Reading Reflection No. 3

Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash

• What surprised you the most? How driven this woman was and how much she cared about her employees. She was extremely smart and valued the people who drove her product and business by rewarding them. 
• What about the entrepreneur did you most admire? Mark Kay Ash was a strong woman, that is hard not to admire. Instead of going for an everyday job, she stepped out of her element and created a business that benefited others. 
• What about the entrepreneur did you least admire? There wasn't anything that I didn't admire about her. She loved pink and was a strong woman. 
• Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it? She encountered failure after not being promoted in her previous jobs before the business. She rose above it and created a cosmetic company that profited tremendously. 

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

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

To me, it was confusing how much she believed makeup was such a necessity. I mean, I love makeup but that doesn't make a woman. 

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why? Was there ever a day where you decided to keep your face pure and not put product on it? Do you truly believe that your product will help a woman face with aging

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion? In my book, her opinion of hard work was pushing. In sales, you must know your product and love it. There also is a pushy side to it. To be successful in sales you have to be a little pushy, if you give up to easily, you give up your sale. 

Venture concept No. 2

Opportunity

Who has the need?
To be general, anyone could be in need of budgeting. This need would be specifically for people who struggle with money or have a hard time figuring out what they make every month and how to disperse it properly. 

The nature of the need?
The best way to describe the nature of the need would be helping people who need that extra push. The need is very apparent for people to realize they need it. If someone can't budget, their bank account will show it. 

What are the forces or changes in the environment?
The economy would be a huge affect on this need. 

How is the market defined geographically and demographically?
This is pertaining to the service industry, anyone who doesn't have a set pay. It could be beneficial for anyone, but I see it being more useful for people who don't know what they're making everyday.

How are customers currently satisfying this need? How loyal are they to whatever they use now?
Some people use calendars and mark down what they make. I don't believe they're loyal to any ideas as of now. The app could notify you everyday to make sure you don't forget to jot down what money you made. 

How big is the opportunity?
It's an app, so it's a great opportunity. It can target all markets and all areas. 

How long will the "window of opportunity" be?
I don't think there's much time left to create this app. Everyday people are coming up with new ideas and new applications.


Innovation- The app will be set up like a calendar. It will be a free download with upgrades available. One way this app could make money would be by supporting other companies and advertising. There would be a charge for every time an advertisement was displayed on the layout of $100. By running at least 5 a day, that would make a decent profit overall. There will also be different levels. The first level would be a charge of $5 a month. That would include mapping out the least amount to budget for every month. The next level would be $10 a month and that would give options to input your bills, so that the app can calculate what is left over and how to spend it.

Venture concept

What are the reasons to think customers would switch to this new product? How hard will it be to get them to switch?
Customers will switch to this product because of the quality. It won't just be a budget app for bills. This app will help people save for things like vacations or just to save in general. The customer service will make it well worth it to switch over as well.
Who are the competitors? What are their possible weaknesses or vulnerabilities?
The competition would be other budget apps.
What role does packaging, your price points, distribution, customer support, the customer experience or the business location play (if any) in defining your business concept?
Customer service is going to be my number one priority. There will be someone available 24/7 to ensure that payments are processed correctly and that the glitches are sorted through in a timely manner.
How would you organize a “business” to support the ongoing production of your new product, service, or process? How many employees? What roles are in the venture?
Whenever technology is involved, there has got to be a person who can fix glitches and technological problems. There will be a couple of people for marketing, so the word can get out about the app. I would like to hire someone who can work overnights that is somewhat tech savvy so that problems can be resolved at all times.

Minor Elements

My most important resource will be my customer service. It's very rare that you find good feedback on how well you were taken care of or accommodated when something isn't working the way it should.

The next new product would probably be a new app that links to this one and can pay your bills for you. It can also set aside money for vacations, but won't allow you to use it for anything else.

What's next for me would be managing. It would be nice to just sit back, hire good employees, and possibly travel the world while making money. 

Changes- I fixed the formatting, so it's not all out of whack anymore. I also added a better reason of why people would switch to my idea. I also added a picture!

Final Reflection

1) By far my favorite blog post this semester was the bug list. It was fun and really taught me what bothers me. I truly enjoyed reading and replying to others lists. The most dreadful assignments, in my book, were the reading reflections. I understand the purpose of them, but I don't care too much to read unless interested in something. 

2) I believe this whole class really makes your mind think about what you're capable of. A simple idea can be thought through and with enough dedication, become a business plan. Altogether, this class is nothing like I've ever experienced in school. It's been a great experience!

3) Now all I can think about is ideas for business plans. I've even looked into how to get approved for a business loan. I see myself as an entrepreneur and I can honestly say I didn't before. 

4) My recommendation for future students would be to focus. This class is very beneficial to get you thinking, but you have to keep up with the assignments to get a good grade. If they keep a good schedule every week on getting their assignments done and work little by little throughout the week, they'll succeed with the grade they were looking for.

Making it Real

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10muz8BjA35RzTKVKjOMtlQT5TprS81S2-2DMv7JyvzI/edit

My Exit Strategy

It's a hard decision to make. I guess it all depends on how successful the business is. If the company wasn't profiting as fast as I was hoping for, then I would probably sell the company for a substantial amount of money and start something different. Ultimately, I would love to have a successful business that I could pass down to my children. So, like I said it really all depends. This business would definitely fall into the exit strategy of passing it down through my family. I wouldn't venture into a business concept without striving to achieve that goal. Everyone is going to need help budgeting. So this opportunity will always be there.

Celebrating Failure

Well, I try not to fail at much. One thing I seem to be really good at is getting stuck in the mud. Every week I take my four wheeler out and go mudding. I have big mud tires and my whole thing is decked out so I can ride deep. For me, it's embarrassing when I get stuck. Once you get stuck, someone has to stop what they're doing and help you get out. I've finally learned to watch where people go first. If a smaller four wheeler can go through it, then I can too. I need to stop being stubborn and worrying about going full throttle first. Failure is definitely hard for me. I don't like being embarrassed and I sure don't like to have to try again. This class has showed me to keep pushing. Failure is a part of life and you eventually learn something good from it.

Venture Concept No.1

Opportunity

• Who has the need? 
• To be general, anyone could be in need of budgeting. This need would be specifically for people who struggle with money or have a hard time figuring out what they make every month and how to disperse it properly. 
• The nature of the need?
• The best way to describe the nature of the need would be helping people who need that extra push. The need is very apparent for people to realize they need it. If someone can't budget, their bank account will show it. 
• What are the forces or changes in the environment? 
• The economy would be a huge affect on this need. 
• How is the market defined geographically and demographically?
• This is pertaining to the service industry, anyone who doesn't have a set pay. It could be beneficial for anyone, but I see it being more useful for people who don't know what they're making everyday.
• How are customers currently satisfying this need? How loyal are they to whatever they use now?
• Some people use calendars and mark down what they make. I don't believe they're loyal to any ideas as of now. The app could notify you everyday to make sure you don't forget to jot down what money you made. 
• How big is the opportunity?
• It's an app, so it's a great opportunity. It can target all markets and all areas. 
• How long will the "window of opportunity" be?
• I don't think there's much time left to create this app. Everyday people are coming up with new ideas and new applications.

Innovation- The app will be set up like a calendar. It will be a free download with upgrades available. One way this app could make money would be by supporting other companies and advertising. There would be a charge for every time an advertisement was displayed on the layout of $100. By running at least 5 a day, that would make a decent profit overall. There will also be different levels. The first level would be a charge of $5 a month. That would include mapping out the least amount to budget for every month. The next level would be $10 a month and that would give options to input your bills, so that the app can calculate what is left over and how to spend it. 

Venture concept

• What are the reasons to think customers would switch to this new product?  How hard will it be to get them to switch?
• Customers will switch to this product because of the convenience. Cell phones are used for everything nowadays. 
• Who are the competitors?  What are their possible weaknesses or vulnerabilities? 
• The competition would be other budget apps. 
•  What role does packaging, your price points, distribution, customer support, the customer experience or the business location play (if any) in defining your business concept?
• Customer service is going to be my number one priority. There will be someone available 24/7 to ensure that payments are processed correctly and that the glitches are sorted through in a timely manner.
•  How would you organize a “business” to support the ongoing production of your new product, service, or process? How many employees? What roles are in the venture?  
• Whenever technology is involved, there has got to be a person who can fix glitches and technological problems. There will be a couple of people for marketing, so the word can get out about the app. I would like to hire someone who can work overnights that is somewhat tech savvy so that problems can be resolved at all times. 

     Minor Elements

      My most important resource will be my customer service. It's very rare that you find good feedback on how well you were taken care of or accommodated when something isn't working the way it should. 

     The next new product would probably be a new app that links to this one and can pay your bills for you. It can also set aside money for vacations, but won't allow you to use it for anything else.

     What's next for me would be managing. It would be nice to just sit back, hire good employees, and possibly travel the world while making money. 

Amazon Whisperer

• Revenue drivers- An app that helps people budget and manage their money no matter what kind of job they have. Charging for different versions. The cheaper versions will just be inputting your lowest daily incomes and then coming up with a realistic pay. The more expensive versions will help you plan to save, even for vacations. 
• Customer's are going to want to link it to you accounts. They are going to want the app to physically do it for them.
• To link the account to the manager, it will be an extra charge. It'll help their experience because it'll take away the self control factor. Although they have something budgeting for them, they still would have to take the money and use it accordingly. 
• I didn't find anything that was like the app I have been talking about. There was books on how to budget but that is not an actual device. 
• I think the books could be a good link to add to the app. Credibility shows a lot to customers and they are more likely to trust the app and spend the money on it. 

My Unfair Advantage

Resources:
1. Determination- Some people don't have a strong drive. I keep pushing through the hard times to achieve my ultimate goal.
2. Amount of people in my network- I know people from different states. I've moved many times and kept in contact with everyone I've been able to.
3. Very Sociable- I'm a social butterfly. I can talk to anyone, whether I know them or not. Definitely not a bit shy.
4. Able to manage money efficiently- After budgeting for so long, I finally understand how to budget for what I need. I never let myself spend over the amount I can afford. Not many people can do that these days.
5. Excellent marketing techniques- I love Marketing. People think it's challenging to grasp a market or even different types of people. The challenge is what keeps the drive to continue to spread the word.
6. Being fearless- I'm not scared of failure. You're probably going to fail a million times before you succeed once.
7. Money which i've been saving, is available- I have the money to put into a small business or app that I believe could be profitable.
8. Technologically savvy- If given a device that I've never used, I can always figure out how it operates. My friends and family are always asking me for help when somethings broken or simply when they don't know how to operate it.
9. Patient- Most of the time I have an abundance of patience. Patience is important in success. Most things don't happen overnight. I haven't met a lot of people who carry patience like I do.
10. Understanding- I think patience and understanding could kind of go hand in hand. When you understand how business works and how long it could take to profit, in comes the patience.

I'd have to say that determination would be my best advantage. Determination can help a person accomplish whatever resource is necessary in succeeding. It's more important because without determination, you have nothing. You lose all your drive, patience, and understanding.

Reading Reflection No. 2

Book- How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book? 
Scott Adams argued his amount of fails at success. He also talked about complications he had with dystonia and how he overcame it. His belief was that systems were overruled when being compared to goals. 


2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
I believe that all of the assignments we have been doing is really it's own system. There's not technically an ultimate goal but more of a system to better our understanding of how to grasp drive and overcome our fears. 

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
The assignment would involve all the students to create goals. Then for the responses from classmates we could try and come up with a system instead that would fit in that category of goals.

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?
I never thought the title would be so exact. I also knew nothing about dystonia and never met anyone who suffered with it, so that was a big 'aha' for me. It would've never crossed my mind that this guy created a comic either. 

Idea Napkin No. 2

1. I'm a bar manager. My skills are good customer service skills, being able to handle high levels of volume, and management. I see this business benefiting anyone who can't manage their money efficiently.

2. I'm offering a service that could help people pay their bills and save money as well.

3. This app would be for high school, college students, service industry employees, and pretty much anyone who needs an extra hand.

4. They care because in this day and age money keeps you on your feet. By being able to pay your bills and keep a roof over your head, you can survive.

5. Like I said in my previous post, I have learned to pay my bills and save money although I don't have a set pay. I am able to afford things I would've never thought I could working in the service industry.

I only got one feedback from Justin that I could use to tweak my napkin idea. He stated that this could also be used for just about anyone who needed to learn how to budget. If anyone else has suggestions please shoot them my way!

Growing My Social Capital

One person must be a domain expert in your industry. 
Dana-  She is the owner of a retail store called Classy Crossroads. She fills the spot because she is the owner of a very successful clothing store. I just recently interviewed with her for a management position for her new location. I start on Monday to help her maintain and drive traffic into the establishment. Having her in my network will allow me to grow with her company and hopefully invest with her in the future.   

One person must be an expert on your market.
Taylor- Taylor is currently employed with the same company. She has been working with Dana for a couple of years now. I know her outside of Classy Crossroads at my current place of employment. The fact that she knows the systems and sales in this company will be the exchange of knowledge she can offer me. 

One person must be an important supplier to your industry.
Autumn- She helps with marketing and displaying the clothes for the store. I work with her now at the restaurant but she also helps at the store. Autumn can help me increase volume in the store by sharing her marketing ideas with me. 

Elevator Pitch No. 2

https://youtu.be/-4lz-hKpQQo

I didn't really receive negative feedback from my last speech. After looking at everyone's elevator pitch, I realized how much better it looked to be standing up instead of sitting down. I liked the hand gestures and how much more convincing it looked. So, that's exactly what I decided to change in this one.

My Secret Sauce

1.)

• I can stay professional in any situation and keep my stress level hidden.
• The amount of energy I have everyday is unreal.
• I'm stern at work when I need to be and can separate friendship and work easily.
• If I learn about a product I can sell it. No matter what it is.
• Positive

2.) Although the people I interviewed know me best, they tried to do the recorded interview but wouldn't stop laughing. I had them write down what they were going to say about me and I took a picture. Anyone close to me has a sense of humor like myself.

Chelsey-  I've worked with Chelsey for about 3 years now. She knows my drive to help others be successful and how determined I am with school.

Kendra-  Kendra and I have known each other for 6 years now. We work together almost everyday and she described me as a very thoughtful and faithful person.

Richard-  Richard and I have worked together for 6 years as well. Now, we actually work every single day we're scheduled together. It's a love/hate relationship. He knows me when I have a million different tasks at hand and knows how well I handle them. 

Danielle (sister)-Well, I've known her my whole life. She mentioned how I'm always able to make new friends. I have to agree with her! I love meeting new people and enjoy making new friends everyday. 

3.) I believe my friends and family are spot on. They probably know me better than I know myself. I wouldn't change my list but I would add what they said to it. Our differences were the fact that I tried to focus on a work atmosphere. They were general and to the point with what they believe makes me different and who I am. 

My Customer's Avatar

Customer:

What kind of hobbies do they have: Exercise, Going out, Dancing, Homework, Studying

What car do they tend to drive: Probably an older vehicle that is paid off. Without the app that I could offer the customer, it's hard for them to budget to make payments every month.

What TV shows do they watch: Game of thrones, Walking Dead, and Orange is the new black.

Do they have children: Most of them do. I've noticed in the restaurant industry, a lot of people have children.

How old are they: My customer would probably range from 18-30. Any younger than 18, usually they still live with their parents so they don't need to budget.

How old do they feel: Older than their age that's for sure. The restaurant industry will take a tole on you.


I have a lot of things in common with the customer. I work in the restaurant industry so my hobbies are the same. The difference I have is I've learned how to budget. After a couple go years working off of tips, I budget for the least amount i'll make and save what is over. I actually have the capability to drive a brand new truck and afford my payments every month. Kids is completely out of the question until I'm done with school, but a majority of my coworkers have children.

Sassky

Sassky

Sassky is sassy and frisky combined. The definition of sassy is, "confident and energetic". The definition of frisky is, "very playful or lively".

At work, the girls love it. I work with all women in the front of the house and so far they are getting a kick out of it. We always joke around and on Fridays say frisky Friday. So, last Sunday I mentioned sassky instead to rhyme. I haven't heard anyone repeat it yet but if anything changes i'll add to my post!

Halfway Reflection

1.) In the beginning I didn't realize the assignments were due different days of the week. So, a behavior which I acquired was planning each assignment with my work schedule.

2.) I haven't gotten to the point of giving up yet. The only place I have felt like this somewhat is when I couldn't complete all of the assignments for the week. Since the extra credit are only available for a day, I have taken off of work early to try and get these completed to make up for the assignments missed.

3.) Three tips I would give next semesters students would include time management, get involved with people for the assignments, and do not stress. After reading some of the assignments, I found myself with a lot of anxiety. These grades are based off of ourselves so although that might seem convenient, sometimes it's more stressful knowing you can only do so much.

Reading Reflection No. 1

I decided to read Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. What surprised me the most about this book was Steve Jobs personality. He was a very particular person. When I think of Steve Jobs, I think of Apple or a genius. Now, it's a whole new ballgame. I least admired his personality. Jobs was a very heartless person in my book. Someone who complained too much to be so successful. The iPhone 4 was a problem which Jobs faced. Antennagate caused drop calls on the iPhone 4 and a huge controversy for apple users. In the beginning, Jobs didn't want to deal with the issue but eventually he offered apple users a free bumper case that would fix the problem. If i were able to ask Steve Jobs two questions they would be, how far do you think the iPhone would come in the future and what is the biggest size phone he would ever advance to. In my opinion, Steve Jobs believed hard work was perfection. I don't believe we share that opinion. Granted, I try my hardest to perfect every task at hand but I also understand sometimes it can't be done. 

Idea Napkin No. 1

1.) I am currently a bartend manager at a restaurant. My skills are customer service, sales, and management. My dreams are to be successful and one day work for myself and provide others with great opportunity as well. This business would play a role in my life because of my current job. I have a soft spot for service industry employees because how we're perceived. I believe I have been very successful in managing my money, while having this job and being on my own. It would be nice to give back.

2.) I would be offering a service that could calculate a minimum pay, which the customers could budget off of. It would show people what they are able to afford and if they're in need of a second job to be comfortable or possibly more shifts.

3.) My customers would be mostly employees who work in the service industry. This could also work for hourly and salary employees as well.

4.) Some people don't know or understand how to budget. In this day and age, not all parents explain this to their kids. The people who aren't good at budgeting need help and this would be a good solution for them which wouldn't cost much money.

5.) I would have to say my core competencies are my experience. I have been in this industry for 6 years and have learned first hand without any help.

After piecing together these elements, I have realized that they to fit together. Who I am and what I want to provide to others, fits pretty well. Although this app would probably only provide a small income, I think it would still be successful.

Tweaking the Innovation

Budget Right

Services

1. Service that only provides minimum budget for the month- This service will strictly generate a budget for a month of pay.
2. Service that provides minimum budget for month plus a way to save- This service will generate a budget for a month of pay but also show you how to save money every month with the extra pay or bonuses accounted for throughout the month. This will use the bare minimum of bonus or extra cash earned. 
3. Service that provides minimum budget for month, way to save, and a vacation plan.- This service will generate a budget for a month of pay and separate a savings account from a vacation plan. The vacation plan will show a future plan on how to save for a cruise and also be able to budget when to take off of work so your bills are still paid for. 

The core/benefit- People buy the app because it allows people to see a budget no matter what type of work they do.
The tangible- Is the output they see on their phone which is on the go with them at all times
Augmented- There is a 24/7 live chat to help the consumer if they have any problems or questions. There will also be a step by step on how to set up your app.

Testing the Hypothesis Part 2

The opportunity: An application designed to monitor a person in the service industry's pay for an entire month and then generate a minimum salary. This way employees that are tip based are able to budget efficiently every month.

Who: There are many people who fall outside of the opportunity I found. Some people make hourly pay, salary, commission, or tips. It is pointless for employees that are strictly salary because they know what to budget for every month.

What: Depending on how you get paid for your job would determine each need. This application could be designed for people with hourly, commission, and tips

Why: The needs are completely different. Even people in the service industry would vary on their needs. Depending on how many hours they work would be a huge factor. The price of the food or service they're entertaining would depend a lot as well.

              Inside the boundary                                                           

• Service industry employees                                                 
• Hourly pay
• Commission based job
• To budget efficiently
• Jobs in these categories are hard to budget for.

           Outside the boundary

• Salary paid employees
• To know what you're budgeting with
• The need isn't there because employees who get paid salary know what they're making every month.

Summary: The interviews I conducted were with employees on both sides. I asked questions regarding how they budget and save in their industries. It seems as if some people would recommend the app to help with budgeting on the service industry side. There are also people on the service industry side that wouldn't use it. 

https://soundcloud.com/user410414950/testing-the-hypothesis-part-2
https://soundcloud.com/user410414950/chelsea-peters

Elevator Pitch No. 1

Business Name: Budget Right
My opportunity is a way for service industry employees to budget efficiently every month since there is no real way to tell how much they'll make. My solution is an application that is designed to generate a minimum salary after a month of tips and hourly has been recorded. This will allow employees to have a better idea of their budget and be able to save each month.

My solution

My solution for service industry people to budget their money would be to start an app to monitor an employees money for an entire month. The app would contain a calendar and you would input your schedule each week. For each day you work there will be a notification to remind you to put in the amount of money you made for the day. After a month, the app would generate a low and mid range salary. From that, service industry employees would have a better idea of how to budget and pay there bills efficiently.

Looking for Opportunity

1.) http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/26/feds-powell-rate-hike-looking-appropriate-fairly-soon.html
- Federal Reserve Governor Jerome Powell believes that the interest rates will rise due to the economy being in a better state. With that being said, lenders have an opportunity to give incentives for customers to wait until the interest rates increase. I believe this opportunity might exist because the prices and employment rates are back where they need to be for economic growth and when that happens, interest rates increase. I think it'll be effective to our economy if consumers waited to obtain loans but it could be difficult to convince people to wait until interest rates are higher. Most people probably wouldn't see this opportunity as I do because it is hard to accept paying more for something in any way. After taking economics, I have more of an understanding on how important it is for interest rates to increase.

2.) http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/26/us-weekly-jobless-claims-may-24-2016.html
- Unemployment rates have declined and haven't been below 300,000 claims for such a long period of time since 1973. Although Verizon employees are going on strike, that should hopefully only put a spiked increase for a short period of time. The opportunity I see here is for the department of labor to work with Verizon in getting their problems settled to ensure the spike doesn't affect employment rates. It won't be easy to exploit because to get a labor department, which is part of our government, to partner up with a business is difficult enough. I believe someone could look at this situation and agree with me that working together in this problem could benefit one another. If the department of labor doesn't want to see a spike in their unemployment rate and Verizon would be the main cause, then why not figure it out together?

3.) http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/27/health/zika-virus-olympic-games-health-officials-postpone/index.html
- The Olympics are said to be postponed due to a virus in Brazil. Because the Olympics is such a worldwide event, there's an opportunity to gain funding towards research. Doctors are making it apparent that this opportunity exists because they have monitored the outbreak of Zika in Brazil. The doctors and people of Brazil would highly benefit from more funding for this cause. It shouldn't be difficult to gain some market and promote donations towards this cause, especially since it is effecting an enormous event. I saw this opportunity because of the event. The olympics is such a big deal to so many people across that world, that it would be unheard of not to support the cause that's postponing it. Many people would look at this from my point of view. The world and my experience in it, is when a tragedy happens more people come together for support. Such a big outbreak that is publicized, is going to be brought to others attention.

4.) http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/03/living/missouri-transgender-teen-feat/
- The transgender bathroom situation is now affecting schools and the families which attend them. Some school districts are agreeing with allowing transgender students to use which bathroom they feel needed. States could make it so parents are able to put their children in different schools if they're not okay with the changes. The parents and children who are uncomfortable with the situation would benefit from this opportunity. Knowing they don't have to change their values due to a media problem that has gone viral. It won't be an easy task getting the different counties to work together. If too many families disagree with this problem it could cause certain schools to have a serious decline and possibly only have transgender students left. Not everyone would see this in the same way I do. I personally am biased against this whole issue and don't believe it's right for people of different sexes to use another bathroom. But, I know that some people feel disrespected by their choices in who they feel they are.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1)

• The title of the article- Programs still on track as Groundwork Jacksonville searches for new CEO
• The link to the article - http://jacksonville.com/current/town/2016-05-17/story/programs-still-track-groundwork-jacksonville-searches-new-ceo#
• A description of the story, in your own words - Groundwork Jacksonville's CEO, Dawn Emerick, is leaving the company and moving out of state. Dawn explains how her status as a CEO for the company was known to be temporary. The company will go through the Program Manager and hopefully stay on track for their projects ahead.
• A description of the problem presented in the story - Groundwork Jacksonville is losing their CEO and doesn't have a back up. 
• A description of who has the problem - The company, Groundwork Jacksonville, and its employees.

2)

• The title of the article - Formosan termite infestation raises concerns and research to stop it
• The link to the article - http://jacksonville.com/current/town/2016-05-11/story/formosan-termite-infestation-raises-concerns-and-research-stop-it
• A description of the story, in your own words - Formosan termites have gotten to Jacksonville and are destroying some historic buildings in Jax, including the historic Woman's Club. A professor of Entomology, Su, has done research and found a way to kill off the colonies of termites. They have come up with bait systems to install around older buildings and neighborhoods. 
• A description of the problem presented in the story - It takes a lot to kill off the colonies. Neighborhoods would have to work together to get the bait systems installed all over. 
• A description of who has the problem - People who live in Jacksonville, Fl and own historic buildings infested with Formosan termites. 

3) 

• The title of the article- 2016 Turtle Nesting Season begins
• The link to the article - http://jacksonville.com/current/mandarin-st-johns/2016-05-11/story/community-announcements-2016-turtle-nesting-season-begins
• A description of the story, in your own words - Endangered and threatened sea turtle nesting season lasts until October 31st. There are many rules that are in effect for beach goers and people that live in the area to protect these animals. 
• A description of the problem presented in the story - There are many ways the nesting could be disturbed or sea turtles can get killed. 
• A description of who has the problem - the sea turtles

4) 

• The title of the article- Duval Board member's residency status under scrutiny
• The link to the article.- http://jacksonville.com/news/schools/2016-05-18/story/duval-board-members-residency-status-under-scrutiny
• A description of the story, in your own words - A school board member is being accused of living in the wrong district where she works. She owns a house which was passed over to her from her parents. She stays with her son most of the time in a house, which is in a different district. The school has even dug up her JEA records for electric and water. They are saying theres no rules to how much you have to stay at a residence for you to claim a district. 
• A description of the problem presented in the story - A school board member isn't technically living in the right area for where she works. 
• A description of who has the problem - Constance Hall (school board member)

5)

• The title of the article - Duval Schools says it will comply with directive on bathroom and locker room use
• The link to the article. - http://jacksonville.com/news/schools/2016-05-13/story/duval-schools-says-it-will-comply-directive-bathroom-and-locker-room
• A description of the story, in your own words - Duval county is addressing the issue on transgender identity. They are saying they're going to comply with the directive. 
• A description of the problem presented in the story - They're letting different genders use whatever bathroom that they claim as their identity. 
• A description of who has the problem - People who are not okay with this and their kids going to school in this environment. 

Bug List

Things that bug me...

1. When my dog cries every morning to wake me up.

• Why? It happens because since he was a puppy I've gotten up and spoiled him every time.

2. When my clothes aren't completely dry after a cycle in the dryer.

• Why? The company I rent my machines from don't have good quality washer and dryers.

3. When drivers don't use their turn signals.

• Why? Driving tests in Florida are too simple.

4. When the pump at gas stations are missing the piece so you don't have to hold the lever while you get gas.

• Why? People aren't taught to respect others property and break things.

5. When customers want to know our whole menu over the phone?

• Why? My bosses are careless and don't fix the menu on our website.

6. Dog hair all over my house.

• Why? My Dad loved animals and allowed us to have a dog while growing up

7. Stepping into my truck and almost busting my butt.

• Why? I don't have stepping stools.

8. Too many people at the gym.

• Why? Because people have too many kids.

9. When theres not enough light in my bedroom

• Why? Because my boyfriend is out of town.

10. When the toilet seat is left up.

• Why? Because my boyfriend lives with me. 

11. When my four wheeler doesn't run correctly?

• Why? Because I'm cheap and don't want to pay high labor costs.

12. Long lines

• Why? The stores budget.

13. When I straighten my hair and the humidity curls it.

• Why? My Dad was hispanic.

14. Hangovers

• Why? Im too fun.

15. When people fart

• Why? Unhealthy food tastes good.

16. When people don't laugh at my jokes

• Why? Because they're not on the same intellectual level as me.

17. When I get sun burnt

• Why? I love the beach 

18. Can't catch a fish

• Why? Fishing guides need a better school

19. Cant find matching shoes to go with my outfit

• Why? Parents don't teach their kids how to shop

20. When my house is dirty

• Why? I have a crazy schedule

It was pretty hard to come up with all the things that bother me. Not many things bug me, so to find 20 I had to dig deep. Every day is different and new 'bugs' come about that didn't happen the day before. The biggest challenge I had was spreading out the assignment to be a couple of days long. 

My Entrepreneurship Story

An entrepreneur story that I would like to share has to do with a friend and his journey as an entrepreneur. I met Paul Grey probably three years ago. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Management Information Systems. Once he graduated from UGA he started in sales, selling medical supplies for a company named Henry Schein Medical. All of our friends would all go out on the weekends and little by little he started acquiring an interest for making vodka. There were always ideas shot around here and there, but no one ever thought that it would become a dream for him. Whenever I would stop by the house, Paul would be reading books and researching how to make vodka and distill. After a couple of months, he started talking to his friends and investors and got the ball rolling. He quit his job in sales to wholly focus on creating a successful distillery, which became the first distillery in Jacksonville. Now it's been a little over a year and he has landed many liquor stores in Jacksonville, FL and also the Winn-dixie liquor stores. Not only to mention, it is sold at almost every bar in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

Secondly, the reason I enrolled in this class is mainly because it is part of my required classes to graduate. After listening to the first set of lectures, I'm truly excited to try something different. It'll be nice to have a class where I actually want to be engaged in, instead of being hassled to memorize a bunch of terms that I probably won't remember 5 years from now. I hope to understand more about how I can excel and be more open to meeting strangers (since that is a requirement). In the real world, you meet new people everyday so it'll be a good experience!

This is a test

just a test.