Final Reflection

Upon looking back at my previous 40-something posts, it is actually really interesting to see how much I have progressed. My very first posts, i realized, had no substance to them.  they were bland and difficult to read.  I literally wish I could go back and edit them to make them much better.  But I must give myself a pat on the back because as the semester went on my posts gained some substance and I was able to express myself much easier.   From the trivial times when I was freaking out about getting the video customer interviews done, to the weekly Sunday routine of writing my chapter reflections.  Those Elevator pitches and Venture Concepts definitely took a toll on me.  But looking back to them, they helped me voice my concept for the whole world to hear.

The most formative experience has to be interviewing an entrepreneur.  It was a great experience to talk to someone that has been such a big role model in my life.  I worked for this man, I played Little League Baseball for this man, and his son is basically my brother.  This was a very humbling experience for me.  Speaking about humbling experiences, the most enjoyable experience for me, was the time I went out to explore another market.  I came across some impoverished families and it made me appreciate what I am blessed to have so much more.

Of course I believe that I am truly an Entrepreneur now.  I think I still have more to learn about the profession but this class really guided me in the right direction.  I'm walking the pathway to more success and I am so excited to where it will lead me.  I understand that mantra now.  The mantra will help me in all of my future businesses.

One recommendation  I would have for the future students taking this course is to stay on top of the assignments and never take them for granted.  They may seem arduous and tasking but trust me they are put in place to build you up, not break you down.  I am so fortunate to have taken this course and I will use this course to continue to want to be successful at everything that I do.  

Week 15 Reflection

The most appealing  aspect of Chapter 13 of the textbook was the subject on how poorly people in these run down countries live. It was mind boggling to see how people in third world countries make their living everyday.  This is much different from what we have here in the United States.  

Nothing really confusing to me in this week's chapter.  Everything was easy enough to comprehend.  In prior weeks there were confusing charts and such. 

Question 1: Do you think that major corporations should invest their time and money to create jobs for people in these countries? 
Question 2: If you were in this position, what would you do?

I would ask these questions because this part of the reading really affected me.  It is crazy to think about how poor these people really are.  I would love to hear about the author's thoughts on the subject. 

Once again I do not disagree with anything that the author has said in this chapter.  I am beginning to see many similarities between his mindset and mine.  

Venture Concept No. 2

The driving force for creating the opportunity to bring a new, innovative way for people to express themselves was my several observations.  I was the change in the environment, a kid from New York that looked around and saw everyone dressing basically the same. Everyone basically had the same style and it was highly surprising to my eyes.  The college campus location as well as the student demographic defines the market.  My idea revolves on the energy that comes with being at UF.  Honestly, the idea wouldn’t be able to succeed if it wasn’t for a college campus.  It revolves around the concept of young, innovative minds that would love to step out of the box and start a new trend on campus.  Right now, my customers are satisfying their need by wearing name brands such as Polo, Vineyard Vines, Patagonia, and Nike.  It’s funny because everyone seems to put these items of clothing together in the same arrangement that makes everyone look like they have the same sense of style.  Unfortunately, I must say that my customers are pretty loyal to the major brands that I have just listed.  The window of opportunity is enormous I believe. I am still a freshman here at UF and I have three years to turn this idea into reality.  I can use my time at UF to continue to innovate and turn people onto my product.  Time is the key to success. With time comes the opportunity to mold my brand so that it can carry legitimacy and credibility. 

            My product is an entirely new brand of clothing called Ewear Clothing.  Ewear clothing provides apparel such as t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, sweaters, and hats.  These products will allow for innovate minds across the University of Florida campus to be able to express themselves and stand out from the crowd.  I would ideally like to create a Clothing truck experience as well so that I can have a space to sell and promote my clothes.  I would park it right by the Plaza of the Americas.  This would allow for me to be seen throughout the day.  The “experience” would consist of music playing, my clothing being promoted inside as well as outside the truck.  As of now I plan on selling each of my articles of clothing at different prices. These prices would range from $15-$45.  This price range is just based on how much it would cost to make each item. 

            I believe customers would make the right decision to switch to my product because the University of Florida is filled with young people who want to be creative and show their true colors.  I think there are people out there like me who want to be seen as different and separate themselves from the norm.  My new product will most definitely attract these people and with these people, hopefully new people will be attracted to my product.  Yes it will absolutely be a challenge to persuade people to come and at least give my product a chance.  But that is a risk I am willing to take.  My competitors are the major brands and the stores that sell these major brands.  Stores such as Forever 21, H&M, and Urban Outfitters all provide a healthy does of competition for what I want to get done.  I feel like I can beat them by having a more personable experience with my customers.  If they actually see me out there selling my product, it’ll show them that I am just like them and I’m doing this for them.  These people have never come in contact with the major CEO’s of these companies so they can’t relate to them and vice versa. The business location and customer experience play the largest role in my business.  That is why I created the idea of the Clothing truck.  The Clothing truck takes care of these points very well.  I would have to create a network of people that I trust and can work with to build up my business.  I can only go but so far by myself, I am going to need the help of my peers to help me grow my idea into greatness. 

My biggest resource has to be the fact that I am an up and coming entrepreneur.  I am a student among other students and I truly believe that I can relate to these students on a level that major corporations can’t.  I would like to expand my brand by creating a sneaker line.  The sneaker line will go hand in hand with my clothing line and I will rely on this sneaker line to skyrocket my sales.  I want to be as innovative as Kanye West.  He is a role model to me and I believe that he is the most innovative person of our generation.  I see myself in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles in ten years.  The sky is the limit for me and there is no way I let anyone push me down. 

Upon reading my feedback of my first Venture Concept, I must honestly say that all of the feedback I received was praise for my entire idea. Some quotes were, "I think students need the ability to share and express their individuality and with those prices I believe that you have a home run." or "This is certainly one of the more unique ones I have seen this semester. I also think it is one of the best."  I was surprised at all of the positive feedback that I received because honestly, I thought that there would be at least one person would provide some way that I can change my concept for the better.  Hey, I'm not complaining that I received so much praise, I loved the praise! It gave me motivation to actually keep going with my concept far beyond this semester. Due to these circumstances I did not make any changes to my venture concept.  Thank you to everyone that took the time to read my first Venture Concept. 

Elevator Pitch No. 4

The feedback that I received on my third Elevator Pitch was highly sympathetic.  The reasoning for this was the fact that during the time that I had recorded my pitch, I got into an accident.  What stood out for me this time was the same as last time.  Everyone that commented stated that they like the confidence I exude while recording.  That is very satisfying to hear, it gives me motivation to continue to get better at speaking my mind in front of a camera.

This time I made sure to change my camera angle and wore a button down to look more professional to my audience.  The last thing I want to do is be unprofessional towards the future investors in my company.