Assignment 14 - Halfway Reflection

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. 

To keep up with the requirements of this course has not been a cake walk. Certain behaviors have been used and developed in order to succeed so far in this course. First and foremost, organization is a crucial trait. The behavior of planning ahead via a schedule has allowed me to complete each assignment on time. Additionally, taking detailed notes of the lectures has played a role for me to keep up with the assignments. This allows me to remember important details when it is needed in the weekly assignments.


2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude.

One moment where I felt like giving up was reading the biography about Steve Jobs and then working on the reflection. This assignment came during an intense workload from my other classes and I struggled to manage to save time for various assignments. What pulled me through was my perseverance and dedication to my studies. I realized it was not a great week with all of my assignments, but I managed to work through it in order to stay in line with my academic goals. I definitely feel that I have further developed a tenacious attitude these past two months. The experience that most contributed to this is probably studying for the LSAT, applying to law schools, and working on my class assignments all simultaneously. 


3) Three tips.

My first tip to future students of this course would be to stay ahead of schedule because the workload does pick up not only in this class but others as well. My second tip would be to make a weekly schedule and stick to it. This will allow future students to stay organized and ensure that they do each assignment. My third tip would be to stay motivated. Motivate oneself in order to academically succeed and reach certain academic goals.


                                   

Assignment 13 - Reading Reflection No. 1

I read walter isaacson's biography on Steve Jobs. Here are my thoughts:

• What surprised you the most?

After reading the book, many details surprised me about Steve Jobs. First and foremost, I did not know he was adopted. In the book it was explained that Jobs was put up for adoption so that his adoptive parents would fund his education. Additionally, I was surprised by the fact that different life experiences such as vegetarianism and Jobs' LSD addiction contributed to his overall success. Last but not least, what surprised me arguably the most is that he left college after two years to try to find work experience. He then was able to find a job working for Atari. I assumed Steve Jobs had a typical life leading to the finding of Apple, and was surprised by the experiences he had in his life.

• What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

There was one thing about Steve Jobs that I strongly admired from reading this book. This was his "reality distortion field". Basically, when Jobs had a goal in mind, he would do whatever it took to make that goal take place. Often working late, his determination allowed him to succeed. This sense of dedication extended throughout his team as well. He would often convince his team to work long hours by persuading them that the product would be the best on the market. His charisma and persistence was a huge factor in Apple's success. 

• What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

The one thing from the book that I least admired about Steve Jobs was his multiple occasions of being distracted from his goals. Before the founding of Apple, Jobs had an addiction to LSD, which was most likely not healthy. This probably interfered with his goals to some extent. Additionally, in the early stages of Apple, there was a tense atmosphere between Jobs and the other co-founder Wozniak. This led to some issues regarding trust that could have impacted the levels of success early on.

• Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

Steve Jobs did encounter some adversity and failure along the way. Like I have previously mentioned, the mistrust between him and Wozniak early on was a source of some adversity that they both had to overcome. Additionally, leaving college to find work experience provided Jobs with some adversity that ultimately allowed him to succeed when he overcame it. Without this adversity, Jobs may not have been as successful as he was. With this adversity, Jobs worked through it in order to achieve his goals. This adversity helped lighten a flame for Steve Jobs and helped him develop his sense of passion and determination. Without it, he may not have been able to succeed in his endeavors.

•  What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

Steve Jobs exhibited many competencies throughout his professional life. His passion and determination are most likely the main driving forces behind his success. With his passion he was able to motivate his team of engineers to continue working on projects that may have seemed impossible at the time. His determination allowed him to work through these long hours until he is successful with the projects. Additionally, Jobs' charisma was very important. This quality provided a sense of trust throughout the company. Having these three competencies were crucial factors especially in the early stages. Without passion, determination, and charisma Jobs may not have been able to finish the projects.

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

One part of the reading that was not completely clear for me was how Jobs selected the name Apple for the company. The book explains the reasons, but does not describe why one reason may be stronger than the other. First, the book says Jobs was experimenting with fruitarian diets and was on an apple farm the same day he wanted to send an official file to the government. The second reason said that Jobs followed a quote by Leonardo DaVinci. This quote was "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".  Jobs argued that the apple was a great symbolism for this mindset. Last but not least, the book provides a third more likely reason. Working for Atari, Jobs wanted to be superior to them. Apple comes before Atari on the phonebook. This alphabetical order may explain the reasoning behind the name.

•  If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

If I was able to ask Steve Jobs two questions, I would ask whether or not he had any regrets regarding his years prior to Apple's success. I would ask this to see what he thought about his LSD addiction and leaving school to work for Atari and whether or not this benefited him in the long run. The second question I would ask him would be if he could change one thing about the company, what would it be. I would ask this question to see if there are any projects he worked on that with hindsight bias he would change to better accommodate consumers' desires.

• For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

I think Steve Jobs' opinion of hard work would be dedicating long hours to ensure your opportunity's success. Motivating your team and staying passionate about the idea are crucial aspects of hard work. Not getting discouraged by minor setbacks is also an element of hard work. I share this opinion with Steve Jobs. I agree that without dedication and passion, it is near impossible to reach your goals. Adversity will occur but to be successful, one must prosper through the hard times. 

Assignment 12 - Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

1. Pick a segment

I have selected to use the segment of individuals wanting to make their lifestyles healthier for this assignment in order to better figure out buyers' behaviors.

First Interview

Need Awareness: This individual admitted that her awareness of the need is not evident in her typical daily activities. On occasion though, her need awareness does show up. When asked about where, she responded saying usually in public settings like on campus walking to classes. She notices all of the dining places on campus and often thinks about somehow tracking the food that she consumes. The next question was about when she notices her need awareness. The interviewee explained that when her awareness occurs, it is most of the time at the end of the day. She often looks back at the day and thinks about the calories she has consumed. The final question regarding this was about how the need awareness occurs. The interviewee described society's role. She explained that it is a feeling of guilt due to the perceptions that are in place about what a healthy life looks like.

Information Search: I then asked this college-aged female what the first thing she does to solve this issue when she is aware of the need. She claimed that her immediate reaction is to plan meals for the next week that are healthy. She starts by making a list of healthy foods. The interviewee looks on Google to find healthy recipes. After asking what type of websites she looks at for recipes, she stated that she tries to find easy, affordable, and healthy recipes that can be made. Last but not least, I asked about influences from friends and family. She told me that her parents are great resources because they give her advice on meals and ultimately make her feel better.


Second Interview

Need Awareness: This individual acknowledged that his awareness of the need is evident in his typical daily life. On occasion he has found himself thinking about it in his studies. This interviewee is a college aged male who enjoys working out daily. When asked about when he is aware of the need, he responded saying usually when he is just thinking and not busy with anything. He notices that his mind also wanders sometimes and thinks about certain workouts or diet plans. The next question was about where he notices his need awareness. The interviewee explained that his awareness occurs at the gym usually. He explains that at the gym he would like to be able to track his progress online. The final question regarding this was about how the need awareness occurs. The interviewee described how he often judges himself based off of his peers at the gym. Seeing other people workout allows for his awareness of the need to be evident.

Information Search: I then asked this college-aged male what the first thing he does to solve this issue when he is aware of the need. He stated that his immediate reaction is to think of different lifts he can incorporate into his workouts. He starts by organizing his daily lifts. The interviewee looks on Google to research different experts' plans. After asking what type of websites he looks at for workout schedules, he explained that he tries to find well known athletes' plans that can be implemented. Last but not least, I asked about influences from friends and family. This interviewee told me that his friends are great resources because they give him motivation to stick with his plan.

Third Interview

Need Awareness: This individual claimed that her awareness of the need is evident in her typical week. On occasion, her need awareness shows up more frequently than other weeks. This interviewee is a middle aged female I interviewed at Publix. When asked about where, she responded saying usually when she is out running errands. She sees college aged individuals and thinks about when she was that age. The next question was about when she notices her need awareness. The interviewee explained that when her awareness occurs, it is most of the time when she is tired and at home. She  thinks about how she can manage to have more time to workout more often. The final question regarding this was about how the need awareness occurs. The interviewee described that when she is cooking for her family, she tries to always make healthy meals. When doing this, thoughts about working out come to her. She then tries to create a plan to workout and eat healthy as she juggles time with work and kids.


Information Search: I then asked this middle aged female what the first thing she does to solve this issue when she is aware of the need. She claimed that her immediate reaction is to plan ways to have time to go to the local gym. She starts by creating a plan to leave work early and wake up early in addition. The interviewee looks on Google to find workouts for beginners. After asking what type of websites she looks at for workouts, she stated that she tries to find reliable, friendly, and easy to follow workouts that are intended for women. Last but not least, I asked about influences from friends and family. She told me that her friends are great resources because they give her advice and motivation to go to the gym with them.

Report the findings of your research

From these interviews I learned more about ways people plan on reaching their health goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, I learned that the frequency that people are aware of their needs differ; not everyone will be aware of their need on a daily basis. Furthermore, when, where, and how the need occurs also differs between individuals. My idea would be used differently on each case. Last but not least, I learned that people also have different methods on improving their goals. Some focus on ways to cook and eat healthier, while others research different workouts to reach their goals.

Draw Conclusions

I would describe this segment in terms of "need awareness" and "information search" as unique to the individual. Each person may differ in their approaches, but at the end of the day they have the same goal to improve their lifestyles and maintain their health goals.

Assignment 11 - Idea Napkin No. 1

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life?

My name is Dylan Shaffer. I am a fourth year student at the University of Florida, majoring in criminology and on the pre-law track. I believe that I am talented in public speaking and me sense of dedication. My experiences with public speaking include being a nominee for the annual public speaking forum here at the University of Florida. My aspirations include going to law school and becoming a practicing attorney. I see this business playing a major role in my life, if I continue to go through with it and start it. If this business was started, I would be the primary handler of all business related aspects, and would dedicate a lot of time to ensure that it is successful.

2) What are you offering to customers? Describe the product or service (in other words, how you'll solve customers' unmet needs). 

I am offering individuals an app that provides the service towards their unmet needs of healthy lifestyles. I am helping these individuals by implementing an app that combines and calculates one's diet and workouts to get a better picture of one's health goals and plan. Using my product in their lives will help them reach their goals and maintain that lifestyle. I would attempt to show proof of the app's success to better draw potential customers to the app.

3) Who are you offering it to? Describe, in as much detail as possible, the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your customers. Think especially of this question: what do your customers all have in common?

I am offering it to a wide range of types of people. This range includes first time gym-goers, college aged individuals, and recently retired people. The characteristics that these groups of people share are that they all have the goal to either reach a certain health goal, or to maintain their healthy lifestyles. Each person that is attracted to this idea is ultimately searching for a better method to obtaining a healthy lifestyle.

4) Why do they care? Your solution is only valuable insofar as customers believe its valuable to them. Here, explain why customers will actually pay you money to use your product or service.

My solution will be successful depending on how valuable the customers view it. Customers will actually pay money to use this app due to the simplicity that the app offers. By using this app, the customer has a much simpler and more effective method to reach their desired health goals. Instead of creating a diet in one setting and personally comparing it to their workouts in another setting, this app combines both aspects into one complete setting, making it less stressful on the individual.

5) What are your core competencies? What sets you apart from everyone else? Also: what do you have that nobody else has? 

What separates my app from everyone else is the all-inclusive manner to it. Instead of focusing on one aspect of living a healthy lifestyle, this app focuses on every aspect, thus making it more manageable to actually reach one's goals. What makes this app unique and one of a kind is this simplicity factor. Other apps focus on one aspect, whether that is diet or workouts, this app utilizes and compares both.

In addition to these five elements, please spend a paragraph evaluating whether you believe these elements fit together or whether there are aspects of your business concept that are weaker / out-of-joint with the others. 

I believe these elements fit together neatly in the aspects of my business concept. I think each element builds off of each other in order to increase the opportunity for success. If there is one weaker element, I would say it is "why do they care?" This element is also dependent on the motivation of each customer. Although this may be one weakness, I believe that the other elements are strong and impactful. Overall, I feel that I can be successful in offering this app to people trying to reach their health goals and to reaching the targeted audience.

Assignment 10 - Elevator Pitch No.1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_6_waIyuMk&feature=youtu.be

Could not post elevator pitch here so link is to youtube video of my elevator pitch.

Assignment 9 - Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

• WHO: After conducting my five interviews, I have come to the conclusion that there are in fact people who fall outside of the planned market. This group of people are considered bodybuilders and expert dietitians. Three of the individuals I interviewed were members of the University of Florida weight lifting club. They each have had years of experience when it comes to safe workouts and healthy diets. During each interview, the individual admitted that not a lot of people truly know how to properly workout and diet. They thought my idea and opportunity was smart and may potentially be very popular, but would not be heavily used and depended on by people with intense health plans such as bodybuilders. 

 From these interviews I also found out that my market is bigger than originally thought to be. This market is for individuals who have recently retired. I interviewed two people in their mid sixties who have both been retired for less than six months. Both individuals felt that this idea would allow them to stay in shape and prevent them from gaining weight during their retirement. They were both planning on using this app if it was available.

The first interviewee said that many bodybuilders have such unique and complex plans that the app may hinder their progress. The app most likely would not positively impact their health goals, according to this individual.

The two interviewees in their mid sixties also said that along with recently retired individuals, people just starting their health plans would greatly appreciate this app as well.

• WHAT: The second interviewee mentioned something that can impact the success of the opportunity. Although the app would help many people and their goals of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the individual would have to initially want to better themselves. If they do not want to improve themselves, this app serves no purpose.

• WHY: After the interviews, I still believe that the need is not different. It is a matter of how determined the individual is in ensuring that they reach their health goals, and if they will utilize any help that they can to benefit their bodies on their health journeys.

                                   Inside the Boundary                                      Outside the Boundary

Who:                     Recently retired individuals                                       Bodybuilders

               People who have just started their health plans        People who do not want to improve

What:                      To improve people's health                          To create a unique health plan

                 To allow people to better follow their plans             To motivate people to make a plan

Why:  To assist people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which has additional positive consequences. Friendly competitions between friends to motivate each other to stick to their plans.

Assignment 8 - Solving the Problem

My product/service has to do with providing an app on a smart phone that allows the user to plug in what they have eaten plus their workouts in order to calculate a health plan that is unique to the individual's goals. The app would calculate the diet with the exercise levels to incorporate what is needed to reach those goals.

Some people may have heard of or have even tried MyFitnessPal or HealthTap, but there are significant weaknesses. These provide one or the other (workouts or diets) but do not even mention the other. This opportunity would incorporate both to get the most ideal health plan for specific goals. I would like to create a product/service that focuses and utilizes both workouts and diets to implement one health plan.

I want to have a product/service that can be sold to anyone trying to live a healthy lifestyle. The customers can be first time gym-goers and dieters, people starting back up, or even experts. As of right now, health apps focus on one or the other. They do not incorporate both. This may assist the customer, but most likely will not allow them to reach their goals, causing them to stop mid plan out of frustration.

I think people will want to buy this app so that they can finally reach their health goals, whether that be losing weight, or gaining muscle. Almost all competing apps advertise their success, but with this opportunity, it will be more promising for the average person to reach their goals.

Assignment 7A - Testing the Hypothesis

Working Out and Diet maintaining Phone app

• Opportunity

1. Everyday, thousands of Americans are not able to follow, update, or relate their workouts and dieting together to get a better picture of their total health plans.

• The Who: American adults wanting to obtain a better health plan
• The What: They fall into the trap of not relating their total active activities to their diets and are unable to see differences in their plan of having a healthier lifestyle.
• The Why: Having a healthier lifestyle has several positive effects, such as longer life, happier life, etc.

• Testing the Who: Not just Americans have this need, everyone around the world can have this need. Having a healthy lifestyle is important and has positive effects no matter what country the individual lives in. The Who does not discriminate against gender either; both males and females have this need. The intended who is most likely those who have a hard time with their first steps in trying to become healthier.

• Testing the What: This opportunity is not just for those who are falling in the trap of failing to stick to their health plans. The opportunity can be for anyone. The app would combine the data from one's diet and daily activities to get a better picture of how the person is doing, related to their personally set health goals.

• Testing the Why: All people should have the goal to be as healthy as they can be. Previous apps that have similar goals fail to help the customers reach their goal. I plan on combining both their activities and their diet to allow the individual to have a better idea of how they are doing on a daily basis.

• Interview #1:

In this interview, I found that males that are similar to the one I interviewed (college aged) feel that this opportunity is a great one. The app seems to be very promising. This one individual said that he would for sure try out the app and record the correct data to accurately see how he is doing with his fitness goals. This individual also knows friends, both male and female, that would also use the app, which shows that the opportunity is for both males and females.

• Interview #2:

This interview was with a graduate student in her mid twenties. She said that she believes the opportunity would be utilized mostly by women. This individual explains that the culture that society has favors that women should "look a certain way". This graduate student explained that the app sounds like a great way to help women better reach their health goals and monitor their diets.

• Interview #3:

This interview was with a female doctoral candidate. This individual explained that she believes the app will help her get back on track with her diet. I asked if she thought the opportunity would be primarily for people who have previously failed to stick to their plans. This individual mentioned that the app would also help with first time individuals who are new to the idea of working out and dieting. This opportunity is not just for people who have failed in the past due to unsatisfactory apps.

• Interview #4:

This interview was with a male around the age of fifty. He agreed that working out and dieting helps people live healthier lives. The interviewee went into further detail to explain that only positive things could happen to people who better their lives by becoming healthier. I asked if he knew of anyone who previously has started working out and dieted. He explained that his neighbor just recently started a few months ago and how great she now feels. From this interview, a better idea of the positive effects of healthy lifestyles was determined.

• Interview #5:

I wanted to interview this individual because I wanted to see how the information would relate to others. I interviewed a trainer at a local gym to see what he thought of the opportunity. This individual explained to me that the number one thing that he sees is people working out to lose weight, but not sticking to their diets. I explained to him the idea of the app, and he seemed to support the need for an app that calculates the diet and workout to get a better picture. This interview allowed me to see that there may be a legitimate need for the opportunity.

• Given your interviews, what do you know about the opportunity that you didn't know before? 

From these five interviews, I learned a lot about the opportunity that I did not know before. At first, I thought that the opportunity would primarily be for college aged individuals. After these interviews I realized how much the market could increase now that I know the age range of interest is much wider. Additionally, I initially intended for the app to be for people who have previously failed to reach their health goals in past attempts. After interviewing these five individuals, I learned that the opportunity is open for first time gym-goers and dieters. Overall, the Who and the What has grown drastically for this opportunity after testing the hypothesis and interviewing people.

Assignment 6A - Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends

1. Economic Trend: Financial Markets Control Oil, Gas, and Foods Prices

Where I found it: I found it at thebalance.com. The information said that supply and demand is becoming less important in determining the prices. Foreign exchange traders determine the value. The speed of transactions are also speeding up.

What leads me to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: An opportunity might exist because it no longer depends on supply and demand. Instead, networking may play a bigger role.

Who I think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: Anyone who drives long distances would most likely be the prototypical customer.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or relatively difficult to exploit, and why I think so: This opportunity is very difficult to exploit because it is not based on supply and demand anymore. Rather, it may be based on a "who you know" method which could be difficult to take advantage of for a large amount of people.

Why I saw the opportunity: I saw this opportunity because there are people who do not commit to the supply and demand model, but rather take advantage of other methods for opportunities. This opportunity is designed for the population that deals with foreign exchange trading.


2. Economic Trend: Baby Boomers Aren't Retiring

Where I found it: I found it at the balance.com. The information said that over half of the baby boomer generation were forced to delay retirement due to the economic recession. This created a goal to keep costs low and incomes high. This has resulted in younger generations needing to find new ways to find jobs, such as computer technology creating new career paths, or pursuing higher education.

What leads me to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: An opportunity might exist because of the result of baby boomers not retiring. New jobs are being created by and for the younger generations.

Who I think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: The customers with the opportunity are those individuals who are newly graduates, and are seeking their first jobs for their careers.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or relatively difficult to exploit, and why I think so: I believe this opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because of the necessity of a huge majority of people needing to work. Creating these new technological based careers will allow these people to find and obtain jobs.

Why I saw the opportunity: I saw this as an opportunity that many people may not have. Most people may see this as younger generations needing to compete with baby boomers for their jobs, but I see this as an opportunity to create new jobs based on our technology, which will benefit our economy as well.

3. Regulatory Change: Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Where I found it: I found this opportunity at the KPMG advisory page. This opportunity can help better promote safety for those who participate in any online activity.

What leads me to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: An opportunity might exist because privacy and cybersecurity is a growing necessity and many people would be interested in it.

Who I think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: Any online business, statistics source, or individuals with social media would most likely be customers with the opportunity.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or relatively difficult to exploit, and why I think so: This opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because of the growing need for it. As the world becomes more and more dependent on technology, more privacy and cybersecurity measures will be needed. Laws and rules restricting open access to other accounts will be heavily supported.

Why I saw the opportunity: I saw this opportunity as a way to advance current safety protocols for online activities. Securing personal privacy would enable customers to feel safer.

4. Regulatory Change: Credit Management

Where I found it: I found this opportunity at the KPMG advisory page. This opportunity can help better promote safer online banking transactions.

What leads me to believe that this information suggests an opportunity might exist: An opportunity might exist because identity theft is a serious issue and could occur when one's credit is not secure. An opportunity for better credit management would be very popular among people who use credit cards with a high limit.

Who I think is most likely to be the customer with the opportunity: People that are dependent on their credit cards for major purchases would most likely be the customers with this opportunity.

Is the opportunity relatively easy or relatively difficult to exploit, and why I think so: This opportunity is relatively difficult to exploit because people tend to be very cautious when it comes to their banking. Exploiting this opportunity would first require obtaining their trust, which could be difficult.

Why I saw the opportunity: I saw this opportunity as a way to better manage online banking transactions for people that are very busy throughout the day. Improving credit management will also allow for a safer, more secure method to ensure that their finances are private.

Assignment 5A - Identifying Local Opportunities

1. DeSantis on Dorian: Don't Let Your Guard Down, The Gainesville Sun

• https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0831%21August%2B31&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/175B4C1306ECCBF0
• With the shift in Hurricane Dorian's trajectory, governor DeSantis still warns Floridians to be safe and cautious about the possible impacts the hurricane can still have. Any additional change in the trajectory of the storm could have major impacts on safety plans of people in certain counties of the state. According to the National Weather Service Advisory, life threatening storms are still a possibility. DeSantis advises Floridians to take action now and to listen to local officials.
• The problem presented in this story is both natural and an economic one. The storm is the natural problem, and there is not much that people can do to change it. On the other hand, the economic problem is supply and demand for hurricane supplies such as water and gas. The demand for these items may exceed the supply, leading to temporary shortages of water and gas in the areas.
• The problem affects Floridians in the areas near the coast. These counties and residents would feel the affects the most, compared to other counties. Long lines at grocery stores and gas stations may be observed in these surrounding areas.

2. FDLE Issues Alert for Missing Lake City girl, The Gainesville Sun

• https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0831%21August%2B31&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/175B4C12D7C90CE0
• There is a missing child alert for a fourteen year old girl from Lake City. This alert was issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. She was last seen in the area of Southwest Barwick Terrace, and went missing on Saturday. If anyone knows anything, call the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.
• The problem is that a teenage girl went missing and her family does not know where she currently is. This problem is a legal one.
• The family of the girl, first and foremost, has the problem. Additionally, I believe every Floridian in surrounding counties also has the problem.

3. Multiple Deaths in Fiery Crash on Williston Road in Gainesville, The Gainesville Sun

• https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0831%21August%2B31&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/175B4C12F70AB2C0
• On Saturday morning, four people died in a car crash. Initially, a different number was reported, but the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the number to be four. The crash was a head-on collision on Williston Road, near U.S. 441. It was a very significant collision, and the victims may have died either from the impact or the fire. One car caught on fire and the fire spread to the other vehicle. The road was closed for a few hours, and one victim was transported to Shands Hospital in critical condition.
• The problem in this story is a dangerous one. People's lives were in danger from the crash, along with the people trying to solve the problem.
• The problem is for the people involved - the victims, fire department, ambulances, and highway patrol. Additionally, the problem is for others who may be affected by the traffic that the crash caused.

4. UF Cancels Classes, Closes Campus Tuesday in Advance of Hurricane Dorian, The Gainesville Sun

• https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0830%21August%2B30&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/175AA56C738C9438
• The entire University of Florida campus will be closed on Tuesday in preparation for the hurricane. At the time of the article, no decision about Wednesday was made yet. Depending on the hurricane's projected impact, campus shelters may be opened and utilized for students, faculty, and staff.
• The problem is a natural one along with an educational/professional one. The hurricane is the natural problem and we can't do much about that. The educational/professional problem is the issue about campus being closed. Students may prefer libraries to study, and this cannot take place due to campus resources being closed. 
• Everyone who associates with the school has this problem. Students, faculty and staff, along with relatives. Driving out of town to be with family is another reason why relatives may be affected.

5. Humane Society Seeks Foster Families in advance of Dorian, The Gainesville Sun

• https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0829%21August%2B29&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/175AA56BE12B7868
• The Humane Society in North Central Florida has the goal to place all of their animals in foster care before the hurricane in order to make room for animals that are displaced as a result of the storm. They need to make space because animals from eight surrounding counties will be delivered to the facility in the next few days. If the facility does not have enough space, the animals have to be euthanized in their county's shelter. Transported animals may be sent to other shelters in other states. All of the animals are adoptable, and there is a form for fostering an animal. All expenses in the two week period will be covered by the Humane Society.
• The problem is that the facility does not have enough room to house all of the animals. They are asking for support by having people foster some of the animals. If not enough space is made, the facility will have to euthanize some of the animals.
• I think everyone in the area has the problem. People who work at the Humane Society have the problem first-hand, but others also have the problem by needing to foster animals.

Assignment 4A - Forming an Opportunity Belief

      I believe that there is an opportunity in regard to a better health and fitness program/application. Anyone who diets, works out, or intends to have a healthy lifestyle may have this need. Every setting, whether that be at home, at the gym, or at a restaurant has potential for this opportunity. I believe that I could provide an application that scans any meal, calculates the dietary nutrition, and then further calculates it to best adapt to the individual's workouts. There are apps that calculate nutrition, such as DietSensor and FoodVisor, and there are apps that plan certain workouts, but my belief would be the first app to do both and relate it to each other to ensure optimal health for the user. Without a doubt, this need is not new; it has existed for a while. The United States has a stereotype of unhealthy living but this lifestyle is seen internationally. I plan on helping these individuals obtain better health plans in a manner that is easy to follow. There are a lot of programs out there currently that focus on either diet or working out, I plan on combing the two into one app and for the two to work together to show how the individual is doing. The workout levels will respond to show what impact they have had on the daily meals. As of right now, I would say that I am about 70% sure this opportunity exists.
     
      #1: Early twenties male walking out of the gym

• What do you think about an app that calculates both an individual's diet and their workout together?

 " I think that is a great idea. I don't know if that exists yet, but I would definitely try it to see how it works."

• Would you use it periodically throughout the day, or primarily just at the gym or eating?

" I would probably keep up with it throughout the day to see how the nutrition traits are impacted by regular activities like walking."

• How long have you worked out and eaten healthy? Why did you start?

" I started probably around the age of 15 and have kept up with it regularly since then. Honestly, I started because I knew I wanted to stay in shape and live a healthy life."

• What is your current workout and diet plan?

" On average I would say I workout for two hours a day and I enjoy walking a lot as well. As far as diet goes, I don't follow any certain plan, but I make sure that I eat a well balanced amount."

• How satisfied are you with your current plan?

" I think it is going pretty well, but there's always room for improvement. I would definitely try out that app."

REFLECTION: From this encounter, I learned that my idea may be one that is desired and used. I also learned that there may be some interest in the app and how it works. The most surprising thing I learned was that this individual was making sure that he was eating healthy, but was not following any plan. I believe that my idea can help him in living his healthy lifestyle.


  #2: Early twenties female walking to class

• What do you think about an app that calculates both an individual's diet and their workout together?

 " I like the idea. I'm not sure if I would keep up with it, but my roommate definitely would."

• Would you use it periodically throughout the day, or primarily just at the gym or eating?

" I would probably use it at the gym to see how it is affecting my calorie intake."

• How long have you worked out and eaten healthy? Why did you start?

" I workout occasionally and I probably started in high school. This semester I don't have a lot of time to workout, but I still try to eat healthy."

• What is your current workout and diet plan?

" I would like to workout for like an hour and a half a day, but I also walk. I'm a vegetarian, so I think my diet is pretty healthy"

• How satisfied are you with your current plan?

" I wish I had more free time to workout, but I think my plan is still not bad. After this semester, hopefully I have more time."

REFLECTION: From this encounter, I learned that not everyone would use my idea fully, but that is fine. I still believe that the opportunity exists. This individual could still use the app for her walking and diet.


  #3: Middle aged female walking out of Publix

• What do you think about an app that calculates both an individual's diet and their workout together?

 " That's interesting. Does it exist yet? I would try it out."

• Would you use it periodically throughout the day, or primarily just at the gym or eating?

" I would try to look at it throughout the day at work. I would definitely update it when I am eating."

• How long have you worked out and eaten healthy? Why did you start?

" I started working out when I was younger and have tried to workout whenever I can now. When I was younger, I started workout out to stay in shape, but now I focus on just living a healthy life."

• What is your current workout and diet plan?

" I try to workout twice a week on the weekends. It's hard because of my two kids. I do enjoy swimming, so that is also a possibility at home. My diet plan I would say is decent, I don't follow any actual plan, but I try to stay away from junk food."

• How satisfied are you with your current plan?

" I think it's ok for an average person. I would like to workout more, so hopefully in the near future."

REFLECTION: From this encounter, I believe that my idea has the potential for every age range. I think it was important to talk to someone with children to see what they thought of the idea. I think the app definitely has potential for everyone.


SUMMARY: I definitely think the opportunity is still there after my three encounters. Additionally, I think the customer base is bigger than I initially thought. At first, I thought it would most likely just be for people in their twenties, but now I think that anyone wanting a healthy lifestyle may be interested, regardless of their age. After interviewing a few people, I think it is more accurate compared to when I first started. People have their own opinions about their current plans, but my idea may be able to help them better their plans in order to reach higher levels of a healthy lifestyle. I think entrepreneurs should without a doubt adapt their opportunities based on customer feedback. This would ultimately better prepare themselves to be successful and see what customers want. Although they should adapt to customer feedback, they should not adapt so far that the opportunity is completely different from the original idea.