Assignment 17 - Elevator Pitch No. 2

Link to Elevator Pitch No. 2:
https://youtu.be/5nLiFI4zYQ0



From my last elevator pitch, I received a ton of positive feedback that I thought was important. I tried to incorporate this feedback into this second attempt at my elevator pitch. What stood out as the most important feedback I received was to start my hook with a short story or scenario, rather than just introducing myself. On top of this, I was talking too fast in my first pitch, and I attempted to slow it down for this attempt. That is a habit I have, and I tried to improve on this aspect, but definitely can improve even more. I found the feedback that I received to be very useful and insightful. All of the comments allowed me to improve my pitch, and help improve the chance for success for my idea and opportunity.

Based on the feedback, I tried to change the general outline of my elevator pitch. First and foremost, I tried to improve my hook. Initially, I simply introduced myself and my purpose. This time around, I utilized a scenario in order to better capture my audience's attention. Additionally, I tried to slow down my talking. Although I think I can improve more, I believe that I successfully talked at a slower rate compared to my first pitch. Other than that, I expanded on my problem and solution aspects of my pitch to get a better picture of my idea for the audience.

Assignment 16 - What's Your Secret Sauce?

 Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique. 

1. My passion and drive is my first quality that I believe makes me unique. My feelings towards a topic or subject are strong and sincere. I think I have a great ability to connect with people through this.

2. I believe that I can communicate my thoughts and ideas very well to others. This has come to good use when having to work in group projects to complete a common good.

3. I believe that I can be very charismatic when it comes to topics that I am interested in. I think this leadership quality is unique and can help in succeeding with my goals.

4. My optimistic viewpoint is another quality that I believe makes me unique. I always try to see the situation in a positive light, and try to figure out ways to improve and succeed.

5. My sense of humor is another quality that contributes to my human capital. Through my comedic side, I can connect with people and help lighten the mood in order to reduce stress that the group may face.


Interview the five people who know you the best.

From this interview, I learned more about an external viewpoint of my determination and drive. I continue with the task until the goal is achieved.

From this interview, I learned more about an external viewpoint on my hard working nature. This interview went into depth about my attitude when it comes to finishing projects.

From this interview, I learned more about my communication skills. This interviewee went into detail about how I can successfully communicate my message to others.

From this interview, I learned about another perspective of my dedication. My perseverance was one quality that was emphasized in this interview.

From this interview, I learned more about my drive and dedication. This interview went into detail with examples of how I have stayed optimistic and ensured that certain tasks will be successful.


Reflect on the differences.

How I see myself and how others see me draws many similarities. While doing these five interviews, I heard a lot of common themes such as my dedication and my hardworking personality. There may be some differences, but ultimately, I was happy to see that I had an accurate description of myself. These opinions about me came from different experiences each interviewee has had throughout our relationships. Overall, I do think that these interviewees were correct about me. I do not think I would make any corrections to my original list.

Assignment 15 - Figuring out Buyer Behavior No. 2

I am using the same segment for this assignment in order to better figure out buyers' behaviors: individuals wanting to make their lifestyles healthier.

First Interview

Alternative Evaluation: This interviewee explained exactly how they do their picking when it comes to purchasing products and services. The interviewee was a college aged female. She explained that there are a few factors that are important when it comes to how she selects what item to purchase. First and foremost, she answered that price is a huge factor. She explained that price matters the most because she does not have a large amount of money to spend after her expenses such as food, gas, and rent. This individual explained that price is a major reason why she may or may not purchase products and services. Furthermore, she explained that quality is another major factor when it comes to choosing what to purchase. She explained that the quality of the item shapes her mind about whether or not to continue to use it. Picking what to purchase comes down to price and quality for this individual.

How/Where do they buy?: This interviewee admitted that she is more likely to purchase items online compared to going to stores. She explained that it is much easier and saves time to just go online. Instead of driving to the store and carrying whatever is purchased, she explains that she can do the same in the comfortable setting of her apartment and have it delivered. Online shopping is less time and energy consuming she explained. Additionally, she is more likely to either use her credit or debit card rather than cash. Likewise, she found using a card to be easier than cash, and she can see her finances on her online banking apps. She believes technology has made it much simpler and easier to fulfill one's shopping.


Post-purchase evaluation: This interviewee explained that the most important trait was how much she used the item when thinking back on the "rightness" of the purchase. She thinks about if she got her money's worth from the item. In determining if the purchase was a good idea, she measures the results she got from it and if it was used regularly. Deciding that the purchase was a bad idea comes from a few reasons for this individual. If she only used it occasionally, if the item broke or malfunctioned, or if it resulted in her stressing about her expenses, usually creates a sense of a bad purchase for this interviewee.

Second Interview

Alternative Evaluation: This interviewee also described how they do their picking when it comes to purchasing products and services. The interviewee was a male who attends the University of Florida. He explained that there is more than one factor that is important when it comes to how he selects what item to purchase. Similarly to the first interview, he answered that price is a major factor. He explained that price may matter the most because as a college student, he does not have a large amount of money to spend on products and services that are not necessary. This individual explained that price is a major reason when deciding between which brand, which model, or which product. Furthermore, he also explained that quality is another major factor when it comes to choosing what to purchase. This individual explained that the quality of the item shapes his mind about the overall experience. Picking what to purchase comes down to price and quality for this individual as well. This interview was very similar regarding alternative evaluations to the first interview.

How/Where do they buy?: This interviewee highlighted that he is actually more likely to purchase items in stores compared to online shopping. He explained that it is much simpler and in reality saves effort. Instead of ordering something online and not seeing it in person before you pay, you see what you are buying in person. This reduces the chance of the customer not being happy with the purchase. Online shopping is more stressful and has a higher chance of not satisfying the individual he explained. Similarly to the first interview, he is more likely to use his credit or debit card rather than cash. Likewise, he found using a card to be more convenient than cash, and he can see his transactions on his banking app. 

Post-purchase evaluation: Just like the first interview, this interviewee explained that one very important trait was how much he used the item when thinking back on the "rightness" of the purchase. He thinks about whether or not he feels fulfilled from using the item. In determining if the purchase was a good idea, he measures his feelings and sense of achievement he got from it and if it was used regularly. Deciding that the purchase was a bad idea comes from a few reasons for this individual as well. If he only used it rarely, if the item did not perform as intended, or if it became a source of stress, this interviewee sees it as a bad purchase.

Third Interview

Alternative Evaluation: This part of the interview was about how this individual selects their product or service. The interviewee was a middle aged male. He explained that there are a few factors that are important when it comes to selecting what item to purchase. One important factor is price. He explained that price matters because necessities such as food, clothing, family, and paying his mortgage are more of a priority. After these necessities are taken care of, he has to monitor his spending.  This individual explained that price is a major reason why he may purchase competing products and services. Additionally, he explained that quality is another important factor when it comes to choosing what to purchase. He argued that the quality of the item shapes his mind about future purchases. Picking what to purchase ultimately comes down to price and quality for this individual.

How/Where do they buy?: This interviewee highlighted that he only purchases items in stores compared to online shopping. He explained that it is much simpler and safer. He has had identity theft issues in the past and is cautious about putting banking information online. He explains that buying products in stores eliminates the chance of someone hacking your information. This reduces the chance of the customer having negative experiences with the purchase. Online shopping is more stressful he explained. In contrast with the other interviews, he is more likely to use cash rather than credit or debit cards. He explains that cash is "real, physical money". Furthermore, this interviewee argued that cards make it too easy to access large amounts of money. He believes using a card is too convenient, and can have negative consequences. He can always track his spending when it comes to cash.

Post-purchase evaluation: Just like the first two interviews, this interviewee explained that one very important trait was how much use he got from the item when thinking about the "rightness" of the purchase. He thinks about whether or not he enjoyed using the item. In determining if the purchase was a good idea, he measures his feelings and weighs it with his other expenses to see if it was smart. Deciding that the purchase was a bad idea comes from a few reasons for this individual as well. If he did not have time for it, if the item did not perform as intended, or if it became a source of stress, this interviewee sees it as a bad purchase.

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. From the first assignment to now, I gained more insight on factors that determine the behaviors of buyers. Additionally, I learned that the factors that people are aware of are often similar; price and quality are common factors. Furthermore, how, where, and explanations explain similarities and  differences between individuals and their behaviors. My idea would be used differently on each case. Last but not least, I learned that people also have different methods on evaluating their purchases. Some focus on price, while others focus on feelings and experience.

Draw Conclusions

I would describe this segment in terms of "alternative evaluation", "how/where they purchase" and "post-purchase evaluation" as having similarities and differences for each individual. Each person may differ in their approaches, but also have similar factors in determining behaviors. At the end of the day, they have the same goal to improve their lifestyles and maintain their health goals.

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.