20A- Growing Your Social Capital

20A- Growing Your Social Capital

Mark Krane

He owns a limousine company, in which, he is a close friend to my family. It wasn’t hard for me to contact him and get advice. I asked him about the transportation business, starting a quick transport business with an app created to provide rides to customers to not walk long distance to their events. He stated, my idea was in fact great and radical different something rare to the industry. He stated, e will help me with connections for the transportation that will be needed for my business. He also, gave me the key factors in providing customer needs and what I will need to do in order to have a successful transportation business. He is willing to help me with my idea and keep track of my progress.

Katie Donald

Katie has been a Chief Marketing Officer at her current company for more than 10 years. In which, I have had the opportunity to work with her in the past. I reached out to her via linked in and message her about my strategic plan and what I will need help with as far as marketing my business and what formulation will be needed to help me start my business. Katie responded back to me via LinkedIn and stated, with her remembering my positive attitude, she doesn’t mind giving me key factors with building a great marketing strategy and how to maintain it. She even set me up with some vendors that will help me with advertising my information on google, Facebook, YouTube and maybe someone helping me putting up billboards for my product. Also, she sent over my information with my business plan to a marketing manager that works for Miami Heat. In fact, she stated, don’t just look locally this service can be useful in other areas as well. Speaking with Katie for on five days have been helpful and she stated, she wants to help me become successful in hopes of my services being a success.

Ron Globe

Ron is a Supply Chain manager and I worked with him in the supply chain department and reached out to him through email. I pitched my idea to Ron, and he advised me to contact an IT vendor he builds a strong relationship with, to help me with my app. I emailed the IT vendor and cc’d Ron and still not have heard anything. Ron told me to wait and if not, he will interact with the company and help with initiate my idea and seeing what is required and the cost for my services to be implemented with an app made. Ron was very helpful and stated, he will reach out to the vendor if I don’t hear anything within the next two weeks.

·         This experienced has taught me that one day the people you have networked with or worked with, can be an asset or a valuable individual in the future. Always stay in reach of all business people you meet, always treat others with respect and when you do that, they will be willing to help you become successful. It’s always good to have social capital it can take you a very long way in the business industry.

19A- Idea Napkin No.2

19A- Idea Napkin No.2

1.    You. Who you are?

I am a college student who have been wanting to be an entrepreneur since I was in high school. However, the fear of failing has allowed me not to start my business. But now I have been ready to take the initiative to innovate a product that will help at sporting events, concert or any event that needs transportation.

2.    What are you offering to customers?

There are many highs and lows with creating an app that can provide non walking services, for individuals or a group of people walking long distances to an event. This will services will allow customers to use the app to have a cart or bicycle that can hold up to eight people to utilize and cannot walk.

3.    Who are you offering it to?

I’m offering it to any individual that have downloaded the app and need a ride to the arena or building they are attending for an event. That will involve a large crowd of people.

4.    Why do they care?

They care because some customers have a disability, some customers have small children especially parents that have more than one child. They care because dealing with large crowds the need to finding a parking spot close to the arena is very rare. Therefore, they will have the ability to use my services to minimize all the walking and not have to worry about the long distance they may have.

5.    What are you core competencies? What sets you apart from everyone else?

My core competencies are the rational decisions I have made to have a successful business. Providing services and building and app to connect with the customer in order to have rides to the event they are attending. Another core competence is providing excellent customer services, I’ve always being a big believer in having exceptional customer services. In order to have a great reputation, build your brand, receive great customer feedback and the ability to expand your business through customers referring others. It is a core competence for my business plan/model and for longevity of the business.

My competitive advantage to set me apart from everyone else is, having quick transportation such as bicycles and carts to detect customers with an out to pick them up as close as possible near their vehicle and taking them to the event. Preventing them to walk long distances, avoiding any bad weather conditions and caring for customers who have a disability or other abnormal conditions that prohibited them from walking.

Last what set me apart is, I won’t have any set prices this will be a donation-based services.

18A Create A Customer Avatar

18A Create A Customer Avatar

 Customer Avatar:  I have two avatars for two different customers that I have. My first customer is 35 years old with 2 kids a boy and girl. My second customer is 24 and is a college student, who is attending school for sports management. Both customers love going to sporting events. Their hobbies are going to games (Buccaneers, Lightning and Tampa Bay Ray). The type of car my first customer avatar drive is a Jeep, which is big enough for her and children. My second customer avatar drives a racing Honda Accord car. I’m sure all my customers are people who watch sports, go to games or probably even participate in fantasy football. The customers who utilize my services come from all different aspects of life. 

           

In common with my customer is attending sporting events and attending college. I do not see this as coincidence because I came up with this idea through my own experiences.

17A – Elevator Pitch No. 2

1) The Pitch: 

2) Reflection: I had very positive feedback to my Elevator Pitch No. 1.  I did not keep recording my pitch, in which, I think that was probably why my pitch could have been much better.  My peer responses were all positive and they did give me some useful feedback on what I could have done better. I decided to practice on the “hmm”, “and”, “but”, in which we use these words a lot.

3) The Change:  Based on my own feedback, I recorded my pitch several times and worked on my words of chose to have a better flowing pitch. In which, that solved the issues I found occurred in Elevator Pitch No. 1. 

16A- The Secret Sauce

16A- The Secret Sauce

The Secret Sauce

1.     Five ways in which I have Human Capital:

·         Personality – Regardless of how my day may seem, if it’s going bad or it’s a rough one. I’ve mastered the art of, keeping a positive attitude. Knowing a negative attitude will only make the situation worst. Also, keeping a positive attitude keeps good energy around me and allows me to stay in high positive spirits.

·         Determination – I may not have the answers to everything, but I am always determined to find the answer and provide others with the resources. When others are relying on me it makes me work harder and feel very important.

·         Respectful – I have always treated others the way I want to be treated. Everyone you meet is not a bad person. Also, others may be going through a tough time. I’m always respectful to others as I would want them to be to me.

·         Rational – I’ve always been a thinker before I do something. I’m more of a rational decision maker. Not only for myself, but for others around me. I’m rational to help benefit the decisions I make, that will cause a positive impact on others.

·         Empathetic - When interacting with other individuals, I’ve mastered the art of adapting myself to put myself in other shoes. I can be a great talker or listener, a loud goofy friend or a quiet person, whatever someone needs me to be, I’m usually easily able to adapt.

2.     Interviews

·         My Mother

“What do you believe is my human capital? These are the things that make me different, like knowledge, skills, etc.”.

a.     “Of course, you are the bomb, because you are my daughter. But you have always been committed to be a better person, achieving all your goals. Always not allowing anyone to stop you. You have always been very determined and eager to maintain a positive attitude and not let anything negative stop you. I’m sure you stress yourself, but barely let me know. But you have always been the protector and wanted to make sure everyone in our family and friends were happy.

·         My Best friend, Noel

“What do you believe is my human capital? These are the things that make me different, like knowledge, skills, etc.”.

b.     “Ever since I met you 11 years ago, you have always been a very nice respectful woman. You cared so much about others that often you put yourself last. You will give your jacket to a stranger if they need it. You are very loyal to your friends and family and always want everyone to be happy. If they aren’t happy, you will always find a way to put a smile on some face. As your best friend you have given me the ability to do better and get back in school and earn my Doctorate degree. You are a true definition of a strong positive individual”.

·         Breanna Wellington, Accounting Manager

“What do you believe is my human capital? These are the things that make me different, like knowledge, skills, etc.”.

c.     “Very knowledgeable. When you don’t know the answer, you are very determined to research and find the answer. Once, you have research and came to a solution, you always shared useful information. Very organized and time management individual. You’ve never hesitated to help others and even work late to help others finish their work. You are a dedicated person, that is a hard worker”.

·         Coworker, Lisette

“What do you believe is my human capital? These are the things that make me different, like knowledge, skills, etc.”.

d.     “You are very smart and always wanted others to learn and gain knowledge as well. Every time I needed help with my work or school assignments, you always stopped what you were doing to help me. You always smiled and cheered everyone up to be in high positive spirits. You were fun and made everyone laugh”.

·         Friend, Mallori

“What do you believe is my human capital? These are the things that make me different, like knowledge, skills, etc.”.

e.     “You are the absolute most gorgeous person inside and out. You care and always respect my “me time”.  You’re nice and sweet. I know I can always talk to you and tell you my whole life and you won’t judge. You are very loyal to the core and will do anything for your friends. You always do just the little things that are really considerate, and I love that about you.”

Reflection:

Listening to my interviewees, I’ve realized I can be so hard on myself. I’m always trying to go above and beyond. My best friend Noel stated, one thing it’s okay to do, is be a human. Everyone knows me as having a positive attitude and staying strong, but they don’t see the soft side of me. In which, I don’t show much because that’s for my personal matter only. I do agree with I’m always putting others first more often than putting myself first. In which, that can be a good or bad thing. Because as humans we can often forget about our own health and personal needs because we are always caring and supporting others first. I have always been a smiley, positive, smart and determined individual. Also, I’m always trying to uplift others because we all need that one push to get us motivated to be successful.

15A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

15A- Buyer Behavior No. 2

15A- Figuring out buyer Behavior No. 2

Report Findings:

In this assignment, I have interviewed three individuals who haven’t thought of my problem but have agreed that it’s definitely a good idea. They have also, stated they will be interested in using the services when attending an event. I have asked everyone what specific components will be helpful for the customers. Also, which factors and functions are needed for the app to pick up customers as close to their vehicles as possible. When interviewing, the customers cared most about the quality and accuracy of the app to have effective services. Majority stated, they need great reviews and the app to be reliable.

My idea is for all customer to purchase the app on their smartphones, iPad on other devices. If you are an elderly customer, with no app services, it will be phone services available to reach the driver to pick you up from your location. But this will be only for customers with no device to download the app. The app will need to be downloaded if you have a smartphone device to use our services. The app/service will be funded mostly through ads, banners and money fundraised for special events. In which, the app will not cost, but when being picked up a donation will be required. However, if this is a legitimate business my interviewees stated, having to pay for the app may be a profitable way to earn revenue.

If the app works perfectly, it was stated they will continue to use the app and recommend others to do so as well. All individual felt the app will help with disability who can’t walk for long periods of time. It will help with getting people to and from the arena/events faster. Also, helping customers who have kids and would rather not walk and have a ride to the event. This will all be well worth it and a great potential idea.

1.     James Duncan (Bucs Football Fan)

James interview was extremely helpful in improving my service and seeing a new perspective. James suggested including a feature on the app that would notify the driver who will pick up the customers of how many will need to be seated and if they have a disability. This will be an indication to provide a larger cart to escort the customers. This would help customers get to their events quicker and not have to walk long distances.

2.     Chris Hall (Lightning Hockey Fan)

Chris told me that if he had learned about a service like the one described at earlier, he would have absolutely used it. As a lightning fan, he stated, he must park at a garage that is over a mile from where the stadium is. He also, feels that if parking were more open and more parking build next to the arena’s, etc. most customer would be better off. As a fan who attend hockey games stated most people Uber now to the arena or events to be dropped off in front of the arena. Also, to avoid DUI, having to walk long distances and the hassle of trying to find a park. Chris said that the most important aspect of the app to him was quality and the ability to pick up customers to avoid walking long distance. Also, he liked the idea of not charging a specific price and just allowing customers to give a donation. He said she would even pay for an app that was well developed and never crashed it that meant it had time accurate.

3.     Larry Hoover (Parking attendee for events)

     Larry, who is a business major, gave helpful suggestions on how to promote the business. He suggests putting flyers on cars at work and paying for local billboards. He also suggests a feature that could combine apps that will do an analysis on the areas with a lot of people who will need to use the app. He also suggested giving a feature where the app gives estimated times each customer will have to wait in order to be picked up.

    
     Conclusion: I was able to get a better perspective when interviewing more individuals, that are usually attending big events and, have worked parking at an event. This allowed me to look at my business plan in a different way then before and innovate for new ideas and improvements. I also, was able to think about new functions and alerts the app will need in order to provide great services and accuracy. Also, making sure all customer is satisfied and that this will be a potential plan for a business.

14A – Halfway Reflection

Tenacity & Paying It Forward

 

1) Tenaciousness is a competency

The behaviors I have used to keep up with the requirements of this course, is the ability to think outside the box and put my visual on as an entrepreneur. This course for over the past month has given me so much information, tools and resources to think like an entrepreneur. Also, the assignments are fun and has enable me to read more.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude.

I didn’t quite want to give up, however, I was very frustrated when I know I would faithfully watch the lectures. Then I will take the “Cupcake” quiz and not make a perfect score. I have gotten better with taking notes and replaying specific sections that I know will be very important and covered on the quiz. Now I’ve developed a technique to write key notes down and the ability to remember what Professor Pryor spoke about in his lectures. In which, his lectures are the best.  Therefore, I’ll continue to listen to his lectures, learn, take notes and my score will improve each time.

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset’?

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                 Step out of your comfort zone
                      Watch the lectures many times as possible. The material is very useful and will be beneficial in your business career
                   Take the assignments as a fun learning tool and not too serious.

13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s, Ray Kroc

1) You read about an entrepreneur:

What surprised you the most?

Before Ray Kroc started McDonald, he was a salesman and owned another small business before McDonald was discovered. Also, I was surprised how he lied about his age to become an ambulance driver at the age of 15 years old. He also, was a real estate agent in Florida. Which was a surprise to me. He has variety of jobs before owning a multi-million-dollar company.

What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

I admire how Ray Kroc was like many of us individuals, he worked regular jobs. In fact, he worked many jobs and figured with his skills of making good hamburgers and French can earn him a fortune. He took the risked and didn’t give up on his idea.

What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

He only wanted to established McDonald in suburban areas not necessarily in poor areas. When it come to generating revenue, there shouldn’t be a issue with building a fast food restaurant in a poor area.

Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

Yes, when negotiating and buying more restaurants his partners were in a disagreement and Kroc suddenly became annoyed and frustrated. He also, made policies strict and not to be broken and the brothers did not agree. When doing business with others it becomes very difficult to get things resolved and that was Kroc’s problem when facing adversity, he couldn’t also get what he needed to continue with being successful.

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

Exceptional customer service skills, knowing what the customers wanted and needed. He also, was able to showcase his sale skills.

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

The McDonald brother did not work as a group and made it very difficult for Kroc to resolve his ideas and innovate the necessary tools for all of them to be very successful.

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

·         What would you have done differently starting from the beginning of your business vs what you did when you started your business years ago?

·         How do you feel about going into business with relative, partners etc.? Would you recommend or just use investors and hire strangers to help with your business planning?

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

Kroc worked hard to become successful. He had to work regular jobs and then take the risk and initiative to start his own business. With the failures and adversity, he didn’t give up on his plan/idea and executed with his best ability to become wealthy and successful.

12A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

12A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

The Individuals selected for this segment are residence that live in my apartment community about parking at the arena for a sports event.

Interviews

Interview #1 – Sylvia Thompson

Sylvia has been living in our community for over two years and stated, one of her major reasons why she does not go to any of the games is due to parking. However, she loves the location, it’s close to her daughter school and she love how it’s centrally located in Tampa FL. However, with the frustration of not being able to find a park by the arena is a big hassle. She would love to catch a game, however, due to the long walks in the sun, it does not help with her health and she would love assistance if it was available.

Interview #2 – Maria Gomez

Maria has been living in our community for one year. She has two small children and a dog. She stated she is a huge Buccaneer fan. When I presented Maria with my idea, Maria stated that it would be a fantastic idea. She was very puzzled as of why the arena does not provide any transportation, to and from the arena. She stated, she does not go to the games much, because she has two little kids and that will be a lot for her to deal with, having to gather all their belongings and walking long trips to and from the stadium. She stated, if there were bicycles or licensed golf carts that can seat 5 or more passengers, she will attend more games with her children.

Interview #3 – Peter Correa

Peter is my next-door neighbor and the both of us, have discussed sports and catching a game at the arena. However, Peter stated, he’s never been to a football and he didn’t want to deal with the hassle of parking, walking and waiting in long lines getting in the stadium. Therefore, I spoke to him about my idea of creating an app to detect individuals who will need a ride to and from the arena. Also, stating, the rides are donation based. He stated, it sounds like a great idea, however, he stated the technical problems that the app can have. He also stated, the regulations of having golf carts or vehicle made like golf carts might not work. Setting up licenses or permits to make sure everyone is safe. Most critical things he thought about, made me realize, I have more brainstorming to do.

What I learned

I learned that majority of sports individuals would like to attend a game, however, they don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking, walking and getting back to their vehicle after the arena, especially being having a couple drinks. Also, all interviews thought this was in fact a great idea. However, my last interviewer did bring up some good key points that I may need to consider. In regards, to technical issue that can happen in making the app, regulations with the transportation and needing a permit or license with the stadium to start a business on their property.

How I would Describe this Segment

I think there are a lot of individuals who attend sporting events at a stadium/arena like the idea of walking and tailgating, in which, most are not bothered with the parking and walking miles to see their favorite team. However, I also think that those who like my idea are the ones who have a disability, kids and other reasons why having transportation to and from the arena will be a benefit for their personal needs.

11A – Idea Napkin No. 1

11A – Idea Napkin No. 1

1.           You: I am Miriam Wilson. I am a rising junior at the University of Florida pursuing a business degree. I have plans to become a business analyst then obtain a career in Information Technology. In which, I would like to advance my skills in Cyber security. My experience has been in the healthcare and finance field as being an analyst. As my business concept, I would like to open and accounting firm, specializing in individual taxes, corporate taxes and other accountant related matters that I could help individuals with their financial needs. Also, for entertainment business, I would like to open and hookah sports lounge. I have my short term and long-term goals written down. I just need to over come my fear to accomplish opening my businesses.  
2.          What are you offering to customers? I am offering to customers the ability to not have to walk miles and miles to the arena. At their convenience they will be able to wait in their car, while a bicyclist or golf cart rider will take them to the arena.
3.       Who are you offering it to? I am offering my services to anyone at the game who does not want to talk.
4.        Why do they care? They care because this will allow people with little babies, kids or disability individuals who have a hard time taking a lot of stuff back and forth to the arena, to their car. They will also care because sometimes determining the weather on a game day, it will benefit them to catch a ride to the arena.
5.      What are your core competencies? There is not a price listed for our services. This service will be donation based. The app will be able to closely detect individuals who are needing rides back and forth to the arena to their vehicles.
6.       Each element is listed that leads to the next. They are all conjunction with one another, in which they all make sense. With my exceptional customer services and over ten year’s experience will help with my entrepreneurship journey and target the market and a big audience.