30A

1. I think that our assignment where we had to identify failures role in success was the most formative experience. This really changed my perspective so that now I can look at failure in a positive light. I am most proud of myself for all of the interviews I accomplished. I am not a very social person, so it was important for me to get out of my comfort zone and network. Years down the road I will remember filming the elevator pitches. At first I felt so awkward and out of place, but by the third one I had really grown and had gotten far more comfortable pitching my idea.

2. I would say that I have moved far closer to having an entrepreneurial mindset. After everything accomplished in this course, I now have a more creative mind and thought process.

3. I would recommend to students taking this course next semester that they should work ahead on assignments. Its easy to get behind if you aren’t on top of what you are supposed to be accomplishing. By writing things in your planner, you can prevent missing deadlines. Another recommendation I have if for them to do things out of there comfort zone. By simply walking a different route to class, you allow yourself more opportunities to think creatively. Do not get stuck in the daily routines of things. Instead focus on unique ways to experience more in life.

29A

VitaVapor Venture by Gabrielle Matson

With a change in legislation, those addicted to nicotine but under the age of 21 will be left high and dry in their addictions. They are now required to find a way to quit because they cannot legally purchase nicotine devices such as Stigs, Juuls, etc. They have a need that is to quit vaping, but still maintain the social coolness that they get from vaping. Vitavapor is the solution to their problems. This cost-effective inhalable vapor satisfies the need for them to inhale something flavored throughout the day. By continuing this all too familiar habit, quitting will be made easier. The vapor in our vapes includes vitamins such as B-12 and vitamin C. Not only do these vapes help people quit their addictions; it provides people an alternate way to take vitamins if they have a very sensitive gag reflex. My demographic will be those under the age of 21 in Florida who are addicted to nicotine, or just any person of any age who wants to quit. Currently people aren’t satisfying this need. Because the legislation just changed, they still have the remainder of whatever nicotine product they purchased before this was set into action. Soon they will need a way to meet their need, which is why I created VitaVapor. This window of opportunity is short. Soon other vitamin vapors are soon to hit the market because this is such a big opportunity. For this reason, I have to act fast to maximize profit.

VitaVapor has a onetime device fee of $15 for the Vita, otherwise known as the actual vape device. After this, you can buy bottles of refillable juice for as low as $10 for the Vapor. Because we do bottles of juice instead of cartridges, we are helping the environment and saving our customers money. VitaVapor Gold is our product line for people who have more money to spend. It is made of higher quality materials and offers different flavors. Those who purchase VitaVapor Gold have the opportunity to be on our loyalty program. This program offers special deals and offers only to those in this exclusive club. Both lines will be sold online or in smoke shops, drug stores, and gas stations. Because this legislative change is so recent, we have big earning potential. Our product works just like the average refillable vape. Although the technology is not innovative, the idea is. Our line of vitamin product will change lives and prevent the next generation of vapers from having lung cancer that could have been prevented. It is easy to use, able to be smoked around children or on school campuses and is a great way to intake vitamins on the go.

My innovation will help people quit their addictions. They will choose my product either because other products did not help or because they can no longer purchase nicotine patches or gum. It won’t be hard for those under 21 to choose my product, because in a way they have no other legal option. However, they could continue smoking by using a fake ID or asking someone else to buy them vapes. One weakness is that other people are already working on developing their own version of VitaVapor. This would cause there to be competition. Our informative and fun packaging, low price, and places of distribution make us desirable. These are all important factors of product success and can really determine profitability. Business success is also a huge part of success. If you only have one location, you won’t be nearly as successful as you would be if you also had an online platform. My business would have a location for production, a PR team, HR team, Advertising team, Financial Advisors, Web Designers, Phone Help Line Workers, Social Networking team and Upper Level Management. As a team we will successfully run VitaVapor and help people fight their addictions.

The three minor elements

-           Our ability to stay on top of constantly innovating and giving the customers what they want. It is our mission to improve our product as our customer needs change. This will ensure we stay relevant in such a busy market.

-           What’s next for my company is creating a product for higher incomes. This will target a new demographic and get more revenue for the company as a whole. We will create a customer rewards and top members program to incentivize our customers to purchase.

-           I want to create a family empire. One that is successful enough that my children and my children’s children can continue to work with and improve. In five years, I hope my business is a success so that I can continue to work towards this goal.

2) I did not get any negative feedback, but people really liked my price point. For “what’s next” people recommended I target another audience, one that is wealthier. If I were to add this to my company, I could do a slightly higher price for my product. This would get my company more revenue.

3) For my updated venture concept, I just went more in depth. Because all my feedback was positive, I only really added stuff based off of my “what’s next” comments. I added more about my wealthier audience and how I could target them.

 

27A

 Inbound Marketing- By: Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah.

1)  What was the general theme or argument of the book?

This book helps teach the reader how to properly market to gain an audience. It also helps the reader utilize common social medias, like Facebook, to market in a modern way. They provide checklists so the reader can stay on track with their goals.

2)  How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

In class we also use modern technologies. By blogging, we are gaining an audience. If we continued to use this social media our audiences would grow.

3)  If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

I would make it mandatory for all student to blog- but not just about class related matter. Each student would have to create their own personal blog and talk about what ever they are passionate about. This would be good practice and would be enjoyable for the students.

4)  What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

My biggest aha moment is that I can utilize things from day to day life to further my career and become better at marketing.

28A

1) I plan to stay with my business until I am able to retire. If I could, I would keep the business in the family. However, if my kids do not want to take it over or if the market for our product begins to plummet, then I would sell prematurely.  

2) I chose this strategy because although I would like to keep it in the family, I understand that times and customer needs change. If I could make a large enough profit that would benefit my family, then I would do this instead. However, I prefer to keep it a family business.

3) Seeing that I intend to have this business for a long time, I have made decisions that would be beneficial in the long run. My values are expressed in my business, which also makes it ideal to pass on to my children. Had I not wanted it to be a family business, I may have tried to seek a business partner, but instead I chose to do everything on my own.

26A

1) Sometime at the beginning of this semester, I decided I wanted to get good at Frisbee.  I underwent many trials and errors, but eventually learned how to properly throw and catch. Through this process I had broken three nails because I did not know you had to cut your nails short, lost a Frisbee to a lake, and hit a Mercedes Benz (luckily with no damage).

2) Through this experience I didn’t just learn how to play Frisbee. I learned a lot about myself and persistence.  I now know what it takes to stick with something no matter how frustrating or annoying it may be at the time.

3) Even though I know failure is a good tool for learning, it is still so unbelievably frustrating to fail. Feeling like you’re not good enough or like no matter how hard you try you still won’t succeed can really get in the way of progress. It keeps a lot of people from making it to the finish line. People who are persistent enough to power through the failure reap the greatest benefits. I don’t handle failure very well because I am such an emotional person. I usually shut down but then can continue working after taking some time to myself to think things through. I think this class has not really altered my perspective on failure but has solidified my thoughts on it. Although I am just as likely to take a risk as I was a few months ago, I think I would be more confident if I were to do so now.

24A

VitaVapor Venture by Gabrielle Matson

With a change in legislation, those addicted to nicotine but under the age of 21 will be left high and dry in their addictions. They are now required to find a way to quit because they cannot legally purchase nicotine devices such as Stigs, Juuls, etc. they have a need that is to quit vaping, but still maintain the social coolness that they get from vaping. Vitavapor is the solution to their problems. This cost-effective inhalable vapor satisfies the need for them to inhale something flavored throughout the day. By continuing this all to familiar habit, quitting will be made easier. The vapor in our vapes includes vitamins such as B-12 and vitamin C. Not only do these vapes help people quit their addictions; it provides people an alternate way to take vitamins if they have a very sensitive gag reflex. My demographic will be those under the age of 21 in Florida who are addicted to nicotine, or just any person of any age who wants to quit. Currently people aren’t satisfying this need. Because the legislation just changed, they still have the remainder of whatever nicotine product they purchased before this was set into action. Soon they will need a way to meet their need, which is why I created VitaVapor. This window of opportunity is short. Soon other vitamin vapors are soon to hit the market because this is such a big opportunity. For this reason, I have to act fast to maximize profit.

VitaVapor has a onetime device fee of $15 for the Vita, otherwise known as the actual vape device. After this, you can buy bottles of refillable juice for as low as $10 for the Vapor. Because we do bottles of juice instead of cartridges, we are helping the environment and saving our customers money. It will be sold online or in smoke shops, drug stores, and gas stations. Because this legislative change is so recent, we have big earning potential. Our product works just like the average refillable vape. Although the technology is not innovative, the idea is. Our line of vitamin product will change lives and prevent the next generation of vapers from having lung cancer that could have been prevented. Its easy to use, able to be smoked around children or on school campuses and is a great way to intake vitamins on the go.

My innovation will help people quit their addictions. They will choose my product either because other products did not help or because they can no longer purchase nicotine patches or gum. It won’t be hard for those under 21 to choose my product, because in a way they have no other legal option. However, they could continue smoking by using a fake ID or asking someone else to buy them vapes. One weakness is that other people are already working on developing their own version of VitaVapor. This would cause there to be competition. Our informative and fun packaging, low price, and places of distribution make us desirable. These are all important factors of product success and can really determine profitability. Business success is also a huge part of success. If you only have one location, you won’t be nearly as successful as you would be if you also had an online platform. My business would have a location for production, a PR team, HR team, Advertising team, Financial Advisors, Web Designers, Phone Help Line Workers, Social Networking team and Upper Level Management. As a team we will successfully run VitaVapor and help people fight their addictions.

The three minor elements

-           Our ability to stay on top of constantly innovating and giving the customers what they want. It is our mission to improve our product as our customer needs change. This will ensure we stay relevant in such a busy market.

-           What’s next for my company is creating a product for higher incomes. This will target a new demographic and get more revenue for the company as a whole. We will create a customer rewards and top members program to incentivize our customers to purchase.

-           I want to create a family empire. One that is successful enough that my children and my children’s children can continue to work with and improve. In five years, I hope my business is a success so that I can continue to work towards this goal.

25A

Existing Market.

Step 1: I think the net step for VitaVapor is coming out with new vitamins/ flavors for our product line. Another step would be getting into bigger store to get more revenue and to just get our name out there.

Step 2: The general consensus is that they wanted us to focus on advertising. They love the product and think it could really grow. They did say new flavors would make the line complete but that that is not a primary concern.  I asked them what they thought about getting more shelf space in stores, and they said that would be a good way to spread the word of who we are. If that were to be our next step they recommended focusing on branding and product display.

Step 3: I think contacting store to sell our product would be the most logical next goal. In order to get there however, we must focus on who we are as a brand. This includes advertising, packaging, etc. after this we can focus on getting out there and being seen.

New Market.

Step 1: My other market I cold target would be the wealthy. Because I strive to have a cost effective product better off individuals may think of VitaVapor as being cheap or below their status level.

Step 2: I could create a more expensive line for those who are older or have a taste for finer things. This would include better packaging and a name that makes it seem higher class. For example, by calling it “deluxe edition” it seems more expensive, and so does making the packaging gold or not plastic.  

Step 3: They agreed that my alteration would help. They did suggest I make a loyalty program of sorts, only allowing those who are in the top 10% of purchasers to have special perks. I think this is a great idea that would help.

Step 4:  I think this is a market that I really overlooked. There is potential here for me to make significantly more money, for not too much extra work. I am going to look into what I can do to pursue this market. 

23A

A market- legislative changes are making this product very desired right now

Financial backing- this is important to get started

Human capital dedicated to this idea- the people behind any product can determine its success

A unique idea- because this is a new concept, its cutting edge

Education- people who have graduated from UF are working on this project

Innovation- we are constantly bettering our product based on customer needs

Research- we are constantly learning more about field related topics

Networks- we are well connected after many interviews and networking events

Technology- it is cutting edge, something that has never been seen before

Health and budget friendly- people want our product because its cheap and healthy for them to use

I think that being health and budget friendly is my ventures greatest advantage. This will keep us in the vape market even after this trend of vaping wears off, because we provide a healthy alternate way to receive vitamins at a cost effective price.

22A

1) The pitch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb62NEmdPj4&feature=youtu.be

2) The reflection

All of the comments I received asked for 1) the price of my product and 2) a more attention-grabbing introduction. I added this and put less emphasis on the price because there is no way for me to gauge what that would be at this time. I also think I need to memorize my script in the future, instead of trying to read it off of a screen.

3) What did you change?

For my pitch I decided to change my introduction, because that was the main complaint with my pitch. By doing this I think I made my idea seem better by simply adding a few sentences and adding more enthusiasm. How you hold yourself and focusing on being comfortable in front of the camera are two very important aspects of giving an elevator pitch.

21 A

Cognitive Surplus, Clay Shirky

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

That technology can become a great way for communities to collaborate and work together for the greater good.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

I feel like the main purpose of ENT 3003 is to find a solution for a problem that would benefit the community. Each week we collaborate by commenting on other students’ ideas. Although these comments only take a small amount of time, it helps us work together for the greater good. A big part of the book focused on the importance of generosity and creativity. These comments are our way to work together as students on solutions that may be of great use in the future.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

I would create an open google doc for students to collaborate. There is no punishment for students who do not choose to participate, because we want the collaboration to be voluntary. On this doc students can communicate their ideas and foster educational relationships on their own time. This will promote innovation and creativity.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

My aha moment was when I learned that generosity is what fuels community collaboration. Everyone has time and the ability to help one another, but they will only want to participate if it is their idea.

20A

Domain expert

1) I spoke with the manager of a local smoke shop named Nicole. She has a lot of knowledge about this industry and had been working in it for 20 years.

2) This meeting was in person.

3) Nicole will be a good mentor for me. She is kind and very easy to get along with. She can help me learn more and is a nice person to know, because as manager she orders the products they sell.

Supplier

1) I spoke with a man named Steven, who has his own vape product.

2) I went to a local farmers market and found someone who sells organic vapes and CBD cartridges. I spoke to him in person, because a friend had recently mentioned his booth to me. Although he doesn’t sell to many retailers, he has gotten his product in a few stores in Ocala.

3) By having Steven in my network, I can learn more about the market. He can help me establish myself and give me important tips.

Market Expert
1) I visited Omar, the owner of a local smoke shop

2) It is a very popular smoke shop, so I just stopped by and asked to speak with the owner, who orders all of the vape products he sells

3) I can exploit this opportunity because now that I know him and that he likes my product. This gives me a potential outlet to start selling at.

For each person I asked if they would meet with me to discuss my idea further, and in return I would take them to lunch. This was a valuable way to do things because lunch is a casual setting, and I was able to learn from each of the people I chose. They got a nice meal in return for their advice/guidance on my idea and my pitch.

I think networking is such an important part of starting a business. We all know its not what you know, its who you know. This activity forced me to get out of my comfort zone and allowed me to make connections within the industry. Now I will have the confidence to attend other networking events and will know how to hold myself In a professional environment. I have never networked before, so this was a foreign experience for me.

19 A

1)I am personable and have a desire to help others. Everyone around me vapes, and it hurts me knowing they have an addiction that could cause serious complications. I am passionate about this issue which makes me driven to solve it.  I know that I could cause a serious impact in these people’s lives. I want to help change the world and help others. This business would become my life and I would allocate all of my time and resources into making it work. After a while it would run on its own and I think I could start a family that will continue the business.

2)  A vape device that does not contain nicotine. When the legal age is changed to 21, many young people will be left high and dry in their addictions. A vitamin vapor pen will allow them to feel like they are still hitting their actual nicotine device, because they are still inhaling vapor into their lungs. It also has a “coolness” factor and provides vitamins to the user.

3) Nicotine addicts under the age of 21. People who care about social pressures and want to be seen vaping. Likely high school and college students, but older demographics may enjoy my product as an alternate way to receive their vitamins.

4) It provides them a legal way to be seen as cool. They may not care about the vitamins, but it allows them to continue to vape. It will also make them appear older if the only people who are vaping are 21+.  It can help them quit their addiction in a comfortable way.

5) Helping people fight their addiction with the ability to continue their habit and providing a vapor-based way to receive vitamins. I have passion which makes me determined to make my product work.

I think that all of my core competencies fit together and work off of each other. It is very cohesive and creates a solid big picture.  My desire to help others will drive my businesses success, and the change in legislation makes my product desired.

I only received one comment, which was pretty much all praise. I decided to just add to my previous napkin and add more information. I was told my idea was great and that they really thought it would be needed/wanted. Although this comment did not help much with making this napkin, their interest in my product pushed me to add more information. 

17A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym3S7AhjJBU&t=27s

I am a firm believer that all feedback is good feedback. People who watched my video liked my professional dress, that I included my target audience, and explained the difficulties of quitting. Although all of the feedback I received was positive, there were some things I personally wanted to change. For this video I tried to do a better job with my presentation, and I focused on being more interactive.

18A

My customers are boys in fraternities who vape but want to quit. They enjoy long boarding, playing poker, and drinking with their friends. They are typically 18-20 years old but act younger than they are. They drive older cars that their parents bought for them. They are too young to have children and are starting their first years at a university for undergrad. They don’t read but they enjoy watching shows like Brooklyn 99, the Office, and Big Mouth on Netflix.

I don’t have anything in common with this customer, other than the fact that the avatar is like people I am friends with. It not a coincidence because I want to help my friends to quit smoking and to start Vitavapor as a healthy alternative.

15A

My segment is UF students, typically in their freshman or sophomore year, that are below the age of 21 and are addicted to nicotine.

Price and flavor were most important for all three of my interviews. Off brand products were still purchased and are viewed as the same, meaning quality is not as important. Same with style, the shape and color of the vape do not matter as long as it is cheap.

Two of the three people I interviewed purchase their vapes at a smoke shop, and the other does so at a gas station. One of the ones who purchases at the smoke shop does so with cash so his mom will not see the charge on his card. In his case his mom is technically involved in his purchase decision. The other two pay with card because it is more convenient for them. There are no cheap vapes online, so they all buy in stores.

What makes them look back and be happy about the decision is if they got a special discount on the nicotine device. If the device leaks, then they are unhappy with the experience.

A cheap price and good flavors are imperative in order to succeed. This is what the customer looks for most and is something that makes them feel good about buying it.

16A

1)

               - I would say that the best aspect of my human capital is my emotional intelligence. I deal well with other people’s feelings and am good at identifying them. This is an important part of day to day life for many reasons and is a good skill to have in business.

               - I know how to use 3-D printing software. 3-D printing is up incoming in a big way and would be a great asset to any future employer.  

               - I have a good sense of what is aesthetically pleasing or of what goes together, which is an important aspect of advertising.

               - I am proficient in basic computer skills. This may not be very unique for our generation, but it is when looking at America as a whole.

               -I am skilled at taking care of children. I work really well with them and they really like me. This is important because its important to be able to get along with all types of people.

2) In each of my interviews I asked the simple question “what makes me different, with a focus on knowledge, skills, abilities, emotions” and below I have typed out a summary of their answers.

I was told my positive attitude, ability to complete tasks, communication skills, empathy, and ability to always say the right things makes me unique from others. Of the people I interviewed I spoke with my mom, dad, sister, boyfriend and roommate because they know me best. They all said different variations of the same thing, but the general theme was the same.

3) Overall people focused on what makes me different emotionally. I would agree that this is what sets me apart most and my EQ is my best attribute. I think everyone I interviewed was right about me because they know me so well. If i were to rewrite the first list, I would take out the skill related ones and focus on what makes me emotionally unique.

14A

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course?

Time management is an important behavior to develop. This helped me become more tenacious and work harder in this class.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

I really wanted to give up when I had forgot an assignment due within the hour, and I had not finished it yet. My poor time management skills caused me unnecessary stress. My desire to succeed and work hard made me not give up. This class forces you to work hard on one topic, and because of this I have developed a tenacious attitude. Each assignment forces you to fight for and further develop your idea.

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

               - Work hard

               - Use your planner

               - Look to the world around you for inspiration

13A

1) You read about an entrepreneur: STEVE JOBS

What surprised you the most?

That he was kicked out of his own company, and just continued to build his next empire. I can only imagine how frustrating it would be to have to start over.

What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

That he never gave up. No matter what was thrown at him he tried and tried again until he succeeded.

What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

He was so absorbed in each of his projects that he could not see past what he is doing in the moment. If he could anticipate what would happen next maybe he wouldn’t have been kicked out of his first company.

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

He moved on to his next project. Even if he failed, he would get up again and try his next venture. He finds any way possible to succeed.

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

Steve Jobs is deeply intelligent and eager to learn. These two characteristics are what lead him to become such a phenomenal entrepreneur.

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

That Steve Jobs was so smart that school was difficult for him. You would think that his intelligence would help in his schooling, but instead it made him above it all.

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

I would ask him “If he could start all over what would he do?” and “What is the most important skill he thinks any entrepreneur should have”.

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

That hard work is necessary if you want to succeed. I agree with this mindset. It does not matter how smart you are, as long as you are wiling to work as hard as possible to get what you want, you will get it.

12A

I chose to limit my segment to UF students, typically in their freshman or sophomore year, that are below the age of 21, and addicted to nicotine. They fit my niche because they will need an alternative way to inhale vapor once laws are changed. They will not have access to nicotine products and will seek different devices.

Interview summary- Many of my interviewees told me that they would seek illegally purchasing nicotine before trying my product. However, those who want to quit said they like my solution.  They have struggled to quit for a while now and alternate methods have not helped them. Many enjoyed how they still get to act out the habit of vaping, even if it does not contain nicotine. This is when they have felt the need most hen they have attempted to quit. Nicotine gum and patches do not let them continue a habit that they are fond of. It is important to understand that a black market for these devices will arise, and people can still purchase them at lenient places, by using a fake ID, or by asking an of age person to buy it for them. It is easier in college towns for people to bend the rules.

Conclusion- The interviews made me realize that I should alter my target audience to a group of people who cannot illegally get nicotine with ease. Or perhaps it should be geared to health fanatics or people who have a desire to quit.

11A

1) Everyone around me vapes, and it hurts me knowing they have an addiction that could cause serious complications. I am passionate about this issue which makes me driven to solve it. I want to help change the world and help others. This business would become my life and I would allocate all of my time and resources into making it work.

2) A vape device that does not contain nicotine. When the legal age is changed to 21, many young people will be left high and dry in their addictions. A vitamin vapor pen will allow them to feel like they are still hitting their actual nicotine device, because they are still inhaling stuff into their lungs. It also has a “coolness” factor and provides vitamins to the user.

3) Nicotine addicts under the age of 21. People who care about social pressures and want to be seen vaping.

4) It provides them a legal way to be seen as cool. They may not care about the vitamins, but it allows them to continue to vape. It will also make them appear older if the only people who are vaping are 21+.  

5) Helping people fight their addiction with the ability to continue their habit and providing a vapor-based way to receive vitamins.

I think that all of my core competencies fit together and work off of each other. It is very cohesive and creates a solid big picture.