30A - Final Reaction

The biggest thing that opened my eyes was the first exercise we did which was creating the bug list. That truly kicked off my senses for opportunity. I also liked finding our opportunity and creating an exercise where we reviewed real world issues and tried to find opportunity within them. I really had fun with the class’s assignments as well as watching the videos. All the different perspectives that I have learned helped sharpen my entrepreneurial mind. I feel like I can become an entrepreneur but I feel to become one you truly need to create a business where you either win or lose with real repercussions and truly take the lessons learned here and implement them into that journey. I feel that failure and success sit on either side of a trampoline, to succeed extremely far, you need to hit the ground extremely hard. I look forward to many new lessons with the tool I have learned in ENT 3003.

My one major recommendation is to try hard at creating your initial business because you are going to be using that for model the whole way through. Also do not skip any assignments because behind that one missed assignment means 1 more because of the responses. Also look into talking to business owners. I work at a bank and I am a business advocate so I am constantly pealing the onion and learning about peoples businesses and what they do. Try to immerse yourself into entrepreneurship and learn all you can both in the class and in the outside world.

Thank you Dr. Pryor!

29A - Venture Concept No.2

When reviewing the product the company has to offer we need to look at the forces or changes in the environment the business lays in and how it can create opportunities. The company RediTravel is in a current market that has little innovation.

The market the product is going after are people located all over the united states but targets a diabetic or a person that needs to carry some sort of vial with them just in case. The product can be utilized in a medical kit giving another form of medication extra protection.

Potential customers do not have a product that offers the same level of protection for their medication. Competitors only offer another item that can preserve the medications. I feel the targeted customers are not extremely loyal to a current product.

The innovation the company has to offer is in its marketing, employee engagement and customer engagement. My company is going to promote an environment of trust and simplicity. The product is going to be extremely easy to use. When purchasing my product you become part of a family and we strive to enrich the purchase of our product with other events giving new life experiences when you bring our product home. The product is simple, a canister that is well insulated for temperature control and protected from physical damage. The product is designed to store insulin or other vials that require protection. My product will be sold for $50 initially and new products will be developed and designed to meet new customer needs.

The overall venture concept of the business is to provide comfort to its customers as well as a product. My customers will switch because of the experience they will have when interacting with the company. Customers will engage in events sponsored by the company and they will engage with employees at these events as well.

Current competitors are MediCool. Their weakness is their marketing strategy and networking capabilities. I look to take full advantage of the marketplace by offering an extra level of experience which includes events hosted by the company.

The customer experience is going to drive my product and keep the company relevant in the extremely fast changing environment. My company looks to engage through the sale of our product and what that does for the individual and also through ongoing customer outreach and product development past the original design.

The business would first be structured as a small team with me being the head of the operation/owner, a marketing director and 2 salesmen. I would operate my company through commission to encourage my salesman to promote my product to get paid which would be more cost effective than paying by hour. I would have to work my day job still to be able to provide enough income to help operate the business until sales were generated.  I would work with my marketing director to have them create different events highlighting diabetes and promote the culture I want my business to exude.

The feedback I was able to receive was about taking a realistic approach to my sales platform. I received feedback stating I had a good product just that I was over stepping the realism of my design. I was able to reshape the structure of my business from having this major company in different states to just being the garage company that hopefully explodes into something I envision with the help of my peers. I feel that through my business knowledge and strategic partnerships with a marketing major and finding the right sales people for my company I can find that niche market. The end goal is to create a community around my product. Like everyone has an IPhone for social media or its social abilities, I want my product to be in every hikers backpack, whether it’s a diabetic, an avid hiker who likes to carry additional medical supplies, or just an extra container, I want my product to be that choice linked to protection, comfort, and medical.

28A - Your exit Strategy

Exit Strategy:

When approaching optimal performance of my business I would like to stay the face of my business with a board of directors that are strategically selected to ensure the everlasting performance of my business. I would not want to pass my business along as a family business because that become to picky. The oldest is sometimes not a guaranteed replica of the owner and I would not want to select one of my children over another. I look at having 3 children to become a balance off my personal growth where I only had an older brother. I select this exit strategy because it is less messy and I want my children to go off and do their own thing and not directly follow in my footsteps. if they develop an innovative way to operate my business then I hope the board of directors can acknowledge that and if not I want them to expand and find their own true calling off my principles of life. I feel this exit strategy is based off different principles of others who have been successful. I do not want my children to thrive off my success and become stagnant in life. I want them to find their own way and become something great by themselves.

27A - Reading Reflection 3

Mindset: How you can fulfill your potential

When reading the book Mindset: How you can fulfill your potential. I realized a lot about the operation of an organization and some ways I can learn for myself to become the best possible asset for a company I can be.

The book takes on strong theme of doing what you are not supposed to be doing. I mean that if you are doing something for a business you should look at expanding your point of view and find new ways to be innovative and become an asset for the business rather than another employee doing and following instructions as they are told.

I feel this book really connected with our class because it explains about being unique to an organization. I feel that being an entrepreneur or being intrapreneurs both take the lessons of exploiting opportunities and helping that sole owned organization thrive or making your current employed organization better by the pure help of yourself.

If I were to develop a class based on this book I would look at explaining that you should not follow suit to a business and look to expand across their current horizon and become something that changes that organization.

My biggest aha moment of the book was when they spoke about recruiting talent. The talent they recruited was optimal to the organization but it lead to a group think environment which lead to a negative repercussion because the organization was not taking a innovative approach and stayed within close relation with how the business was operating.

26A - Celebrating Failure

At work I have been focusing on my outbound lead efficiency. I have been making calls from a pre-selected list to contact current clients and have a conversation that leads to an appointment for a new product or partnership. I make about 20 calls throughout the day because my branch is busier than other branches since we are close to a college area. I have been trying out different approaches to hook clients and bring them in for a face to face appointment so we can discuss products in further depth and have it lead to a stronger relationship. In my calls I was presenting myself and asking permission to continue the conversation and find different points to hit upon after reviewing their profile to find clues on what the client may benefit from. By doing this and practicing I have been able to be more effective over a 4 month period. I learned that just because it doesn’t work the first second third fourth or even to the twentieth attempt you will be successful soon. My approach has evolved and I have a better understanding of what time of day to call and how to continue the conversation to land that follow up appointment. Failing at the calls obviously is not life or death but it is awkward when you don’t know what you are doing or how to approach the situation. Everyone needs to start somewhere and until you do you will always be bad. I keep my head up and keep going.

25A – What’s Next?

Existing Market

After goals have been met regarding growth of revenue and product exposure I want to push into providing new products that will imitate current products but because of our customer satisfaction and engagement they will purchase our products to satisfy their need. The products will be extremely similar and not show signs of cheaper production.

I was able to talk to three people that enjoyed the outdoors and have been exposed to a situation where they have a need for a product similar to mine. In the conversations I asked them if the product I am offering would be handy to them (non-diabetics) and if not what product could I develop that they would like. Each of them said it would be handy in some sort of medical kit for them but to develop a good cooler for the outdoors and of course that is basically yeti. I asked what other products should we look at developing and they mentioned different types of cups, back packs, and other outdoor travel gear that requires rugged and waterproof designs.

After my conversations I want my company to have the appeal of a nonprofit to a community but still have the full attention with complete transparency that a for profit company can have. I want to see my company hosting events for different organizations and promoting different research to help cure different medical conditions that every can experience. I want to see my company at the forefront of promoting medical research and advancement all by creating this environment of extremely hard work, truth and comfort.

I want to see this company develop and turn into something that becomes an organization that resembles the entrepreneurial drive of Elon Musk (same, but different - The Interview) without the social backlash.

New Market

The focus of the business was going to be a B2C driven force but when looking at developing a B2B force it can change the entire advantage of our business. We are looking at taping into a community created by the businesses vision and values.

When trying to sell to individual distributors instead of individual consumers that may become more difficult unless we brand our items with theirs and they purchase in bulk that can meet a similar revenue goal and along with the purchase of our product we provide them with customized marketing strategies to promote our product within their business.

I was able to interview 2 people and explained to them the original idea my business and how it would create its own niche market within individual consumers and explained the new idea of selling the products we develop to other companies to promote and sell as their own. After explaining the human capital the original business is expected to poses they concluded that the new business design would not be able to function effectively because I only lead with 1 product and my name and the community revolving around it was going to assist with any sales and growth.

The new market would not work because I am basically selling a name and incentive to my customers. This can only be achieved when interacting with individuals and not business entities. I could not promote the company the same because the face would be hidden and the same values could not be easily translated through the new distributors. What I found interesting along the way is that most companies employ the same survival tactics that my company will eventually utilize. We will eventually have to mimic products and slightly alter them to appear as ours and cause consumers to change to our product because of our name and keep current customers in a lifelong relationship because of the customer interaction and engagement we want to offer.

24A – Venture Concept No. 1 (RediTravel)

RediTravel's MediCapsule

When reviewing the product the company has to offer we need to look at the forces or changes in the environment the business lays in and how it can create opportunities. The company RediTravel is in a current market that has little innovation.

The market the product is going after are people located all over the united states but targets a diabetic or a person that needs to carry some sort of vial with them just in case. Or the product can be utilized in a medical kit giving another form of medication extra protection.

Potential customers do not have a product that offers the same level of protection for their medication. Competitors only offer another item that can preserve the medications. I feel customers are not extremely loyal to a current product.

The innovation the company has to offer is in its marketing and employee and customer engagement. My company is going to promote an environment of trust and simplicity. The product is going to be extremely easy to use. When purchasing my product you become part of a family and we strive to enrich the purchase of our product with other events giving new life experiences when you bring our product home. The product is simple canister that is well insulated and protected from physical damage. The product is designed to store insulin or other vials that require protection. My product will be sold for $50 initially and new products will be developed and designed to meet new customer needs.

The overall venture concept of the business is to provide comfort to its customers as well as a product. My customers will switch because of the experience they will have when interacting with the company. Customers will engage in events sponsored by the company and they will engage with 

employees at these events as well.

Current competitors are MediCool. Their weakness is their marketing strategy and networking capabilities. I look to take full advantage of the marketplace by offering an extra level of experience which includes events hosted by the company.

The customer experience is going to drive my product and keep the company relevant in the extremely fast changing environment. My company looks to engage through the sale of our product and what that does for the individual and also through ongoing customer outreach and product development past the original design.

The business would be organized with a CEO, CFO, a Marketing Director and four marketing specialists, a subcontracted and in house phone service and sales team depending on the need or reason for the call, a sales force consisting of 1 lead sales manager and 10 salesman within each of the 5 states we are currently present in and salesman will be paid on commission structured to promote a strong growth environment, we will also have an event director and 5 assistants, events will be run by mostly volunteer staff from within the communities they take place. This team will be the start to help maximize my business growth until we become nationwide and expand our product list to provide a diverse product line and increase the customer base to become the next thing trending on twitter a few months out of the year.   

23A – Your Venture’s Unfair Advantage

I want my business to resemble the way I am as a person. A debt is never owed to a favor to exchange. I want my customer to know that my companies’ employees are paid a base salary that is within a percentage of my own salary or the highest paid individual among the business. Major companies exploit their workers paying them low salaries while the highest paid employee is reaping all of the benefits. I understand that leading a business you want to make money but I want a business that will branch off and stay relevant purely because of its vision and values.

Resources my business already has that give it the competitive edge is my human capital and social capital.

The employees will always be available for information or just simple customer service, and I mean that everything when dealing with my business will be treated as simple and easily fixed even if it is not a simple task. By having that attitude I want my customers to feel welcome and safe when interacting with my business because our product is meant to give them peace of mind.

The company’s social capital is also important because I know many doctors who own their practice and I can easily market through them and they can begin a chain of marketing to help promote my product.

My business also offers a product that is not offered anywhere else and is a specialized item for a certain group.

Strong Vision and Values shared among employees and customers.

Making sales with the company will be extremely transparent and flexible giving the business to business clients a friendly appeal.

The customer service will always be a person that you speak to. No long prompts to go through just call and wait for a person.

Simple and personal marketing for each store our product is in.

Inbound marketing techniques to connect our product to stories.

Customer and employee engagement: bringing customers and employees together for annual camps.

The financial capital of our business gives us the ability to offer different variations of our product at different costs.

The company is valuable because the product is not offered by any other companies. The product is rare because not many companies combine the idea of medical conditions to the outdoors. The product can be copied easily because of the simple design but the company’s aura will overcome the idea of transferring when a customer sees something similar and our price competitiveness will be a focus.

When reviewing the VRIN I think the non-substitutability is going to be our strength. I want it to be marketed everywhere. I want all diabetics to see my product and know we are there for when and that whatever they need we will develop it and provide for them.

22A Elevator Pitch 3

Good afternoon,

I’m glad you joined me for another look at Redi Travel.

For this meeting I would like you to feel the way my product can change you

this will be introducing what our product can potentially do for our customers.

I want you to take a moment and imagine forgetting something, like you forgot to close your front door, or lock your car door, or close your hamster cage… take that moment now and really try to feel those emotions. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.

Now I want you to imagine having the ability to control that emotion and have closure that you closed the hamsters cage, locked your door, and closed the front door.

I once was controlled by my inhaler as an asthmatic

I remember that the feeling of not having my inhaler, that alone caused anxiety and triggered an asthma attack.

I want to give a level of security to diabetics where they never feel this anxiety and can travel without bad thoughts on the back of their mind.

Redi Travel’s canister will be targeting our outdoorsman or clients that simply want to do more and have a secure guaranteed level of safety.

Our product will feature next generation technology offering the best preservation and indestructability among competitors.  

Thank you.

Looking back on my feedback I did not get any. But as I am going through the videos I am treating each interaction like it’s my follow up appointments.

I changed this pitch to be like my final speech and if an investor does not bite from this than it is over.

21A: Reading Reflection 2

Inbound Marketing: Attract, Engage, and Delight Customers Online

The general theme of my book was around the strategy of inbound sales. Inbound sales is creating a marketing campaign that creates a welcoming environment, something that makes you want to stay and see what else is on there. Add collaborative functionality to increase attraction and be diverse. Create a blog, create compelling content which makes users stay. The idea of inbound marketing is baiting a prospect client to your content through other content. Instead of blasting your product and ideas through traditional commercials where some people may not be searching for information you pull them in with the notion that they are searching for information, they are attracted to an article or link on your website and then they see your add with a sponge brain that soaks up your information and is astoundingly more effective than outbound marketing. Tactics for switching visitors to leads in the inbound marketing strategy lets them choose when to do something. We don’t force them to do something or take aggressive approaches like spam email to get their business. We create a friendly comfortable environment because it is recognized that not everyone is always in the buying stage they sometimes want to wait 6 months or a year before doing something or becoming comfortable. A tactic is to also create a compelling call to action. A call to action is basically the button that triggers that visitor to fill something out with their contact information. This creates a lead and a strategy behind creating a good call to action button needs to answer these questions for the clients:

-          Why should I click this button and give them my information?

-          What’s in it for me?

-          Is the value of the thing I am getting worthy giving up my email address for?

These are some ways to get visitors to click your call to action button which then transfers them from visitor to lead which can be potentially sold to.

The book went well with our current learning and it was geared towards a more internet/social media approach. It enhanced the idea of promoting to our potential customers and also helped me give me a perspective when luring my customers toward my product.

If I were to do a class around this book I would start of with making my class create a marketing structure for their based off what they already know about marketing. I would identify if their campaign was inbound or outbound style and then I would go into explaining the way inbound can create a more positive effect environment for generating leads and prospect customers.

I am currently in sales and my biggest aha moment was when I saw the stages of creating a customer. I never really saw it drawn out. The stages are, Prospect, leads, opportunity, customer. You find the prospect when they interact with you, you ask for a follow up that turns into a lead, that follow up generates the idea of opportunity and then the sale is made creating a customer. I just never really had it drawn out like that and it was a good exercise.

20A - Growing my social capital

Domain Expert: For getting in contact with an expert in my industry I called the customer service number for yeti because I feel their product is similar to mine and I wanted to contact someone that has more buyers than other products. I asked what are the most likely reasons someone returns a yeti cooler. I learned that because of the temperature retention storing in a hot area could cause warping, also that their return process could sometimes be difficult. I feel after speaking with them I want to focus on counter those to aspect with my business. I want my customer service to be extremely thorough but extremely friendly at the same time. I would also want to field test my product in multiple conditions before releasing the product so if we experience any off performance we can either warn our customers or try to fix the issue before release.

Market Expert: To find a market expert that I could easily contact I looked up an article that explained how Yeti marketed towards their customers and I feel that the writer could potentially be a good person to help write something for my business to give it a good 3^rd party review that empowers positivity for my company.(he has not gotten back to me)

Important Supplier: I looked into getting in contact with 2 sport stores around me. Academy Sports and Dicks Sporting goods. I feel these two suppliers offer their customers outdoor survival gear and I feel that if I were to maximize my product exposure I would want my customers to be able to purchase my product at a broad variety of stores. I would offer it at stores like CVS and I would want to expand into outdoor stores as well.

Reflection: I feel going through this gave me firsthand experience with actually reaching out for established contacts in organizations that I am not a part of. This excersise also gave me good ideas on what types of people I should network with and not to over network in specific field but to find multiple sources in different departments.

19A - Idea Napkin No.2

My first idea napkin post had 1 comment on and it and the person said that I did a good job evaluating myself. I stated that I felt I can understand the way people are feeling most of the time. I look at their face and try to relate and I feel I am accurate most of the time. Think about the last time someone asked you if you were ok or if you felt a certain way and you denied it but knowing you felt exactly how they assumed.

In my idea napkin I mentioned that my product was going to be able to offer my customers peace of mind and give them a more stress free relaxing life when wanting to enjoy the outdoors or extended trips away from home which could be their comfort zone.

My product was going to be geared towards parents that want to feel completely in control and have no fear that the insulin they have for their child may not function properly because of external weather conditions. The product could also be geared towards older people that could have developed diabetes late in their life and it can give them peace of mind like nothing ever changed.

My customers would care because it makes them feel good and it will be extremely consumer friendly and not extremely overpriced showing my company truly cares and we want everyone to have this.

My product is going to be different because it is going to be marketed for the outdoors and rugged conditions giving a new element to the care and treatment of diabetics.

I feel these five elements fit together well because I have a strong idea of my target market.

My feedback stated that I understood myself and could actually talk about myself.  When reflecting on that and previous assignment I am also starting to see that this product would mainly fit a need that I would have if I was diabetic. I have asthma and I can remember have asthma attacks from shear anxiety. I could imagine a diabetic that has need for insulin could also feel anxious about their medicine.

17A - Elevator Pitch No.2

Thank you for joining me.

I am here today to talk about a product that can offer peace of mind and customer satisfaction guaranteed.

My product is designed to lend that extra bit of comfort for our family members, friends, and others that may share the same tasking responsibility.

That responsibility is managing blood sugar levels

Blood sugar can be managed by utilizing a very important substance called insulin.

Insulin is a hormone

This hormone is naturally produced by the body but for some people they need to administer a shot of insulin daily to maintain their blood sugar.

People that have this irregularity have Diabetes.

Diabetes can be extremely dangerous if not treated correct by properly maintaining blood sugar levels.

This can sometimes be extremely stressful because insulin needs to be handled with extreme care.

If insulin is warmed higher than 90 degrees it can become less potent which could be dangerous.

If insulin is frozen it can become completely useless which of course can be extremely dangerous.

To help elevate the stress of mentioned above we have designed a product.

Our product adds protection, climate control, and it is extremely easy to transport.

Our insulin capsule will help keep your insulin at the exact temperature you placed it in there for over 15 days.

This means your insulin can stay potent for when you really need it and you can still do everything with no boundaries or thoughts in the back of your head.

This capsule will allow our customers to give their children experiences that they sometimes could see as dangerous because of extended times away from electricity or a cooler.

This will also give our adult customers the ability again to travel with ease and know their insulin is always available and is extremely potent every use.

We want complete peace for our customers and we look to do that 1 customers at a time.

Thank you

My previous video had 1 comment which was all positive. I did however get some tips from rewatching the lectures. I changed my introduction and I changed my ending. I introduced myself last time and I asked for money at the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!

18A - My Customer Avatar

Hobbies: My customer avatar is a young woman who is an avid hiker, runner, extreme sporter, and just an all around adventurer. I chose a woman with this hobby background because I feel she would be the perfect person to want to have my product for herself or her children. I would advertise her in a commercial using my product and also using it for her children. Showing that its perfect for both her and loved ones.

Car Type: Her car type would be a Jeep Cherokee because I feel this car already has a stigma for people that are adventurous, extreme, and enjoy the out doors which is who my product is targeting. The color would also be a Darkish Green because it is represent ambition.

T.V Shows: I don’t know why but I feel my customer would watch One Tree Hill. I have no further elaboration for that…

Children: My customer would have 2 children. I would make the youngest one have diabetes along with the mother. I wanted it to be like that because the youngest is seen as more a child no matter the age and they are often babied more and seen as innocent.

Moms Favorite Book: The mothers favorite book would be The Call of the Wild. I just feel that would be a good well known book to present in a potential commercial. The book is also about a dog that goes through some harsh experiences but in the end returns back to the wild. Something that my character my have experienced. Maybe she was diagnosed with diabetes later in life and had to over come some difficulties before she returned to her normal life, or maybe the birth of her child and them developing diabetes at a young age was difficult for her and she worried. In the end she was back into her old self. Her instinctual self.

Favorite Politician: It would be an old politician/president but she would admire Theodore Roosevelt because of his strength and adventurous side. Teddy was a hunter, he was in the army and led the cavalry known as the rough riders. He was your guy to get your through a hard time and he was a great person. He had an unfortunate life also and she respects him and finds his courage to help her.

I think the idea of my avatar is that I want my friends and others to always feel safe and secure. I want to give my avatar the ability to make others feel comfortable. I enjoy the outdoors and I fortunately have no boundaries other than my asthma that is mainly well controlled and less dangerous than diabetes can be. I think that it’s not a coincidence that I have some sort of relation with my avatar. It’s my business and it’s created off my own feelings, so why should the image representing my business not be like me but also not is me?

14A – Halfway Reflection ( Still Sending it)

I honestly keep in mind that I am paying for this course and that the principles being taught through this class can help impact my future decisions by giving me more insight and knowledge. The video lectures keep me engaged because I actually enjoy them. I did find myself wanting to quit at the very beginning. I was frustrated and confused by the canvas layout. There was so much to look at and review I had no idea where to start. But that is the feeling that everyone should get when they are starting something new but it’s the drive that should place you in the seat and just begin somewhere. As you go through you find your way and your channel. I work a full time job and I am also taking 4 classes including this one. I want to finish my school and press into my future. When you feel like giving up, do not be afraid to tell someone that you hate this or your think you will not succeed. Just make sure the person you are telling that to will not give up on you and that they will give you that spark to get going and just full send it!

Tips for future students:

- Make sure you stay on top of your lecture schedule. Missing one could be a major impact.
- When you feel like giving up dont. This is a entrepreneurship class, you should feel like you are becoming an entrepreneur through it.
- When you create a business in the beginning make it practical or you will be lost going through the interviews and when you need to create your blog posts.

Figuring out buyer behavior

Segment Focus: My segment focus is primarily on diabetics and family members of diabetics who assist.

Need awareness: Through my interviews and continued research I have found out a new element to making my product desirable. I have found that most people do not actually fear that their insulin will become less potent. I asked one of my friend’s mothers if they were ever nervous and they said no but she never looked to find a difference in effect when it came to administering insulin that may have been warmed for a long period.

Information search: My friend Matt says that when it comes to searching for diabetic products he consults with his doctor unless it is a repetitive purchase that he does not need consulting on.

Conclusion: I feel my product could have a strong consumer base if it were to be developed and marketed correct. After my interviews I discovered the idea that what if people do not even realize they have this need and do not ever seek to find my product or see it as useless. My product would have to be directly marketed through doctor offices to help reach consumers that rely heavily on a medical professionals opinion over anything.

Idea Napkin #1

Idea Napkin #1

You:

                Reviewing my talents, I feel I have a strong ability to understand how other people may feel about a certain scenario. I pay attention to the face and the different expressions that it relays. I currently work in an environment where I am testing for reaction and sometimes a person does not directly say what they feel because they may not want to or do not know how to. I need to infer and help them find what they are feeling so I can counter that feeling and show them the value of something. I want to see my business giving people comfort and when they are asked to go do something they do not have a constant weight on their back thinking about their health and safety. I feel if this business were to operate it would be autonomous after it was effectively established. To reach that point I would present seminars and directly sell my product to large audiences and try to land contracts with different medical equipment consumers.

What are you offering to customers?

I am offering the customers peace of mind. Something that only a special need requires. In this case a medical requirement can be extremely burdening and can cause anxiety, nervousness and depression. I want to meet the need of making my customers happy by providing them a product that can be a crutch to combat those feelings and make for a better way of life.

Who are you offering it to?

                I am offering my product to diabetics that require daily insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels.

Why do they care?

                My target customers care because insulin potency can determine life, death, or a severe medical emergency. My customers will care because it is a product designed for them to give them more comfort when looking to do more activities exposed to climate or just looking to preserve their insulin in a safe and secure storage location that will not allow the insulin quality to be compromised.

What are your core competencies?

                My company will produce a product that gives extended containment quality for their insulin. This product over extends all other products by 3 weeks giving us a direct competitive advantage because of the extended quality.

Element evaluation:

                Reviewing these 5 elements I feel my business concept is fairly aligned. Other than the actual ability to produce such items, I feel if my business were to be created it would have a strong target market for people that want to go out and not feel like they have a ball and chain around their ankles. My company could target parents with children and want to ensure they never have an emergency when on vacation, or want to take their children camping to enjoy the hobbies they have been doing for so long. This product offers an emotional support as well as a health benefit.

               

10A – Elevator Pitch No. 1

Good afternoon everyone, my name is Thomas O’Grady

I am the founder of Redi Travel

We specialize in medical supply storage and convenient travel gear

Today I want to expose you to an idea that will revolutionize the comfort ability you experience when traveling as a diabetic.

My company has a potential product that will target our diabetic family and friends or even yourself

We have the medi case, this is designed to store and protect your insulin for up to 4 weeks while being exposed to temperatures up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit

This case is ground breaking because it will maintain a temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit which is essential to keeping insulin potent

This product will give new abilities to diabetics all over the globe

No more thinking in the back of your head about the vials of insulin heating in your backpack or making sure the cooler is closed and the ice is still frozen.

Our product will preserve the potency of your insulin giving you the peace of mind that every injection will provide the same level of effect

In the United States alone there are about 215000 people younger than the age of 20 who are insulin injection dependent.

I want to give back to our diabetic community and empower them to see new things and drop some of the anxious weight off their shoulder

Our research is requiring another $50,000 to purchase materials to complete our design

With this completion and recent survey conducted in 50 states we estimate a total sales profit of $625,000 in the first year. This is calculated at a product sales price of $75 when it cost $25 to produce just 1

Unfortunately there is no cure for diabetes at this time, but fortunately through our product we can give diabetics the ability to expand their horizons and leave some of the burden of diabetes behind them

Thank you for your time

9A – Testing the Hypothesis Part 2

9A – Testing the Hypothesis Part 2

Continuing the Opportunity Research

Who: Looking over my current idea of developing a canister to prolong the potent life span of insulin has been interesting. The points of view I have received through my additional 5 interviews has shown me the true effect of diabetes on individuals. I have found that there are people who want expanded boundaries and there are people who are content and comfortable with there current boundaries. I have also found 2 other products that match my idea. The two products only offer a 24 hour cooling guarantee where I look for up to 4 weeks and can be “recharged”. The products are also bulky and not easily traveled with.

-          I was able to find my interviewees through an online gaming community and the interviewees I have known for about a year now.

-          2 of my interviewees had families that were avid campers and hikers. They were both diagnosed with diabetes when they were around the age of 6 years old. They remember as a child going to local areas in upstate New York and the others family would camp and hike in Colorado. They know their families do not blame them for their change in life style but at the same time they know that diabetes is nothing to joke around with. One of my best friends Tyler is a diabetic and he was also diagnosed at around age 6 and when we would go to the beach he always had to wear water shoes because their feet are extremely sensitive and do not heal easily.

-          2 of my other interviewees felt comfortable with their life style. They both have the pump and from time to time need to manually inject themselves with insulin. They do not mind that they need to keep their insulin stored in their fridge or even have extra vials at their school. They have never felt the need to travel outside their current boundaries

-          The last interviewee was content with his current life style but did want to look into going abroad with his school. He is scared to go because the places they travel to usually lack electricity and would be living in a very limited area for up to 4 weeks. He is the in between customer because is content but at the same time if he had something that could guarantee his insulin to stay potent he would definitely have a better time sleeping at night.

What: My interviewees could all agree that it would help them personally sleep better at night when they know they may be in a warmer climate and they might be isolated from electricity for more than 2 days. My interviewees could also agree that the idea of having something easily portable would be nice. They would also like to see some sort of injecting device to be attached to the canister so they do not have to carry their injector kits as well. Possibly a stack able disposable small needle set resembling those mechanical pencils that have lead tips stacked within each other.

Why: This need is identified by individuals in 2 spectrum's, people who feel restricted and people who do not feel restricted.

I believe through a compelling commercial or advertising campaign we can market to people who are content with their current life style and try to inspire them to reach beyond.

Inside the Boundary	Outside the Boundary
Who: Diabetics who want to explore new boundaries and experience a less restricted life style.	Diabetics who do not want to move outside their comfort zone.
What: To help expand boundaries to allow diabetics to feel more comfortable when traveling long distances or are isolated from electricity for a prolonged time such as 1 week. To give diabetics peace of mind	To give diabetics an infinite travel time for insulin To give diabetics completely alternate life styles
Why: I want everyone to experience the same or at least the same. I do not want my own friends or family feeling restricted for something they did not choose to have. I want to give diabetics a feeling of peace of mind that they sometimes struggle to feel when it comes to a long trip or an uncertain voyage.

8a, Solving the Problem!

Selected Opportunity: Insulin cold storage, for a temperature range of 36 to 46 degree Fahrenheit. I want to look at this opportunity because I have many friends who are diabetics and I have seen them from young ages takes insulin from their fridges and inject themselves in the thighs or butts and after performing interviews with them I fully grasped how dependent they are on insulin and how vital it is to keep their insulin vials cooled to keep them from spoiling. I want to give my friends and other people the opportunity to go far far far away from a fridge or cooling source and finally feel completely free to do whatever they want, whether that’s go hiking in the mountains for a few days or just simply feel the ease of knowing their insulin is not being ruined because they don’t want to keep it cooled and take the risk of ruing an expensive bottle of insulin because it was not fully used by the 28 day period.

Product to be sold/distributed: The idea that I have come up with to tackle this issue is some sort of container that is small and lightweight that can be easily kept in a backpack, pocket, or some sort of personal storage space. The item will resemble the device that was used in Men in Black; it will be well insulated and can maintain cold temperatures for up to 1 week before needing to be cooled again. This item will allow diabetics to store their insulin vials in this capsule and take it with them on long vacations, or journeys to ensure the insulin does not warm which compromises the integrity of the insulin and causes it to have a functioning period of 28 days. This item can be used as a personal transportation device. My idea is to use the same insulating technology as yeti cups or tumblers that keep your drinks cool for the entire day or even a few days. I personally have a cup that I left ice water in the cup in my hot car for 2 days and it did melt a little but the ice was still present and had minor holes in the ice and my drink was as cold as when I first poured it.

7a - Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

My opportunity wants to focus on the challenges diabetics face when it comes to storing insulin and ensuring maximum shelf life.

The who: Diabetics who require insulin.

The what: Currently diabetics have to keep their insulin refrigerated at all times which means they need to be close enough to a building or some sort of source that can provide 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

The why: This is because when insulin goes above that temperature range the proteins start to break down and starts to spoil and not function as well when injected to help regulate blood sugar levels.  

Testing the who: People that have this need are diabetics who require insulin injection daily to keep a healthy functioning blood sugar level balance.

Testing the what: The boundaries of this need are people that want to travel away from a refrigeration source which typically requires electricity to maintain a temperature within the 36 to 46 degree Fahrenheit range. Insulin can be warmed but when warmed it is only good for 28 days and remaining insulin will need to be discarded because it will not function.

Testing the why: All though insulin will be good for 28 days, if multiple vials of insulin are warmed then majority of the insulin will most likely be spoiled by the time you actually need to use it. Diabetics who want to perform high energy activities may require more insulin because they will be constantly ingesting food to help increase blood sugar and will require insulin to get it back to normal levels.

Conducted interviews: In my interviews I was able to ask 5 buddies that have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. I was able to discover obvious restrictions as well as missed opportunities that they each shared because of diabetes. In one of my interviews I was able to discuss the missed opportunity of joining a military branch or even becoming public service personnel. My friend Max could not join the Army because of diabetes, the fear was that if he were to be deployed which would be well over 28 days he would not be able to store insulin even if he was not part of a combat role. Because insulin is such a vital medicine it cannot be replaced or tampered with. Another friend who is an air medic is also restricted although he has an insulin pump connected to his abdomen he still has a requirement of storing his insulin in a cool place and needing access to it throughout the majority of his day. John who is the air medic wants to look into other training and certifications within his field but he knows he will have hard times finding work because of his dependency of insulin. I also discovered that all 5 of my subjects rarely let their insulin get to room temperature because the vials sometimes will last a long time and 28 days will be to short and the vials will spoil. My 5 subjects also wanted to pursue some sort of active duty roles and despite the new technologies for insulin injection and blood sugar regulation research has not created and insulin that can last longer than 28 days when brought to room temperature.

What happening with our economy and regulations(6a)

Regulatory:

http://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/marijuana-legalization-and-regulation

The debate of marijuana legalization has been going on for many years now. Just as people fought for the legalization of alcohol, people fight for the legalization of marijuana. Marijuana has many different opportunities and could be the next big thing to happen in the United States. Following marijuana legalization we will see technology expand to help develop new medicines, alternatives for paper, alternatives for building materials, and possibly a safer way to enjoy a product that “takes the edge off” like alcohol does for many business men and woman. This information can easily be explored by just simply google-ing about marijuana and hemp which could become just as big of an industry as the oil industry. Potential customers can be patience who experience seizures, veterans who experience PTSD. Hemp which is classified and treated like marijuana can be used as an alternative to paper and can be refined to function as fuel for a new automobile engine. This is a mildly difficult industry to get into depending on what you are doing. Farms can be erected and the crops can be sold, or you can function as a factory that helps process the crops into medicines by extracting the natural chemicals found within marijuana. The startup could be expensive because it would take knowledge of plant growth and chemical compounds. This will require specialist to be hired or schooling to take place before the venture can be made. Others may not see this opportunity because they may disagree with the idea of legalizing marijuana because it has been classified as a drug equivalent to heroin and cocaine which are proven to cause deaths and effect people in different ways than marijuana does.

https://www.gensuite.com/top-4-osha-regulation-changes-to-prepare-for-in-2018-infographic/

OSHA, and organization that may make some business owners cringe by just muttering the word. OSHA is the Occupational Health and Safety Administration which oversees work sites and offices to ensure the safety of all employees within the United States.  A new change is presenting itself within the work force and that is the mandatory change of digitizing injury and illness reports. This new regulation will cause all employers to submit electronic reports of their illness and injury reports and open new opportunities for tech savvy people to find new jobs to create these reports for business that may be lacking their technology advantage. Potential clients for a data company will be all employers that have more than 20 payroll employed employees in their work force. This could be potentially easy to create a business that processes these reports if a company does not have a technologically inclined office manager or book keeper. Someone may disagree with this opportunity because if a company has more than 20 employees they must have someone who can handle this task. The truth is that many companies have book keepers or office managers that have been doing the same thing for 20 plus years. To insure proper reporting and not have any penalties or fines assessed it would be best to hire a company that offer this guarantee of accurate work and no repercussions if work is done in error.

Economic:

https://blockgeeks.com/guides/what-is-blockchain-technology/

A new up and coming economic change is the idea of Block Chain Technology. Block chain technology is the idea of linking all digital information into a web of information that is easily compared and integrated to help create a web of information for the different industries that are present within the global marketplace. The opportunity of this technology is the adaptation business can make to utilize the information presented within block chains interface. Block chain technology can be utilized by major companies and current employees of corporation can become intrapreneurs and create new channels to help analyze block chain data to create new business plans or develop new products. This opportunity will be mildly hard to exploit because it will require training on how to analyze the data and then how to implement the data. This opportunity will be best prioritized by major corporations rather than small local businesses. Someone may not agree that this is an opportunity because they may not see the potential information that can be gathered by this new technology. An example is within the agricultural industry, companies can track the exchange of money to purchase a product. This mean supermarkets can track who purchased these goods before they did, this can ensure product quality and ensure they are getting the best buy for their money.

https://www.thebalance.com/us-economic-outlook-3305669

Another economic change is the information regarding oil and gas prices. As we can see through history gas prices have been steadily increasing and as time passes they will continue to grow because we all know oil is not an infinite resource. This opportunity would be the idea of developing new power sources. With the ongoing debate of hemp and marijuana being more accepted we can create no power sources by synthesizing the chemicals within these plants just as we do to crude oils to create gasoline and diesel fuels. Potential customers will be major power companies, home owners, cities, towns, and villages to help power homes, vehicles, and businesses. This opportunity would be hard to exploit because it will take a large sum of capital investments to make this work and fund research. Again someone may disagree with this opportunity because they may not agree with the abilities of marijuana or hemp.

Whats happening locally?(5a)

Apalachicola tourist sues over alleged bedbug infestation; hotel calls suit "frivolous"

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/09/13/best-western-apalach-inn-sued-over-alleged-bedbug-infestation/1283032002/

The article tells about a possible law suit that will be set in motion because Christopher Martin who was a visitor from Virginia stayed 5 nights at a Best Western Hotel. During his stay he was bitten more than 100 times and had to seek medical attention for the bites and has allegedly suffered because of medical bills, emotional damages, and lost earnings.

The problem presented is that hotels need to be kept up to a health code which guarantees visitors will not contract or be affected by any insects or diseases that could be present in a hotels rooms. As we can see through this article the cleaning crew or whoever is hired to clean the rooms did not do a thorough job. This simple look over could potentially cause this business $75,000 in reparation.

The problem can affect other hotels/motels in the Tallahassee area. To a locally owned business a $75,000 bill could be a major game changer and cause the establishment to close or cause extreme devastation to the owners and its operations.

 Record number of tourists heading to Florida

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AAPM14%21Associated%2BPress%253A%2BTallahassee%2BMetro%2BArea%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=1&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=&fld-base-0=alltext&docref=news/16E6589B27087E20

This small article give insight on the market of tourist Florida has. In the article Governor Rick Scott gives details of 65.5 million tourists came to Florida just within the first 6 months of the year of 2018. This is something to view because it was record breaking and could possess many opportunities for sight seekers.

The problem presented in this is that Florida legislators have denied the budget increase for Visit Florida which is the organization that handles tourism and its opportunities.

Employees of Visit Florida may be burdened with longer hours, minimum pay, out dated equipment, and increased stress because of their workloads because new employees may not be hired to help.

DAYTONA BEACH — Toronto is already the No. 1 source of visit

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3ADBNC%21Daytona%2BBeach%2BNews-Journal%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0913%21September%2B13&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E6C750DB7E5098

The article explains the ability for a round trip flight from Toronto, Canada to Daytona Beach, FL. The airline SunWing is going to be offering this clutch travel package which will definitely see a major usage. The round trips flights could cost around $265 and will only be offered seasonally. Typically during the winter time and will end its flights in June. The planes used for the flights will be a Boeing 737-800 jetliner and can set up to 189 passengers.

The problem is that Daytona Beach Area of Conventions and Visitors Bureau and Visit Florida will be taking care of the processes for the flights to be accommodated and ensure all visitors are pleased with their visit. In my previous article review we learned that a budget increase will not be granted Visit Florida which may affect this opportunity.

Visitors from Canada may have bad experiences while visiting Florida because of the increased tourism which may lead to sold out hotels and a cramped city. Daytona Beach is the vacation capital.

FISHING REPORT - Mullet run may be anglers’ happiest time of year

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3ADBNC%21Daytona%2BBeach%2BNews-Journal%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0913%21September%2B13&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E6C751C86A5F88

This article lets us know about the increased population of Mullet within the inlet waterways of Daytona Beach down to Edge water which is known as the Halifax River. These massive schools are attracting big time fisherman because Mullet is a hearty fish and is worth a few bucks and can offer a good meal.

The problem is that a major influx of fisherman will damage the possibility of a catch because there will be 10x more fishing poles casted in these water ways.

The people affected by this will be local fisherman. These local fisherman do not fish for gain or fame, they fish to feed themselves, their family, and friends.

DeBary OKs SunRail-area project - $180M development would bring homes, shops, trail connections to city - $180M development would bring homes, shops, trail connections to city

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3ADBNC%21Daytona%2BBeach%2BNews-Journal%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0911%21September%2B11&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E61E8949559E30

This article is about the potential construction of a 180 million dollar development and the expansion of Central Florida’s Sun Rail system. This development will contain 2 story houses on smalled land plots. It is intended to house commuter families that work within large companies and it will attract them because the sunrail system will directly inject the employees close to where they work adding value to the neighborhood and development because it adds an ease of travel.

The problem is that the new development and the families that move their will be increased population in the city of Debary. This influx will increase workloads for local businesses and increase congestion in the area.

This new development will affect the locals that have already been living there. This may become overly populated and people may because angry with the new construction going on within their city.

The belief of community(4a)

Tallahassee Paintball Arena is one effort of my Community Development through Challenge idea.

     TPBA will be a place people can feel a part of their community. We will have military, law enforcement, and local emergency services take part in daily activities to help build a strong growing community through teamwork and exposure to people they may never encounter. The need to combat here is the feeling of community. This need comes from violence and the feeling of being lost. Nobody is satisfying this need. I would say 35% of people in just this area (Tallahassee) require this need of community. 

     My typical target client/customer/human would be teenager/young adults because they are going through a period of change and self-discovery.

     I was able to ask 3 coworkers and they described their current familiarity with their community as nothing. They realized they just stay here rather than live here in Tallahassee. They are not a part of something that unites them to their own city. They feel they experience loss of community because they fear theft, they fear for their lives, home should never contain fear. My 2 younger coworkers feel this is a great way to engage young adults. Everyone is absorbed into Call of Duty or other video games that involve shooting or fast paces scenarios why not bring it to life and teach lesson along with it? 

     Reflecting on my opportunity I am shocked to hear how distant people really feel in their own community with others that call the same place "Home".

     My three customers may have been overly optimistic for me but I believe my full original idea is still present. My idea of community growth is present with my three customers and they understand the vision and the value of my goal. 

     Going through the current idea I am reporting on and looking back at others I do believe an entrepreneur needs the fine combination of staying firm to their idea and adapting. We need to adapt to minor details but stay firm on our vision

THE BUGz! (2a)

Excuse the ramble but these things just bug me!

(Bug) Something that really grinds my gears is when people speed to a red light which forces me to not be able to pull out of a parking lot or driveway or even a side road.

(Why) This may happen because people do not pay attention to others while driving.

(Bug) Something that really bugs me is when people steal things from my car or just steal from someone else in general.

(Why) This may exist because people do not feel like a community.

(Bug) I really don’t appreciate when i really want McDonald’s ice cream but their machine is broken

(Why) This may exist because the machines are not operated correctly

(Bug) That that bugs me is when the street light does not change because i am on my motorcycle.

(Why) This may happen because i do not weight enough to trigger the sensor

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when pizza places do not deliver

(Why) This may occur because they do not have drivers or do not have enough delivery to make it worth offering delivery.

(Bug) Something that really bugs me is when i hit the home screen YouTube closes on most videos

(Why) This may happen because owners of the video want you to see the advertisement.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when restaurants don’t assist me with my order(make suggestions)

(Why) This could be because business owners do not understand their clients.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when i write in a binder and i am restricted because i am left handed

(Why) This is because the world is catered towards right handed people

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when i miss place my key and can’t find them

(Why) This is because I can’t call my keys or they have no tracking device and i don't pay attention when i get home from work

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when schools/colleges produce material list and we never use them

(Why) This could be because bad planning or alternative sources should be listed for a more cost effective approach.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is that when i was in high school i did not learn anything about banking or credit

(Why) This could be because it is not a necessity to obtain knowledge of banking?

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when i got to the store and i grab a cart that does not roll right or makes a loud noise.

(Why) This could be because the store may not have a good repair/service system to repair damaged carts.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when my adviser does not help me even after i ask for help

(Why) This could be because they don’t know what they are doing or they are not appropriately trained

(Bug) Something that bugs me is the pay gap between the lowest paid employees of a corporation to the higher paid.

(Why) This is because there is no pay cap in the United States, there can only be one winner....

(Bug) Something that bugs me is why do we have conflict on a global scale (War) what is the end goal?

(Why) This could be because of ego and past traditions to be the most powerful, but why sentence or brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, sons and daughter to death by war and competition.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is litter bugs!

(Why) This may be because people don’t understand the impact of littering.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when people do not truly understand something or they hear one side of the story and try to side with that one angle of the perspective.

(Why) This may be because they want to have an opinion and be a part of a conversation because they seek attention.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when people judge others immediately without giving them a moment of their time to learn them.

(Why) This might be because they may have been missing understood one time and constantly feel the need to judge others

(Bug) Something that bugs me is that we are the most powerful species on the planet but we do nothing for others.

(Why) Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

(Bug) Something that bugs me is when people commit suicide

(Why) We may have missed something, not listened enough or just couldn’t help

(Bug) Something that bugs me is that I feel so pressured to not stray off my tracks because I will lose my house and fear of losing everything to pursue my dreams of changing the world.

(Why) Because I am a slave.

I faced the biggest challenge when it came to starting my bug list. I did not want to get to into my emotions or daily life so I tried expanding and reaching farther to find more ideas. It seemed that the biggest bugs were what pressured my emotions and that were directly in my face. Through combating my own bugs maybe I could help someone else....