less expensive then what they are currently doing to transport in their city. In my idea, we would upgrade/build an entire new rail system which allows for the residents to get around faster. For most of the customers they would have not had this option in the past so they will be more inclined to try the new system since it has had so much success in other markets. I think we will battle with them trying to get out of their daily routine. Most customers have a way they have done things for many years so it may be tough, but once they see how efficient it is, I believe we will have them hooked. Location and price is everything for this business. We need to be able to connect the entire city and still keep it at a low cost. The good thing is we do not have to hire a bunch of employees. We will continue to have to keep up the train’s condition and handle any maintenance issues that arise. We will start in a few cities, and look to expand into other markets. The ultimate goal is to provide every city with this system. We would have to hire some workers to man the phones in case of customer support but the system would run pretty self-dependent. Each person would have a card that can be recharged, which would allow them to just swipe and ride. This system is used in many different markets and I can recreate and market it to these new markets.

19A – Idea Napkin No. 2

1. I am a driven person who won't stop at anything to reach his goal. My father is a career sales man and entrepreneur which has given me many traits and taught many lessons that are valuable. My aspirations is for this idea to expand nation wide. I hope this takes over my life and I am forced to continue to build these in every city.

2. Create a new transportation method that would help people get around major cities that don't have subways. It would allow people to get places faster and more affordable.

3. People who cant afford personal transportation would use this the most. It would be more cost affordable. All of them will not have personal transportation.

4. It will help them save money which is most important to them. It will get them faster than busses. 

5. We will be the only one's doing it which will set us apart. 

I believe these elements work together as I believe its a great idea and everyone is intrigued by it. There is a clear need for this in major cities as traffic is getting to much to deal with. People are starting to not afford cars and the gas which shows a need for cheaper and more timely transportation methods. 

20A – Growing Your Social Capital Submit Assignment

Person 1:

1. My uncle is an engineer who has a lot of experience when it comes to being involved with the building of new city items such as a subway. 

2. Domain Expert - because he is a technical expert of the industry that I would like to go into to.

3. He is my uncle so I was fortunate to have him in my life where I can pull knowledge from. I contacted him with this idea to see what he thought of building the subway in major cities.

4. They gave me very valuable information of what it would take to produce this subway.

5. He will continue to provide valuable information and will allow me to get connected with the rest of the field.

Person 2:

1. The president of my Dads, business development/marketing, company was who I contacted when this idea came up.

2. Market Expert, he is well connected with a bunch of major systems. He is constantly marketing and finding interests for his products that he develops..

3. Once again, it helps that I semi knew who this person was and was able to connect with them to enhance my social capital. 

4. He first was more than happy to help, but after hearing the idea he was totally bought in. He wanted to make sure we have a follow up meeting to discuss it more. He said he will always be there for advice and connects.

5. This is the guy who strategizes the product and brings it to market. Extremely valuable. 

Person 3:

1. Owner of a steel company that my dad knew from his years in business. 

2. Supplier

3. I have a LinkedIn, which makes it easier to connect to people who have connected with may dad and can help me.

4. He as well thought it was a great idea and saw an opportunity to make money for himself.

5. He would be a key supplier that will be needed to produce this product.

This is incredible helpful when it comes to helping develop this idea and bring it to life. This different from other networking times because I was pitching my product which caught their attention. They have something to remember me by. This was a great activity.

21A – Reading Reflection No. 2

How To Fail at Almost Everything And Still Win Big

1. The general theme of this book is about the lessons that the writer Scott Adams has learned while going through his professional career. He provides insight about his life that can be used to improve the readers life. He takes us through his failures and successes which demonstrate this lessons. 

2. This book really connected with me because he worked in the corporate world for 16 years and still continued to perform his side projects. It feels a lot like what I'm doing right now. Although I am a business major, my true passion lies with coaching football. I look at my football as my side project and my passion but I know I have to be practical and pursue a career that has more likelihood. It enhances my learning ability because he continued to have side projects and pursue his passions and also shows us lessons to be successful.

3. Scott Adams talks about maximizing personal energy which includes finding the activities that maximize a persons energy. A good activity would be to find the activities that maximize our personal energy. 

4. I think the thing in the book that caught me off guard was the statement, "Success Creates Passion More Than Passion Creates Success." I think most of us would think the other way, as most of us have heard the we should follow our passion. Scott describes how being successful created a passion for it. This was polar opposite of everything I had been told. 

14A – Halfway Reflection

1. I think the number one behavior I've used in this class is having a good work ethic. Discipline has been a major player as well. Just being on top of my stuff and knowing exactly what I need to do to do well. I do not get side tracked, but rather stay determined and have discipline to do it every week, without anybody reminding me to do it. Also creativity has been used to be innovative in the blog posts.

2. There have been a couple moments where I felt like giving up however, I realize what my goals are and what I need to do to reach them. I think I have developed this attitude. I work a full time job and have to dedicate a lot of time to both school and work. It takes major discipline and having a tenacious attitude to get through doing both.

3. Tip 1: Don't take the class lightly and try to strive to be the best.

Tip 2: Work ahead and don' wait to do the assignments.

Tip 3: Act like this is you're job and try to get better everyday.

13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight:

1. You read about an entrepreneur:

The thing that surprised me the most was he started selling Japanese shoes first and if the partnership remained good then we may have never seen Phil Knight make Nike. Crazy how the ending of one relationship lead to the creation of the world's number one sports brand. The thing I admire most from Phil Knight was he trusted his partners and believed in them. At times, these CEOs and big time inventors end up in huge super fights with them and usually involves bad feelings. Phil knight kept the ones he trusted close and they rewarded him. The part I least admire about him was the fact that he often doubted himself. He was referred to as shy, and an introvert. Thats one thing I don't admire. I think you should be confident about yourself and carry yourself as such. Phil Knight encountered multiple failures through out the book. He was deep in debt, but he kept fighting and continue to push. Lawsuits with his former partners in Onitsuka, manufactoring issues and a large fine from US customs were part of the major problems he faced. The company kept fighting and eventually hit. 

2. What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

He shows great persistence, work ethic and knowledge. He keep going and pushing through every barrier. He knew what he had was special and needed the world to have it. By jumping on a plane and going to Japan, he shows great initiative to get stuff done. 

3. One part of the reading that was confusing was remembering who all the people were who was close to him and what their significance was. 

4. Question 1: Did you think Nike would be this big? Asking because I really want to know if he truthfully fully knew what he had created and what it had the potential to be. 

Question 2: How many pairs of shoes do you own? The owner of nike has to own a lot of nike gear!

5. I think he was all about it. We see him hop a plane and go to Japan and is willing to just grind. I do share the same work ethic, currently working in the football office puts my office hours way high and I love working to continue to better myself.

 

12A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

By performing these interviews we continue to define the buyer market and their needs. In this segment the best fit for my product would be people who live in major cities and don't own a car or need to get around faster than car because of traffic. I interviewed a family friend who lives in Miami who has a car, my friend who also lives in Miami with no car, and my uncle who lives in Tampa.

My first interview with my family friend who lives in Miami who has a car, he kept telling me that the public transportation in Miami is terrible and the only real option is to sit in traffic. He said at dinner and in the morning would be great times to use a new subway system. At night he said it would help people get around the city safely. He touched on how he has tried to research public transportation options but they are not practical. It would also be a huge help for work.

My second interview with my other friend in Miami shows the massive need for a subway or other metro system in Miami that is efficient. He only gets around on buses which takes hours and aren't practical. I asked if he would use a subway system, and he responded that he has looked into whether or not the city was looking into it. He thinks the tourists alone would benefit. He said he would want it to be cheap as thats what he looks for.

My third interview with my uncle in Tampa, brought up the fact that they don't have a subway or any metro rail system. The only ways to get around or bus, car or walk. This is a major need for a major city that has a large population and many tourists. He said getting around downtown would be a big help and any metro or rail would elevate a lot of traffic. He said safety would be a concern. 

In conclusion, I continue to find out what the buyer field is and I feel pretty confident that a need exists. There are countless number of cities that would benefit form some sort of rail system or subway system. One thing that brought up would be price, which all three interviews touched on. Most say that it would be great for people who work and tourists. More we interview the more we learn.

11A – Idea Napkin No. 1

1. Who are you? I am currently a student at the University of Florida. I currently work for the football team and I am a highly motivated worker. This business Idea will help me in large cities and help the transit system where I'm from.

2. What are you offering to customers? I want to build a new form of public transportation or build a subway in every major systems. These new subway systems will solve everybody's problems.

3. Who are you offering it to? People who live in major cities or will travel to major cities. People who commute to work. Trying to eliminate people using cars to get around.

4. Why do they care? If we take major cities as example then we see how efficient these subway systems are for people to get around and would remain cheaper than most other options.

5. What are your core competencies? Other transit options would be options but we would be faster and cheaper and allow for people to be more efficient.


I think my idea is sound because we have a model based on other cities. If we look at Atlanta or New York, they have a system which achieves the goal of our project. We look to bring the city together and make travel around the city easier. New cities are waiting for a new system and this is for them.

9A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

Who:
Are there certain people or certain businesses that, although they share a lot in common with the others in your opportunity, nevertheless fall outside the boundary? Why?

Yes there are definitely people who share the same opportunity however fall outside the boundary. Some people, even though public transportation would benefit there lives will not give up there car pr are not in favor of public transportation and therefore will never use it and therefore end up outside the boundary. 

What: 

At what point does the need you identified differ from another need? (Is thirst the same as hunger? Or is the desire to appear fashionable the same as the desire to be loved by others?)

I think the point where it becomes another need is if it is difficult to get to the subway. The subway needs to be easily accessible and have multiple stops of the need becomes the same. 

Why: 

Is the underlying cause of the outsiders' need different than people who are inside the boundary?

I don't think the need is that much different because everybody is looking for better transportation and travel methods. The only way there isn't the same need is if they do not go far and there is no need for any change. 

Summary of Interviews:

After conducting interviews, I now see that not everyone may be in need of this product which is the subway. They alluded to the fact that if you don't live in a major city then the surrounding areas probably wouldn't have much use for it. The main problem seems to be that there doesn't seem to be much use or that they prefer to just drive their own car. 

Inside the boundary
Who is In a. People in Major cities
What the Need Is a. Subway or another transportation would alleviate pressure on roads and give people better
Why the Need Exists a. ]There is an abundant of people and traffic is building up in major cities. Outside the boundary Who is Not a. People who live on the outskirts of the major city What the Need is Not a. Transportation such as subway because car is more efficient  Alternative Explanations  a. They don't ever really travel that much therefore don't need a change.

Solving The Problem - Assignment #8

Opportunity: The opportunity that exists is one that involves the University of Florida and its lack of parking and therefore the lack of methods for students to get around campus. There is the obvious methods of cars, scooters, bikes and other methods including the bus, however students continue to struggle with time efficient ways of getting around. If you ask the majority of students they would be inclined to say that they would be in favor of new transportation methods. 

Product: The product that I had in mind would involve a service of carts that would shuttle students around campus. It would require students sign up for a monthly service and would almost have the same platform as Uber but with carts that could drive through campus and roads for students to get to class and around campus. This would limit the amount of students with cars/scooters which would alleviate the amount of people who need parking spaces. Instead of paying for each ride, there would just be a subscription so you could just hop on and off. You would have to increase the number of carts as members went up. We could track the rides and show where the carts are in the area and even request a pick up. 

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1 - Assignment 7

• Opportunity: Currently there is only a few major cities that have public transportation other than buses and other generic choices. In most of those cities buses is not performing up the standard of other options. Personally believe that subways above or below the ground is the way to go. More cities need subways or better options.
• The Who: All Citizens of major cities.  

• The What: There are not many options for public transportation and subways should be installed/built in every major city.

• The Why: People are waiting hours on hours to get around the city and subways are the most efficient way to get around.

• Testing The Who: I think this is a world issue. Obviously more cities are in more need than others but this is a major problem. The world population continues to grow and traffic isn't going away. As more people flock to major cities, the traffic will continue to increase.
• Testing the What: Everybody needs to get around but some people prefer not to ride subways because of safety and other reasons. 
• Testing the Why: People lives are being affected with the amount of traffic. In Los Angeles, about 10 million people and are constantly faced with hours of traffic. Miami is the same. Things need to change and more options, specifically subways. 

Interview #1:

• I decided to interview a 21 year old from Los Angeles. The first question I asked was whats the worst part about Los Angeles and his response was the traffic. He has family that is located across the city and he says it takes an extra hour just to deal with the traffic. When I introduced the idea of a subway he said that the entire city would be behind the idea. Some issues he mentioned would be where they would build it.

Interview #2:  

• This interview was with my dad who travels regularly all over the state and around Miami and Ft Lauderdale. He discussed how he is not as much of a fan of his job due to the fact that he has to drive everywhere. He brought up the idea that he would love for there to be a subway "like his favorite city - New York." 

Interview #3:

• Next Interview was with my friend who lives in New York. My questions was tailored around the idea of whether she was a fan of the subway system or not. The surprising fact about tis interview was the fact that she didn't use the subway and was not a fan of it.  She says the security for the subway is not ideal and is scared of the possibility of a crash. 

Interview #4:

• The fourth interview was with my Grandpa. The main point of this interview was to see if my grandpa would be able to adjust to the changes. My grandpa alluded to the fact that he has had the same routine for the last 5 years and had no interest of changing. He mentioned that he thinks that subways would help to take some of the traffic away from the streets. I asked if traffic bothered him and he said he likes the drive. 

Interview #5:

• The last interview was to my brother who lives in Miami. He came to the same conclusion that my friend from LA came to. They need better options and when I brought up subways he became excited because he thought I was saying they were in the process of building them. 

Review:

I think the one major thing I didn't realize about this is how tough it would be to build these subways. People who I interviewed that lived in major cities kept bringing up the point of not enough room for these subways to be built. Although this idea is a great one, major planning needs to be done. 

Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends - Assignment 6

1. eBay drops PayPal as first choice for payments - http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42905465

• Ebay has decided to drop PayPal as their main payment processor and instead decided to use a Dutch firm Ayden. This is a major move as most people do not have a Ayden account but rather a PayPal account. An opportunity exist for this new company to gain more costumer and also for another platform to pick up PayPal as the their main processor. Think this is a great opportunity for these companies to grow and get new customers who are typically people who are involved in online transactions. 
• I have sold a lot online. I was involved in buying and selling shoes in high school and Ebay was the best way to facilitate this business. PayPal was pretty easy to use and I believe there is an opportunity for somebody to scoop them as their main processor. 

2. Venezuela's Health Care System Ready To Collapse Amid Economic Crisis- https://www.npr.org/2018/02/01/582469305/venezuelas-health-care-system-ready-to-collapse-amid-economic-crisis

• I think there is an opportunity in the Venezuela for some reformed economic system. More companies have the ability to go there and stimulate economic growth. The entire country is suffering from this economic crisis which will make things cheaper. Companies are constantly looking for places to create cheaper production. 
• I don't know how easy this is to exploit but this idea caught my eye because the country is in need and more companies could help stimulate growth. 

3. Church gun bills teed up in Florida House, Senate - http://www.gainesville.com/news/20180202/church-gun-bills-teed-up-in-florida-house-senate

• Opportunity exist that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns at churches and other religious institutions. 
• After all of the massacres that has taken place at religious places it makes sense that this bill pass, which is currently being brought to the floor of Florida House. 
• Anyone who attends church will want to know the outcome of this. 
• I fortunately have never been involved with gun violence but this is a major issue and should be able to pass. 

4. Train carrying Republicans hits lorry in Virginia killing one - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42894295

• An opportunity exists because there has been an increasing amount of train accidents and its beginning to catch peoples eye. Also member of congress were on this train.
• Customers are the ones who ride trains or live near trains. Things could change. I think that this opportunity is easy to exploit because trains need to be changed and can be changed relatively easy. 
• I have never actually been on a train but I can see more and more accidents happening which will cause things to change. 

Identifying Local Opportunities - Assignment 5

1. Wild turkeys are terrorizing a Florida neighborhood, and the law is on their side 

• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169AD7F192D1EAB8?p=WORLDNEWS
• A local community in Orlando is being affected with a take over by Wild turkeys. The community officials have said that they have battled with multiple different types of animals but never Wild turkeys. They say that they are mean and aggressive. The locals can not take them out or hunt them because the season doesn't start till march. Officials have been called in to deal with it.
• Wild turkeys, who are nasty and aggressive, is over running a local community and disrupting daily life. The locals don't know what to do. 
• The locals in the town are the ones being affected by this. 

2. A Florida county will shut its schools after flu outbreak hits teachers and students

• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169AABB4946AE208?p=WORLDNEWS
• A school district in the Florida panhandle is closing two elementary schools due to a flu outbreak which has 1 out of 5 kids calling out of school sick. Over 30 kids have died from the flu and the whole state is on watch. 
• The problem is that kids are getting sick and the flu is getting passed from person to person. This is spreading from person to person and causing a larger issue. 
• The children and their parents are the ones who have the problems, also everyone at the school. 

3. UM football - Neck injury ends CB Young's career - UM cornerback Malek Young's football career is over because of an injury he got against Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl.

• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1699AF91C6FE11D0?p=WORLDNEWS
• A football player who plays for the University of Miami will be forced to retire after he suffered a injury in the Orange Bowl. He was a major part of the Miami defense and will be missed by his teammates and coaches.
• He will have to find something else to pursue as he was a good player and was bound for the NFL eventually.
• The player and his family have the problem because a dream and profession was taking away that fast.

4. Transportation - The government shutdown could cause delays at MIA

• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169959D45EA40268?p=WORLDNEWS
• Due to the government shut down, there may be larger lines at the Miami international airport. This is because there may be fewer TSA employees, even though they are considered essential. There will be less due to overtime. Overtime pay will hold back the airport.
• The government being shut down is affecting the country and the MIA airport is one of those things. 
• The passengers will be affected with longer lines and the TSA will have to pay the employees more. 

5. Third person hit by Brightline train since its debut

• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1698B175630CC358?p=WORLDNEWS
• This is the third accident for the new train, although the people went around the safety gates, senators have called the train to be looked at for safety reasons. The train continues to rack up deaths which isn't good for them 
• The train is being investigated for safety which could be bad for the train and its future.
• The people who own and operate the train and the community face this problem because of jobs and the actual use of the train. 

Forming an Opportunity Belief - Assignment 4

I believe that there is serious issue that the University of Florida students face on a daily basis. There seems to be an opportunity to solve the fact that its tough to get around traffic and lack of parking if you own a car and not a scooter.

What is the Unmet need? - Lack of ways getting around and parking if you don't own a scooter.

Who has the need? - Students who attend the University of Florida.

Where did the need come from? - The overwhelming amount of students and it continues to expand.

What are people doing to meet this need now? - They continue to walk or ride the bus to get away from driving their cars.

How sure am I that this opportunity exists? - 65%

Prototypical Customer #1 Interview - Student at UF who doesn't own a scooter

• What is the exact nature of the need? I need other ways to get around campus because there is no where for me to park my car and the bus doesn't fit my schedule. 
• Do you experience the need all the time or only sometimes? - I experience everyday and realize that I need to find an alternative option to my car. 
• How long have you had this need? - Since I came to school here two years ago. 
• When did you first become aware of this need? Week 2 of my freshman year when I realized I was going be late for class because the bus wasn't going to come in time and I had no way of getting there.
• How are currently addressing this need? - I bought a bike to get around the money it costs for a scooter but I'd prefer they build more parking. 
• How satisfied are you with the current solution? - A bike does its job but its even tough to park at my apartment building which makes it practically impossible to park anywhere and makes my care useless. We need more parking or better/cheaper transportation methods. 

Prototypical Customer #2 Interview - Student at UF who owns a scooter 

• What is the exact nature of the need? - Even though I drive a scooter, there is still a select few number of spots for parking scooters. They need to add more options for us, but having a scooter makes my life 10x better. Parking off campus for scooters is good; however, the cost of parking decals is expensive.
• Do you experience the need all the time or only sometimes? - You can always get lucky and go at the right time of day but when campus is busy (which is most of the time) it is tough to park and makes life harder so I would have to say more often then not.
• How long have you had this need? - Since I bought a scooter a year and a half ago.
• How are you currently addressing this need? - I hate to say it, but I often park my scooter in a non designated area and hope for the best. The school should pay for parking tickets.
• How satisfied are you with the current solution? - Well, I'm broke. There is high risk when it comes to parking illegally which is tough for my financial situation. 

Prototypical Customer #3 Interview 

• What is the exact nature of the need? I don't see that big of need because I thin the campus is that far from where I live and its very to walk to class and any other place I need to go. 
• Do you experience the need all the time or only sometimes? - I think I experience it sometimes but I was so turned off by the traffic that walking became my method of choice and it works for me. But I can see how it exists.
• What do you think about campus expanding to add more parking? I think that this will cause more clutter and actually hurt the situation. 
• What would you do? Require people to not drive at all and make campus all walking and biking to create more room for buses and add more buses. 
• Why not ride the bus? - The times didn't suit me that much and wanted the exercise. 

REFLECT:

I think its very clear that there is an issue and a lot of students are facing the same problem. What was most most shocking was even the people with scooters were saying that the parking needs to change. One person gave up completely and just decided to walk which was the thing that made me think that this is a major issue that needs to addressed and there is a large opportunity. 

How much of your original opportunity is still there?: I think the opportunity is alive and well. My interviews reiterated exactly what I thought and even made me feel more strong about it. 

How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback?: I think its a little of both. Its a feeling that gets you thinking but if you are the only one then you don't have much of an idea. You need feedback to make a viable idea that then develops. 

Your Entrepreneurship Story - Assignment 3

Entrepreneurship has been a staple of my family for as long as I can remember. My dad, "the author, expert sales trainer, consultant, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur", introduced me to the business world at a very young age. My dad is the founder of On the Ball, which is a company that invests time and talent in emerging businesses and corporate teams to help them grow. I've watched my dad grow a number of businesses and be involved in many deals. He gives me the passion to pursue a career in business. I have had the opportunity to sit in on meetings and begin to learn the process of what being an entrepreneur is all about. Recently my dad wrote a book, called the Confessions of a Serial Salesman, which is a set of rules that my dad uses that he believes makes people more successful. In my opinion, the coolest deal my dad did was a partnership with Lebron which obviously had its perks. 

The reason I chose to take this class was because I believe it would be beneficial for me to continue to learn what being a entrepreneur is about because I have a passion for it. 

Bug List - Assignment 2

1. When I wake up in the middle of the night, and the only thing I want is a glass of water, but the Brita is sitting in the fridge with no water in it. This is a bug that many people probably face on a day to day bases because the size of the Brita isn't overly large and people don't want to fill it up everyday.

2. My laundry room in my apartment building only has three washing machines ands bugs me when they are all in use, which means I can't do my laundry. This is a bug because there isn't enough room in the building and the room where the laundry is done is rather small which limits the amount of machines they can have.

3. On 13th ave, the side streets always have can't turn right on red during the day. This is a bug because traffic gets so backed up on 13th so they put don't turn on red so they can control the flow on all the roads, but they have it when it isn't busy as well which bugs me.

4. I had to call my credit card company and was left on hold for 25 minutes, I hate being kept on hold for a long time. This is a bug because they may have a high volume of callers and not enough workers to handle the calls.

5. Waking up, ready to work out, and my headphones are tangled in 15 knots. This is a bug many face and I seem to battle everyday. The cords are not meant to be tangled and people just jumble them up.

6. The line at chipotle on University ave around dinner time is a major bug. This is a bug because when the line gets long, it goes all the way out the door and the restaurant always seems to be shocked with the amount of people and aren't prepared.

7. Not enough machines at the gym to use. This is a bug because the gym owner never accounts for the new customers and the volume of users the machines have which leave people standing around waiting.

8. When the message continues to pop up on my phone that says I'm out of space and need to delete stuff. This is a bug because the software takes up a lot of room and forces us to delete stuf. Need more space!

9. At work we have golf carts, there seems to never be keys for them and thats a major bug. This is a bug because maybe people forget to return the keys and the golf carts need the special key.

10. I work for the football team for the school and when people call me to ask for insider stuff or important information that I know. This is a bug because they think I will tell them sensitive information because they are my friends.

11. My roommate every night will turn off the air in our house when its warmer out. This leaves my room hot and I get sweaty. This is a bug because the vent is located closer to his room which makes his room colder than the rest of the house.

12. When the line of people waiting at style cuts located on University ave for a haircut. Most of the time they only have two people working which leaves a lot of costumers to sit around and wait longer times.

13. The wifi at my apartment is terrible and never fully works. This may have to do with everybody in the entire apartment having to plug their wireless router in the same major internet and causes it to slow it down. Can't withstand 

14. When people have no awareness and just talk on the phone loudly in a quiet place. At Starbucks waiting in the line, the lady was louder than the entire place.  This is a bug because people live in their own world and don't really take other peoples wants into account.

15. When my roomate have a party at our apartment and don't clean my thing up for days. This is a bug because they have never needed to clean up after themselves therefore I have to do it. 

16. The team meeting room is always frigid and we are forced to wear a sweater to be comfortable in there. The building seems to always be cold and something that has to do with the whole building. 

17. The service in the football stadium is horrid and forces me to go outside when I need to make a call. This is a major bug and probably because offices being practically under the stadium.

18. The traffic around 5 around the school and down university makes the drive home double the time. There needs to be more options to get out of campus. There isn't a lot of room to build so its tough to get around.

19. Downtown Gainesville is home to many homeless people, I gave money to one of them and returned to the same space a couple days later and he asked me again and got made when I wouldn't give him money. The bug is that there is a high homeless population and there is nothing they can do.

20. When my roommates takes shampoo and body wash and doesn't replace it. The bug exists and many people deal with it. 

This process was really eye opening and even tough to do. What helped was being able to put things down along the week. One thing I found myself doing was trying to find ways to fix the problems. Its hard to think of the "bugs" because thats just not how you look at the world. I really enjoyed the exercise because it helps to identify other bugs down the road. 

The First of Many.

I look forward to posting on here throughout the semester.