Customer Interviews No. 1

1) Find an opportunity.  Drownings and rescues at the beach.  Lifeguarding drone: Remote control operated drone with a deployable flotation device to be used by lifeguards during rescues.

2) Figure out who might have the unmet need.  Patrons swimming at the beach, especially those with a lower swimming ability.  

3) Come up with a list of questions.  

• Have you ever felt unsafe at the beach? If so, why?
• How do you feel about the work of lifeguards?
• What is your opinion on the introduction of lifeguarding drones to help cut down on the time that it takes a lifeguard to reach the victim with a flotation device?

4) Go talk to customers!

5) Tell us what you learned about the opportunity.  I learned that my opportunity benefits public safety and is an applicable opportunity to help cut down on drownings and fatalities at the beach.  My opportunity is expensive but can be used to help drag in a drowning victim and help to reduce the number of drownings at the beach per year.

6) Tell us what you learned about interviewing customers.  When I was interviewing people, I could tell the people that I asked too many questions about my business were less engaged than when I asked them more about their opinions and personalized questions.  The opportunity process should be tailored to always appeal to the customers as they are the consumers. 

Week 4 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

 I was intrigued to read about the European Union (EU) and how it is the end goal for many entrepreneurs to become a part of this market.  The EU's population represents 7.3% of the world's population; however, the EU generates 20% of global GDP when measured in terms of purchasing power parity.  

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I was confused about the function of diaspora networks and that they are used worldwide by more than 200 million people.  Diasporas work to ling together concepts from global entrepreneurs through the use of the Internet, Skype, and social media sites.  

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

• How do the examples of bottom-line measures like commute time and post-secondary degree effect social performance? I would like to learn more about how these measures effect the social dimensions of a community or region.
• What are diaspora networks and why are they important for global entrepreneurs? I would ask this because I am confused as to how exactly diaspora networks work and how they impact global networks of entrepreneurs.  

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I didn't find anything I found from the reading where the author was wrong or gave inconclusive explanations to the topic.  Chapter 4 discussed the challenges of social enterprise's obligations that a business has to society.  Also, the chapter discussed five ways to actively engage the in international markets through importing, exporting, direct foreign investment, joint ventures, and licensing.  

Top 5 World Problems

    Rank of World Problems

    1) Poverty, hunger, and lack of drinking water

    2) Rapid climate change

    3) The downward trending economy

    4) Terrorism 

    5) Increasing global population

    Rank of Solutions to the Top 5 Major World Problems  

    1)     Climate change is a global issue that effects everyone on Earth.  The rapid change in climate has caused a rise in sea levels and temperatures, change in landscape, increased risk for wildlife animals and their ecosystems, more heat-related illness and diseases, and stronger storm systems.  Climate change is an environmental issue primarily effecting our generation and an issue our generation needs to find a solution to in order to save the health of our planet.  I believe climate change can be reduced and monitored by conserving energy on everyday activities like turning your thermostat down two degrees during the winter and vice versa during the summer, sharing carpool rides, switching your lightbulbs to energy conserving safe light bulbs, and turning off lights when you're not in that room to conserve energy.

    2)     I believe the biggest issue facing the world today is the abundance of poverty and immense hunger in the world coupled with a lack of drinking water.  Hunger and malnutrition continues to be the leading issue for risk to ones health worldwide.  According to the Hunger Project, one in nine people do not get enough food to eat on a daily basis.  The Hunger Project works with communities to develop new water resources, ensure clean water and improved sanitation, and implement water conservation techniques.  Even with the efforts of companies like the Hunger Project, 1.7 billion people still lack access to clean water and 2.3 billion people each year suffer from water-borne diseases each year.  Yes, we are making changes to help improve poverty, hunger, and a lack of drinking water, but I think much more still needs to be done for this issue.  Fighting hunger and malnutrition requires the effort of many in the process of improving roads, setting up clean water systems, getting politicians to make smart and informed policies and laws, creating an environment where people have sustainable access to healthy produce and food selection. 

    3)     First off I would like to point out that population growth is a choice and not a inexorable force of nature.  If we as a global population see a significant increase in global population, then we the inhabitants of the Earth have a the choice to solve that ourselves. I see population growth as an issue because it's placing immense pressure on the Earth and the environment with more carbon emissions into the atmosphere, more stomachs to feed, more available and fresh drinking water will be needed, etc.  I believe the population is already pressuring the atmosphere and environment and the population growth rate continues to increase.  

    4)     Terrorism is a rapidly growing global issue.  The war on terror began in 2001 when the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda attacked the twin towers in New York City, killing over three thousand people.  Recently, the terrorist attacks in France and Denmark have further increased the awareness of terrorism as a global issue.  The U.S. along with other nations have sprung into heavy security to prevent further acts of terrorism.  I think the best way to prevent further terrorist attacks is to eliminate the problem from the root and declare war against terrorism.  But I believe such attacks and strategy should be led by the United Nations or a new alliance should be formed against terrorism with an army and means to fight these vicious attacks. 

    5)     The world economy is not in good shape.  Trends show that the worst global economic issues are in continental Europe where German growth has stumbled, causing the euro area to be approaching its third recession in six years.  The economy can be fixed by creating new money through new jobs and new wealth.  Don't simply create new money but find a means to create new jobs and new wealth.  Use this restart as an opportunity to build the new green economy, eradicate fuel poverty, and tackle the climate crisis at the same time.  

                For my case, my top problem was on global poverty, hunger, and a lack of drinking water.  I chose this as my top problem facing the world today because individuals can not function properly under malnutrition. Even with the efforts of  global health organizations, 1.7 billion people still lack access to clean water and 2.3 billion people each year suffer from water-borne diseases each year.  I see world hunger and malnutrition as a major issue, but not one that will be solved within the next few years.  I listed climate change as my top solution because I believe that we as the population of the Earth emit way too many carbon emissions into the Earth's atmosphere.  I also believe that climate change is the easiest issue to deal with today because everyone can participate on a daily basis just around their home.  I believe climate change can be reduced and monitored by conserving energy on everyday activities like turning your thermostat down two degrees during the winter and vice versa during the summer, sharing carpool rides, switching your lightbulbs to energy conserving safe light bulbs, and turning off lights when you're not in that room to conserve energy.

Identifying Local Opportunities

The Boston Herald

1) Amazon Giving Refunds on Hoverboards

     Amazon is now giving refunds on hoverboards as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission continues to investigate the safety of these self-balancing boards.  The article applauses Amazon's ethical decision making to refund its customers who purchased a hoverboard as overboard's have not been approved from a safety standpoint and have backfired with several issues concerning overheating and catching on fire.  The problem presented in the story is that hoverboards have been sold to consumers but are now beginning to be recalled due to product malfunction.  The manufacturing and engineering companies of the hoverboard have the problem as they have to first fix the overheating problem and then remanufacture and distribute the hoverboards.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8A5B9E2517A08?p=AWNB

2) DraftKings, FanDuel are Illegal, says Texas AG

     Texas' Attorney General Ken Paxton declared DraftKings and FanDuel to be a form of illegal gambling as individuals pay a fee to participate and bet on players and games.  He claims that the court system would rule the participation in daily fantasy sports as illegal for the involvement of money with placing bets on sports games.  Daily fantasy sports is a rapidly growing industry as individuals have the opportunity to place money on athletes in several of the major sports.  This placing bets on players is a form of gambling, thus the continuous dispute over the legality of fantasy sports.  Paxton then placed the pressure on the Texas Legislature to get the legal framework adjusted to make daily fantasy sports permissible.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7FDB3DA2F9148?p=AWNB

3) Wal-Mart to shut 269 stores, including two Sam's in Mass.

     Wal-Mart is changing the focus of their company.  The company is starting by downsizing as they review through the financial performances of its stores and how it fits in their long-term plans.  Wal-Mart earnings have been strained by its decision last year to raise entry-level wages and invest more money in its online business to better compete with Amazon.  Wal-Mart claims it will focus on strengthening its Supercenters while continuing to grow and expand customer pickup services.  The problem in this article is with Wal-mart's business plan and decision making for future financial decisions.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7546B8587E4C0?p=AWNB

4) Time for cos. to snap to it - Platform can't be ignored

     This article is promoting Snapchat and its growth and development since its design founded in 2011.  According to the article, Snapchat already has as many video views on a daily basis as Facebook and Snapchat is really only marketed towards teens and adults in their low to mid 20's.  Snapchat also has a feature called "discover" that allows its users to access articles and news stations such as CNN and BuzzFeed while on Snapchat.  The problem is that Snapchat is bypassing other major social media apps as its an innovative app that involves video and picture as well as banking, news, and chat abilities.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A06902145D3608?p=AWNB

5) Advanced child's play - New generation of tablets emerges

     The market for phones and tablets for younger children continues to grow.  Originally, educational-based tablets like LeapFrog were originally targeted for middle schoolers but the tablet has wound up being sold and better-suited for elementary aged children.  Therefore, the makers of LeapFrog have designed a new tablet that resembles the features of an adult's tablet for teenagers.  This tablet still accesses the internet but these sites are monitored to kid-safe sites.  The article presented the problem of needing to find new marketing tactics to sell the tablet angled more towards middle schoolers.  Problems surrounding the tablet include a large enough market for the sale of these tablets to take off.  The new Kurio's Smart tablet lets kids do what they previously could on their parent's tablet like typing up and saving their homework or playing games and watching videos.  The tablet also has extra cushioning on the sides for protection as well as a guaranteed replacement if it is broken in its first two years.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/159F6C4115ED9238?p=AWNB

Week 3 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

     The biggest surprise to me in chapter 2 was the explanation of ethical codes of conduct.  Managers have a responsibility for providing constant improvement in products or services.  It is corrosive to the work environment to elevate unethical practices.  

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

     I was confused by the use of the grief recovery process.  According to the textbook the grief recovery process involves focusing in on a particular loss and examining why it was considered a loss.  I agree with this as I believe the best tool to learning is to first fail or learn from your mistakes.  But then the book explains that this process causes a loss of orientation towards grief recovery, leading to muscle memory to not make the same mistake twice.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

     What experiences of failure have you endured with your experience as an entrepreneur and how did you deal with it?  I would ask this to learn more about overcoming failures and using failure as a learning tool to improve your next entrepreneurial experience.  

     What forms of stress have you dealt with over your entrepreneurial career and how have you overcome those stresses?  I would ask the author about his stresses and involvement in projects that cause stress.  Stress is a very common obstacle for many individuals and learning to properly cope with stress in sectors like financial, career, family, social, or psychic risks.

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

     The textbook states that many people today believe that managers and businesspeople in general are slimy and try to get away with everything that they can.  I disagree with this opinion-based statement as businessmen teach the public about the parameters of business and the stock market.  Furthermore, a manager is responsible for managing the company and maintaining healthy ethical practices.  

Very Short Interview No. 1

     I chose to interview Jerry Davis, an entrepreneur out of Melbourne, Florida. Mr. Davis started his insurance restoration company in South Florida in his mid twenties and has grown and expanded the company to a multi-divisional insurance restoration company across the state of Florida. 

1. Q: What has been the most important thing you have learned over the span of your own entrepreneurial experience?

    A: "I think that the 'cash is king' colloquialism has proved to be the most important. Growing up, you hear the term "cash is king" as a fundamental principle for any company but you never really realize how important it is until its your own company in your hands. It's especially important to have extra cash reserves on hand in case of any times of financial hardship in your company's future. There's no worse feeling than needing more cash for your company, but realizing you didn't plan accordingly. 'Cash is king.'" 

2. Q: What do you think it actually means to be an entrepreneur?

    A: "In it's simplest sense, entrepreneurship is a lifestyle. You really have to want to get up every single day and strive to take your company to new heights, even in the face of daunting obstacles. As a business owner, new obstacles arise every day that I have to overcome before the next one pops up! Being an entrepreneur takes resilience and determination."

3. Q: What personal skill of yours most benefits your company?

    A: "Well, I think that maintaining outstanding relationships with your customers is crucial to the success of your company. I always try to stay close with my customers because you never know who's going to call your phone with another job for your company to start on. A couple hand-written holiday cards can go a long way in the business world."

     I enjoyed receiving life lessons from Mr. Davis on how to hone in on my entrepreneurial skills and  maintain a dedicated mindset to continuously focus on improving your main concept or central idea.  In Mr. Davis' case, he focuses on ways of expanding his insurance restoration company during natural disasters and other times of need.  My interview with Mr. Davis helped me to focus on the business plan and outlook, customer satisfaction, and the experience.

World's Biggest Problems

    1) Poverty, hunger, and lack of drinking water

          I believe the biggest issue facing the world today is the abundance of poverty and immense hunger in the world coupled with a lack of drinking water.  Hunger and malnutrition continues to be the leading issue for risk to ones health worldwide.  According to the Hunger Project, one in nine people do not get enough food to eat on a daily basis.  The Hunger Project works with communities to develop new water resources, ensure clean water and improved sanitation, and implement water conservation techniques.  Even with the efforts of companies like the Hunger Project, 1.7 billion people still lack access to clean water and 2.3 billion people each year suffer from water-borne diseases each year.  Yes, we are making changes to help improve poverty, hunger, and a lack of drinking water but I think much more still needs to be done for this issue.  Fighting hunger and malnutrition requires the effort of many in the process of improving roads, setting up clean water systems, getting politicians to make smart and informed policies and laws, creating an environment where people have sustainable access to healthy produce and food selection.  

    2) Rapid climate change

          Climate change is a global issue that effects everyone on Earth.  The rapid change in climate has caused a rise in sea levels and temperatures, change in landscape, increased risk for wildlife animals and their ecosystems, more heat-related illness and diseases, and stronger storm systems.  Climate change is an environmental issue primarily effecting our generation and an issue our generation needs to find a solution to in order to save the health of our planet.  I believe climate change can be reduced and monitored by conserving energy on everyday activities like turning your thermostat down two degrees during the winter and vice versa during the summer, sharing carpool rides, switching your lightbulbs to energy conserving safe light bulbs, and turning off lights when you're not in that room to conserve energy.

    3) The downward trending economy

          The world economy is not in good shape.  Trends show that the worst global economic issues are in continental Europe where German growth has stumbled, causing the euro area to be approaching its third recession in six years.  The economy can be fixed by creating new money through new jobs and new wealth.  Don't simply create new money but find a means to create new jobs and new wealth.  Use this restart as an opportunity to build the new green economy, eradicate fuel poverty, and tackle the climate crisis at the same time.  

    4) Terrorism 

          Terrorism is a rapidly growing global issue.  The war on terror began in 2001 when the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda attacked the twin towers in New York City, killing over three thousand people.  Recently, the terrorist attacks in France and Denmark have further increased the awareness of terrorism as a global issue.  The U.S. along with other nations have sprung into heavy security to prevent further acts of terrorism.  I think the best way to prevent further terrorist attacks is to eliminate the problem from the root and declare war against terrorism.  But I believe such attacks and strategy should be led by the United Nations or a new alliance should be formed against terrorism with an army and means to fight these vicious attacks.  

    5) Increasing global population
          First off I would like to point out that population growth is a choice and not a inexorable force of nature.  If we as a global population see a significant increase in global population, then we the inhabitants of the Earth have a the choice to solve that ourselves. I see population growth as an issue because it's placing immense pressure on the Earth and the environment with more carbon emissions into the atmosphere, more stomachs to feed, more available and fresh drinking water will be needed, etc.  I believe the population is already pressuring the atmosphere and environment and the population growth rate continues to increase.  

    6) Spread of infectious diseases
          Infectious disease scares me because a global epidemic could wipe out mankind.  The spread of infectious diseases is aided by increased movements of people, expansion of international trade in foodstuffs and medicinal products, social and environmental changes linked to urbanization, and deforestation.  I think the best solution to the spread of disease is to monitor international imports as well as furthering research and studies on vaccines to monitor the spread of diseases.

    7) Growth of nuclear weapons
          The proliferation of nuclear warfare and use of nuclear power can lead to the Earth's tragic downfall.  Nuclear weapons are powerful enough to kill large sums of people at once.  Nuclear weapons were first designed in the 1930's and 1940's and first use in the conduct of war against Japan in the second world war where the nuclear bombs destroyed both Nagasaki and Hiroshima.  The effects of the bombs still linger on the city with aftershock and leaking radiation.  The growth of nuclear weapons has become an issue today because of the further development of nuclear technology as well of the multitude of countries with nuclear capabilities.  In these coming months after the Iran nuclear deal, the monitoring of underground arms needs to be increased because the US and other nation's services will be monitoring Iran's nuclear use.  

    8) Gender inequality
          Gender equality is a human right yet the Sharia Law still exists.  Gender inequality is a global issue as women still see trends where their salaries are still less than the average salaries of men.  Additionally, women are seen as sex objects in many cultures and societies today.  In many societies, women are beaten and raped and defeated.  I think society needs to elevate the average salaries of women to be equal to that of the average mens salary for that said position.  I also believe stricter global gender laws need to be implemented to protect women in countries like Islam.

    9) Species extinction
         The recent decline of major species begins with the changes in climate and increase in symptoms of global warming.  Global biodiversity is dying off much faster than natural extinction due to changes in land use, unsustainable use of natural resources, invasive alien species due to chemicals seeping into waterways, pollution, etc. Additionally, the need and importance of land conservation has increased as deforestation and pollution have both increased.  There are several things we can do today to immediate help prevent the extinction of more species.  We can start with trying to reduce our carbon footprint and pollution rate.  Also we can donate to national parks and learn about the endangered species in our area and things we can do for a specific environment.  

  10) Availability of energy and renewable resources
          Many issues arise from the use of energy every day such as greenhouse gas emissions, acid rain, climate change, etc.  Energy use is a global issue due to the immense power energy draws causes analysts to fear a blackout from overuse.  We can help to monitor energy overuse by furthering the use of alternative energy as well as using energy wisely.