Sunday, January 31, 2016
Customer Interviews #1
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Week 4 Reading Reflection
1. The biggest surprise for me in the reading is learning how closely entrepreneurship ties with trends in our world today. Entreprenuers must be aware of industry and market changes, demographic changes, perceptual changes, etc.
2. One part of the reading that was confusing for me was the types of innovation. Some seem similar and it can be confusing to identify products that have characteristics from multiple types of innovation.
3. If I could ask the author two questions I would ask him to (1) give an example of a product that falls into more than one category of types of innovation and (2) is to explain "muddling mind-sets" better.
4. Something I thought the author was wrong about is that "innovation is planned" is a myth. I think most innovation takes much planning and details in order to be successful.
2. One part of the reading that was confusing for me was the types of innovation. Some seem similar and it can be confusing to identify products that have characteristics from multiple types of innovation.
3. If I could ask the author two questions I would ask him to (1) give an example of a product that falls into more than one category of types of innovation and (2) is to explain "muddling mind-sets" better.
4. Something I thought the author was wrong about is that "innovation is planned" is a myth. I think most innovation takes much planning and details in order to be successful.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Top 5 World Problems
Biggest problems (mots serious to least serious):
1. World hunger
2. Endangered environment
3. Sex trafficking
4. Increasing poverty
5. Communism
Solutions (most implementable to least implementable):
1. (Endangered environment) Businesses can develop a sustainable environment while in production of their goods and services.
2. (Increasing poverty) The government can create jobs where there is no pay gap between women and men. 90% of homeless families are headed by women.
3. (Sex trafficking) The judicial branch of government should give people involved with this crime the maximum punishment in order to deter others from committing such crimes.
4. (World hunger) Restaurants should be able to give away food that would be thrown out anyways to homeless people in their local communities.
5. (Communism) The Unites States should put more pressure on communist leaders to free their people.
I picked world hunger as my biggest problem because it negatively impacts all nations and all kinds of people. Millions of people in the world are starving and even though we cannot help them all at once, we can start by helping those in our very own communities. I believe my top solution to the endangered environment is the most implementable because many businesses are already encouraging and practicing sustainable development and have remained very profitable.
1. World hunger
2. Endangered environment
3. Sex trafficking
4. Increasing poverty
5. Communism
Solutions (most implementable to least implementable):
1. (Endangered environment) Businesses can develop a sustainable environment while in production of their goods and services.
2. (Increasing poverty) The government can create jobs where there is no pay gap between women and men. 90% of homeless families are headed by women.
3. (Sex trafficking) The judicial branch of government should give people involved with this crime the maximum punishment in order to deter others from committing such crimes.
4. (World hunger) Restaurants should be able to give away food that would be thrown out anyways to homeless people in their local communities.
5. (Communism) The Unites States should put more pressure on communist leaders to free their people.
I picked world hunger as my biggest problem because it negatively impacts all nations and all kinds of people. Millions of people in the world are starving and even though we cannot help them all at once, we can start by helping those in our very own communities. I believe my top solution to the endangered environment is the most implementable because many businesses are already encouraging and practicing sustainable development and have remained very profitable.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Identifying Local Opportunities
Opportunity #1 (Opportunity to fix a mistake made by Higher One)
- "Feds: Higher One used "deceptive" tactics at Miami Dade College and 100s of other schools"
- http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A23E326E0D1FA0?p=AWNB
- Summary: Higher One is by colleges across the nation to disburse students' financial aid refunds. However, students soon noticed that the company would charge their debit cards with fees for ridiculous actions, knowing the students do not know any better. Many were charged with a 50-cent-per-transaction fee for running the card as debit and an "abandoned account fee" of $10 a month if you had not used the card in the past six months. The Federal Reserve demanded that Higher One pay back about $31 million to students who were fined.
- Problem: Higher One was using "misleading" practices to fine students of money that is rightfully their's.
- Who has the problem: The problem is one of both Higher One's and students'. Higher One committed unethical practices that negatively impacted their business while students temporarily lost their money.
Opportunity #2 (Opportunity to reinforce safety rules among firefighters when driving government vehicles)
- "Firefighter who crashed paramedic truck into into firetruck suspended"
- http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A33ECF91B14048?p=AWNB
- Summary: Firefighter Gustavo Alzate drove a paramedic truck right through an intersection's red light without stopping right outside Jackson Memorial Hospital. He injured 12 people in the collision and is now facing a 96-hour suspension for "violating department policy." Policy calls for the driver to slow down and make sure the intersection is safe to cross before doing so.
- Problem: Alzate ran a red light and injured 12 people and is now facing a harsh punishment.
- Who has the problem: The problem lies in the hands of the fire department and firefighter Gustavo Alzate.
Opportunity #3 (Opportunity for Marco Rubio or Jeb Bush to take Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina)
- "The make-or-break primaries for Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush"
- http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A92F018D7F8160?p=AWNB
- Summary: In order for Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush to rise to the top of the Republican Party for the presidential nomination, they must take many votes from Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. People on both of their campaigns say that it is critical that they do well in those three states in order to continue.
- Problem: Two Republican candidate must fight for the same votes from Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
- Who has the problem: That problem is that of candidates Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush. Only one can represent the Republican Party to become President of the United States.
Opportunity #4 (Opportunity to catch thieves)
- "Caught on camera: women who drugged dates, stole their Rolexes"
- http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A885EAB30D2B08?p=AWNB
- Summary: In Porterhouse Bar in Sunny Isles beach, and unusual theft took place. Two women, stating they were in their 20s, approached two 50-year-old men. After inviting the women back to their home, the women made them alcoholic beverages which were allegedly drugged. The men woke up hours later only to find the women missing, along with both of their Rolex watches. The community's security system caught their faces and police are now trying to find them and solve the crime.
- Problem: Two men were drugged and stolen from by two women.
- Who has the problem: The problem is of the men who were stolen from. However, if the women are caught, it will be a problem for them as well.
Opportunity #5 (Opportunity to punish a criminal)
- "Cops: Florida man used ax to evict tenant"
- http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A885EACECCBA10?p=AWNB
- Summary: Joseph San Fillipo was visting his daughter who has previously expressed to him the trouble she was having evicting a woman who was living in a connecting back room to her home. San Fillipo headed to the woman's room with an ax with the intention of forcing her out. They physically fought until deputies arrived at the scene. No one had injuries, however, San Fillipo will be charged with simple battery and criminal mischief. He was released from jail with a bond of $620.
- Problem: A woman was attacked by a man with an ax for not paying rent.
- Who has the problem: The problem quickly became San Fillipo's, as he was charged and jailed.
Week 3 Reading Reflection
1. The biggest surprise for me in the reading was learning how much risk comes with being an entrepreneur. There is financial risk, career risk, family risk, social risk, and psychic risk. However, the higher the risk, the greater the reward.
2. One part of the reading which was confusing to me was the idea os psychic risk. It seems as if it is mental stress, however, the book does not make it clear in my opinion. It also states that failure in this type of risk is one in which entreprenuers find it hard to "bounce back from," so does that mean it can be somewhat like depression?
3. If I was able to ask the author two questions I would ask him if he could elaborate on psychic risk a little bit more and perhaps give examples of such risk. I would also ask him how the negative aspects of an entrepreneur's ego can be useful at times? (i.e. is it good to have a sense of distrust at times?"
4. There was not anything in Chapter 2 that I thought the author was wrong about; I agreed with him on everything.
2. One part of the reading which was confusing to me was the idea os psychic risk. It seems as if it is mental stress, however, the book does not make it clear in my opinion. It also states that failure in this type of risk is one in which entreprenuers find it hard to "bounce back from," so does that mean it can be somewhat like depression?
3. If I was able to ask the author two questions I would ask him if he could elaborate on psychic risk a little bit more and perhaps give examples of such risk. I would also ask him how the negative aspects of an entrepreneur's ego can be useful at times? (i.e. is it good to have a sense of distrust at times?"
4. There was not anything in Chapter 2 that I thought the author was wrong about; I agreed with him on everything.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
World's Biggest Problems
1. World hunger has become a huge problem in today's world. About 795 million people do not eat enough food to be considered healthy; that is about 1 in every 9 people. That is a very large problem that requires a very large solution. However, I think at least here in the United States there can be legislation that can be passed in order to assist this problem. Currently, in many states, there are laws that state that restaurants giving homeless people leftover food is illegal due to health risks. I think that the benefits of people being fed outweighs the risk that a few may become ill.
2. Poverty has been increasing in the past few years. More and more people are living a life where what they are treated as can be considered inhumane. I think a solution to increasing poverty is for the government to create more jobs through projects where there is no pay gap between women and men. In homeless families across the United States, 90% are headed by a female.
3. 70 million children are not going to school across the globe. This creates weak countries where the population is uneducated and can be taken advantage of by their government. Celebrities such as Oprah and Angelina Jolie have donated millions of dollars to fund schools both domestically and internationally. This is can help the problem, however it will not eliminate it completely until the governments of such countries take action.
4. Human trafficking has become a large problem in our very own state. Florida has the 3rd highest rate for sex trafficking behind California (#1) and Texas (#2) in the entire nation. Police must be more vigilant of this crime and judicial branch of the government should enforce the maximum punishment for this crime to defer people from doing it.
5. Unemployment right now is about 5%. Many look to the government for solutions, however, I believe people should also hold themselves accountable to find themselves a job. Not everyone who is unemployed will find a job in their previous field, that is difficult. However, many should consider expanding their horizons and taking jobs where there are offered. It can be a temporary solution until one finds a job in their area of expertise.
6. Diseases are impacting every family. Although vaccinating ourselves and children may seem like a hassle, it is a necessary evil. Governments and schools should enforce vaccinations more strictly in order to control the diseases we can actually treat.
7. Racism is a large part of other problems that have been occurring in the Unites States. However, I would like to encourage people to stop calling each other all the derogatory terms used to undermine different races and genders in a joking way. The sooner these worlds are not used within their own culture and societies, the sooner everyone else will stop saying them as well. I had a friend that would always call herself dumb, then became upset when others would say it about her. People thought it was acceptable for them to say it since she herself said it. This mentality is obviously not moral, but it is what many human tend to do naturally.
8. ISIS has become quickly the most feared terrorist group in decades. I have no knowledge on military information so I do not know what solution would be best, however, I do think that they do not take the United States seriously. Our government needs to pose as a stronger threat to them.
9. Communism is a problem in the world that has impacted my family and community greatly. I am from Miami where 54% of people are Cuban, therefore you can image the community's hate toward Cuba's communist government and leader. Additionally, many resent President Obama for lifting the embargo with Cuba and making deals with them regarding trade and Guantanamo Bay. As the super power of the world, the United States should be putting more pressure on such communist governments instead of making the oppression of people's rights so easy for them.
10. The environment is quickly becoming endangered by businesses. Factories and wastelands are damaging and hurting the environment at rapid speeds. Companies need to be more vigilant about how they produce and dispose of their items during the manufacturing process. Consumers like businesses that "go green" or are for sustainable development, so the process would also benefit owners and stockholders.
2. Poverty has been increasing in the past few years. More and more people are living a life where what they are treated as can be considered inhumane. I think a solution to increasing poverty is for the government to create more jobs through projects where there is no pay gap between women and men. In homeless families across the United States, 90% are headed by a female.
3. 70 million children are not going to school across the globe. This creates weak countries where the population is uneducated and can be taken advantage of by their government. Celebrities such as Oprah and Angelina Jolie have donated millions of dollars to fund schools both domestically and internationally. This is can help the problem, however it will not eliminate it completely until the governments of such countries take action.
4. Human trafficking has become a large problem in our very own state. Florida has the 3rd highest rate for sex trafficking behind California (#1) and Texas (#2) in the entire nation. Police must be more vigilant of this crime and judicial branch of the government should enforce the maximum punishment for this crime to defer people from doing it.
5. Unemployment right now is about 5%. Many look to the government for solutions, however, I believe people should also hold themselves accountable to find themselves a job. Not everyone who is unemployed will find a job in their previous field, that is difficult. However, many should consider expanding their horizons and taking jobs where there are offered. It can be a temporary solution until one finds a job in their area of expertise.
6. Diseases are impacting every family. Although vaccinating ourselves and children may seem like a hassle, it is a necessary evil. Governments and schools should enforce vaccinations more strictly in order to control the diseases we can actually treat.
7. Racism is a large part of other problems that have been occurring in the Unites States. However, I would like to encourage people to stop calling each other all the derogatory terms used to undermine different races and genders in a joking way. The sooner these worlds are not used within their own culture and societies, the sooner everyone else will stop saying them as well. I had a friend that would always call herself dumb, then became upset when others would say it about her. People thought it was acceptable for them to say it since she herself said it. This mentality is obviously not moral, but it is what many human tend to do naturally.
8. ISIS has become quickly the most feared terrorist group in decades. I have no knowledge on military information so I do not know what solution would be best, however, I do think that they do not take the United States seriously. Our government needs to pose as a stronger threat to them.
9. Communism is a problem in the world that has impacted my family and community greatly. I am from Miami where 54% of people are Cuban, therefore you can image the community's hate toward Cuba's communist government and leader. Additionally, many resent President Obama for lifting the embargo with Cuba and making deals with them regarding trade and Guantanamo Bay. As the super power of the world, the United States should be putting more pressure on such communist governments instead of making the oppression of people's rights so easy for them.
10. The environment is quickly becoming endangered by businesses. Factories and wastelands are damaging and hurting the environment at rapid speeds. Companies need to be more vigilant about how they produce and dispose of their items during the manufacturing process. Consumers like businesses that "go green" or are for sustainable development, so the process would also benefit owners and stockholders.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Week 2 Reading Reflection
1. The biggest surprise for me in this reading was learning how easy it is to be considered an entrepreneur. It is not restricted to a certain type of person or situation, but rather, a mindset. I had always assumed entrepreneurs were people who created new products or businesses and had the capital to do so.
2. One part of the reading that I found confusing was when the author wrote that the idea that entrepreneurs are inventors is a myth. I find this confusing because I do perceive them as inventors. Not necessarily inventors of just products, but inventors of ideas and new models. To some extent, this "myth" could be true.
3. If I was able to ask the author two questions, I would ask him "what inspired you to learn so much about entrepreneurship and write a book about it?" and "What event made you consider yourself and entrepreneur?" I would ask these questions because often a background on the author can help a reader better understand what they meant in their writings.
4. Aside from the idea that "entreprenuers are inventors" is a myth, I do not disagree with the author on anything else.
2. One part of the reading that I found confusing was when the author wrote that the idea that entrepreneurs are inventors is a myth. I find this confusing because I do perceive them as inventors. Not necessarily inventors of just products, but inventors of ideas and new models. To some extent, this "myth" could be true.
3. If I was able to ask the author two questions, I would ask him "what inspired you to learn so much about entrepreneurship and write a book about it?" and "What event made you consider yourself and entrepreneur?" I would ask these questions because often a background on the author can help a reader better understand what they meant in their writings.
4. Aside from the idea that "entreprenuers are inventors" is a myth, I do not disagree with the author on anything else.
Bug List
1. Bike lanes on the street
Bikers biking where cars are going at high speeds is incredibly dangerous and always causes traffic because cars must move into the next lane in order to not risk hitting the person.
2. Wireless printers that you have to plug in in order to print
If it is WIRELESS why do I need a WIRE to print? This would just make it a normal printer.
3. AP college credits from high school that don't transfer to your college or university
If they are offered as college credits, they should be treated as them. I am a transfer student and a handle of my high school AP credits didn't transfer to my pervious college for no particular reason.
4. High schools with swimming teams that don't have a pool
A high school some of my friends went to in Miami had a swim team but the school had no pool and no intentions of building one.
5. Apple can invent a touch screen phone and incredibly elaborate features but they cannot invent a charger that doesn't break every 4 months.
This could be due to the fact that they make profits off of people constantly buying new chargers.
6. Inadequate parking for apartments
Apartment buildings often only half enough parking for half of their residents which forces people into buying parking spots monthly at ridiculously high rates.
7. Security checks that don't really check your bags or belongings, therefore, are useless.
The security check at Magic Kingdom Disney World, in particularly, is bad. They just peek into your bag, they do not even check to make sure you don't have anything in the pockets or inside the items in the bag. They also do not have metal detectors.
8. Caffeinated coffee that doesn't give you energy
If coffee is primarily for energy, I do not see the use in it not serving its purpose.
9. Classes that are required for your major but have nothing to do with your major
If the entire point of a university is to perfect your knowledge in your field of study, why are students required to take classes that will not benefit them toward that goal? I understand that students must be well-rounded, but some of the course are about things no student bothers to remember once the semester is over.
10. Teachers that do not properly set up Canvas to show students their actual grade
If Canvas' purpose is to show students their grades, teachers should accurately set it up to do so. That way, students do not have to be constantly harassing their professors for their grades and do not waste time that could be spent learning.
11. Narrow two-way streets that realistically only fit one car at a time
Not only is this unsafe, it also causes traffic.
12. Fast food restaurants that claim they are 24 hours but only serve a small variety of foods at certain times or do not accept credit cards after a certain time
Restaurants should disclaim that their menu changes after a certain hour if that is the case. Also, restaurants who do not accept credit/debit cards after a certain time are losing business.
13. Restaurants or store that know their most popular days and hours of business, yet are always understaffed at that time.
This can create issues for customers who need customer service and may not receive it because the few employees that are on the job are doing other things.
14. "Travel sized" items that are over the fluid limit permitted on a plane.
If it is "travel sized" but I cannot travel with it, then it is not travel sized.
15. Salads that have more calories than a hamburger
If a "healthy" food is more fattening than a fattening food, it really is not healthy.
16. Soap that makes you smell worse
Often, scented soaps and deodorants are said to make people smell more than unscented ones.
17. Detergent that stains your clothes
If detergent is meant to remove stains from clothing, why do some stain my clothes with their coloring? This makes the detergent ineffective.
18. Drinks that make you more thirsty
Sodas are often create to make consumers more thirsty so they drink more of it.
19. Makeup that claims to be "oil control", yet oil is a prime ingredient
If there is oil in the product, then it is not "oil control."
20. Stores that put clothes they want you to buy too high up where customers cannot grab them.
I often want to purchase items, but they are located too high up on the walls, discouraging me from buying them.
Writing my "Bug List" was certainly more difficult than anticipated. This is because these are situations in which you realize how much they "bug" you only once it happens to you. These situations or products are all either inefficient or ineffective.
Bikers biking where cars are going at high speeds is incredibly dangerous and always causes traffic because cars must move into the next lane in order to not risk hitting the person.
2. Wireless printers that you have to plug in in order to print
If it is WIRELESS why do I need a WIRE to print? This would just make it a normal printer.
3. AP college credits from high school that don't transfer to your college or university
If they are offered as college credits, they should be treated as them. I am a transfer student and a handle of my high school AP credits didn't transfer to my pervious college for no particular reason.
4. High schools with swimming teams that don't have a pool
A high school some of my friends went to in Miami had a swim team but the school had no pool and no intentions of building one.
5. Apple can invent a touch screen phone and incredibly elaborate features but they cannot invent a charger that doesn't break every 4 months.
This could be due to the fact that they make profits off of people constantly buying new chargers.
6. Inadequate parking for apartments
Apartment buildings often only half enough parking for half of their residents which forces people into buying parking spots monthly at ridiculously high rates.
7. Security checks that don't really check your bags or belongings, therefore, are useless.
The security check at Magic Kingdom Disney World, in particularly, is bad. They just peek into your bag, they do not even check to make sure you don't have anything in the pockets or inside the items in the bag. They also do not have metal detectors.
8. Caffeinated coffee that doesn't give you energy
If coffee is primarily for energy, I do not see the use in it not serving its purpose.
9. Classes that are required for your major but have nothing to do with your major
If the entire point of a university is to perfect your knowledge in your field of study, why are students required to take classes that will not benefit them toward that goal? I understand that students must be well-rounded, but some of the course are about things no student bothers to remember once the semester is over.
10. Teachers that do not properly set up Canvas to show students their actual grade
If Canvas' purpose is to show students their grades, teachers should accurately set it up to do so. That way, students do not have to be constantly harassing their professors for their grades and do not waste time that could be spent learning.
11. Narrow two-way streets that realistically only fit one car at a time
Not only is this unsafe, it also causes traffic.
12. Fast food restaurants that claim they are 24 hours but only serve a small variety of foods at certain times or do not accept credit cards after a certain time
Restaurants should disclaim that their menu changes after a certain hour if that is the case. Also, restaurants who do not accept credit/debit cards after a certain time are losing business.
13. Restaurants or store that know their most popular days and hours of business, yet are always understaffed at that time.
This can create issues for customers who need customer service and may not receive it because the few employees that are on the job are doing other things.
14. "Travel sized" items that are over the fluid limit permitted on a plane.
If it is "travel sized" but I cannot travel with it, then it is not travel sized.
15. Salads that have more calories than a hamburger
If a "healthy" food is more fattening than a fattening food, it really is not healthy.
16. Soap that makes you smell worse
Often, scented soaps and deodorants are said to make people smell more than unscented ones.
17. Detergent that stains your clothes
If detergent is meant to remove stains from clothing, why do some stain my clothes with their coloring? This makes the detergent ineffective.
18. Drinks that make you more thirsty
Sodas are often create to make consumers more thirsty so they drink more of it.
19. Makeup that claims to be "oil control", yet oil is a prime ingredient
If there is oil in the product, then it is not "oil control."
20. Stores that put clothes they want you to buy too high up where customers cannot grab them.
I often want to purchase items, but they are located too high up on the walls, discouraging me from buying them.
Writing my "Bug List" was certainly more difficult than anticipated. This is because these are situations in which you realize how much they "bug" you only once it happens to you. These situations or products are all either inefficient or ineffective.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
My Entrepreneurship Story
The earliest memory I have of being exposed to entrepreneurship involves my parents and their careers. My parents used to work for Prudential, a company that specializes in life insurance, retirement and investments. However, at Prudential, the insurance agents are captive agents. This means they are only permitted to sell Prudential products to clients. My parents wanted to help people that were in need of more insurance and investment products than what Prudential could offer them. Around the same time my father began having issues with his supervisor and became quickly unhappy there. That same year, my parents decided to quit their jobs at Prudential and open their own insurance agency, today known as Atico Insurance Group. Here, they could represent several companies who offered several products.
They started from the ground up, with minimal resources and clientele. They have built their way to a successful business, now representing over 20 other insurance and investment groups. They have expanded their business from life insurance to home, auto, health, and annuities insurance policies.
Their dedication to insurance is their own way of helping people before they even know they need help. They insure that families can survive if a parent or spouse unexpectedly passes, or that people's homes may be saved if a hurricane were to hit. Their careers are surrounded around keeping people safe in an unconventional way.
I enrolled in ENT3003 as an interesting elective business course to take. I hope to learn how to apply entrepreneurship to not only business, but my everyday life. I want to be capable of recognizing hidden opportunities and looking for them in all aspects of my life.
They started from the ground up, with minimal resources and clientele. They have built their way to a successful business, now representing over 20 other insurance and investment groups. They have expanded their business from life insurance to home, auto, health, and annuities insurance policies.
Their dedication to insurance is their own way of helping people before they even know they need help. They insure that families can survive if a parent or spouse unexpectedly passes, or that people's homes may be saved if a hurricane were to hit. Their careers are surrounded around keeping people safe in an unconventional way.
I enrolled in ENT3003 as an interesting elective business course to take. I hope to learn how to apply entrepreneurship to not only business, but my everyday life. I want to be capable of recognizing hidden opportunities and looking for them in all aspects of my life.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Introduction
Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Romero. I am a transfer student from Miami Dade College and this is my second semester here at the University of Florida. My major is Business Administration (General Studies). I plan on attending law school, however, I am unsure which type of law I want to practice. I decided to get a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration because I have always been interested in the field, and I also wanted to pick something I could fall back on in the case I do not attend law school. I am looking forward to a great semester and class! Good luck everyone!
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