Week 4 Reading Reflection

1)  The biggest surprise for me was all the rules applied for innovation.  All the questions that organizations have to help them feedback to the planning process for a proper approach to assess their enterprise.  There are so many expectations in business that is applied to both the business as a whole and every individual.  I didn't think that businesses were held to such great expectations for corporate philosophy that supports business behavior.

2)  I do not understand the concept of a corporate entrepreneurial philosophy.  The author spoke of its advantages but never spoke of its origin or it's true purpose in a business.

3)  I would ask the author why corporate entrepreneuring is beneficial and why he thinks it can solve so many pressing problems.   I didn't really understand that entire section of the reading or even recognize the meaning for the author mentioning it.

4)  I don't agree with the statement that CE strategy cannot be consciously chosen and quickly enacted.  Its requirements don't require so much time, as the author stated, so it should be something a business should already have prepared.  It should be a plan B along with new ideas and new potential the company/business has.

Top 5 World Problems

Problems:

1.  Global Warming. It is all around us and it affects us tremendously.  If this continues, humanity will cease to exist.  Which means no more problems.

2.  Terrorism. This is the other global factor that can destroy humanity.  If this continues, what is left behind is tragedy, devastation and more problems.  No one wins.
  
3.  Human/Labor Trafficking   This is a great way to ruin lives.  Multiple lives.  Again, no one wins.  Its illegal everywhere.

4.  Cancer. Rumor has it, the cure is already discovered.  Why isn't it being implemented into cancer research and treatment centers? This is just creating more problems.

5.  Gender inequality. Women need more credit.  They need to live, not just exists.  Equality is the foundation for humanity.  It can solve problems. 


Solutions:

1. A practical solution to cancer is if a cure exists, it should be revealed.  If no cure still exists, more effective treatment and ways of prevention should be invented.

2. The practical solution to global warming is to reduce the amount of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases being emitted.

3.   The practical solution to human/labor trafficking is to enforce more laws and make punishments more severe. 

4.  A practical solution to gender inequality is to go against this.  Women need to speak up and stand out.

5.  A practical solution to terrorism is to find another way of solving our disagreements.

Week 3 Reading Reflection

1)  The biggest surprise for me is that by  searching the topic “successful entrepreneurial stories” produces no less than 229,000 potential sources at this time.  I was not expecting that many articles to be available in the world wide web about a single topic.  

2) The part of the chapter that was confusing to me was the article on perseverance and commitment.  Schulze confronted many problems and obstacles and instead of trying to resolve them he dismissed a lot of the company policies and changed several aspects of his business. I don't understand why he made such drastic and impulsive decisions without thinking of a plan B just in case he fails.   

3)  A question i would ask the author is, which characteristic is the most important in an entrepreneur; inner control, planning and goal setting, risk taking, innovation, reality perception, use of feedback, decision making, human relations, and independence?

4) I disagree with the statement the author made about the energetic drive of successful entrepreneurs.  I believe the more energy put into a project, the better the outcome.  The author made it seem as if the energy is a destructive force that leads to a dark side of entrepreneurship.  

Identifying Local Opportunities

1)  Community gathers to help fire victims

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7EEE506BD2C88?p=AWNB

Residents help an elderly could rebuild their homes and lives, after fire destroyed everything, through community fundraising and outreach.

A fire destroyed the home of an elderly couple and a group of 25 residents gathered together to see how they can help they organized a donation program, raffles, and fundraisers to help the elderly couple with their recent tragedy.  

An elderly couple has the problem.

2) 1,000 people march for justice and equality

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A791D970CE52E0?p=AWNB

A rally of men and women march for justice and equality on MLK day.

Men and women get together to celebrate MLK and to bring awareness to racism and discrimination in America.  Disparities between the races and gender in unemployment and poverty rates were spoken of in this march.

Black lives matter was the main topic and problem.

3)Editorial: Seeking clarity in hospital costs

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E65B56EA5158?p=AWNB

Hospital bills with confusing charges and high costs are now required to clarify the expenses online.

Hospitals are price gouging.  Governor Scott is pushing to spend all of the state budget surplus and more on $1 billion in business-friendly tax cuts and $250 million in economic development incentives. This is for more transparency of hospital bills. 

Anyone confused or worried about their hospital expenses has this problem.  

4) Bill would tighten rules for some abortion clinics

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E65B137F9B90?p=AWNB

 U.S. Supreme Court passing a bill that requires abortion clinics to meet the same standards as surgical centers.

44 abortion clinics in Florida to perform abortion in second trimester.  The bill was made to add extra levels of protection for those who seek health care in an abortion clinic.  This bill will lead to many clinics closing.  

Women and abortion clinics have this problem.  

5) Rally and march set for Saturday to protect state parks

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A791D97B0DB0E8?p=AWNB

A march is set to protect the state parks.  Opponents organized a march in protest of proposal.

State of Florida is proposing to commercialize state parks.  

State of Florida parks and residents have this problem.

Very Short Interview No. 1

I interviewed Nelson Cruz, a producer who started from a studio in his mothers guest bedroom to having his own official studio with employees.  He produces his own music, as well as music from local and underrated artists.  He created his business from scratch.

1)  "What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?"
    
          NC: " To be an entrepreneur means you have to be dedicated, focused and determined to    succeed.  I started out with no experience or expensive equipment, but i told myself everyday that this was just temporary, the day will come when i pull up to my own recording studio.  I stayed focused on that thought and it became my sole purpose."

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

      NC: "I would of benefited knowing basic business skills and also media production skills.  I struggled a little bit in the beginning when i had my first client and didn't know the paperwork or preferred rates.  Money was confusing at 21, i didn't know how to run it, especially as a new business owner."

3)  "What should my expectations be in this course?"

     NC: "I would say expect to hear a lot of business owners speak of their journey.  Also, expect people that have made it to their destination to tell you to never give up on your dreams.  It just that simple.  You can do and go anywhere you want as long as you set your mind to it and work towards your goals.  Expect a lot of business advice too."


I was very motivated at the end of this interview.  Nelson literally started from the bottom at the fresh age of 21, and now he is 32 and the owner of his own recording studio in Miami. It took him 11 years to accomplish his goals.  He never gave up.  He envisioned himself in his studio every night before going to sleep and now he gets to make it a reality every morning when he wakes up.  his is the epitome of an entrepreneur.  Never give up on your dreams.

World's Biggest Problems

1.  Global Warming.  It is all around us and this year, it affected us tremendously.  New York had one of the hottest winters in history.  Temperatures reached 70 degrees on christmas day.  The practical solution to this problem is to reduce the amount of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases being emitted.

2.  Terrorism.  This is probably on everyones list.  Terrorism is a world-wide problem even when the terrorist are dormant.  No one ever knows when they will strike.  The fear of the unknown is what makes it such a problem. They use tactics to implement fear within us; paris for example. A practical solution is to find another way of solving our disagreements.

3.   Domestic abuse.  This shouldn't even exist.  A man shouldn't be laying his hands on a woman and a woman shouldn't be doing the same to a man.  This also applies to children.  A practical solution is to teach your child, from a young age, to know how to treat another person; with respect. 

4.  Animal cruelty.  This makes me sick to my stomach.  People should not be abusing animals. Poachers all around the world are leading ur most ages and historic animals to extinction.  Some animals are helpless and abusing them will hurt them just as much as it would hurt a human.  A practical solution is to know what it feels like if that were happening to you. 

5.  War.  War is an excuse for state-formation.  it is not necessary.  It leads to devastation and very little gain of power.  War never leads to a happy ending. a practical solution is to find a different way to settle disputes and disagreements.

6.  Cancer.  Being that there has been rumors that a cure to cancer has already been found, this problem should no longer exist.  that would should be eliminated from our vocabulary.  A practical solution is, if a cure exists, it should be revealed.  If no cure still exists, more effective treatment and ways of prevention should be invented.

7.  World hunger.  In the past, I have made efforts to stop this problem.  Hunger amongst people that share the same planet as us is heart breaking.  Seeing a photo of a child that is only skin and bones makes you want to take action.  A practical solution is to feed the world instead of pay it.  Money cannot be eaten.

8.  Human/Labor Tracking.  Women and children, in some countries,have no say over their lives.  They are made to work and to sell their bodies starting from young ages.  The practical solution is to enforce more laws and make punishments more severe.

9.  Drug war.  Not only is being addicted to drugs a major problem, selling them is even worse.  The tension between countries and the sovereignty within the countries is ridiculous.  There is a town in columbia that is owned by FARC cartel and no one is allowed to cross through it or into.  A practical solution is to make it illegal and frame a light onto them.  The government is looking away from it because they are giving the country money but that is not the way to live.  This is almost unreal.

10.  Gender inequality.  Women do not have the same access to everyday things.  In the middle east, women are not allowed to drive, vote, or even show there bodies.  They live each day doing the same thing their whole lives.  A practical solution is to go against this.  Women need to speak up and stand out.


   

Week 2 Reading Reflection

In this reading, what found surprising was the fact that whatever the specific activity they engage in, entrepreneurs in the twenty-first century are considered the heroes of free enterprise. Many entrepreneurs have used innovation and creativity to build multimillion-dollar enterprises from fledgling businesses—some in less than a decade! also, during the past ten years, new business start-ups numbered nearly 600,000 per year.  These statements alone made me raise my eyebrows in shock.  It is impressive to know that these people, with the right set of skills, were able to change not only their lives, but the world. 

What I found confusing was the statement about entrepreneurs being heavily involved in all facets of their ventures and they usually have a number of balls in the air at the same time.  I don't understand how this statement is inlvoved in time management of entrepreneurs.  Many entrepreneurs experience this but don't handle it well.

What i would ask the author is why he feels entrepreneurship is relied on so much in the U.S.  I would ask him this because the author speaks so highly and intuitively of it like if it didn't exist, we would cease to evolve progressively.

I disagree with the paragraph stating that america achieves its highest economic performance by fostering and promoting entrepreneurial activity.  This statement gives entrepreneurship, and not regular dedication and professionalism and teamwork, too much credit.  

Bug List

1.  When I make a decision that isn't classified as "normal" people think I have to answer their question as to why I decided on that.  Why do people question my motives?

Answer: Because human beings are very nosy and think they have a right to know everything.

2.  When I'm at the gym, guys think its OK to come up to me, instead of the 6 other guys using the same machine, and ask me how many sets i have left.  Why don't guys ask other guys?

Answer: Because they assume the girl does not know what she is doing.

3.  At the gym, it is hard to find an empty machine. Most of the machines are being used by people that aren't doing their workouts correctly.  Why do people spend so long at one machine when there aren't similar machines around and other people want to use that machine?

Answer: Because some are selfish.

4.  When I am sitting at the bar by myself and some guy thinks the empty seat next to me was saved for him.  Why don't guys respect space.

Answer:  Because some are ignorant.

5.  When I walk my dog, she walks me.  It's very hard to keep up with her.  Why can't she walk by my side instead of pulling me the whole way?

Answer; Because she likes to act as if she's never been on a walk before.

6.  When i go home for a weekend, my mom wants me to clean and cook for her everyday.  Why can't she understand that I am on a mini vacation from all of that?

Answer: Because she wants to take advantage of me for that weekend.

7.  When I'm late and i get all the red lights.  Why does the universe do this only on those occasions?

Answer: So i don't speed.... and be even more late.

8.  When someone on the road cuts me off.  Why do people drive like that?

Answer:  Because they don't know how to properly change lanes.

9.  When I come home from rugby practice and I am exhausted but my dog and stomach demand me to feed them.  Why can't they see how tired i am?

Answer:  Because they're hungry.

10.  When I go to my drop zone to skydive for the weekend but the wind is too strong and it remains that strong for the entire day.  Why can't the wind lighten up for an hour?

Answer: Because mother nature won't allow it.  

11.  Every time i try to do my homework, my dog selfishly jumps on top of me and demands love and attention.  Why can't she patiently wait until i am done?

Answer:  because it when she says so.

12.  In the mornings, during winter in Gainesville.  the fog prohibits me from seeing clearly through all my windows and windshield.  Why can't fog preventing be already installed in cars.  

Answer: because that's extra.

13.  When i am trying to sleep my dog likes to take up the entire bed.   Its queen sized.  Why can't she stick to the end of the bed.

Answer: because she isn't an average dog.

14.  Overtime I'm looking for an empty desk and chair in library west, it becomes a mission.  Why can't there be open desk and chairs?

Answer:  because people live in the library. (not literally)

15.  When I'm watching Netflix and the buffer comes up.  Why can't Netflix fix that problem?

Answer: Because they love putting their clients through torture.

16.  Every time I go into a store and i see the prices, which are way out of my budget, and the employees automatically start me a fitting room.  Why can't i look in peace?

Answer: Because there is no such thing in America.

17.  Getting up in the morning is difficult when the cold chills even my bones.  Why is it this cold in Florida?

Answer: Because Florida's weather is very bipolar.

18.  Every time I drive to campus, it takes me close to one hour to get from Newell to Tigert hall because of the pedestrians that do not stop for one second to let one car go by.  Why can't student understand that the cars have to get somewhere too?

Answers: Because they think pedestrians always have the right away even though they see the same vehicle hasn't moved for 15 minutes because they won't allow it.

19.  When I am looking for parking on campus and i go around the parking lot for about 20 minutes and just as i am about to give up, a car that just got there finds the empty spot.  Why isn't there a rule for first come first park?

Answer: Because that does not exist on campus... or anywhere.

20.  old people really think they can get away with anything.  They bump into me and expect me to apologize.  This applies to car, carts, and bodily contact.  Why don't they have manners or common sense?

Answer: Because that must diminish with age.


REFLECTION:  This assignment was very simple for me.  I can easily think of all the things that bug me.  What made it more challenging was the question and answer because I have never really questioned myself as to why something bothers me, but it also made it more fun because i could choose as to how i want to word each part.  I enjoyed it, even though it took me a while to complete.

My Entrepreneurship Story

When I first got to UF, I met a women at an assembly named, Kristen Hadeed.  Her story was inspiring and motivating and it was so simple.  She began her own cleaning business because of a pair of lucky jeans.  Her business thrived and is still very successful.  Her advice to me was to pursue anything I set my mind to regardless of the obstacles.  She gave me a new insight to myself and my potential.  Anyone can start a business, but not every business is successful. Kristen showed me that with time and effort, what I chose to do can lead to success, no matter the cost.  

I am enrolled in ENT 3003 to expand my knowledge entrepreneurship and to better prepare myself for the future.  With this class I will expose myself to what i need to know in order to become a successful entrepreneur.   

Introduction

My name Cristal Amanda Sicard Hernandez and I was born in The Dominican Republic.
I am from Jupiter, Fl.  My family is very large.  I have 8 siblings and I am the youngest out of all of them.  My father is a retired Stryker representative and my mom owns her own house decorating business.  My brothers and sister are scattered all over the U.S and they each have different careers.  My major is Biology Pre-med, I want to be an OB/GYN and join the peace corps in the future.  I also want to travel all over the world and skydive in different drop zones.  I have traveled all along the east coast of the U.S, also, I have been to Greece, turkey, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic.

The Entrepreneur's Mantra

Test post

This is my first blog :)