Check out my 1st elevator pitch below:
Friday, September 28, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
9A - Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2
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Opportunity: Implement wireless
charging pads to all types of phones and computers in libraries around UF libraries.
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Inside Boundary
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Outside Boundary
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Who is in?
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UF Students, UF faculty, Gainesville
locals, people who study all night in the library
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People outside of
Gainesville, those who bring their own chargers, those who are intimidated by
technology
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What the need is?
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Students can’t work on
their homework or study for their exams if their computer/phone is dead
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Responsible students bring
their own chargers around campus, technology might fail, big money investment
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Why the need exists?
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With students in the
library all night, they forget their chargers frequently.
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Students know to become
prepared for an all-nighter, students might sit next to wireless chargers
even if they don’t need it
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- John, a UF student, brings his chargers around campus so that he is never unprepared. He wouldn’t see a use in this business idea but seems like a good idea.
- Molly, a UF freshman, lives on campus and feels like she can walk back to her room to get any chargers if she needs.
- Cristina believes that she studies best in her apartment and it is too much of an inconvenience to go to the libraries late at night. She thinks that money would be better used in other resources around campus.
- Hailey believes that the technology would not have a long enough lifespan to be used 24 hours, year-round. Therefore, this would not be the most efficient for UF to continuously replacing them.
- Jennifer believes this is a smart idea but doesn’t run into the problem of her technology dying that often throughout the day.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
8A - Solving the Problem
Opportunity: The layout of UF libraries don’t provide enough opportunities to charge student’s computers and phones. This also forces students to bring their chargers around campus throughout the day or hope their technology doesn’t die before they get back home. I am constantly forced to head home to charge my devices instead of going through their day as normally planned.
Problem solving: To take advantage of this opportunity, I would create a business that would build, sell, and implement wireless charging pads adaptable to all phones or computers types and versions. This would then be built into each table and counter at UF libraries. It could also expand to local coffee shops to classrooms or random benches and tables around campus. Even though the use of this product would be students or the general public, this business would sell to building managers, construction planners, city managers, etc.
Problem solving: To take advantage of this opportunity, I would create a business that would build, sell, and implement wireless charging pads adaptable to all phones or computers types and versions. This would then be built into each table and counter at UF libraries. It could also expand to local coffee shops to classrooms or random benches and tables around campus. Even though the use of this product would be students or the general public, this business would sell to building managers, construction planners, city managers, etc.
7A - Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
Opportunity: There are not enough charging platforms in UF libraries, requiring students to bring their own chargers and find an outlet. This reveals an opportunity for libraries to have wireless chargers at each table, instead of outlets.
The who: Marston, Library West, Newell, and dorm study rooms
The what: Adding wireless charging pads on every table that can charge all types of phones and computers.
The why: Students always forget to bring their phone and computer chargers to the library and are forced to go home early before they finish studying. If they did bring their chargers, they then would have to move seats (if there are any) to the closest wall with an outlet. By having wireless chargers (with more advanced development) on each table, students will be able to maximize their time more efficiently.
Testing the who: Everyone who is in my who categories, “libraries around UF campus,” would benefit directly but there is an opportunity for more people to benefit. This would include restaurants, coffee shops, malls, and workplaces.
Testing the what: There would not be any boundaries for this opportunity. It can be widely sold to businesses and expanded to make outlets and dragging around your portable chargers and outlets out of business.
Testing the why: The only market this may not reach would be people with old outdated software that would not be advanced enough to connect with the wireless charging pads. People are already used to bringing their wireless chargers with them everywhere and might not think there would be a need for this opportunity.
Interview #1
As a UF student, Mike would be very interested in this idea of implementing wireless charging in libraries. He is constantly declining the opportunity of going to the libraries or hanging out around campus because either his phone or computer is about to die.
Interview #2
Paul doesn’t believe this would be a good opportunity because he uses a lot of space on the tables in the libraries. He likes to spread out his notes and a small outlet would be more efficient.
Interview #3
As a librarian, Hailey thinks this would be a great idea for students. She says that multiple people come up, especially during the night hours, to her desk asking for chargers for their computers and phones.
Interview #4
Jordan loves this idea but believes it is not necessary to waste a lot of money on, since it would be a giant investment. It might cost less if libraries give out portable chargers to rent, like they do with bikes around campus.
Interview #5
Mike doesn’t see a need of adding wireless chargers to libraries because we wouldn’t be able bring it around campus. This would also make the libraries more crowded than they already are, especially when they are sitting there for the charger and not to study.
Conclusion
I am surprised by all the flaws this opportunity might bring. I didn’t think about the massive amount of increase of students visiting the libraries and the opinions of those who are not students. While this is a good idea, the functionality and price of this business plan would be insane.
The who: Marston, Library West, Newell, and dorm study rooms
The what: Adding wireless charging pads on every table that can charge all types of phones and computers.
The why: Students always forget to bring their phone and computer chargers to the library and are forced to go home early before they finish studying. If they did bring their chargers, they then would have to move seats (if there are any) to the closest wall with an outlet. By having wireless chargers (with more advanced development) on each table, students will be able to maximize their time more efficiently.
Testing the who: Everyone who is in my who categories, “libraries around UF campus,” would benefit directly but there is an opportunity for more people to benefit. This would include restaurants, coffee shops, malls, and workplaces.
Testing the what: There would not be any boundaries for this opportunity. It can be widely sold to businesses and expanded to make outlets and dragging around your portable chargers and outlets out of business.
Testing the why: The only market this may not reach would be people with old outdated software that would not be advanced enough to connect with the wireless charging pads. People are already used to bringing their wireless chargers with them everywhere and might not think there would be a need for this opportunity.
Interview #1
As a UF student, Mike would be very interested in this idea of implementing wireless charging in libraries. He is constantly declining the opportunity of going to the libraries or hanging out around campus because either his phone or computer is about to die.
Interview #2
Paul doesn’t believe this would be a good opportunity because he uses a lot of space on the tables in the libraries. He likes to spread out his notes and a small outlet would be more efficient.
Interview #3
As a librarian, Hailey thinks this would be a great idea for students. She says that multiple people come up, especially during the night hours, to her desk asking for chargers for their computers and phones.
Interview #4
Jordan loves this idea but believes it is not necessary to waste a lot of money on, since it would be a giant investment. It might cost less if libraries give out portable chargers to rent, like they do with bikes around campus.
Interview #5
Mike doesn’t see a need of adding wireless chargers to libraries because we wouldn’t be able bring it around campus. This would also make the libraries more crowded than they already are, especially when they are sitting there for the charger and not to study.
Conclusion
I am surprised by all the flaws this opportunity might bring. I didn’t think about the massive amount of increase of students visiting the libraries and the opinions of those who are not students. While this is a good idea, the functionality and price of this business plan would be insane.
Friday, September 14, 2018
6A : Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends
Economic trend 1: Apple unveils new iPhone models amid slowing smartphone demand
a. https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/apple-unveils-new-iphone-models-amid-slowing-smartphone-demand
b. I suggest an opportunity may exist with Apple’s new iPhone reveal. With the price of the smartphone drastically increasing every 6 months with the new reveal, people are slowing down their purchases. The company has even reported that they are going to manufacture 20 million less phones than the last shipment based on their company’s projection. This provides an opportunity for other companies to come in with similar technology at a much lower price to better appeal to more customers.
c. This new opportunity would appeal to most people who are tech-savvy and get a new phone every 6 months to a year, but don’t want to pay the high price that Apple is offering.
d. This may be a very difficult opportunity to exploit because Apple drives the entire tech industry. A new company or existing outdated company would have to make a huge update to get on the market next to Apple.
e. For the past few months, I have been looking forward to buying the next Apple iPhone. But with the much higher price with the lack of useful features, I will most likely look into other options.
Economic trend 2: SpaceX changes plans to send tourists around the moon
a. https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/spacex-changes-plans-to-send-tourists-around-the-moon
b. The original plan from Elon Musk was to send 2 passengers flying around the moon in the new Falcon Heavy rocket. But this recently has changed to only letting 1 person fly in the rocket. This is a step towards one day allowing everyone to achieve their dream of going to space. This opens up an opportunity for people to explore the unknown of space and makes it much easier to become an astronaut. Right now SpaceX has no competition, so that provides a huge opportunity for other companies to open and start their own missions to space.
c. The typical customer would be average, normal people who have always wanted to explore space and the moon. This also holds an opportunity for more space exploration businesses to open.
d. This would also be very difficult to exploit because of the huge money investment and risk.
e. I have always been interested in space and it’s a dream (although unrealistic) to explore it one day.
Regulatory change 1: Germany planning crackdown online tax evasions
a. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/25/reuters-america-germany-planning-crackdown-on-online-tax-evasion--paper.html
b. The German finance minister is planning to reduce the taxes of online dealers in a variety of platforms like eBay and Amazon. This new law holds that these platforms are registered with the proper tax authorities. The article states that there are several hundred million euros in additional tax revenue each year. This leads to the opportunity of more products being sold at a cheaper price and increasing sales and products for sale on both platforms.
c. Typical customers of online platforms like eBay and Amazon are going to be attracted to this opportunity as well as sellers who post products on these platforms.
d. This would be very easy to exploit since the government regulates all of the money and taxes and less of individual business transactions.
e. I am an avid shopping online on all platforms which draws me into these cheeper deals online.
Regulatory change 2: California prohibits city soda taxes through 2030
a. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-california-sodatax/california-prohibits-city-soda-taxes-through-2030-idUSKBN1JO2A3
b. California passed a law that bans local sugar taxes until 2030. This prevents any local governments from imposing any taxes in the future on groceries including all carbonated drinks. This opportunity for more sugar-infused drinks to come to market is very high since customers are more willing to buy.
c. People who drink soda or enjoy carbonated drinks are drawn towards this opportunity.
d. This would be very easy to exploit as more beverage companies can sell their product while the topic is in the light in California.
e. I never liked carbonated drinks and only drink water. But since I visit California regularly, their prices on all aspects are very high so it is great to see the government take steps to reduce the taxes.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
5A: Identifying Local Opportunities
1) Article 1
Title: McDonald’s fires back in cheese lawsuit filed on behalf of South Florida customers
Link: https://www.local10.com/lifestyle/legal-news/mcdonalds-fires-back-in-cheese-lawsuit-filed-on-behalf-of-south-florida-customers
Description: The franchisors of McDonalds claimed to have no control over pricing in their franchisee’s locations. In many South Florida McDonald locations, customers are forced to pay for cheese on their quarter pounder burger even if they ask for no cheese.
Problem: Customers should not be forced to pay for a product that they are not going to eat. McDonald’s should have a more direct impact on their franchise locations in pricing and strategy.
Who: People who don’t like cheese, all McDonald customers, poor people
2) Article 2
Title: South Carolina shelter animals evacuated to Broward County
Link: https://www.local10.com/weather/hurricane/south-carolina-shelter-animals-evacuated-to-broward-county
Description: In preparation for Hurricane Florence, about 50 animals were transported from animal shelters in South Carolina to shelters in Broward County, FL. They will now be available for adoption in a new county starting next week.
Problem: During natural disasters, many animals are left behind while the families or businesses evacuate. It’s a tough situation, especially for shelters, to help every animal either find and transport to a new shelter or find families very quickly before the storm hits. There were also more animals flown in from Puerto Rico where Hurricane Isaac is projected to hit.
Who: Animal shelters, farms, families with pets
3) Article 3
Title: Colorful umbrella exhibit in Coral Gables to come down
Link: https://www.local10.com/news/florida/coral-gables/colorful-umbrella-exhibit-in-coral-gables-to-come-down
Description: This colorful art piece in Coral Gables, FL has brought over 1 million people to the area. People come from all towns to take a famous selfie with this beautiful backdrop. While providing shade to the streets, they also have become a landmark for Miami. Now being taken down by the city this upcoming Monday, they are selling each umbrella at $25 to help fund future city projects.
Problem: Art is being less and less recognized in cities. They would rather use that space for building a new skyscraper or opening a new business. By the city taking down this art piece, tourism in the city will significantly decrease as well as local businesses and restaurants will suffer.
Who: Miami locals, tourist, surrounding businesses
4) Article 4
Title: Fort Lauderdale residents alarmed as algae blooms infest waterways
Link: https://www.local10.com/news/local/fort-lauderdale/fort-lauderdale-residents-alarmed-as-algae-blooms-infest-waterways
Description: There has been an unsightly blue-green alga in the waterways of Fort Lauderdale. This cyanobacterium has been spotted in downtown marinas and rivers making it very unsafe for people and animals. Locals claim to call it ‘green slime’ as it has been killing the oxygen levels in the water, which is a direct threat to the marine life.
Problem: People are not allowed to water their lawns or go in the water south of Fort Lauderdale. This also provides a threat to the marine life as the oxygen level has been decreasing killing a lot of fish.
Who: Fort Lauderdale residents, businesses, and surrounding cities and beaches; marine industries, water enthusiasts
5) Article 5
Title: Fake contractor stole thousands from 67-year-old woman, police say
Link: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/tamarac/fl-ne-fake-contractor-hurricane-windows-20180913-story.html
Description: Margaret Dorman, a 67-year-old woman, played into the games of an unlicensed contractor to install impact resistant windows in her house. He ended up running away with around $21,000 of her savings. She first began to notice something was off when all of the amounts due was rounded up to the thousands. So, when she called his former company, they stated he was fired months ago and willing to help out with the police.
Problem: Old people are often falling for scams with no protection. They are losing so much money from people fooling them and coming door-to-door.
Who: elderly, retired people, companies, families of old people
Description: In preparation for Hurricane Florence, about 50 animals were transported from animal shelters in South Carolina to shelters in Broward County, FL. They will now be available for adoption in a new county starting next week.
Problem: During natural disasters, many animals are left behind while the families or businesses evacuate. It’s a tough situation, especially for shelters, to help every animal either find and transport to a new shelter or find families very quickly before the storm hits. There were also more animals flown in from Puerto Rico where Hurricane Isaac is projected to hit.
Who: Animal shelters, farms, families with pets
3) Article 3
Title: Colorful umbrella exhibit in Coral Gables to come down
Link: https://www.local10.com/news/florida/coral-gables/colorful-umbrella-exhibit-in-coral-gables-to-come-down
Description: This colorful art piece in Coral Gables, FL has brought over 1 million people to the area. People come from all towns to take a famous selfie with this beautiful backdrop. While providing shade to the streets, they also have become a landmark for Miami. Now being taken down by the city this upcoming Monday, they are selling each umbrella at $25 to help fund future city projects.
Problem: Art is being less and less recognized in cities. They would rather use that space for building a new skyscraper or opening a new business. By the city taking down this art piece, tourism in the city will significantly decrease as well as local businesses and restaurants will suffer.
Who: Miami locals, tourist, surrounding businesses
4) Article 4
Title: Fort Lauderdale residents alarmed as algae blooms infest waterways
Link: https://www.local10.com/news/local/fort-lauderdale/fort-lauderdale-residents-alarmed-as-algae-blooms-infest-waterways
Description: There has been an unsightly blue-green alga in the waterways of Fort Lauderdale. This cyanobacterium has been spotted in downtown marinas and rivers making it very unsafe for people and animals. Locals claim to call it ‘green slime’ as it has been killing the oxygen levels in the water, which is a direct threat to the marine life.
Problem: People are not allowed to water their lawns or go in the water south of Fort Lauderdale. This also provides a threat to the marine life as the oxygen level has been decreasing killing a lot of fish.
Who: Fort Lauderdale residents, businesses, and surrounding cities and beaches; marine industries, water enthusiasts
5) Article 5
Title: Fake contractor stole thousands from 67-year-old woman, police say
Link: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/tamarac/fl-ne-fake-contractor-hurricane-windows-20180913-story.html
Description: Margaret Dorman, a 67-year-old woman, played into the games of an unlicensed contractor to install impact resistant windows in her house. He ended up running away with around $21,000 of her savings. She first began to notice something was off when all of the amounts due was rounded up to the thousands. So, when she called his former company, they stated he was fired months ago and willing to help out with the police.
Problem: Old people are often falling for scams with no protection. They are losing so much money from people fooling them and coming door-to-door.
Who: elderly, retired people, companies, families of old people
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