1. Area restaurants caught with dirty hands handling your food
Inspectors describe unsanitary behavior found in local restaurants that may be causing illness to the patrons of the establishments. They varied from improper food storage to unsanitary behaviors suchas the lack of washing hands.
This is a major problem for consumers trying to dine out as they may get sick fro meating at these establishments.
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169AD09F505DFCB8?p=WORLDNEWS
2. Wild turkeys are terrorizing this Central Florida neighborhood
A group of wild turkeys have moved into a Central Florida neighborhood and are terrorizing the residents.
Theses turkeys are aggressive towards children and will peck at them. They are also said to be pecking at the cars in the neighborhood.
This is a problem for all the residents of this Central Florida neighborhood.
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A8A7B451CE238?p=WORLDNEWS
3. A Vietnam vet collected disability for more than 20 years because he was blind. Then investigators saw him driving a car
A local veteran had been collecting disability checks from the Veteran Affairs office since 1995 but after being investigated it was found that he was not blind.
This is a problem for the Veterans Affairs office as they have wrongly paid him over half a million dollars.
This is also a problem for the an in question as he now owes $583,485.74 as well as nine months of house arrest and five years of probation.
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A7C40C448F838?p=WORLDNEWS
4. In two minutes, a deputy’s family home was destroyed. Here’s how you can help her
A deputy was awoken in her home during the night by her son alerting her the house was on fire. The two made it out safely however, their house burned down and it destroyed their car in the process.
The deputy did not have renters insurance and is now without a home or operating vehicle.
This is a problem for the deputy as well as her whole family as they will need to find new means of shelter, as well as transportation
.http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/169A27DE78EEA178?p=WORLDNEWS
5. Gas prices are off to their priciest start in four years. Don’t expect relief anytime soon
Gas prices have been skyrocketing over the past week as the oil market remains bullish. The prices are up 10 cents since the previous week and analysts are hopeful there aren't any more big changes coming up.
This is a problem because at this time in the year demand should be falling and supply should rise driving down the price of gas.
This problem effects all commuters who are buying gas in the Bradenton-Sarasota area.
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16997F1EB284FFA8?p=WORLDNEWS
Friday, January 26, 2018
4A – Forming An Opportunity Belief
1) Your beginning point.
In today's world of online shopping, there is a growing need for the security of shipped packages.
2) Describe your belief.
Packages are currently being delivered to the doorsteps of homes in open view of anyone who walks or drives by. This has started a growing trend of package pirates who steal shipped goods which are left out in front of homes. There is an opportunity for a product that would keep your packages safe after they are delivered to your door.
1. The need for a more secure method of package protection is needed in order to stop thieves from stealing packages.
2. Anyone who has packages delivered to their homes has the need for more security.
This need has been driven by the increasing presence of online shoppers having packages delivered to their doors.
3. In order to meet the need for security now, companies allow customers to track their packages in order to know when their product will be delivered.
4. I am 90% sure that the opportunity for an increased security of shipped packages exists.
3) Identify the prototypical customer.
Age: 18-34, 55+ years old
Living in a household
Higher than average income $75,000+
Source:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-surprising-demographics-of-who-shops-online-and-on-mobile-2014-6
4) Iteration No. 1: 58 year old male
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yes. I would like better security of my delivered goods especially when they leave them at the front door."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"After being broken into a few months ago I am taking more precautions with all of my things."
How long have you had the need?
-"Since I began ordering things online."
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"I'll try and leave a note that says to deliver the package to the side door instead so it isn't so obvious that I have a package."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"No. The people who deliver the packages do not always read the note and they still occasionally leave the package at the front door."
4) Iteration No. 2: 21 year old male
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yeah I would like more security for my delivered packages."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"Since last week when my package from Amazon was stolen."
How long have you had the need?
-"I've had the need since I began online shopping for myself especially at college.
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"I track the packages so that I can pick them up immediately when they are delivered."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"No I'm not always able to get the package immediately and my last order was stolen."
4) Iteration No. 3: 20 year old female
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yeah I would like that a lot."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"Since I started renting a house and stop living in an apartment where they'd hold my packages for me."
How long have you had the need?
-"The last year I've lived in a house."
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"No, not really. Amazon is pretty good at refunding things that are stolen."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"I'm somewhat satisfied but I'd rather not have to worry about my package being stolen in the first place.
5) Reflect
After talking with multiple people about this opportunity they were excited about a new way to keep their packages safe. The most surprising thing about the interviews was that people were completely on board with the idea but they had never considered how they might keep their packages safe. Another interesting thing is that one respondent counted on Amazon to refund any stolen goods rather than take proactive measures to prevent the theft.
7) Summarize
How much of your original opportunity is still there?
The original idea consisted of installing a postal dropbox at the front of a house which would work much like post boxes used today. However, instead of sending letters or packages through a public post box you would receive them through a private one at your front door.
It was suggested that multiple size boxes could be made to ensure that each consumer has a box that fits their shopping needs.
Do you believe that your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started?
After discussing the opportunity I do believe it is more accurate.
How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback? (In other words, is there a trade-off between adapting and staying firm?)
While you may lose some of the original idea, it is extremely important to listen to feedback and adapt your opportunity to fit customer's needs.
In today's world of online shopping, there is a growing need for the security of shipped packages.
2) Describe your belief.
Packages are currently being delivered to the doorsteps of homes in open view of anyone who walks or drives by. This has started a growing trend of package pirates who steal shipped goods which are left out in front of homes. There is an opportunity for a product that would keep your packages safe after they are delivered to your door.
1. The need for a more secure method of package protection is needed in order to stop thieves from stealing packages.
2. Anyone who has packages delivered to their homes has the need for more security.
This need has been driven by the increasing presence of online shoppers having packages delivered to their doors.
3. In order to meet the need for security now, companies allow customers to track their packages in order to know when their product will be delivered.
4. I am 90% sure that the opportunity for an increased security of shipped packages exists.
3) Identify the prototypical customer.
Age: 18-34, 55+ years old
Living in a household
Higher than average income $75,000+
Source:
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-surprising-demographics-of-who-shops-online-and-on-mobile-2014-6
4) Iteration No. 1: 58 year old male
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yes. I would like better security of my delivered goods especially when they leave them at the front door."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"After being broken into a few months ago I am taking more precautions with all of my things."
How long have you had the need?
-"Since I began ordering things online."
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"I'll try and leave a note that says to deliver the package to the side door instead so it isn't so obvious that I have a package."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"No. The people who deliver the packages do not always read the note and they still occasionally leave the package at the front door."
4) Iteration No. 2: 21 year old male
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yeah I would like more security for my delivered packages."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"Since last week when my package from Amazon was stolen."
How long have you had the need?
-"I've had the need since I began online shopping for myself especially at college.
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"I track the packages so that I can pick them up immediately when they are delivered."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"No I'm not always able to get the package immediately and my last order was stolen."
4) Iteration No. 3: 20 year old female
Do you ever feel the need for a more secure way to have your packages delivered?
-"Yeah I would like that a lot."
When did you first become aware of the need for more security on delivered goods?
-"Since I started renting a house and stop living in an apartment where they'd hold my packages for me."
How long have you had the need?
-"The last year I've lived in a house."
Are you currently addressing the need for increased security of packages? How?
-"No, not really. Amazon is pretty good at refunding things that are stolen."
Are you satisfied with this solution?
-"I'm somewhat satisfied but I'd rather not have to worry about my package being stolen in the first place.
5) Reflect
After talking with multiple people about this opportunity they were excited about a new way to keep their packages safe. The most surprising thing about the interviews was that people were completely on board with the idea but they had never considered how they might keep their packages safe. Another interesting thing is that one respondent counted on Amazon to refund any stolen goods rather than take proactive measures to prevent the theft.
7) Summarize
How much of your original opportunity is still there?
The original idea consisted of installing a postal dropbox at the front of a house which would work much like post boxes used today. However, instead of sending letters or packages through a public post box you would receive them through a private one at your front door.
It was suggested that multiple size boxes could be made to ensure that each consumer has a box that fits their shopping needs.
Do you believe that your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started?
After discussing the opportunity I do believe it is more accurate.
How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback? (In other words, is there a trade-off between adapting and staying firm?)
While you may lose some of the original idea, it is extremely important to listen to feedback and adapt your opportunity to fit customer's needs.
Friday, January 19, 2018
3A – Your Entrepreneurship Story
My name is Travis Dye and I have been an entrepreneur all my life.
As early as elementary school I began to discover my entrepreneurial talents. My house was always stocked with candy which I didn't particularly care for but I soon found other kids liked a whole lot. This began my business of exchanging my goods for others goods come lunch time. However once this business was really taking off it was promptly shut down by nosy administrators.
While this was a temporary set back business picked up once more in middle school as gum became all the rage. At this point it was no longer a bartering system but real cash which could be used to by more gum. By buying the gum in bulk and selling to friends and classmates I could get all the gum I wanted for free and even make a few bucks on the side.
By the time high school rolled around I was very familiar with selling products to people and became the top seller of flowers for my soccer team. This meant the team raised enough money to buy all new kits which was a nice surprise for our team.
I enrolled into ENT3003 to not only fulfill a tracking course, but to explore entrepreneurship further and learn about it in new depths. I hope to see all the benefits of having good entrepreneurship skills and recognize problems as well as solutions to the world around me.
As early as elementary school I began to discover my entrepreneurial talents. My house was always stocked with candy which I didn't particularly care for but I soon found other kids liked a whole lot. This began my business of exchanging my goods for others goods come lunch time. However once this business was really taking off it was promptly shut down by nosy administrators.
While this was a temporary set back business picked up once more in middle school as gum became all the rage. At this point it was no longer a bartering system but real cash which could be used to by more gum. By buying the gum in bulk and selling to friends and classmates I could get all the gum I wanted for free and even make a few bucks on the side.
By the time high school rolled around I was very familiar with selling products to people and became the top seller of flowers for my soccer team. This meant the team raised enough money to buy all new kits which was a nice surprise for our team.
I enrolled into ENT3003 to not only fulfill a tracking course, but to explore entrepreneurship further and learn about it in new depths. I hope to see all the benefits of having good entrepreneurship skills and recognize problems as well as solutions to the world around me.
2A - Bug List
Bug List:
1. While it is raining, large packages are not delivered to your door and you must go to the post office to pick them up.
This bug exists because the post service doesn't want to be responsible for rain damage related to your package.
2. The post office only has one line relating to all activities and this stretches around the room, especially following rain storms.
This bug exists because of a lack of structure in the staff and the three employees who are working there solve all postal issues instead of having specialized tasks.
3. After ordering at Chick Fil A you must wait in an unorganized group and wait for your name to be called. This can be hard to hear/ confusing if people share names.
This bug is due to Chick Fil A wanting to seem more personable by using a name for an order instead of just numbers.
4. From 5-6pm Museum road will come to a standstill as people leave class and block traffic in front of the bookstore.
This is due to the crosswalks in front of the bookstore and the New Physics Building causing a complete stop in the flow of traffic.
5. Despite having many scooters in Gainesville, no gas stations sell ethanol free gas which would prevent malfunctions in the scooters left over break.
This bug exists because no ethanol gas would cost more for a gas station to provide and no one hyas invested.
6. Getting a shake at Steak n Shake takes way too long. By the time it arrives the meal is finished.
This bug exists because shakes are either in higher demand or take more time to create than their other products.
7. Getting an antique window repaired in Gainesville takes several days as the repairman must search for a matching pane to replace it. Not good for the cold or wet seasons.
This bug exists because of a lack of antique window panes and one must be either found or made to replace the broken piece.
8.The best way to tell if a shower is the correct temperature to repeatedly put your hand in and out while adjusting it.
This bug exists because there is no way to save your preferred temperature other than using touch to feel for it.
9. Parking lots are consistently full of litter as well as gum especially in the corner spots next to mulch or bushes.
This bug exists because people throw their litter out in the first place they get out of their car.
10.Bose wireless headphones require you to download an app just to use them which clutters up your phone.
This bug most likely exists to allow Bose to more easily manage their products and see what is being used.
11. While browsing through news sites without an adblocker there can be enough ads to block you from even seeing the article.
This bug exists because news sites rely on heavy ad revenue to stay alive in their market.
12. You must be connected to the internet to play some games that you've purchased on the Playstation 4 whether they be online games or not.
This bug exists to verify that it was you who purchased the game.
13. It is a hassle to pull out your I.D when buying alcohol and can be somewhat uncomfortable if you look young.
This bug exists to cut down on underage buying of alcohol.
14. In Total Wine a second manager must confirm someone is of age to purchase alcohol before you can checkout.
This bug exists to cut down on underage kids buying alcohol.
15. One of the speakers at the McDonalds was out for some time at the drive through yet the lane was never closed and caused massive backups on orders.
This is most likely due to a lack of communication between the staff on not closing down the lane.
16. When ordering at the drive-through at McDonalds you can hear the cashier from both terminals and it displays the other drive-through's order in front of you.
This is most likely a flaw in the McDonalds system.
17. If it is past 10pm you have a very slim chance of getting any ice cream products at McDonalds. This bug exists because the ice cream machine most likely is cleaned sometime before then and the workers don't want to clean it twice in one night.
18. After spending large periods of time watching Netflix it will ask if you're still watching requiring you to find the remote to prove that you are still watching.
This bug exists to reduce the amount of streaming on Netflix by kicking off people who are no longer watching the show.
19. Some exams at UF require you to buy your own answer sheet which requires a trip to the bookstore and waiting in line.
This bug exists because the professors are trying to eliminate cheating on written exams.
20. Sandwich pick-up times at Publix are extremely variable and you can collect your sandwich anywhere from 15 minutes before the expected pick-up time or as much as an 90 minutes past its pick-up time.
This bug exists because the rate at which the sandwich makers can not keep up with the demand of college students especially when sandwiches are on sale.
Reflection:
I found the bug list to be interesting to write. I find myself easily annoyed at many things throughout the day and this was an interesting way to sort them all out in front of me.
1. While it is raining, large packages are not delivered to your door and you must go to the post office to pick them up.
This bug exists because the post service doesn't want to be responsible for rain damage related to your package.
2. The post office only has one line relating to all activities and this stretches around the room, especially following rain storms.
This bug exists because of a lack of structure in the staff and the three employees who are working there solve all postal issues instead of having specialized tasks.
3. After ordering at Chick Fil A you must wait in an unorganized group and wait for your name to be called. This can be hard to hear/ confusing if people share names.
This bug is due to Chick Fil A wanting to seem more personable by using a name for an order instead of just numbers.
4. From 5-6pm Museum road will come to a standstill as people leave class and block traffic in front of the bookstore.
This is due to the crosswalks in front of the bookstore and the New Physics Building causing a complete stop in the flow of traffic.
5. Despite having many scooters in Gainesville, no gas stations sell ethanol free gas which would prevent malfunctions in the scooters left over break.
This bug exists because no ethanol gas would cost more for a gas station to provide and no one hyas invested.
6. Getting a shake at Steak n Shake takes way too long. By the time it arrives the meal is finished.
This bug exists because shakes are either in higher demand or take more time to create than their other products.
7. Getting an antique window repaired in Gainesville takes several days as the repairman must search for a matching pane to replace it. Not good for the cold or wet seasons.
This bug exists because of a lack of antique window panes and one must be either found or made to replace the broken piece.
8.The best way to tell if a shower is the correct temperature to repeatedly put your hand in and out while adjusting it.
This bug exists because there is no way to save your preferred temperature other than using touch to feel for it.
9. Parking lots are consistently full of litter as well as gum especially in the corner spots next to mulch or bushes.
This bug exists because people throw their litter out in the first place they get out of their car.
10.Bose wireless headphones require you to download an app just to use them which clutters up your phone.
This bug most likely exists to allow Bose to more easily manage their products and see what is being used.
11. While browsing through news sites without an adblocker there can be enough ads to block you from even seeing the article.
This bug exists because news sites rely on heavy ad revenue to stay alive in their market.
12. You must be connected to the internet to play some games that you've purchased on the Playstation 4 whether they be online games or not.
This bug exists to verify that it was you who purchased the game.
13. It is a hassle to pull out your I.D when buying alcohol and can be somewhat uncomfortable if you look young.
This bug exists to cut down on underage buying of alcohol.
14. In Total Wine a second manager must confirm someone is of age to purchase alcohol before you can checkout.
This bug exists to cut down on underage kids buying alcohol.
15. One of the speakers at the McDonalds was out for some time at the drive through yet the lane was never closed and caused massive backups on orders.
This is most likely due to a lack of communication between the staff on not closing down the lane.
16. When ordering at the drive-through at McDonalds you can hear the cashier from both terminals and it displays the other drive-through's order in front of you.
This is most likely a flaw in the McDonalds system.
17. If it is past 10pm you have a very slim chance of getting any ice cream products at McDonalds. This bug exists because the ice cream machine most likely is cleaned sometime before then and the workers don't want to clean it twice in one night.
18. After spending large periods of time watching Netflix it will ask if you're still watching requiring you to find the remote to prove that you are still watching.
This bug exists to reduce the amount of streaming on Netflix by kicking off people who are no longer watching the show.
19. Some exams at UF require you to buy your own answer sheet which requires a trip to the bookstore and waiting in line.
This bug exists because the professors are trying to eliminate cheating on written exams.
20. Sandwich pick-up times at Publix are extremely variable and you can collect your sandwich anywhere from 15 minutes before the expected pick-up time or as much as an 90 minutes past its pick-up time.
This bug exists because the rate at which the sandwich makers can not keep up with the demand of college students especially when sandwiches are on sale.
Reflection:
I found the bug list to be interesting to write. I find myself easily annoyed at many things throughout the day and this was an interesting way to sort them all out in front of me.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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