Week 8 Reading Reflection

1)  I was surprised to see that short-term borrowing is often required for working capital.  I didn't even know that debt financing was necessary.  This stood out conspicuously to me.  

2)  I don't understand the entire paragraph concerning commercial banks.  Particularly the section explaining on how some banks will make unsecured short-term loans, most bank loans are secured by receivables, inventories, or other assets.

3)  I would ask the author about how he feels about public offerings and going public.  I find this topic very interesting and a technique for companies to utilize.  Another question i would ask is why small start up investments dry up so quickly?

4) I disagree with the statement the author made about the choice of a venture capitalist can be limited.  I don't think it should be limited because they can make choices concerning their money.

Half-way Reflection

1)  I am very organized with my time and this characteristics helped me a lot in this class.  With so many assignments due so close to each other, time management is a must in order to succeed.  

2)  I felt like giving when doing the interviewing customers no.2 assignment.  That weekend was a really busy and tough weekend for me.  I had 2 rugby games and i had to do many assignments for my other classes.  I realized while at my rugby game that there were many potential customers all around me.  I used 5 different ones to conduct my interview and did it all on my phone.  I have developed a very tenacious attitude.  I think anything can be done after that weekend.  

3)  Tip 1: Start now!  this is a very heavy course-load and will require all your time.

    Tip 2:  If something is due a certain date, don't wait last minute.

    Tip 3: Try to stay positive.  Don't think something is impossible.

    Tip 1: Enjoy the task at hand

    Tip 2:  Visualize the outcome you want so you know exactly how you want everything to look.

   Tip 3: Pre plan if possible.  this is completely optional.  If you don't plan and start from scratch, work with what you create.  

Week 7 Reading Reflection

1)  What i found surprising was the underlying of psychographics. I didn't know such a thing, that captures peoples lifestyles, and other attributes, existed.  It very interesting to know marketeers rely on this to predict the outcomes of their business. 

2)  What i found to be confusing was the section on using attitudinal indicators.  I don't understand how psychologists use this method to carve out marketing segments.  

3)  I would ask the authors how all these methods and speculations about spending habits were discovered? Also, why don't they simply construct a better and faster way of analyzing customers?

4)  I disagree with the statement the author made about only buys stuff because it saves, time, effort and money.  The majority of purchases are made out of obligation, need and general consumption.  Time, effort and money are only the side characteristics one thinks about when making necessary purchases, no matter what they are.

Elevator Pitch No. 2

The feedback that stood out to me the most was the technology behind my product.  I never really thought of putting what generates my jacket into words.  It it very complicated and challenging but possible.

Ive changed how to describe my product.  I am more confident in describing what powers the ULTIjack and can help customers better understand my product.

Customer Interviews No. 3

I intend on asking question to see what customers think of my product. I am interested in knowing what they want from something of this sort so I can formulate a plan as to how to create my ULTIjack. 

I learned that customers don't look for a jacket when it's hot but they would want something to cool them down. I will change the description and approach of my product to better conduct interviews and presentations. 

Week 6 Reading Reflection

1)  What i found to be surprising was that entrepreneurs have to observe so many different types of trends to recognize potential opportunity. 

2)  What i found to be confusing was the statement made about creativity about the real barriers to creative thinking are sometimes the inadvertent “killer phrases” we use in our communications. I don't understand how the author can define creative thinking as solely how one communicates.

3)  One question i would ask the author is why h thinks mental health habits play such a large role in entrepreneurship.  Another question i would ask the author is, why he thinks creativity will only occur when business climate is right?

4) I disagree with the statement the author made regarding the climate.  Is an entrepreneur is set on achieving something, he will achieve it even in the dark.  The business climate is only a plus if it is right.  The mind of an entrepreneur doesn't base their mood, or decisions on the current climate and settings.

Idea Napkin No. 1

1)  I am a dominican first generation pre-med college student with hopes of becoming an OB/GYN.  I play rugby for UF, dance for UF Sabor Latino dance team, and i am an active skydiver and member of falling gators skydiving club.  I also do brain immunotherapy research creating a cure for brain tumors in the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program.  I want to create something that can impact the entire human race beneficially.  My business concept is to provide you with something that you can only benefit from for the rest of your life.  

2)  I am offering a jacket that can keep you insulated during the cold and cooled during the heat.   

3) I am offering my product to anyone in need of this item.  Outdoor sportsman, students, parents, grandparents, children, all genders, all ages.  Anyone that is tired of having to put up with the heat and cold wearing unsuitable clothing.

4) My item will not only relieve your closet of unnecessary clothing items for the season, but also relieve your wallet from loosing its insides :)

5)  There hasn't been something made yet that provides both services during anytime of the year.  My item it one of a kind and unmatchable.

I believe these elements fit together.  The only weak link is the possibility of having skeptical customers.  People that don't believe my item does its job.  Besides that, creating this item is also a challenge.  It is possible though.  

Interviewing Customers No. 2

I think my opportunity is capable of flourishing and becoming successful.  I have targeted a specific problem many people have.  My solution is very practical, simple and affordable. 

Be assertive when interviewing customers.  You don't want them to think that you don't know what you are talking about.

Be personable.  Talk to them like human beings, as well as clients.  

Be excited.  Present your product enthusiastically.  If you don't like it, they won't either.

Week 5 Reading Reflection

1)  What found surprising was the text on Benetech.  Unbelievable how someone who believed in something no one else thought to be successful, proceeded to achieve his idea and because very successful.  He solved problem the government lifted no finger to resolve.  Benetech is both a blessing and a shock.  

2) What i found confusing was a section in the text where paul hawken stated that “Industry is being told that if it puts its hamburgers in coated-paper wrappers, eliminates emissions, and plants two trees for every car sold, we will be on the way to an environmentally sound world."  I don't understand how industry can believe such ridiculousness.    

3)  I would ask the author why he thinks enormous challenges confront entrepreneurs as they build organizations.  Id ask this because he illustrates the challenges but does not explain their occurrences.     Another question i would ask is why he thinks the environmental movement should be imposed on all entrepreneurs.  Id ask this because he emphasizes on this movement.  

4)  One part of the reading that i don't agree with is the ethical part.  I believe many business don't even care about ethics and they certainly don't apply it to they're way of running things.  

Elevator Pitch No. 1

My opportunity is having something that is affordable, for both genders, and able to keep you insulated when its cold (no matter the temperature), and cool when its hot outside.  My solution is the ULTIjack, perfect for anyone spending their days inside or outside.  The ultimate jacket for all weather.