Customer Interviews No. 1

When I first read the assignment, I found myself sitting for a good while simply trying to think of an "opportunity". After a good I had several ideas, including the on I used. I came to the idea of an all purpose weather cover for scooters because I just recently bought a scooter and I keep it outside. In the long run keeping a scooter outside (not in a garage) is not the best idea, so I realized I needed a weather cover for the scooter. Tons of these already exist but they all seem like a hassle, so I figured I'd create a cover thats convenient and easy to use. Obviously the market would be scooter owners, which is an ever growing market here in Gainesville. I went around my dorm and interviewed people on the floor above me. Of the people, one person owned a scooter, and all of them said if they owned a scooter they would definitely consider buying a weather cover. Where everyone differed was the price that they would be willing to pay. $30-$100 with nobody willing to pay over a hundred for a cover. I believe the opportunity is legitimate, with it going hand in hand with the continued growth of scooter sales here in Gainesville.

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?

It was interesting that the author used the different hemisphere of the brain to come up with business solutions. It's very innovative and allows people to utilize the full potential of their brains.

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

The diagram of the citric thinking process in the books was somewhat confusing.

3. If you were able to ask the author two questions, what would you ask, why?

 - what is the most efficient method of making a transition from the appositional perspective to the functional perspective analysis?
 - What is the best way for people to realize which arena of creativity they are a part of (essentially what they themselves think in) and to use that to build creativity from there.

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

I do not necessarily disagree with any of the author's points, simply because I do not have enough knowledge surrounding the subject. Perhaps if I looked into the subject areas more I would have a more formulated opinion on the matter, but since I haven't I agree with all that was said.

Top 5 World Problems

Problems (most-possible to implement' to 'least-possible to implement)
1. hunger
2 .wealth inequality
3. terrorism
4. climate change
5. corrupt governments

Solutions (most-possible to implement' to 'least-possible to implement)
1. climate change
2. terrorism
3. hunger
4. corrupt governments
5. wealth inequality

Problems justification
As far as my order for the largest issues of the world, I felt as if my list made sense. Hunger is without a doubt number one on my list because if people are dying off due to not being able to eat, then suddenly several other problems become irrelevant. Wealth inequality can be directly/indirectly related to almost every major issue in the world, so it get number 2. Terrorism has recently risen to the forefront of the worlds issues, and the fact that so many nations have come together to combat it shows its importance. All things aside, Earth is our planet. If we as humans continue to do what we are doing to the planet in terms of climate change, then things can go nowhere but downhill. Lastly, corrupt governments can be related to various issues (hunger, poverty, etc.) so I made it number 5 on my list.
Solutions justification
On a scale of feasibility, climate change is number one for me. All that needs to be done is have governments take action and or have public opinion made aware of the current climate situation. Terrorism is number two. Although it's somewhat controversial to discuss how exactly to fight terrorism, there is no doubt that it needs to be fought. Thus it should be relatively easy (compared to other issues) to get anything going. Hunger is next on the list, simply because if the world can become more informed on the situation of hunger, then donations and relief efforts will increase and hunger will decline. Corrupt governments are next, the idea is simple, don't vote for a corrupt government. The implementation of a democracy that is just is where things become difficult. Finally there is wealth inequality. Last on my list because no matter what is done, there will always the rich and the poor. However, things can be done to decrease the gap, so it gets number 5.

Week 3 Reading Reflection

Perhaps the most surprising thing to me was the fact that there is actually an equation i within the Entrepreneurship Theory that outlines an entrepreneur. E = f(e) "entrepreneurship is a function o the entrepreneur. I did not expect an equation to be placed into the world of entrepreneurship.

The same Entrepreneurship Theory is something that confused me during the reading. I understand the outline of the theory in regards to what it is, where I get lost is the actual equation and the overall significance of it.

A question I would ask the author is in regards to the type of entrepreneurial styles, there is a sections that is apparently "risk avoiding" yet I thought entrepreneurs were by definition required to take risks.

The second question would be why is there so much emphasis on entrepreneurial stress as if it is specific to entrepreneurs? "People problems" and "Loneliness" are categories that can affect any area of work.

The actual sources of entrepreneurial stress are what I don't particularly agree with. Although they certainly apply to entrepreneurship, I do not believe they are specific to entrepreneurship.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1. Millennials increase savings but fall short of target rate
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E7D71F243AA0?p=AWNB

Summary

Saving for retirement is no easy task. Less than half of the population saves enough money for retirement. However the country is moving in the right direction. 45% of the country saves enough money for retirement, with a large increase in millennials (in regards to saving for retirement). Fidelity recommends people save 15% of their income, and while the rate at which people save is rising, they are not at that level yet. All in all, people (especially young people) need to save more of their income.

Problem

A majority of people in the USA don't save enough money for retirement.

Who has the problem?

The entire country overall, however there is emphasis on young investors because they have their careers ahead of them.

2. Downtown Orlando draws more tourists - Repeat visitors, word of mouth help trend grow
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E7D711384F58?p=AWNB

Summary

Tourism in downtown Orlando is increasing. With everything from restaurants and art shows at the Dr. Phillips Center, to sporting events at the Citrus Bowl and Amway Arena. There is an effort to continue to have businesses organize events downtown in hopes of bringing a continued increase of tourism of Orlando (that isn't at the major theme parks).

Problem

Tourism to Orlando is something everyone in the world knows about. Except Orlando is known for Disney, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. Orlando should be known for its unique downtown atmosphere just as much as the theme parks.

Who has the problem?

Business owners in downtown Orlando

3. Wise strategy not to put your house into living trust
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E7D637949B70?p=AWNB

Summary

It's not a good idea to put ownership of your home into a living trust because it will not be protected from creditors and lawsuits. There are different types of brokerage accounts that allow you to invest in the stock market.

Problem

People may put ownership of their home into a living trust (revocable trust) and it' a bad idea because you home won't be financially safe.

Who has the problem? 

Everyday Americans who are simply trying to figure out the legalities of owning a home. 

4. Dont live beyond your means - Here are three money mistakes you maye be making if you find yourself living paycheck to paycheck
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E7D69FFE6E00?p=AWNB

Summary

Millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, however not everyone of those Americans are poor. Rather, a good amount have poor spending habits. Three common mistakes are overspending, the absence of a financial plan, and having no financial cushion for emergencies.

Problem

Millions of Americans are financially irresponsible

Who has the problem?

The portion of the population that live paycheck to paycheck not because they are necessarily poor, but because they do not know how to manage their money.


5. Garbage, yard waste woes still evident, street by street, - County says it's improving service though
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8936B034785F8?p=AWNB

Summary

Orange county Florida recently implemented a new automated garbage service to save money and help the environment, and it's not going well. Private waste haulers are missing neighborhoods and behind schedule. It going rough and needs some work the the system to become efficient.

Problem

Orange county's new automated garbage service has plenty of issues, from entire neighborhoods being missed to behinds days behind schedule for the weekly trash pickup.

Who has the problem?

The government of Orange County is the source of the problem while the residents of the county are the ones taking the hit.

Very Short Interview No. 1

 For my very short interview I interviewed my father's longtime business partner, Bernard Junkert. He has specialized in all fields culinary alongside my father for over 20 years. From the creation of new products to work on a Menu Innovator that predicts food trends of the future (and works efficiently).

1.What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

Fundamentally it means that you want to rule your own destiny. Live or fail based on your own ideas. Champion your own ideas and make them work in a marketplace.

2. What do you wish had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?

I would've liked to have a better understanding of the world of finance and how to raise money.

3. What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?

How to start a business, learn how to take an idea to a market and profit off the idea. A lot of people have ideas but they don't know how to implement them because they lack the marketing and financial skills to do so.


 Something I learned was the emphasis that was put on marketing and finance. I could have the best idea ever, But if I don't know how to specifically implement idea then there will never be any progress. Nothing was particularly surprising besides that, however I like the idea of "ruling my own destiny" and how it was worded. Puts a new perspective on things.

World's Biggest Problems

1.Huger: People around the world have nothing to eat, kids in Haiti literally eat "dirt cookies" as a meal. There is a difference between someone bringing hunger upon themselves and the millins of people that have no choice.

 A practical approach to solving this would be more publicity on the situation. If the media would greater acknowledge the fact that there are millions of people who are starving to death, then I am sure donation rates to charities would skyrocket.

2. Poverty: Similar to hunger, millions of people in the world have nothing. To many, living off of a dollar a day is a luxury. Americans have no concept of this, as even the poorest on the country are often much better off when compared to some people in the world.

 A practical approach would be to "advertise poverty" to hike up donation rates and influence public opinion in wealthier nations to think more of the poor.

3. Wealth inequality: Although I myself lean right on the political spectrum of the USA, I can still acknowledge that on a global scale, major wealth inequality is an issue. The top 400 richest people in the world own more than half of the global population. 400 people versus 3.5 billion. That in itself is an issue.

A practical solution would be to attack the issue on a smaller scale in various areas around the world. Have some motivating factor for people to go out and try new things, and work hard to become successful. For countries that have terrible wealth inequality, often times a corrupt government is a large factor. Vote in a non corrupt government (obviously easier said than done).

4. War: One nation versus another, more times than not politicians create war for personal gains, very rarely is a war perceived as being "just" (WWII vs Iraq).

A practical solution would be to continue to foster the growth of NATO, the United Nations, and any other organizations that promote peace.

5. Terrorism: Brought to light by the attacks of 9/11 and more recently the rise of ISIS, terrorism is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately and needs to be stopped.

A solution to fighting terrorism is very controversial, but something needs to be done. This is a situation in which people would view a war against terrorism (ex. ISIS) would be justifiable. Continue bombing the hell out of them and if need be try other methods discussed by different nations around the world.

6.corrupt governments: Various governments around the world are extremely corrupt, whether they are open about it or not. It's a problem, people have no say in a corrupt government.

A solution would be to foster some sort of democratic solution in regards to fixing the political system. Have government officials that are true to the needs of the country and the people remove corrupt officials out.

7. climate change: More and more relevant as time goes on, man made climate change has become an issue that is increasingly difficult for doubters to deny. The climate of the planet is all out of wack due to human resource use.

A practical solution is to vote into measures laws that restrict acts that lead to climate change, fund the research to more energy efficient technology, and even use more renewable resources.

8. homeless: Everyone knows that homeless people are everywhere. In fact, there are more vacant homes in american than their are homeless people. Personally, I have the opinion of if someone cause themselves to lose everything, then I have no respect for them. However for the homeless people that seemed to run into a string of bad luck, they should be provided with some sort of way back into a normal life.

A solution of homeless people would be to continue to build homeless shelters to provide the homeless with food, water, and shelter. Some kind of rehab program for people who are willing to work to get back on their feet would work as well.

9. disease spreading: recently brought to light with the Ebola outbreak not too long ago, disease needs to be fought so that outbreaks no longer occur. Places in Africa could use supplies to prevent the spread of disease and the death of people.

A solution would be to continue doing what we have been doing for years. Provide supplies to lead to better hygiene in places that have a high risk for disease, and promote the use of vaccines.

10. food supply (hand in hand with rising population): As the population continues to boom at an alarming rate, sooner or later there is going to be a huge problem in terms of the food supply for the global population.

A solution at some point in time i'm sure would be for governments to try and restrict population growth (as China did for decades), limit the amount of children a family can have.

Bug List

1. Phone has bad service
Likely because of too many people in a single area
2. Dim light bulbs
Low quality bulbs and are old
3. Iphone battery never lasts during the day
Because of open apps and the actual battery in the phone is bad
4. My room is never the right temperature
The A/C unit does not work properly so it's always too hot or too cold
5. Lawn guy at home always leaves piles of grass in the yard that kill the grass
He never completes the job, just trying to take the easy route to his money
6. UF wifi
Often times it works without issue, yet sometimes it is a complete disaster, depending on the time of day
7. Sperrys smell bad after wearing them all day
There is zero air circulation in the shoes
8. Laptop never runs correctly
Either a virus or too many unused programs cause it to slow down
9. Anti-virus on my laptop slows it down
Does the job of protecting the computer from viruses, but doesnt help much because it slows everything else down
10. Sanitation in the communal bathrooms is often terrible
The bathrooms are not cleaned on the weekend and people don't care because it's not their personal bathroom
11. Dining hall food occasionally is unbearable
Specifically during dinner time, the workers in the hall try to make enough food to meet the demand, disregarding the quality of the food unless the manager is present
12. Tire sensors on my truck constantly break
Not sure why this happens, possibly get messed up when I go off road in the truck
13. Antenna on my truck constantly comes loose
The truck is 11 years old, so the screw on the bottom is probably worn down
14. Bed at home sinks to one side
After years of sleeping on the right side, the bed is no longer comfortable
15. Unnecessary traffic from Gainesville to Orlando
People drive under the speed limit in the left lane, causing slow travel times
16. The couches in the Yulee common room are falling apart
They are simply old and worn down
17. The acoustics in PUGH 270 are awful, very difficult to hear the professor
The way the room was designed looks nice, but doesn't sound nice
18. Discussion rooms in the Business administration building
They are very cramped and it is difficult to get to seats, even though not all of them are used
19. The speedometer on my truck is slightly inaccurate
The larger tires (compared to stock) I put on the truck knocked off the speedometer
20. The United States political system
Politicians will do anything to get votes, and the way the US system operates if often ineffective.

Coming up with a list off 20 things that annoyed me throughout my daily life proved to be more difficult than I originally anticipated. It was difficult because it is not something that I usually think about. They are just part of life and I never acknowledge these things.

Week 2 Reading Reflection

One thing that stood out to me was the fact that small business owners can indeed be entrepreneurs, however owning their own business does not necessarily make them entrepreneurs. Secondly, it was mentioned that not all entrepreneurs are inventors. While both of these facts were somewhat expected, I still took them as a surprise. As far as things that were somewhat confusing, the micro/macro point of views in terms of explaining entrepreneurship did not make much sense. It seemed like textbook definitions being laid out with no detailed explanation.

Two questions for the author:
1. In the future, do you believe that entrepreneurs will continue to lead to growth in the economy at the rate that they currently do?
2. With the ever changing culture of the United States, do you think american culture will continue to foster an entrepreneurial mindset?

There was nothing I necessarily disagreed on with the author, however I will point out that failure was mentioned only a couple of times with a couple of statistics with no thorough explanation. I think there should of been more emphasis on failure and how it leads to success for entrepreneurs.

My Entrepreneurship Story

Perhaps the first time I was truly exposed to an entrepreneurial mindset was when I was a kid and realized my dad wasn't just a chef anymore, but he was also an entrepreneur. My father is a chef, he has cooked for 30 some odd years. Before I was born , he started his own culinary business, focusing mainly on culinary consulting and the creation of new products to be put into restaurants and grocery stores world wide (ex. Easy mac, lava cakes, sauces, oatmeal). However this is not what struck me by surprise. It was not his main business or his restaurant that made me realize my father was an entrepreneur. It was my Dad's side project, he had invented a system that predicts food trends 5, 10, and 15 years from now. It's his true passion to make his project a success. It's been proven to work, with Nestle leasing it from my father for a few years (of course they tried to figure out how it works, to no avail), he has a patent for it and truly wants to make it work out. It was then I had an epiphany, I had always known I wanted to be self-employed, that much runs in the family. However it was then I realized I wanted to take on the daunting task of becoming an entrepreneur.

Introduction

 Hello! My name is Anan Samuel Lagana from Orlando, Florida (more specifically Windermere, Florida). I am half Thai and half "American", with my mom's side coming from Thailand and my father's side being a ton of southerners from Virginia and around the South. I am currently a general business major and I have an interest in the entrepreneurship minor, hence I am taking this course. As far as what I would like to do with my life, I plan on continuing my travels around the world, having a nice family, and career wise I want to own my business (though I do not know what field yet). I've been to Thailand over a dozen times, all across the states, Mexico, Italy, all over the Caribbean, and finally Canada and Japan. For sure something I want to do in a few years is travel except not fit into the "tourist" category. That way I can catch a glimpse of the real culture of different people around the world. Also, I'm a huge sports guy. I have no idea what i'm going to do once football is over. Go Gators.

Entrepreneurship Mantra

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