https://youtu.be/0Eh_IFJ7B6w
Above is the video for my elevator pitch.
Friday, September 28, 2018
9A Testing the Hypothesis Part 2
Who: There are companies and organizations that are providing assistance in the hurricane relief effort, whether it is for profit companies or non profit companies. That being said, the assistance and services that these organizations should pail in comparison to the service that I can offer. For example, non profit companies and funding agencies include the National Organization of Free & Charitable Clinics as well as U.S. Programs for Direct Relief, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross. There are also corporations that donate money to the hurricane relief effort, such as Bank of America and AT&T. Finally there are contracting and construction companies, such as the Korte Company, that assist in the relief effort, through rebuilding homes, businesses, and buildings. With that being said, the service that I plan to offer, I feel is vastly different. The service provided would predominately be in cities, and we would look at unused space, or wasted space around the city, and turn them into parks and parklands of different sizes. I personally feel that this is a service that could help cities, such as Houston and New Orleans for example, with increased protection from future hurricanes and natural disasters, as well as a possible location for recreational activities, events, and festivals. I feel like that aspect of my service is what would set my vision apart from that of other companies.
What: I feel that my service differs than the service that other companies and organizations because it not only helps to rebuild some of the damage that occurred as a result of the flood or hurricane, but it also serves as an idea that the area will be better protected from future disasters as a result of the use of my services. I also think that that area can serve as a location for events because it's open space that can be put to good use.
Why: The underlying cause of other companies' assistance in the relief effort is different than mine because first, most of the services being provided are physical rebuilding of different properties and areas of the city, or donating resources and fund that are needed for the rebuilding and relief effort. While I find it true that these companies and organizations are providing an important and necessary service, they still find that service to be outside of mine, because my service goes one step further. My service, implementing more parkland areas in cities, would work to rebuild different parts of the city and use parks as a way of adding more land that could soak up water that comes from future floods and hurricanes. There are limited amount of areas in cities that are covered by parklands, so there is a need out there, and that need can be fulfilled with a park that can help limit the damage to cities in future natural disasters, as well as serve as an area for different events and gatherings. I think my proposal is vastly different than the current services being provided by other companies.
Inside the Boundary Outside the Boundary
A)My parkland service A)Companies either providing no relief assistance, or simply B)Parkland areas in suffering cities. donating money and rebuilding
C) B)Basic rebuilding services
C)Little to no parklands in cities C)Rebuilding homes and businesses
What: I feel that my service differs than the service that other companies and organizations because it not only helps to rebuild some of the damage that occurred as a result of the flood or hurricane, but it also serves as an idea that the area will be better protected from future disasters as a result of the use of my services. I also think that that area can serve as a location for events because it's open space that can be put to good use.
Why: The underlying cause of other companies' assistance in the relief effort is different than mine because first, most of the services being provided are physical rebuilding of different properties and areas of the city, or donating resources and fund that are needed for the rebuilding and relief effort. While I find it true that these companies and organizations are providing an important and necessary service, they still find that service to be outside of mine, because my service goes one step further. My service, implementing more parkland areas in cities, would work to rebuild different parts of the city and use parks as a way of adding more land that could soak up water that comes from future floods and hurricanes. There are limited amount of areas in cities that are covered by parklands, so there is a need out there, and that need can be fulfilled with a park that can help limit the damage to cities in future natural disasters, as well as serve as an area for different events and gatherings. I think my proposal is vastly different than the current services being provided by other companies.
Inside the Boundary Outside the Boundary
A)My parkland service A)Companies either providing no relief assistance, or simply B)Parkland areas in suffering cities. donating money and rebuilding
C) B)Basic rebuilding services
C)Little to no parklands in cities C)Rebuilding homes and businesses
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Solving the Problem 8A
The opportunity that I chose comes as a result of natural disasters, specifically hurricanes and flooding that have continued to affect the entirety of the east coast, and much of the southwest. I chose this opportunity because I took notice of the economic trend involving natural disasters and their effects on the environment, cities and towns, and the economy. After taking notice of that trend I decided to do a little more research, and found that natural disasters continue to strike at more rapid rates, and continually have the power to destroy cities, towns, and homes. I also took notice that cities that suffer damage tend to rebuild in a way that really doesn't help further protect the city from future damage. For example, one of the latest cities to have been affect by natural disasters was Houston, where hurricanes and flooding tore up the city. What I am proposing, to take advantage of this opportunity, is a construction service, either for profit or non-profit, that could help implement new plans to help further protect damaged cities from future natural disasters. The services and would be to create, protect, maintain, and update parklands, especially in cities such as Houston. The reason being is that parklands act as a sponge and help to soak up more of the water that comes with hurricanes and flooding. This would help cities like Houston, because the parkland areas would soak up more water naturally, instead of water heavily pooling up in areas all over the place. Not only that, but depending on the size of the parks and parklands, cities could choose to also generate revenue in those areas at the same time. I feel like this service would provide cities and citizens with increased protection from natural disasters, so when those disasters do come, less of these cities and towns are dangerously affected, or affected at all.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Testing the Hypothesis 7A
1. The opportunity that I am pursuing revolves around the destruction of U.S. cities as a result of natural disasters.
2. Cities, in the United States, that have recently been destroyed as the result of natural disasters are repeatedly being rebuilt in a fashion that does not further protect cities and citizens from future disasters. This inability to change protocols on rebuilding recently destroyed cities comes from a societal inability to recognize that cities in danger of destruction need more advanced ways of protecting the land and the citizens that reside there.
3. Testing the who: People all over the country, whether it's the east, west, southwest, or midwest are consistently threatened by the possibility of a natural disaster occurring. That being said, the opportunity that I am targeting mainly revolves around the east coast, and parts of the southwest, and the effects that hurricanes and flooding have on different areas of our country.
Testing the what: How has the U.S. typically handled situations of natural disaster, such as after Hurricane Harvey, or Hurricane Katrina? What are some new ways to rebuild cities suffering from natural disaster, in a way that could better protect said cities in the future? What are the advantages and disadvantages of changing the way the United States rebuilds cities and provides future protections? Is it at all possible to really protect cities from natural disasters, and if not, what precautions can society take to limit the amount of times these disasters occur.
Testing the why: There will be some people that simply see natural disasters as an inescapable part of life, and those people will question the fact that precautions can be taken to assist those in need. There are also people that will be skeptical that a better way of helping rebuilding towns, and the people rebuilding their lives. Some will believe that the plans and guidelines already in place are in place because they are still the best way of helping. Finally, there will be people that question how possible it is to create new ways to better rebuild recently destroyed areas of our nation.
4. For the interview portion of this assignment, I chose to interview people that have homes in areas that could be threaten by natural disasters, whether that be somewhere along the coast, or elsewhere.
While some of the people I interviewed did have to live through some flooding, none of them had to rebuild their homes or completely rebuild their towns. That being said, the interview process was still incredibly helpful because after the process was completed, it became clear that there is an opportunity for growth in this area of our society. I would say that one of the biggest takeaways that I received from the interview portion of the assignment has to deal with the fact that flooding can occur in many areas of the U.S. without any major or dangerous storms present, and that the said flooding can still have a troubling impact on societies around the nation. It became clear that unless there is a huge storm or natural disaster approaching, that there won't be countrywide recognition of the problem. I also feel that ensuring the protection of towns and homes against flooding on a normal day can provide our country with a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting families and cities from larger looming problems, such as natural disasters.
2. Cities, in the United States, that have recently been destroyed as the result of natural disasters are repeatedly being rebuilt in a fashion that does not further protect cities and citizens from future disasters. This inability to change protocols on rebuilding recently destroyed cities comes from a societal inability to recognize that cities in danger of destruction need more advanced ways of protecting the land and the citizens that reside there.
3. Testing the who: People all over the country, whether it's the east, west, southwest, or midwest are consistently threatened by the possibility of a natural disaster occurring. That being said, the opportunity that I am targeting mainly revolves around the east coast, and parts of the southwest, and the effects that hurricanes and flooding have on different areas of our country.
Testing the what: How has the U.S. typically handled situations of natural disaster, such as after Hurricane Harvey, or Hurricane Katrina? What are some new ways to rebuild cities suffering from natural disaster, in a way that could better protect said cities in the future? What are the advantages and disadvantages of changing the way the United States rebuilds cities and provides future protections? Is it at all possible to really protect cities from natural disasters, and if not, what precautions can society take to limit the amount of times these disasters occur.
Testing the why: There will be some people that simply see natural disasters as an inescapable part of life, and those people will question the fact that precautions can be taken to assist those in need. There are also people that will be skeptical that a better way of helping rebuilding towns, and the people rebuilding their lives. Some will believe that the plans and guidelines already in place are in place because they are still the best way of helping. Finally, there will be people that question how possible it is to create new ways to better rebuild recently destroyed areas of our nation.
4. For the interview portion of this assignment, I chose to interview people that have homes in areas that could be threaten by natural disasters, whether that be somewhere along the coast, or elsewhere.
While some of the people I interviewed did have to live through some flooding, none of them had to rebuild their homes or completely rebuild their towns. That being said, the interview process was still incredibly helpful because after the process was completed, it became clear that there is an opportunity for growth in this area of our society. I would say that one of the biggest takeaways that I received from the interview portion of the assignment has to deal with the fact that flooding can occur in many areas of the U.S. without any major or dangerous storms present, and that the said flooding can still have a troubling impact on societies around the nation. It became clear that unless there is a huge storm or natural disaster approaching, that there won't be countrywide recognition of the problem. I also feel that ensuring the protection of towns and homes against flooding on a normal day can provide our country with a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting families and cities from larger looming problems, such as natural disasters.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
6A Economic and Regulatory Trends
One economic trend that I think would be wise to target as a possible opportunity is the rebuilding after natural disasters, and was presented by JP Morgan Chase. As the company cited, natural disasters occurring in Florida and Texas alone were able to decrease the national GDP by almost a full point last year. While that may not seem like a huge amount, national disasters are a part of life, and are not going away any time soon, and are going to continue to affect people across the nation. While it is terrible to think about the destruction of homes and livelihoods around the country, one must also realize that there are opportunities in each of those areas of natural disaster. Whether it come from a financial standpoint in rebuilding towns, companies, and generating profits for companies or businesses, whether it comes from the creation of more non-profit organizations looking to rebuild areas suffering from disaster, or whether it creates a need to help those that are less fortunate and have been affected by natural disasters. Opportunities exist in the aftermath of natural disasters. It is clear that the most likely customer to any of the opportunities named above will be those directly affected by the natural disasters themselves. Those affected by the disasters are going to need help and assistance in some way shape or form. With that being said, I do think the opportunity can be difficult to exploit, because by doing so, you are also exploiting those affected by the disasters to a certain point. For that reason alone, it could be tough to chase after this potential opportunity. Finally, the main reason I was able to see this opportunity is because it has affected myself, and my family several times. I have family that lives in Fort Myers, that has had to evacuate and rebuild their home time and time again after hurricanes, and there is also the fact that my home suffered a ton of damage in New Jersey after Super Storm Sandy. My driveway was blocked off, there was no power and fallen trees damaged a lot of my home. After all that, no one came to assist us for over two weeks. After all my experiences, as well as hearing about everyone else's experiences, it has become clear that there are opportunities that result from natural disasters. https://commercial.jpmorganchase.com/pages/commercial-banking/executive-connect/six-key-economic-trends
Another potential opportunity comes from Kimberly Amadeo, who wrote about how economic trends can affect citizens all over the country on the website The Balance. One trend that really stood out to me was the fact that our economy is in the expansion faze of the business cycle. As we are exiting years of recession and economic downturn, people have in turn begun to trust the economy, and trust business once again. This phase has led to an opportunity to push new, or simply more, products to market and take advantage of a positive economy, before the economy starts to peak, and possible bubbles are created. There is also a possible upcoming opportunity to take advantage of bubbles after our economy once again begins to reach its peak. I think the most likely customers of this opportunity are specific niche areas of our economy, such as in 2007 and 2008 when millions were affected by the housing bubble, but at the same time a select few were able to make a fortune by predicting the crash. This opportunity will be very difficult to exploit, whether it is taking advantage of a budding economy, or taking advantage of a disastrous downturn. The reason being is because it is incredibly difficult to take advantage of markets, whether they are successful, or on the verge of collapse. Finally the reason I was able to recognize this opportunity comes from research. Our nation, and many other nations have continually seen periods of peak economic times turn to disasters times of debt and a destructive economy, and then see that economy rebuild. This cycle has even been highlighted in movies like The Big Short.
https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
One important regulatory trend comes from the banking industry, and was presented by Deloitte. The trend is a pivot from building to sustaining. As firms have begun to rebuild after recent financial crisis' in the last 10 years, they have recognized the need to sustain what they have built, created, and profited on. There is an opportunity present here, considering that these banks and companies are beginning to view regulations as a way to create safer business practices and rely on less risky ventures. Banks are beginning to create a sense of trust among people, which is why there are opportunities to rely on some of the banks. I think that the ideal customer in a possible opportunity to do business with banks would be those who own or work at smaller businesses. They could grow their business and could continue to profit even in times of economic downturn as a result of doing business with banks making safer decisions revolved around sustaining their profits and the economy. Finally, I feel that this opportunity will be relatively easy to exploit, as long as businesses and people are willing to work together. Finally, I actually recognized this opportunity as a result of the assignment. As I was researching trends and reading into the volatility of markets and our economy, and how banks have began to work on building their portfolios and sustaining them even in times of economic downturn has led me to believe that there is an opportunity present here. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/regulatory/articles/banking-regulatory-outlook.html
Another regulatory trend that came from Deloitte has to do with America's life sciences organizations and companies. The regulatory trend is that these companies must continue to recognize new laws and legislations regarding their business, while at the same time continue to help those in need. The most notable part of this trend was in the form of medical devices, and how they should be connected to the internet, hospital networks, and mobile devices. The reason I see an opportunity here is that if there is a way to connect some of these devices to the internet, then there is a chance that more people can benefit from medical professionals, at a quicker rate, and at a fraction of the cost. I think the biggest customer of this opportunity would be parents with younger, active kids. The reason being is that parents constantly could use a quick way to decide what to provide a sick kid, or the quickest way to hospitals in different areas, in case of an emergency. I feel that it will be difficult to find a way to provide devices and information and pair it with the internet and mobile devices, but at the same time, if it did become possible, it would be relatively easy to exploited, because everyone uses and has access to the internet and mobile devices nowadays. Finally, I saw the opportunity because as a kid I was constantly injured and breaking bones and getting sick, and my parents always waited days to check me into a hospital for assistance. If mobile devices and information were readily available on the internet or a mobile phone, it would have been much easier for them to determine that I may have needed some medical attention.
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/regulatory/articles/life-sciences-regulatory-outlook.html
Another potential opportunity comes from Kimberly Amadeo, who wrote about how economic trends can affect citizens all over the country on the website The Balance. One trend that really stood out to me was the fact that our economy is in the expansion faze of the business cycle. As we are exiting years of recession and economic downturn, people have in turn begun to trust the economy, and trust business once again. This phase has led to an opportunity to push new, or simply more, products to market and take advantage of a positive economy, before the economy starts to peak, and possible bubbles are created. There is also a possible upcoming opportunity to take advantage of bubbles after our economy once again begins to reach its peak. I think the most likely customers of this opportunity are specific niche areas of our economy, such as in 2007 and 2008 when millions were affected by the housing bubble, but at the same time a select few were able to make a fortune by predicting the crash. This opportunity will be very difficult to exploit, whether it is taking advantage of a budding economy, or taking advantage of a disastrous downturn. The reason being is because it is incredibly difficult to take advantage of markets, whether they are successful, or on the verge of collapse. Finally the reason I was able to recognize this opportunity comes from research. Our nation, and many other nations have continually seen periods of peak economic times turn to disasters times of debt and a destructive economy, and then see that economy rebuild. This cycle has even been highlighted in movies like The Big Short.
https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
One important regulatory trend comes from the banking industry, and was presented by Deloitte. The trend is a pivot from building to sustaining. As firms have begun to rebuild after recent financial crisis' in the last 10 years, they have recognized the need to sustain what they have built, created, and profited on. There is an opportunity present here, considering that these banks and companies are beginning to view regulations as a way to create safer business practices and rely on less risky ventures. Banks are beginning to create a sense of trust among people, which is why there are opportunities to rely on some of the banks. I think that the ideal customer in a possible opportunity to do business with banks would be those who own or work at smaller businesses. They could grow their business and could continue to profit even in times of economic downturn as a result of doing business with banks making safer decisions revolved around sustaining their profits and the economy. Finally, I feel that this opportunity will be relatively easy to exploit, as long as businesses and people are willing to work together. Finally, I actually recognized this opportunity as a result of the assignment. As I was researching trends and reading into the volatility of markets and our economy, and how banks have began to work on building their portfolios and sustaining them even in times of economic downturn has led me to believe that there is an opportunity present here. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/regulatory/articles/banking-regulatory-outlook.html
Another regulatory trend that came from Deloitte has to do with America's life sciences organizations and companies. The regulatory trend is that these companies must continue to recognize new laws and legislations regarding their business, while at the same time continue to help those in need. The most notable part of this trend was in the form of medical devices, and how they should be connected to the internet, hospital networks, and mobile devices. The reason I see an opportunity here is that if there is a way to connect some of these devices to the internet, then there is a chance that more people can benefit from medical professionals, at a quicker rate, and at a fraction of the cost. I think the biggest customer of this opportunity would be parents with younger, active kids. The reason being is that parents constantly could use a quick way to decide what to provide a sick kid, or the quickest way to hospitals in different areas, in case of an emergency. I feel that it will be difficult to find a way to provide devices and information and pair it with the internet and mobile devices, but at the same time, if it did become possible, it would be relatively easy to exploited, because everyone uses and has access to the internet and mobile devices nowadays. Finally, I saw the opportunity because as a kid I was constantly injured and breaking bones and getting sick, and my parents always waited days to check me into a hospital for assistance. If mobile devices and information were readily available on the internet or a mobile phone, it would have been much easier for them to determine that I may have needed some medical attention.
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/regulatory/articles/life-sciences-regulatory-outlook.html
5A Identifying Local Opportunities
America is a country filled with opportunities to create change and improve society. While there is room for change all over the country, I stuck to five simple places around the United States, where opportunities for improvement exist. The first opportunity for change, that I found, comes from the Miami Dade Parks and Recreation services, and was presented in the Miami Herald article David Beckham, Donald Trump, and the Push to Make Miami Dade Parks more Profitable. This governmental service is struggled to generate profits in their area. Almost every park in the area is continuously subsidized by the government and the community, in order to keep them open. While many people have thought about hosting different events and festivals at the parks, these types of events are often incredibly expensive, and do nothing to continue to entice people to come back to the park and enjoy the outdoors on any typical day. The overall goal of the community, government, and key figures and celebrities, is to decrease public subsidies of parks, while also making tickets to parks cheaper for the public.
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0913%21September%2B13&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E699C567E397F8
The second opportunity that I chose to identify comes from the Gainesville Sun, in an article titled Understanding Our High GRU Bills. The reason I chose this opportunity, to decrease the amount utilities are costing the people of Gainesville, is because I am also affected by these incredibly high bills, as I recently moved into a home in town. The reason bills have become so high has to deal mostly with Gainesville Regional Utilities' constantly changing electric rate structure, along with bundling, produces high bills for most people, especially those who can't afford the higher rates. Much of the confusion regarding these increasing prices and rates results from GRU's confusing rate classifications as well as the fact that some utilities are bundled in with other utilities that, to a certain extent, simply are not necessary, such as curbside trash pickup and handling of stormwater. There is also the fact that the amount of utilities you use, such as electricity, gas and water, really has little effect on the price citizens are actually paying, due to bundling and GRU's structuring of rates. No matter which way you look at it, there is an opportunity for reform to lower the prices of utilities in Gainesville, and assist the town's less fortunate citizens.
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0912%21September%2B12&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E6896466155BF0
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0913%21September%2B13&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E699C567E397F8
The second opportunity that I chose to identify comes from the Gainesville Sun, in an article titled Understanding Our High GRU Bills. The reason I chose this opportunity, to decrease the amount utilities are costing the people of Gainesville, is because I am also affected by these incredibly high bills, as I recently moved into a home in town. The reason bills have become so high has to deal mostly with Gainesville Regional Utilities' constantly changing electric rate structure, along with bundling, produces high bills for most people, especially those who can't afford the higher rates. Much of the confusion regarding these increasing prices and rates results from GRU's confusing rate classifications as well as the fact that some utilities are bundled in with other utilities that, to a certain extent, simply are not necessary, such as curbside trash pickup and handling of stormwater. There is also the fact that the amount of utilities you use, such as electricity, gas and water, really has little effect on the price citizens are actually paying, due to bundling and GRU's structuring of rates. No matter which way you look at it, there is an opportunity for reform to lower the prices of utilities in Gainesville, and assist the town's less fortunate citizens.
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0912%21September%2B12&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E6896466155BF0
The third opportunity I chose to target comes from the Washington Post, in Washington D.C., mostly because I have a lot of family that lives in the area. More specifically I chose to target a budding opportunity that exists in the area, as well as all across the country. The article, titled FDA Chief Calls Youth Use of Juul, Other E-Cigarrettes an Epidemic, discusses the concerns that have begun to spread regarding the most recent development of an incredibly popular electronic cigarette, called a juul. More specifically, the article discusses how the FDA and other organizations are looking to curb the use of these devices, specifically among the teenage population, where the juul is debatably the most popular. While the device was intended for adults looking to ween their way off smoking cigarettes, it has become a hit in the adolescent community and has presented some dangers for families and children. The goal is to ultimately limit the use of electronic cigarettes by teenagers, through legislation, fines, and the generation of awareness. The government has recognized a need to assist teens and families from using these types of devices, even when their use is not necessary, since most teenagers are not using the device to quit smoking. There is an opportunity to create awareness and a system to limit the e-cigarette use in the teenage community. http://go.galegroup.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T004&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=25&docId=GALE%7CA553962133&docType=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=&prodId=AONE&contentSet=GALE%7CA553962133&searchId=R2&userGroupName=gain40375&inPS=true
The fourth opportunity I chose to target comes from New Jersey, and I chose to target this opportunity because it is the state that I am from. The article, titled The State Feels Crowded. So How Many Square Feet Does Each of Us Really Have? In the Most Densely Populated State in the Nation, Here are New Jersey's Most Densely Populated Communities, the issue of space in the state is discussed. Moreover, the article discusses that the cramped area in New Jersey has led to severe traffic patterns, and has created increased threats of accidents. There is also the issue that the incredibly dense population has led to more threats from pollution for more people in more areas. This mainly effects people living in northern New Jersey, which is more packed considering the proximity to cities like New York. There are opportunities to space out the state, such as creating more housing in less populated areas, and reduce the health and risk concerns associated with cramped living conditions.
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3ASTL2%21Star-Ledger%252C%2BThe%2B%2528Newark%252C%2BNJ%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0909%21September%2B09&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E542D8DC7AB1F8
The last opportunity I chose to target comes from Pittsburgh. The article, titled Funding Cuts Means Less ACA Assistance, discusses the issue of funding cuts to medicare programs and services. The cuts will most likely lead to six less staff members, and in turn lead to many people not receiving full coverage. The budget for this program has dropped by a little over 50 million dollars in the last two years, and has left many without jobs, and even more with reduced coverage, or no coverage at all. There are several opportunities for change in this area, whether it is in the form of nonprofit programs offering assistance to those whose coverage was stripped away, or a restructuring of budgets to ensure that the medicare programs receive the appropriate amount of funding, so that those that need coverage can be guaranteed coverage. There is also the issue that some people view the cuts as an attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act, which could create even more issues in the area, and the nation.
https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3APPGB%21Pittsburgh%2BPost-Gazette%2B%2528PA%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0913%21September%2B13&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E68FEA0D071158
Friday, September 7, 2018
Opportunity Beliefs Assignment 4A
First, I do have a feeling that there is an opportunity that exists out there, in the form of an app. The app would use your location to pinpoint some of the quicker restaurants in the area, such as Chick Fil A and McDonalds, and let you know how long the line is at that current moment. My belief and this app stems from the fact that I often find myself arriving at some of my favorite restaurants, but the line is practically an hour long and almost out the door. I have always hoped for a way to know what the lines at restaurants were like before I left my house, and I have always preferred to go and get food quicker as opposed to waiting in a super long line. The people who have the need are those interested in eating at fast food type establishments and are interested in getting their food as quickly as possible. This need, for me, stemmed from my impatience, since I absolutely hate waiting in lines, as I'm sure many others do. As far as I know, the only thing that people are doing to meet this need is call the restaurant, but there are times that restaurants are too busy to even answer the phone. I would also assume that there is around a 50% chance that this type of app has yet to be created, since I have never seen or heard someone talk about an app like that, but at the same time it is tough to believe that that type of app has yet to have been created.
My prototypical customers would first have to be a young kid, around the high school and college age. The reason this would be my prototypical customer is because these kids can arrive at these restaurants on their own through the use of a car, and people that age are normally eating at restaurants like Chick Fil A and Chipotle as opposed to nicer restaurants, such as sit down places or steakhouses. My next prototypical customer would have to be parents with young kids. Those parents often take kids and their kids' friends out to fast food restaurants. Those parents are often just looking to get their kids a quick easy meal when they aren't cooking or going out as a family. My final prototypical customer would have to be someone in their mid twenties, preferably someone that still lives alone and is adjusting to everyday life as an adult. I target this class because I hope that instead of going grocery shopping routinely, they would just buy cheap, quick meals instead.
Prototypical Customer 1: Caitlyn, 20
Caitlyn is a friend of mine who enjoys fast food restaurants such as Moes, Culver's, and Chick Fil A. I approached her about my app because I felt that she would be perfect to question about by possible opportunity because she fit my first customer profile and I knew she enjoyed quick meals. I first asked her about her willingness to wait in a long line at a restaurant like Chick Fil A and she responded that she didn't see the point in waiting for a line at all, instead of simply going to another restaurant. I then asked her how often she experienced herself waiting in long lines at restaurants that have advertised themselves as being able to provide food fast, and she responded that she experiences those lines about one in every five times she goes out to eat. I then asked how she addresses the problem of long lines at fast food restaurants and she said that she simply just chooses to go to another restaurant. I found that in her case, she could find my app helpful since she is concerned about lines and is just looking to get a decent meal as quickly as possible.
Prototypical Customer 2: Nicky, 50
Nicky is one of my friends parents, and I gave her a call, because growing up her house was always the one that all the kids hung out at, and I remember that she would consistently bring us to McDonalds for lunch and dinner as young kids. I first asked her how often she found herself bringing her son, or his friends, to a quick restaurant like McDonalds, and she said that she would bring her son there about once or twice a week. I then asked her how often she would experience a long wait in line there and she said that she normally went during the lunch or dinner rush, since the kids were always hungry then, and she said she waited in an extra long time for about half of her trips. When I asked her how she felt about those lines, however, she was indifferent. I then asked her what she would think of a way to see which restaurants had the shortest lines so she could just get a meal for her kids as quick as possible. To my surprise, she said that she most likely wouldn't use an app like that one because for the most part, her kids were always dead set on a certain restaurant and were not interested in going anywhere else besides the restaurant they wanted. From our conversation I figured that she probably wouldn't be the best customer.
Prototypical Customer 3: Jeff, 28
Jeff is one of my friends older brothers and he has been out of college for six years now. I figured that Jeff would be a good person to interview because he was a young bachelor that recently got out of college, and assumed that he would more often go out to eat at quick restaurants as opposed to consistently grocery shopping. I first asked him how often he ate at a restaurant like Chick Fil A and he said about once a week. I then asked him how often he experienced long lines at the said restaurant and he said about a third of the time he sees that the line is unnecessarily long and just goes home and makes himself a quick, easy dinner. I then asked him about how he felt about being able to check the line for his restaurant of choice, even if it was just once in a while that he went out. He said that he felt something like that would be very beneficial and could even save him some time, money, and gas.
I felt that I learned a lot from my possible opportunity, the first of which, was how different classes of people had extremely different needs. It was clear after talking with three different people from three different age groups, how different separate groups of people really can be. Caitlyn's response came as no surprise since a lot of college students are simply looking to get a quick meal out. I was, however, interested in Jeff's response because it came as a shock that someone like himself only ate out at most once a week. I would have figured he ate out most nights, and that his demographic would be the group that identified with the opportunity the most. Finally, Nicky's interview gave me the most information. I would've figured that a parent would have loved the app just so they could get their kid a quick meal. That being said, I didn't take into account how set in their ways a kid could become. That being said, that information would become incredibly important had I or someone else actually looked to develop an opportunity like this.
After performing this research, I feel like my opportunity could definitely still exist. After conducting my interviews I found that just by scratching the surface, that there could possibly be a niche market out there. That being said, I should make it clear that a lot more research should be conducted before moving forward. I do believe that my opportunity is more accurate than when I first thought of it, because now I've got some more information about the opportunity itself. I have more of an idea of who the app and opportunity should be targeted at, and could possibly find ways to pivot my idea if it ever came to that. Finally, I feel that entrepreneurs are always willing to adapt their plans and ideas based off of customer feedback. It would be ridiculous for possible customers to state that they disliked a product or idea, and an entrepreneur would not take that feedback and information into account.
My prototypical customers would first have to be a young kid, around the high school and college age. The reason this would be my prototypical customer is because these kids can arrive at these restaurants on their own through the use of a car, and people that age are normally eating at restaurants like Chick Fil A and Chipotle as opposed to nicer restaurants, such as sit down places or steakhouses. My next prototypical customer would have to be parents with young kids. Those parents often take kids and their kids' friends out to fast food restaurants. Those parents are often just looking to get their kids a quick easy meal when they aren't cooking or going out as a family. My final prototypical customer would have to be someone in their mid twenties, preferably someone that still lives alone and is adjusting to everyday life as an adult. I target this class because I hope that instead of going grocery shopping routinely, they would just buy cheap, quick meals instead.
Prototypical Customer 1: Caitlyn, 20
Caitlyn is a friend of mine who enjoys fast food restaurants such as Moes, Culver's, and Chick Fil A. I approached her about my app because I felt that she would be perfect to question about by possible opportunity because she fit my first customer profile and I knew she enjoyed quick meals. I first asked her about her willingness to wait in a long line at a restaurant like Chick Fil A and she responded that she didn't see the point in waiting for a line at all, instead of simply going to another restaurant. I then asked her how often she experienced herself waiting in long lines at restaurants that have advertised themselves as being able to provide food fast, and she responded that she experiences those lines about one in every five times she goes out to eat. I then asked how she addresses the problem of long lines at fast food restaurants and she said that she simply just chooses to go to another restaurant. I found that in her case, she could find my app helpful since she is concerned about lines and is just looking to get a decent meal as quickly as possible.
Prototypical Customer 2: Nicky, 50
Nicky is one of my friends parents, and I gave her a call, because growing up her house was always the one that all the kids hung out at, and I remember that she would consistently bring us to McDonalds for lunch and dinner as young kids. I first asked her how often she found herself bringing her son, or his friends, to a quick restaurant like McDonalds, and she said that she would bring her son there about once or twice a week. I then asked her how often she would experience a long wait in line there and she said that she normally went during the lunch or dinner rush, since the kids were always hungry then, and she said she waited in an extra long time for about half of her trips. When I asked her how she felt about those lines, however, she was indifferent. I then asked her what she would think of a way to see which restaurants had the shortest lines so she could just get a meal for her kids as quick as possible. To my surprise, she said that she most likely wouldn't use an app like that one because for the most part, her kids were always dead set on a certain restaurant and were not interested in going anywhere else besides the restaurant they wanted. From our conversation I figured that she probably wouldn't be the best customer.
Prototypical Customer 3: Jeff, 28
Jeff is one of my friends older brothers and he has been out of college for six years now. I figured that Jeff would be a good person to interview because he was a young bachelor that recently got out of college, and assumed that he would more often go out to eat at quick restaurants as opposed to consistently grocery shopping. I first asked him how often he ate at a restaurant like Chick Fil A and he said about once a week. I then asked him how often he experienced long lines at the said restaurant and he said about a third of the time he sees that the line is unnecessarily long and just goes home and makes himself a quick, easy dinner. I then asked him about how he felt about being able to check the line for his restaurant of choice, even if it was just once in a while that he went out. He said that he felt something like that would be very beneficial and could even save him some time, money, and gas.
I felt that I learned a lot from my possible opportunity, the first of which, was how different classes of people had extremely different needs. It was clear after talking with three different people from three different age groups, how different separate groups of people really can be. Caitlyn's response came as no surprise since a lot of college students are simply looking to get a quick meal out. I was, however, interested in Jeff's response because it came as a shock that someone like himself only ate out at most once a week. I would have figured he ate out most nights, and that his demographic would be the group that identified with the opportunity the most. Finally, Nicky's interview gave me the most information. I would've figured that a parent would have loved the app just so they could get their kid a quick meal. That being said, I didn't take into account how set in their ways a kid could become. That being said, that information would become incredibly important had I or someone else actually looked to develop an opportunity like this.
After performing this research, I feel like my opportunity could definitely still exist. After conducting my interviews I found that just by scratching the surface, that there could possibly be a niche market out there. That being said, I should make it clear that a lot more research should be conducted before moving forward. I do believe that my opportunity is more accurate than when I first thought of it, because now I've got some more information about the opportunity itself. I have more of an idea of who the app and opportunity should be targeted at, and could possibly find ways to pivot my idea if it ever came to that. Finally, I feel that entrepreneurs are always willing to adapt their plans and ideas based off of customer feedback. It would be ridiculous for possible customers to state that they disliked a product or idea, and an entrepreneur would not take that feedback and information into account.
Bogart's Bug List Assignment 2A
- When you've finished your meal at a restaurant and are just waiting to pay the bill, but your waiter or waitress is nowhere to be found.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug stems from impatience. There is little doubt in my mind that the waiter or waitress is simply off doing other work, but it still bugs me that my needs at the time are not being met.
- When you go to get gas but have to wait in line for a pump.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because it is a new convenience that I have to deal with. I'm from New Jersey where it is illegal to pump your own gas. Because of that, there were always open pumps and I never had to wait, which is why waiting for pumps has become such a bug for me.
- When people are waiting in line to order food, but still don't know what to order once they get to the front of the line.
- Why does this bug exists?
- For me this bug exists because I always make sure to be prepared. That is why when people aren't ready for things, or are simply just indecisive, I get easily annoyed.
- I hate being on hold with people over the telephone.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because of my own impatience. While I sit on hold waiting for someone to pick up, I am just stuck thinking about all the more interesting and productive things that I could be doing in that exact moment.
- It bugs me when people consistently borrow things that don't belong to them, all without asking?
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because borrowing another person's belongings is a privilege and not a right of passage. The fact that some people ignore that notion comes off as disrespectful.
- I dislike driving at night and passing a car on the other side of the road who still has their brights on.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because, for me, it showcases the lack of care that some people show others. The fact that you could leave your lights on and possibly blind someone or cause an accident instead of simply flipping a quick switch off and on.
- I once worked as a caddie at a golf course called Copper Hill Country Club, and was bugged because I would consistently do a ton of work, all while making the same amount of money and working the same amount of hours as the people who consistently slacked off and did no work.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because I found this experience to be exhausting and unfair, especially because the experience came with the same hours and the same pay.
- I recently went to visit the 9/11 memorial and found that people would consistently take photos where there are signs that say "no flash photography", or that people would walk through the entire memorial while having a phone call the entire time.
- Why does the bug exist?
- This bug exists because it shows that it is a huge sign of disrespect. It should not be that hard to respect the wishes and guidelines at a memorial.
- I get bugged when I am in the passing lane on the highway and am stuck behind drivers that are either just barely driving the speed limit, or are even driving slower than that.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bugs me because it is a dangerous lack of awareness. The passing lane is meant for drivers that are passing other drivers on the highway, and people who use it as another lane are putting the rest of the drivers in danger.
- One of my bugs is the fact that some people don't cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bugs me because it is a simple common courtesy that just goes overlooked. It is simply the right thing to do considering the fact that you could easily get another person sick by not covering your mouth.
- A huge pet peeve of mine is when people continue to talk and argue over politics especially with people who have a differing opinion.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because politics are already a super sensitive topic to bring up, and arguing with people about it, especially those with differing opinions, really does no good, since it is incredibly unlikely that someone would be swayed simply by an on the spot argument.
- I get bugged when I have a conversation about someone and all they want to talk about is themselves.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because it can show how selfish and unaware society can be. Something like that makes the conversation seem so one sided and somewhat pointless.
- I find it awkward when I feel someone's eyes on me, like when you catch someone staring at you from across a room.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because it creates an uncomfortable situation and I feel incredibly uneasy.
- I get bugged when I say something to someone or ask someone a question, and that person just does not respond.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because I was raised to be respectful, and to me, there is nothing more disrespectful that someone simply not answering a question or statement that was clearly directed right at them.
- I cannot stand when people don't pick up after themselves, like when my sister would throw trash into our trash can at home, even when the can was filled.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because that inaction showcases the pure laziness and an unwillingness to finish a simple and necessary part of everyday tasks.
- A huge bug for me is that I hate leaving the house when I forgot to brush my teeth.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because I understand the importance of looking presentable and taking care of yourself. How you present yourself has the power to make or break relationships.
- A big bug for me is when I get to the airport with just a backpack and a small carry on, and am forced to check my small carry on simply because of my boarding group.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists simply due to frustration. It is upsetting to have to pay for luggage all because of my boarding group, especially because I know that there is room for more luggage in the overhead bins.
- I hate having to send thank you notes when I receive a gift, as opposed to just calling the person that sent the gift.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because a note is so much less heartfelt that hearing a thank you straight from the mouth of the person you got the gift for.
- I dislike the fact that some cars will stop a full car length behind another car at a stoplight. It jams up traffic further back and causes some people to miss lights and sit in more traffic.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists largely due to my impatience and aggressive driving. I like to get things done and get to destinations quickly, which is why the bug is such a big deal.
- A big pet peeve of mine is when people have personal arguments in public.
- Why does this bug exist?
- This bug exists because people should not be airing their dirty laundry out in the world for everyone to see and hear. It is just completely inappropriate and truly unnecessary.
Reflection: I found this assignment to be fairly challenging. The reason being is that it is hard enough to acknowledge some of the things that bug and upset you, let alone find twenty different things that have the ability to trigger a person. This assignment also helped me realize that it is much easier to notice things that bug you when you are experiencing them. It was much harder to think back on times and situations that bugged me and got under my skin. Overall, however, I felt that this assignment was beneficial and helped me acknowledge some of the things that make me tick in this world.
My Entrepreneurship Story Assignment 3A
The first time I had been exposed to the entrepreneurial experience occurred when I was in the seventh grade. My experience occurred during a group project in my science class where groups had to create an energy saving oven, shown in the picture below. For groups to earn a passing grade, they had to show that the oven could get hotter, and possibly even cook food, when placed in the sun. My group and I worked hours to create the perfect oven, which we constructed using a shoe box, black spray paint, tin foil, and an egg timer. After days of hard work, my group and I finally finished our project, and after some trial and error we were able to construct a final project that was able to cook a small piece of chicken after several hours. At the time, I didn't see any value in the project, and I especially didn't see any real entrepreneurial value, but now looking back on it I can see there were parts of the project that became incredibly valuable. For example, my group battled with several different designs and parts to build our oven, before finding that perfect combination. Entrepreneurs deal with consistent trial and error in order to create a product or service that is new and useful to the public. Our oven was created to provide an energy efficient and cost effective way of cooking food. Our oven was built to hypothetically benefit society, as well as the environment. After reflecting on the project, it was clear that I did benefit from that assignment, and even though I may not have seen the value in the project right away, I certainly see the entrepreneurial skills that the project helped me develop now.
The reason I enrolled in this class has a lot to do with my family, as well as some of the rumors that I have heard regarding entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs. My father had always told me that it was impossible to become a successful entrepreneur. He had always said that becoming a successful entrepreneur was a lot like playing a professional sport. A lot of people dream that they have what it takes to actually make it, but few actually really do. That has always weighed heavily in my mind, so I felt the need to take the course to see if what he said was actually accurate. I also, personally, wanted to take the course because I have had a growing suspicion that the entrepreneurial spirit possessed by most people is slowly dying. The reason I say this is because I often sit around and think about what life was like 50 years early. There was still so much to be invented and created. There were still so many profitable business ventures that had yet to be found or created. Now I feel like in order to become a truly successful entrepreneur, one pretty much has to be lucky or a genius. I was hoping that by taking this course, my theory, and my fathers belief, could be proved wrong.
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