I do have a belief that an opportunity exists. Somewhere there is an idea that can be the basis for a lucrative business, and this idea just needs to be found. The unmet need that comes to mind is not being able to communicate with others when going through an area with little to no service, typically in the middle of no where. The people who have this need are the people who like to travel to remote areas, or those who enjoy hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities away from civilization. This need has been around forever, since people always lose contact with one another when in unfamiliar places, but the problem is now commonly linked with cell phone service. Now, people will either bring radios with them or they will simply do without their cell phones. At this point, I am around 90% sure that this need exists.
Prototypical Customer #1: My Roommate Justin
Justin had noticed this need long ago, as his family would take camping trips most fall seasons. During these trips are the only times that he notices the need, as he lives near New York City for the rest of the year where there is service. His nature of the need is that he cannot talk to friends or cannot call for help if needed. Currently, him and his family simply do without phones on their trips and trust that nothing problematic will happen.
Prototypical Customer #2: My Uncle Jack
My uncle is big into fishing, and thus constantly loses contact with the landed world when he takes his boat out a few miles into the ocean. He has only become aware of this problem recently with cell phones, as he never noticed it before that. His need in this situation is that if family, friends, or business concerns need him, he will not be able to answer. He is currently dealing with this situation by using his radio to talk to other nearby boats if a problem arises. He is moderately satisfied with this solution, as family still cannot reach him if need be.
Prototypical Customer #3: My best friend David
David is yet another outdoors kind of a person. His favorite hobby is snowboarding, which is naturally in places of high altitude. Because of this, he cannot talk to anyone when he is on the mountain, and is in his own little bubble of sorts. He became aware of this need the first time his parents let him go snowboarding or down trails by himself, which then showed him that he is essentially on his own. He is now only aware of this need when he is on the mountain, and sometimes when traveling to or from the destination. He is currently addressing the need by making a plan with the family and friends that he goes with, so that they can meet up when the time comes.
These three interviews made me realize the nature of my opportunity is different than anticipated. I had assumed that everyone would rather have the option of contact rather than no contact, but this is not the case. The most surprising thing is that many people are not significantly interested in changing anything to the point of buying new devices or adding anything to their own that would allow for contact with anyone, anytime, from anywhere.
There is still a chance that my belief is there, however it is definitely less of a chance than I originally thought. I would give it around a 30% chance or so now, because I have came to realize that most of the time that people lose service, is because they intend to do so. Many people go camping, fishing, snowboarding, etc. to escape from the world and relax. Therefore, rather than thinking of ways that cell phone coverage could work everywhere, a better opportunity would now be devices specifically for people that need to talk to the civilized world when they are away from it. This is a much more accurate and reliable solution to the problem. I believe that customers should greatly adapt their product to customer feedback. It is the customer that is the purchaser of services after all, so therefore if they provide feedback to better the product and make it more successful, they should do that immediately.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Identifying Local Opportunities
During Tax Season, You're at Greater Risk of Identity Theft
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A8F5865628E80?p=WORLDNEWS
This story details the problems of the security of identity protection, especially during the tax season. It tells of the many ways that identity thieves can steal your information, and many of them include ways that would leave those effected unaware. The problem in this story is that many people are very nonchalant when it comes to their own protection, and take their identity lightly. The problem is that identity thieves are becoming more and more skilled. The people that have this problem are the innocent bystanders during tax season that do not realize the trouble that is lurking. The opportunity here is to find and develop a safe way for the IRS and other such agencies or companies to send and receive personal information.
Big Road Beams are Going Up - So Highway Traffic will Shut Down on 836
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A8F58A09D80A8?p=WORLDNEWS
This article details the troubles along the 836/Dolphin Expressway. It states of the many lane closures and how at times the entire highway is closed. The problem is that construction has been moving slowly, and thus causes traffic jams when everyone is going to work. The people who experience the problem are the daily commuters who simply want to get to work on time. The opportunity here is to find and develop more effective ways of construction and to figure out the best times to do such work.
More Birth Defects Reported in States with Local Spread of Zika, Including Florida
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A8F585B87F558?p=WORLDNEWS
This story talks about the spread of Zika and how researchers are unsure if the birth defects are from the bug or from other factors. There was an exponential increase in birth defects, but the exact number because of the disease is unknown. The problem is that agencies do not have the proper techniques and surveillance to determine the causes of each defect. The people who experience the problem are those that work in those agencies, and the women who are carrying babies who do not have the proper treatment to help soften the deficiencies. The opportunity here is to find and develop better ways of detecting the deficiencies, or to even prevent the mosquito bites in the first place.
The New Brightline Train has hit 3 People so Far
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1699DAD170A8C980?p=WORLDNEWS
This story talks about the new railway service, Brightline, and how it has injuries three citizens so far. There have been a lack of safety measures and signs along the track which would warn of this danger. The problem presented in the story is that the company does not have enough warning signs up that could alert those walking to the danger. The groups experiencing this problem include the company since it is not running safely, and the citizens who do not know of the danger. The opportunity here is to develop ways of letting people know the dangers, such as signs along the paths that cross this railway that can alert when a train is close.
Runners are Taking Over the Road- Here's How to Avoid Miami Marathon Traffic Hell
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1699DAD169E6F1A8?p=WORLDNEWS
This story tells of the thousands of people who are participating in the Miami Marathon this year, and how it could potentially mess up traffic. It says that traffic will be either closed or shut down for almost all of Miami. The problem presented in the story is that if anyone needs to cross or go down certain roads to get to work, that they could experience troubles. The people who are effected by this are those commuting to and from work. The opportunity here is to find better routes for the marathon that effect the least amount of people, but still attract the most amount of runners. This would be opportune for advertisers as well since their messages would reach the most amount of people possible.
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A8F5865628E80?p=WORLDNEWS
This story details the problems of the security of identity protection, especially during the tax season. It tells of the many ways that identity thieves can steal your information, and many of them include ways that would leave those effected unaware. The problem in this story is that many people are very nonchalant when it comes to their own protection, and take their identity lightly. The problem is that identity thieves are becoming more and more skilled. The people that have this problem are the innocent bystanders during tax season that do not realize the trouble that is lurking. The opportunity here is to find and develop a safe way for the IRS and other such agencies or companies to send and receive personal information.
Big Road Beams are Going Up - So Highway Traffic will Shut Down on 836
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A8F58A09D80A8?p=WORLDNEWS
This article details the troubles along the 836/Dolphin Expressway. It states of the many lane closures and how at times the entire highway is closed. The problem is that construction has been moving slowly, and thus causes traffic jams when everyone is going to work. The people who experience the problem are the daily commuters who simply want to get to work on time. The opportunity here is to find and develop more effective ways of construction and to figure out the best times to do such work.
More Birth Defects Reported in States with Local Spread of Zika, Including Florida
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A8F585B87F558?p=WORLDNEWS
This story talks about the spread of Zika and how researchers are unsure if the birth defects are from the bug or from other factors. There was an exponential increase in birth defects, but the exact number because of the disease is unknown. The problem is that agencies do not have the proper techniques and surveillance to determine the causes of each defect. The people who experience the problem are those that work in those agencies, and the women who are carrying babies who do not have the proper treatment to help soften the deficiencies. The opportunity here is to find and develop better ways of detecting the deficiencies, or to even prevent the mosquito bites in the first place.
The New Brightline Train has hit 3 People so Far
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1699DAD170A8C980?p=WORLDNEWS
This story talks about the new railway service, Brightline, and how it has injuries three citizens so far. There have been a lack of safety measures and signs along the track which would warn of this danger. The problem presented in the story is that the company does not have enough warning signs up that could alert those walking to the danger. The groups experiencing this problem include the company since it is not running safely, and the citizens who do not know of the danger. The opportunity here is to develop ways of letting people know the dangers, such as signs along the paths that cross this railway that can alert when a train is close.
Runners are Taking Over the Road- Here's How to Avoid Miami Marathon Traffic Hell
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/1699DAD169E6F1A8?p=WORLDNEWS
This story tells of the thousands of people who are participating in the Miami Marathon this year, and how it could potentially mess up traffic. It says that traffic will be either closed or shut down for almost all of Miami. The problem presented in the story is that if anyone needs to cross or go down certain roads to get to work, that they could experience troubles. The people who are effected by this are those commuting to and from work. The opportunity here is to find better routes for the marathon that effect the least amount of people, but still attract the most amount of runners. This would be opportune for advertisers as well since their messages would reach the most amount of people possible.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Bug List
1. The battery life of the iPhone
WHY: Intended deterioration in order to have the consumer crave the next model so that they will not have to constantly use their charger.
2. The lint build up in the dryer
WHY: Particles of clothes fall off during the drying process and pile together in a potentially hazardous mass.
3. The time it takes for a gaming system to update
WHY: There is a mass amount of data that must be transferred and installed in a system in order for it to function at maximum capacity.
4. Long lines to get into the University of Florida basketball and football games
WHY: Everyone attending attempts to show up at the game at the same time, which overwhelms the staff as they can only help one person at a time.
5. Getting oil changes every few thousand miles for a car
WHY: Cars are complex machines that need maintenance to clean their systems so that they do not break down.
6. Power outages during storms
WHY: The power lines are above ground and pose little resistance to harsh winds and other falling debris.
7. Only having trash pick-ups once a week at my apartment complex
WHY: Gainesville is a big town, and hence it takes the trash company a long time to reach every house.
8. Showers that do not drain immediately that leads to stagnant water
WHY: Dirt, hair, and other objects clog the drain which acts as a sort of dam, which causes the water to slowly drip through.
9. The traffic on University Avenue and Archer Road during rush hour
WHY: The majority of the population of Gainesville gets off work at the same time, or is going out to dinner at the time. This then causes traffic to pile up and to not move at times.
10. Tickets running out in the student section for University of Florida basketball games against Kentucky
WHY: The majority of the student body desires to attend this game, however the school's population is exponentially larger than the student seating section.
11. Basketballs deflating after several uses
WHY: The constant motion of dribbling causes the air particles to find ways to squeeze out of the ball. The ball is not completely un-porous which allows the particles to escape.
12. Changing lightbulbs multiple times per year when they are out
WHY: There is only so much of the substance to burn in the lightbulb, and once this is out there is nothing for it to make light.
13. Paying for an early release of a video game when it eventually gets releases to the public for free
WHY: The early release allows for those that pay for it to experience the game first and hone their skills, and then submit relevant feedback to fix bugs and errors.
14. The University if Florida buses running late in the mornings before class
WHY: Each bus has to make multiple stops along the way, and various problems can arise at each stop.
15. The redness that comes under a nose when a congested nose is blown onto a paper towel and not a tissue
WHY: The paper towel is made for cleaning messes and absorbing liquid, but not for comfort.
16. Bags of chips only being half full
WHY: Air is needed to keep the chips fresh and to allow more bags of chips to be packed into one box.
17. The amount of fur that dogs shed each year when the temperature rises that then gets stuck to all furniture and clothing
WHY: Dogs need to shed the weight and extra coats in order to vent and regulate their temperatures better when it begins to get warm.
18. The rapid deterioration of running shoes
WHY: These shoes get put through massive abuse and have weight constantly land on them for miles at a time, and thus the seams and other parts of it begin to break.
19. When apartment buildings begin to fill with tenants, the rent becomes higher for the remaining few.
WHY: The demand stays the same but the quantity available dimities, which makes the price each consumer is wiling to pay much higher.
20. The long waits to get through airport security
WHY: To ensure the safety of all passengers, the TSA employees must thoroughly check every person and their bags, which takes time.
Reflection: This assignment proved to be much more difficult and challenging than initially anticipated. I was surprised that I could not easily rattle off twenty things that "bug" me in the surrounding world. It forced me to re-evealute the world around me and to seek things that I usually overlook because of their annoyance and that I mark down mentally as routine. Following each listed item, my mind immediately began to try to search for solutions to these problems that would make lives easier, which would in turn be able to make a profit. I believe this is how the best entrepreneurs consistently come up with ideas, because they look at the world and the items in it in a different manner and find ways to improve them.
WHY: Intended deterioration in order to have the consumer crave the next model so that they will not have to constantly use their charger.
2. The lint build up in the dryer
WHY: Particles of clothes fall off during the drying process and pile together in a potentially hazardous mass.
3. The time it takes for a gaming system to update
WHY: There is a mass amount of data that must be transferred and installed in a system in order for it to function at maximum capacity.
4. Long lines to get into the University of Florida basketball and football games
WHY: Everyone attending attempts to show up at the game at the same time, which overwhelms the staff as they can only help one person at a time.
5. Getting oil changes every few thousand miles for a car
WHY: Cars are complex machines that need maintenance to clean their systems so that they do not break down.
6. Power outages during storms
WHY: The power lines are above ground and pose little resistance to harsh winds and other falling debris.
7. Only having trash pick-ups once a week at my apartment complex
WHY: Gainesville is a big town, and hence it takes the trash company a long time to reach every house.
8. Showers that do not drain immediately that leads to stagnant water
WHY: Dirt, hair, and other objects clog the drain which acts as a sort of dam, which causes the water to slowly drip through.
9. The traffic on University Avenue and Archer Road during rush hour
WHY: The majority of the population of Gainesville gets off work at the same time, or is going out to dinner at the time. This then causes traffic to pile up and to not move at times.
10. Tickets running out in the student section for University of Florida basketball games against Kentucky
WHY: The majority of the student body desires to attend this game, however the school's population is exponentially larger than the student seating section.
11. Basketballs deflating after several uses
WHY: The constant motion of dribbling causes the air particles to find ways to squeeze out of the ball. The ball is not completely un-porous which allows the particles to escape.
12. Changing lightbulbs multiple times per year when they are out
WHY: There is only so much of the substance to burn in the lightbulb, and once this is out there is nothing for it to make light.
13. Paying for an early release of a video game when it eventually gets releases to the public for free
WHY: The early release allows for those that pay for it to experience the game first and hone their skills, and then submit relevant feedback to fix bugs and errors.
14. The University if Florida buses running late in the mornings before class
WHY: Each bus has to make multiple stops along the way, and various problems can arise at each stop.
15. The redness that comes under a nose when a congested nose is blown onto a paper towel and not a tissue
WHY: The paper towel is made for cleaning messes and absorbing liquid, but not for comfort.
16. Bags of chips only being half full
WHY: Air is needed to keep the chips fresh and to allow more bags of chips to be packed into one box.
17. The amount of fur that dogs shed each year when the temperature rises that then gets stuck to all furniture and clothing
WHY: Dogs need to shed the weight and extra coats in order to vent and regulate their temperatures better when it begins to get warm.
18. The rapid deterioration of running shoes
WHY: These shoes get put through massive abuse and have weight constantly land on them for miles at a time, and thus the seams and other parts of it begin to break.
19. When apartment buildings begin to fill with tenants, the rent becomes higher for the remaining few.
WHY: The demand stays the same but the quantity available dimities, which makes the price each consumer is wiling to pay much higher.
20. The long waits to get through airport security
WHY: To ensure the safety of all passengers, the TSA employees must thoroughly check every person and their bags, which takes time.
Reflection: This assignment proved to be much more difficult and challenging than initially anticipated. I was surprised that I could not easily rattle off twenty things that "bug" me in the surrounding world. It forced me to re-evealute the world around me and to seek things that I usually overlook because of their annoyance and that I mark down mentally as routine. Following each listed item, my mind immediately began to try to search for solutions to these problems that would make lives easier, which would in turn be able to make a profit. I believe this is how the best entrepreneurs consistently come up with ideas, because they look at the world and the items in it in a different manner and find ways to improve them.
My Entrepreneurship Story
A few years ago, my parents embarked on their own entrepreneurship journey, and I was right there along side them for the ride. It had always been a dream of my dad to open up a surf shop, so eventually he decided to stop waiting and to act. Him and I visited a few potential locations before decided on where to open shop. Throughout the process I helped to decorate the store and to bring in the inventory that would eventually be sold to the consumers. I even worked for the shop for the first two summers it was open before getting another job. This itself is one of the main reasons on which I enrolled in ENT 3003, as this first hand account of the opening and day to day operations of a shop impacted me greatly. I am hoping to get out of this class a more professional and adult understanding of how a business works, and how the transformation from idea into action takes place. A more thorough and in depth understanding of an entrepreneurship is what I hope to take away from this class.
Monday, January 15, 2018
ENT3003
I believe the Golden State Warriors will beat the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the N.B.A. title for the year 2017-2018.
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