Customer Interviews No. 1 - Week 4

Opportunity:

On campus housing

UF has several dorms scattered all around campus which houses a majority of freshman students. By interviewing students about their needs and their concerns I'm able to see first hand what the problems are and how they can potentially be solved. 

Unmet need/Questions:

What do people like/dislike about living on campus?

What things would you change about living in a dorm?

Who this applies to:

Students living on campus, I interviewed specifically outside my dorm, Beaty Towers.

Interviews:

What I learned about the opportunity:

People have mixed emotions when it comes to living on campus. Some dislike small bathrooms, some dislike truly everything, while others are able to see the benefits. This has shown me that experience is based on perspective and who you are surrounded by when living on campus. 

What I learned about interviewing costumers:

People are willing to be interviewed if you approach them with confidence and slightly aggressively. Some people weren't interested in helping me and thats fine, I was kind of like a hawk circling my dorm hunting for people to interview. But when I showed I was excited about interviewing them, they were excited about contributing. Happiness and joy is contagious, I guess!

Reading Reflection - Week 4

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

The biggest surprise to me in this reading was the section which talked about the creation of ideas. Truthfully, I feel like a lot of what I'm reading goes in a circle. The author is repeating what they're saying but just trying to make it sound different. The creative process for entrepreneur's is something that shouldn't be underestimated and I appreciated learning more about what goes into this aspect. 

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

I had trouble with the topic of entrepreneurial philosophy. While some of the benefits were listed I guess I have never considered that entrepreneurship could have its own philosophy. Additionally I'm not really sure of it's true purpose, this mindset can help you but I don't know how it was formed.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

Who/what was the inspiration for entrepreneurial philosophy? 

How can we encourage modern entrepreneurs to stray away from "The Most Common Killer Ideas?"

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I don't think that the author was necessarily wrong about anything, but I disagree with parts where it mentioned the process of turning a good idea into a solution. I guess this leans on the principle that everyone has there own creative process, and mine maybe differs from the authors'.

Rank-Ordering World's Biggest Problems - Week 3

(Most-Least Serious)
1. Poverty
2. Homelessness
3. Gun Laws
4.  Greed
5. Price of Education

*****I ranked these items like this because in my experience on this earth these are the most prevalent where I live, and in the world as a whole. Poverty is everywhere, in every country and it is the most ignored problem in my opinion. Often times, it seems like people aren't willing to give those who are in poverty, or that are homeless a chance. It is a shame because these people would be willing to change their circumstances in most scenarios if they were just given the chance to work. Gun laws have stories plastered all over the news. Horror stories of mass shootings, or accidental shootings, not to mention police brutality - I can't fathom why more hasn't been done yet. Greed happens to those who have money, and those who don't. Greed can be emotional, not just material. Lastly, education and debt is such a prevalent issue especially for college students. 

(Most possible-Least possible to implement)

1. Award scholarships for schooling to those who need it, even middle class families need help these days. The scholarships given nowadays don't cover all the expensive of education, students shouldn't be punished for wanting to better themselves. 
2. I truly believe people should be subject to many types of tests to obtain a gun. There should be tests and requirements just like for obtaining your license in order to have a gun.
3. This problem could be solved if big corporations decided to choose products that were better for people to consume, rather than cheaper products that can be consumed quickly. I don't think every fast-food restaurant will participate, but I have seen that Chick-Fil-A now has a kale side salad. Additionally, schools could make a better option to serve healthier meals. 
4.People should care more about what's happening in our world. If we took more steps to stop pollution, stop our carbon footprint, and emitting toxic gases in the air we could greatly help our environment 
5. The government could help to give more affordable or supplemental housing to those who are in need. However, only if they show promise in the areas of working to get out of their situation. 

******I ranked these items like this based on my experience on how I have seen them applied in my life. While some were obvious and easily applicable like 1-3, there are still a lot of things that need to be done. Especially in terms of gun violence. The last two items on my list have been implemented, but I feel like they are not done to the fullest extent or they are not taken as seriously as they should be.

Reading Reflection: Week 3

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

What really stood out to me was the qualities that the entrepreneur's have, not that I didn't expect that entrepreneur's have many special qualities - but I was surprised by the fact that "tolerance for ambiguity" was listed. 

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

I was confused by the part of the chapter which spoke about commitment. It seemed as though he didn't have an alternate plan for a "rainy day" in case something with his business failed. He didn't have any thing to fall back on in case things weren't going to go in his favor. 

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

I would ask him what he thinks of all the new start ups that people are trying to create through things like shark tank, or what he thinks of movies and documentaries about entrepreneurship like the Facebook or Steve Jobs movie. I think have the opinion of a seasoned professional would be worth a lot.

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I think when people invest more time and energy into a project, it becomes more successful. The author seemed to think that entrepreneurs who are very energetic are usually not very successful, but I think that their drive and motivation is what helps to make them more successful. Having the energy and will to pick yourself up after a hard day and keep going is crucial in a field like entrepreneurship. 

Identifying Local Opportunities - Week 3

1. County manager: 'Overreaction' is forcing Volusia to shutter Downtown Daytona offices

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20160124/NEWS/160129750/101046/BREAKING?Title=County-manager-Overreaction-is-forcing-Volusia-to-shutter-Downtown-Daytona-offices-

The homeless population of Daytona Beach is being forced out of an area in which they thought they could build new shelters.

Officials are upset because of an accident between a county manager, and a homeless person which resulted in shutting down a project which would help the homeless people in Daytona Beach.

Homeless people, and those whom are trying to help the homeless have a problem with this. This area was going to be used to help those in need.

2. Flagler students campaign to protect pets
http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20160124/NEWS/160129740/101065/living?Title=Flagler-students-campaign-to-protect-pets

Flager Palm Coast high school students have started an organization called pause4paws, which helps animals in extreme climates during winter/summer.

Awareness for animals is the main goal of this organization, they want people to know the harm that intense climates can cause animals.

Animals who are neglected or left outside are the ones who are experiencing this problem.

3. Man Found Dead After Vehicle Overturned in DeLand

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20160123/NEWS/160129797/101046/BREAKING?Title=Man-found-dead-after-vehicle-overturned-in-DeLand

A man was involved in an accident and his vehicle was overturned. No one had reported this accident until two individuals called the police about it.

The crash may have occurred the night before, but no one had called since that evening to report the man missing. In the morning, no one had noticed that there was a crash there.

People at risk for accidents in this area.

4.Street closures planned in Downtown DeLand for weekend 5k

http://www.beacononlinenews.com/articles/2016/01/22/street-closures-planned-downtown-deland-weekend-5k

Roads in DeLand, Fl will be closed for a charity 5k this weekend. This 5k honors the MeStrong charity.

Roads will blocked so people will be unable to travel within this areas for the weekend.

Residents on DeLand.

5.  Teacher shortage hits some students hard

http://www.beacononlinenews.com/articles/2016/01/20/teacher-shortage-hits-some-students-hard

Teachers are complaining about living pay check to pay check, they feel unvalued and overworked.

Teachers are going on strike to show they are upset at the ways in which the school board is treating them.

Students, teachers, and families are affected by this problem.

Very Short Interview No. 1 - Week 3

My entrepreneur for this interview is the owner of "Yomii Frozen Yogurt," Michelle Wang. Michelle, and her husband own two frozen yogurt chains: one located in Orange City, Fl, and the other in Palm Coast, Fl. Combined they have been running their business for over 10 years. The qualities that make them entrepreneur's are that they started and created their own business, they manage all of the companies finances on their own, and they are continually working to grow and expand their company.

Here's there website: http://www.yomiifrozenyogurt.com

**Fun Fact: her Orange City location was where I had my first job, I was one of the first people she hired when I was 16**

• What should my expectations be in this course?

You should expect to learn the dynamic of business. What it takes to create something you're passionate about and how to bring it to life, given the tools that you learn in this course. You should expect to learn a lot of things you may not even know are factored into business, like 

• What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

It means that you're willing to give a lot of hard work, that may often times not pay off. It's a learning experience. It's discouraging and encouraging at the same time. There are countless times I've been frustrated and at a loss of what to do, between my husband and I there has been a lot of hard work. 

• What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?

You should learn about the logistics of how to create a business plan, and the logistics of creating a business. You should learn about how to hire people, and the process of training them. You should learn about ordering inventory for your business and how to create connections and contacts.

Reflection:

I wasn't surprised about the logistical things she said concerning her business. I was there to witness many of the hardships she had when her business first started. She was definitely stressed, frustrated, and lost with many things even though this was her second official store. The thing that did surprise me though, is that she said that some of the hard work doesn't always pay off in the end. I think that's a reality check a lot of entrepreneurs might have to encounter. You can't just reach instant success, it's a very long road. 

World's Biggest Problems - Week 3

1. Greed
Truthfully, I don't see a practical solution for this problem. Greed is an almost impossible problem to control because it's hard to stop the actions of others. Although, promoting the importance of humility and sharing with others could be a possible start. 
2. Obesity 
This problem could be solved if big corporations decided to choose products that were better for people to consume, rather than cheaper products that can be consumed quickly. I don't think every fast-food restaurant will participate, but I have seen that Chick-Fil-A now has a kale side salad. Additionally, schools could make a better option to serve healthier meals. 
3. Selfishness 
If people were to change their perspective and place themselves in someone else's shoes I think selfishness could be stopped. It's not all about "you" and taking the time to reflect on the things in your life or looking at the struggles that other people encounter could cause people to become more grateful. 
4. Poverty
The government could aid people who are in need, instead of giving benefits to those who are already wealthy. Most people who are in poverty are willing to work and put in the time to get themselves out of there situation, but rarely are they given the chance to put their skills to work.
5. Homelessness
The government could help to give more affordable or supplemental housing to those who are in need. However, only if they show promise in the areas of working to get out of their situation. 
6. Price of education  
Award scholarships for schooling to those who need it, even middle class families need help these days. The scholarships given nowadays don't cover all the expensive of education, students shouldn't be punished for wanting to better themselves. 
7. Substance abuse
Somehow, the government should be able to stop drugs from entering their own countries. Additionally, there should be a ban on the promotion of drugs/alcohol in movies or other publications. These outlets glorify substance abuse and introduce it to the public at a young age. 
8. Gun Laws
I truly believe people should be subject to many types of tests to obtain a gun. There should be tests and requirements just like for obtaining your license in order to have a gun.
9. Energy/Global Warming
People should care more about what's happening in our world. If we took more steps to stop pollution, stop our carbon footprint, and emitting toxic gases in the air we could greatly help our environment 
10. Terrorism 
As a 20 year old girl I have no idea how to stop terrorism, I don't have the means to do this. However, in the grand scheme of things terrorism causes so much pain, conflict, and fear in our world. I wish there was an easy solution to this because many innocent people loose their lives due to terrorism. Maybe as a world, we could stop using torture tactics, funding dictators who instill fear in the public, and giving guns/weapons to people who aren't qualified. 

Reading Reflection - Week 2

Week 2 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?

I didn't know there were so many stigmas about people who want to be entrepreneurs, or the field of entrepreneurship. I've never really taken the time to think about what people feel when they're in the process of creating their own business. I think if you possess the skills and have the passion for creativity you could succeed as an entrepreneur. I found it interesting that they are considered "heroes of free enterprise," this stood out a lot to me because of the lack of knowledge I have about entrepreneurs as a whole. They are truly paving the way, and revolutionizing the way I see the business world.

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

I thought that the way in which the definitions of what an entrepreneur was given was a little confusing. If I were given a test and was told to fill in the blank, I’m not quite sure what my answer would be. There were many listed.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask?

Why does he believe entrepreneurship/the entrepreneurial attitude is so relevant within the United States? How can you utilize to micro/macro approach of being an entrepreneur to the best of your ability?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said?How?

I don’t think he was really wrong about anything, he seems to be well educated on the subjects at hand and offered a lot of insightful advice. I think that young entrepreneurs could really benefit from what the author had to share. I have been able to gain a lot of insight to the struggles and barriers that entrepreneurs in the modern world face. Although this may not be my favorite topic to read about, I do think this was an informative and valuable section.

Bug List - Week 2

1. People who walk slowly in a crowd

I have long legs so it's actually quite uncomfortable for me to be walking in small steps. I also have been told I have a fast walking speed.

2. Writing when I have rings/bracelets on my hands

Why should I have to sacrifice my love for fashion and pretty things because they hurt my hands when I'm working. I will leave for class wearing my rings/bracelets etc., and end up taking them off because otherwise it will irritate me. It makes a sound when it touches my desk, or my fingers will be compromised because of a ring.

3. Waiting in line to go to the gym

Clearly I'm not an olympic weight lifter, but I do like going to the gym. However, during the beginning of many semesters people clog up the gym because of the "new semester new me" mentality and waste time in the gym poking machines and not really knowing what they're doing.

4. Long lines for food/coffee

When I'm hungry, I'm borderline crazy. I don't like waiting for food. 

5. Having a roommate so close to me

It feels like I'm married already and I'm only 20. It's kind of annoying to have someone there with you all the time.

6. Having to share a bathroom

Girls can actually be messy and disgusting. Not to mention toothpaste left in the sink which is my #1 pet peeve.

7. Having to share a small dorm with 3 people

Again, people are messy. They also don't clean up after themselves.

8. Not having a car

I just want to be able to buy my groceries in one trip without taking the bus twice to get all the stuff I need.

9. When people ask me "Why are your eyes so big?"

I have large eyes in proportion to the rest of my features. I guess you can think of me like an anime doll, but people are crazy about it. I'm not sure why.

10. My mom asking me for my gatorlink password so she can actively watch my grades

Parents shouldn't be controlling you like they were in high school

11. Forgetting my phone/computer charger

I don't like walking all the way home. Also, I have to use my computer for all my homework.

12. Forgetting my headphones

I can't do homework without some sort of noise like music. I get distracted if I don't have them so I can listen to something.

13. Not being able to find a spot at the library

I go at least once a day, to actually study. I hate when people just go to the library to talk with their friends.

14. People who talk/chew loudly in the library

I don't like the sound of people eating in general. But, when in a quiet space it's 100 times worse. 

15. When people borrow/use my items without asking

I don't think I'm super controlling but I can notice when my things are moved so there's no point in denying it.

16. Long nails

This is hypocritical because I have long nails, but it's frustrating because I can't put on jewelry. I also can scratch myself and draw blood. 

17. Florida weather lately (cold then super hot)

It feels like I'm having heat flashes. Plus, I don't have the luxury of being able to go home quickly to change my outfit.             

18. Find a spot to park my bike

People think that only bike can fit at a rack outside the dorms, which isn't true. I end up having to put my bike far away.

19. Heavy backpacks

I walk everywhere, so I have to bring my backpack. Also, I usually have class all day so I can't go home and change out what I need so I just bring everything at once. My back makes me feel like I'm an old man.

20. Forgetting my glasses

This is my fault, but I end up basically being blind the whole day.

****************************************************************************************************************

I didn't find this assignment difficult or hard at all. Does that mean I'm super whiney/complain-y? Maybe. Or maybe I'm just aware of what frustrates me. I don't think about what upsets me constantly, but after some time you just learn what makes you "tick."

Introduce Yourself - Week 2

Hello! My name is Kristiana (kris-tea-ahh-nuh) Simon!

 I am from Deltona, Florida, a large city that no one has ever heard of that is in between Orlando and Daytona Beach. My major is biology and I am also following pre-health tracking, with the vary large aspirations to one day become a pediatrician. 

I want to do a lot with my life. I want to encourage people to follow their passions, I want to be a leader, and respected member of my community. I want to adopt a dog, specifically a chow chow, because they are my favorite.

I want to travel, I want to learn another language, I want to take professional cooking classes, and I want to learn to spell the word "restaurant" correctly without auto-correct. 

 I have traveled a lot of places in my life. Some of the more notable places I've been to are: Japan, Thailand, Rome, Italy, the Philippines, where my mother is from, and Germany, where my father is from. Yes, I'm half Filipino/half German. An interesting combination. 

The Entrepreneur's Mantra - Week 2

My Entrepreneurship Story - Week Two

A very good friend of mine, David Nassau has a non-profit organization he started in 2013 with a friend of his. A short description of his project that he works on is "Hopping 4 A Cure™ for Multiple Sclerosis is a non-profit organization. Proceeds go toward College Scholarships, Caregiver Support, and Medical Research." I took that directly from the Facebook page, which provided the best description. Over the past year or so I have spent time with him, every now and again and he tells me about what is going on with his organization. Typically when I meet with him there is a lot to share, he always has some sort of idea for new self promotion about his org, he is very proactive about getting new people to be involved, and his "elevator pitch" for this is incredible. He is very professional and goal oriented, also friendly and willing to take the time to make sure people can truly see his visions and aspirations for hoping 4 a cure. These experiences with him make me feel like if I was as passionate about something as David is for his org than I would be able to be successful as well. He is always inviting people to is meeting and allowing new ideas to come in, he is very much about the creative process and welcomes every type of critique and criticism that can help him to become more successful. He has a very big "never give up" attitude, he has hosted many events and meetings and at first nearly no one would attend, but over time he has been able to build up and audience. He has more patience and perseverance than me, in that respect. David isn't discourage by failures, he welcomes them as an opportunity to grow and develop. He isn't afraid to fail if it will cause him to become better in the long run. I suppose that is what I admire the most about him. He has an unbeatable spirit. 

(David and I are the two on the right)

The reason I enrolled in ENT3003 was honestly because it's part of my tracking for my IA minor, there's really no way around taking this class. But, that doesn't mean I don't want to gain anything from it, especially if I am investing weeks of my time into this course. I want to learn more abut the ways of an entrepreneur, and the steps they take to get to where they want to be. I may not want to start a business but that doesn't mean I am not interested in how people do so. I am interested by the entrepreneurial spirit, and I think the concept of needing to fail in order to grow is something that nearly everyone has to come to understand in their lives. 

First Blog Post

Hello!
Welcome to my blog :)