1) I think the thing that stood out most was that there are different types of innovation. Invention, Extension, Duplication, Synthesis.
2) I was confused that Invention was part of innovation. I was always taught that they were different things, that innovation was converting or changing an invention a bit.
3) If I could ask two questions to the author I would ask him to elaborate on the "eliminating muddling mind-sets" section, because the "either/or thinking" section is a tad confusing. I would also ask if it is possible to be equally creative in all areas, because the book only talks about the ways we can be creative, it doesn't say if people are more or less creative in certain areas.
4) I do not think that the author was wrong in any area but, I'm still skeptical about invention being a category of innovation.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Customer Interviews #1
1) My idea is to open another brunch place in Gainesville. Peach Valley and the Flying Biscuit constantly have 45minute to an hour wait times. Another place to go will disperse the brunch-goers and hopefully shorten wait times.
2) For this idea, I've decided to walk up and down sorority row and ask girls their opinions on the subject. I have seen a lot of sorority girls at these places, so I would like to get their opinion.
3) Here is a list of my questions:
"have you been to a local brunch spot lately"
if "yes" --what was the wait time like?
if "no"--why not
"would you be open to another brunch spot opening in Gainesville"
4) these are the interviews:
5) I learned that a new brunch spot in Gainesville is a good opportunity, none of the girls I interviewed had any negative feedback about that. I also learned that wait times aren't all that bad if you go at a non-brunchy hour. I also interviewed another girl who did not want to be recorded, she said that a brunch spot closer to campus would be nice.
6) Interviewing customers was weird. I definitely looked for girls that seemed approachable and not standoffish. I also made sure they weren't in a hurry. Most of them were very nice but, understandably, shy.
2) For this idea, I've decided to walk up and down sorority row and ask girls their opinions on the subject. I have seen a lot of sorority girls at these places, so I would like to get their opinion.
3) Here is a list of my questions:
"have you been to a local brunch spot lately"
if "yes" --what was the wait time like?
if "no"--why not
"would you be open to another brunch spot opening in Gainesville"
4) these are the interviews:
6) Interviewing customers was weird. I definitely looked for girls that seemed approachable and not standoffish. I also made sure they weren't in a hurry. Most of them were very nice but, understandably, shy.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Top 5 World Problems
rank order world's biggest problems:
1) Terrorism
2) Clean Drinking Water
3)Pollution
4)Disease
5)Poor Education
rank order solutions:
1) Solution to poor education: mandatory school through high school would be relatively 'easy' to implement globally
2) Clean drinking water: there have already been innovations to create clean drinking water in places of poverty. I think we could find ways to mass produce these innovations & supply them globally
3) Pollution: If there were laws with high consequences, I think we could drastically lessen pollution
4) Disease: there has to be a way to bring vaccinations more readily and inexpensively to in need societies around the world
5) Terrorism is the hardest to solve. I have no solution for it, as there is no way to sit down with terrorists and talk (they would just kill us).
I selected Terrorism as my top problem because terrorism is threatening the safety and freedom of this country. Likewise, I made it the hardest problem to solve because bombing all the terrorists means also bombing civilians, and civilly talking to terrorists would never be a plausible solution because they would just find a way to kill us during that conversation. There is no win-win solution.
I think a solution to poor education could be most fixable because there are already countries that have mandatory education, and it isn't something that is an unreachable goal.
1) Terrorism
2) Clean Drinking Water
3)Pollution
4)Disease
5)Poor Education
rank order solutions:
1) Solution to poor education: mandatory school through high school would be relatively 'easy' to implement globally
2) Clean drinking water: there have already been innovations to create clean drinking water in places of poverty. I think we could find ways to mass produce these innovations & supply them globally
3) Pollution: If there were laws with high consequences, I think we could drastically lessen pollution
4) Disease: there has to be a way to bring vaccinations more readily and inexpensively to in need societies around the world
5) Terrorism is the hardest to solve. I have no solution for it, as there is no way to sit down with terrorists and talk (they would just kill us).
I selected Terrorism as my top problem because terrorism is threatening the safety and freedom of this country. Likewise, I made it the hardest problem to solve because bombing all the terrorists means also bombing civilians, and civilly talking to terrorists would never be a plausible solution because they would just find a way to kill us during that conversation. There is no win-win solution.
I think a solution to poor education could be most fixable because there are already countries that have mandatory education, and it isn't something that is an unreachable goal.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Week 3 Reading Reflection
1) The thing that I found most different from my expectations, in this chapter, was the way entrepreneur was defined. I was surprised that the book used the dictionary definition of entrepreneur, by stating that entrepreneurs are risk takers. In class, we learned that "risk taker" isn't necessarily a true definition.
2) "The Entrepreneurial Ego" is confusing to me. In my opinion, not all of the "negative" effects seem that negative to me. For example, I think a desire for success, even an extreme desire, is, for the most part, beneficial.
3) If I could ask two questions to the author, I would ask questions about the "Dealing with Stress" section of the chapter. The first question I would ask is, "do you have any specific suggestions on how to communicate with employees without them thinking of you as a pushover boss". Because, in my opinion, some of the ways mentioned, like loans to tide over until payday and flexible hours, may open a door that will lead employees to ask for more. My second question would be, "have you found any successful ways to find satisfaction outside of the company." I would like to know if there are any activities that entrepreneurs tend to do in their spare time that make them happy and less stressed.
4) I don't think the author was wrong about anything in this chapter. I do think that the Entrepreneurial Ego section is a little misguided, however, like I mentioned in question two.
2) "The Entrepreneurial Ego" is confusing to me. In my opinion, not all of the "negative" effects seem that negative to me. For example, I think a desire for success, even an extreme desire, is, for the most part, beneficial.
3) If I could ask two questions to the author, I would ask questions about the "Dealing with Stress" section of the chapter. The first question I would ask is, "do you have any specific suggestions on how to communicate with employees without them thinking of you as a pushover boss". Because, in my opinion, some of the ways mentioned, like loans to tide over until payday and flexible hours, may open a door that will lead employees to ask for more. My second question would be, "have you found any successful ways to find satisfaction outside of the company." I would like to know if there are any activities that entrepreneurs tend to do in their spare time that make them happy and less stressed.
4) I don't think the author was wrong about anything in this chapter. I do think that the Entrepreneurial Ego section is a little misguided, however, like I mentioned in question two.
Identifying Local Opportunities
Opportunities from the Tampa Bay Times:
Opportunity one is here. Title: Pint-Sized Pirates: Children's Gasparilla
This article is about a gasparilla for kids, that is safe and alcohol free, held before the actual event. It is a good way for children to get involved in one of the biggest events in the community. I don't think there is really a problem, but I think there would be an opportunity to be a food vendor at this event.
Opportunity two is here. Title: As Ranks of Drivers Fall, Mass Transit Needs Surge
This article is about the rising number of people who are choosing not to drive. This being said, most communities are relying on mass transit. However, the Tampa Bay area has not joined this movement of mass transit very readily. The problem is that TB needs to join in order to keep the area a viable place to live.
Opportunity three is here. Title: TIA Flies High as Traffic Spikes
This article is about the airline industry growing, and a near 10% gain in passengers at Tampa International Airport. However, some airlines like United and American aren't doing as well as they used to, while Delta is doing much better. I think that American and United airlines are in definite need of good PR and a better corporate structure, as their "no frills" flights aren't cutting it these days.
Opportunity four is here. Title: Tampa Partners Seek Grant for Tech Growth
The end of this article also discusses Tampa International Airport. TIA is looking for people to work in the stores and restaurants that line the airport. They will be holding a job fair to find potential employees. So, the problem is a lack of staff, the airport stores have the problem and they will fix it by holding a Job Fair.
Opportunity five is here. Title: Why Relocation Bribes Don't Work
This article is a bunch of people complaining that Rick Scott shouldn't bribe companies to relocate. They say that lowering taxes and creating a smaller government is only hurting the state. The problem is a divide between parties and fiscal ideas. The state gov't and companies in the state are the people having the problem.
Opportunity one is here. Title: Pint-Sized Pirates: Children's Gasparilla
This article is about a gasparilla for kids, that is safe and alcohol free, held before the actual event. It is a good way for children to get involved in one of the biggest events in the community. I don't think there is really a problem, but I think there would be an opportunity to be a food vendor at this event.
Opportunity two is here. Title: As Ranks of Drivers Fall, Mass Transit Needs Surge
This article is about the rising number of people who are choosing not to drive. This being said, most communities are relying on mass transit. However, the Tampa Bay area has not joined this movement of mass transit very readily. The problem is that TB needs to join in order to keep the area a viable place to live.
Opportunity three is here. Title: TIA Flies High as Traffic Spikes
This article is about the airline industry growing, and a near 10% gain in passengers at Tampa International Airport. However, some airlines like United and American aren't doing as well as they used to, while Delta is doing much better. I think that American and United airlines are in definite need of good PR and a better corporate structure, as their "no frills" flights aren't cutting it these days.
Opportunity four is here. Title: Tampa Partners Seek Grant for Tech Growth
The end of this article also discusses Tampa International Airport. TIA is looking for people to work in the stores and restaurants that line the airport. They will be holding a job fair to find potential employees. So, the problem is a lack of staff, the airport stores have the problem and they will fix it by holding a Job Fair.
Opportunity five is here. Title: Why Relocation Bribes Don't Work
This article is a bunch of people complaining that Rick Scott shouldn't bribe companies to relocate. They say that lowering taxes and creating a smaller government is only hurting the state. The problem is a divide between parties and fiscal ideas. The state gov't and companies in the state are the people having the problem.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Very Short Interview No. 1
For this assignment, I interviewed a family friend. She owns her own business that sells police uniforms, equipment, and gear to law enforcement, EMS, and fire departments. Much of her family works in these fields, which is what led her to start this business.
I asked her three questions that were on the list you given to us, and recorded her responses:
Q: "What should my expectations be in this course?"
A: "I would say you should expect to learn different ways to approach opportunities and take calculated risks... Listen to your teacher and really absorb all you can, I'm sure [he] can teach* you a lot.
*I then explained the experience activities instead of long lectures approach-she thought it was cool
Q: "What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?"
A: "I just wish someone has told me it's okay to fail, you know, that if something doesn't go my way I can...change my approach and still succeed."
Q: "What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?"
A: "That's a tough one. I think there are a lot of ways to describe [entrepreneurship]. I guess just finding something the community needs and taking the risk to produce whatever it is."
I always love talking to this woman about her business, she truly cares about what she does and creates real and lasting relationships with her customers. I was really surprised to hear what she said about failure, as I never pictured her as the type of person to fail (she seems to succeed in everything). It's nice to know that even really successful people have failed in life and gotten back on track. Honestly, it makes sense that most successful people have failed, because it's the best way to learn.
I asked her three questions that were on the list you given to us, and recorded her responses:
Q: "What should my expectations be in this course?"
A: "I would say you should expect to learn different ways to approach opportunities and take calculated risks... Listen to your teacher and really absorb all you can, I'm sure [he] can teach* you a lot.
*I then explained the experience activities instead of long lectures approach-she thought it was cool
Q: "What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?"
A: "I just wish someone has told me it's okay to fail, you know, that if something doesn't go my way I can...change my approach and still succeed."
Q: "What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?"
A: "That's a tough one. I think there are a lot of ways to describe [entrepreneurship]. I guess just finding something the community needs and taking the risk to produce whatever it is."
I always love talking to this woman about her business, she truly cares about what she does and creates real and lasting relationships with her customers. I was really surprised to hear what she said about failure, as I never pictured her as the type of person to fail (she seems to succeed in everything). It's nice to know that even really successful people have failed in life and gotten back on track. Honestly, it makes sense that most successful people have failed, because it's the best way to learn.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
World's Biggest Problems
10 of the world's biggest problems:
1) I believe gender inequality is still a really big problem in societies around the world (not so much in the U.S.) I believe one way to solve this is for societies to allow girls to get higher education/job positions that they currently aren't supposed to hold.
2) Religious wars and terrorism are a huge problem in the world, but I'm not sure of a right way to solve this problem.
3) Famine is a big problem around the world, and although donations cannot solve the problem, it can still help.
4) The United States debt is a huge problem, and it affects the world. Lowering government spending could help, but again it won't solve the problem.
5) Pollution could be lessened if the world were able to find affordable ways to truly "go green" and be eco friendly.
6) Disease is a huge problem that could be semi-fixed if we found a way to offer vaccinations inexpensively in accessible locations around third world countries.
7) In places around the world, kids start to work for their parents at a young age, and drop out of school. School should be made mandatory until a higher level (like high school in the US) so that children will all have the opportunity to make something different of themselves.
8) Lack of clean drinking water is a worldwide issue that Americans tend to forget about. We should be able to find ways to affordably/easily clean water in areas of poverty and where clean, fresh water is not accessible.
9) Population growth is an issue, and contraception should be readily available in societies where rapid population growth is inducing a food shortage. However, I don't know where the money would come from to provide the contraception.
10) Drugs. Drug smuggling, drug abuse, drug wars. Drugs are a huge problem around the world, especially in South America. I don't know how to keep it from happening other than (in a perfect world) getting rid of corrupt police and creating law abiding citizens.
1) I believe gender inequality is still a really big problem in societies around the world (not so much in the U.S.) I believe one way to solve this is for societies to allow girls to get higher education/job positions that they currently aren't supposed to hold.
2) Religious wars and terrorism are a huge problem in the world, but I'm not sure of a right way to solve this problem.
3) Famine is a big problem around the world, and although donations cannot solve the problem, it can still help.
4) The United States debt is a huge problem, and it affects the world. Lowering government spending could help, but again it won't solve the problem.
5) Pollution could be lessened if the world were able to find affordable ways to truly "go green" and be eco friendly.
6) Disease is a huge problem that could be semi-fixed if we found a way to offer vaccinations inexpensively in accessible locations around third world countries.
7) In places around the world, kids start to work for their parents at a young age, and drop out of school. School should be made mandatory until a higher level (like high school in the US) so that children will all have the opportunity to make something different of themselves.
8) Lack of clean drinking water is a worldwide issue that Americans tend to forget about. We should be able to find ways to affordably/easily clean water in areas of poverty and where clean, fresh water is not accessible.
9) Population growth is an issue, and contraception should be readily available in societies where rapid population growth is inducing a food shortage. However, I don't know where the money would come from to provide the contraception.
10) Drugs. Drug smuggling, drug abuse, drug wars. Drugs are a huge problem around the world, especially in South America. I don't know how to keep it from happening other than (in a perfect world) getting rid of corrupt police and creating law abiding citizens.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Week 2 Reading Reflection
1) I was surprised that there are multiple schools of entrepreneurial thought (environmental, financial, displacement etc.) I didn't realize entrepreneurship is this complex.
2) I am confused by the E-myth. Are business owners entrepreneurs or not?
3) If I could ask two questions to the author I would ask how they were able to discredit the Myths of Entrepreneurship, because sometimes these "myths" do seem to hold true. And, if the Hot Trends to Watch are still the same now as they were when the book was written, because it would be interesting to see how frequently things change.
4) No, there is nothing I see that I think the author is wrong about because I truly am not that informed on entrepreneurship yet that I would have the ability to discredit what was written.
2) I am confused by the E-myth. Are business owners entrepreneurs or not?
3) If I could ask two questions to the author I would ask how they were able to discredit the Myths of Entrepreneurship, because sometimes these "myths" do seem to hold true. And, if the Hot Trends to Watch are still the same now as they were when the book was written, because it would be interesting to see how frequently things change.
4) No, there is nothing I see that I think the author is wrong about because I truly am not that informed on entrepreneurship yet that I would have the ability to discredit what was written.
Bug List
Bug List:
1) untidy houses/workspaces drive me crazy
why: I feel like unorganized spaces make me less productive and annoy me so much that I don't want to work
2) people that tailgate my car even though I'm already driving acceptably fast
why: I'm going fast, don't hit my car
3) starbucks lines (at any time of day) being held up by someone who doesn't understand coffee
why: people should figure out what they want in advance-ask a friend, look online, don't spend 10 minutes asking the barista about each drink
4) people who type excessively loud on library quiet floors
why: talking isn't the only noise that distracts people
5) going to the library with someone who thinks socialization is studying
why: It's not, I'm trying to learn, go away
6) unmade beds
why: unsure but unmade beds do peeve me
7) anyone who asks a question after it has already been answered
why: LISTEN and stop wasting everyone's time
8) the traffic on Archer Rd.
why: getting to Target from 13th should not be a 30 minute venture
9) navy blue and black together, an unfortunate outfit choice
why: looks unprofessional
10) people who ask questions during the lecture when the professor has clearly specified that he would take questions AFTER lecture
why: again, I have problems with people who don't listen
11) dressing inappropriately for the situation: heels in class, sneakers to an interview
why: I understand expression of style, but there are lines that should remain uncrossed...also, you can show respect, or lack thereof, by how you dress
12) when restaurants have an item on the menu that they don't actually offer in life
why: make new menus or start offering the item...false advertising isn't cute
12) the word "like" like placed like where it shouldn't like be in a like sentence
why: it is annoying and unprofessional
13) "I literally thought it was so funny!" what? as opposed to figuratively thinking "it was funny" ?
why: again, annoying
14) relentless telemarketers
why: I have already told you I don't want what you are selling, stop calling me
15) when the volume, amount of "likes", temperature, etc. is set at an even number (126 instead of 125, 24 instead of 25)
why: no idea but it gives me anxiety
16) unfinished daily to-do lists
why: I feel like a failure and I also get super stressed out adding things to the next day's list
17) iPhone chargers that only work for a month and then break
why: it is 2016 and we can't think of an inexpensive way to make a good charger?
18) being the one who pulls all of the weight in group projects
why: why can't we all equally chip in???
19) anything that resembles nails on a chalkboard...fork on a plate, dentistry tools on teeth, moving furniture
why: the most terrible noise on the planet
20) crying kids on an airplane. crying kids in general...
why: the second most terrible noise on the planet
Making this bug list has actually bugged me because it brings up memories of all the things I hate. I find it (sort of) difficult to think of things that bug me but, at the same time, I could have easily made this list longer if needed. Once I started to think, "bugs" came to mind pretty easily.
1) untidy houses/workspaces drive me crazy
why: I feel like unorganized spaces make me less productive and annoy me so much that I don't want to work
2) people that tailgate my car even though I'm already driving acceptably fast
why: I'm going fast, don't hit my car
3) starbucks lines (at any time of day) being held up by someone who doesn't understand coffee
why: people should figure out what they want in advance-ask a friend, look online, don't spend 10 minutes asking the barista about each drink
4) people who type excessively loud on library quiet floors
why: talking isn't the only noise that distracts people
5) going to the library with someone who thinks socialization is studying
why: It's not, I'm trying to learn, go away
6) unmade beds
why: unsure but unmade beds do peeve me
7) anyone who asks a question after it has already been answered
why: LISTEN and stop wasting everyone's time
8) the traffic on Archer Rd.
why: getting to Target from 13th should not be a 30 minute venture
9) navy blue and black together, an unfortunate outfit choice
why: looks unprofessional
10) people who ask questions during the lecture when the professor has clearly specified that he would take questions AFTER lecture
why: again, I have problems with people who don't listen
11) dressing inappropriately for the situation: heels in class, sneakers to an interview
why: I understand expression of style, but there are lines that should remain uncrossed...also, you can show respect, or lack thereof, by how you dress
12) when restaurants have an item on the menu that they don't actually offer in life
why: make new menus or start offering the item...false advertising isn't cute
12) the word "like" like placed like where it shouldn't like be in a like sentence
why: it is annoying and unprofessional
13) "I literally thought it was so funny!" what? as opposed to figuratively thinking "it was funny" ?
why: again, annoying
14) relentless telemarketers
why: I have already told you I don't want what you are selling, stop calling me
15) when the volume, amount of "likes", temperature, etc. is set at an even number (126 instead of 125, 24 instead of 25)
why: no idea but it gives me anxiety
16) unfinished daily to-do lists
why: I feel like a failure and I also get super stressed out adding things to the next day's list
17) iPhone chargers that only work for a month and then break
why: it is 2016 and we can't think of an inexpensive way to make a good charger?
18) being the one who pulls all of the weight in group projects
why: why can't we all equally chip in???
19) anything that resembles nails on a chalkboard...fork on a plate, dentistry tools on teeth, moving furniture
why: the most terrible noise on the planet
20) crying kids on an airplane. crying kids in general...
why: the second most terrible noise on the planet
Making this bug list has actually bugged me because it brings up memories of all the things I hate. I find it (sort of) difficult to think of things that bug me but, at the same time, I could have easily made this list longer if needed. Once I started to think, "bugs" came to mind pretty easily.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
My Entrepreneurship Story
I know a lot of adults that have started their own businesses and become extremely profitable entrepreneurs. However, one of the entrepreneurs I know is in college at UF and has started an online clothing boutique that sells trendy clothes at inexpensive prices. I think this is amazing, it is interesting to see that entrepreneurs do not have to be full-fledged adults. Anyone with a valuable idea, leadership skills, and the ability to take risk could potentially be an entrepreneur.
I think the biggest reason I decided to take this class was to learn how to deal with risk and uncertainty and, instead of thinking of these as bad things, changing them into positive motivators. So far, looking at the assignments, it seems like this goal will be accomplished.
I think the biggest reason I decided to take this class was to learn how to deal with risk and uncertainty and, instead of thinking of these as bad things, changing them into positive motivators. So far, looking at the assignments, it seems like this goal will be accomplished.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Introduction
Hi! My name is Amanda and I am majoring in Finance. I plan on going to law school and practicing corporate law. I come from a family of engineers and I wanted to do something different, I chose finance and law because they both interest me. I'm from Clearwater and my family and I like to go to the beach, go on the boat, and basically spend a lot of time outside. I haven't traveled to many countries, but I have been to Canada, Germany, and Italy. I also plan on studying abroad in Madrid this summer.
This is a picture of the pier on Clearwater beach where I spend a lot of time during the summer!
This is a picture of the pier on Clearwater beach where I spend a lot of time during the summer!
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
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