Friday, September 21, 2018
Solving the Problem
I am going to use online shopping as my opportunity with the "problem" of having to travel to a physical store location. The growth of product variation in online shopping is the goal of this opportunity to hopefully one day be able to have nearly everything possible to buy be available online. I think the best step in the right direction to get to this point is to simply have more HQ's and more warehouses for online retailers. Amazon is expanding and building a new HQ which brings in more employees and therefore more ideas. Having more warehouses is simply having more areas to store product and having the product be more likely to be close to the customer for fast shipping time.
Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
Opportunity: Many people do the majority of their clothes
shopping online, but the variety of things available online is constantly
growing and now includes even groceries making convenience levels at an all
time high.
The Who: The people doing the shopping
The What: They are shopping online instead of at a physical
store.
The Why: It is more convenient and many times cheaper to
shop online.
Testing the Who: Technically everyone who has access to the
Internet could have this need. Many people are already taking advantage of it
but some people still do shop at physical locations. Some of these cases are
out of preference but some are because lack of knowledge or trust for online
shopping.
Testing the What: The boundaries of online shopping are mostly
a matter of the product. Obviously someone would be more willing to buy a piece
of clothing online over a house, without ever seeing it in person. I do think
the product variation can greatly increase, though. Another boundary is
shipping times. Amazon has done a great job getting a lot of items on 2-day
shipping with Prime.
Testing the Why: The why varies from a convenience to a
potential actual need. If someone just prefers online shopping because it is
easier they are probably someone who enjoys convenience. However, I do think
there could be a need for someone who would like to buy groceries but doesn’t
own a car. It opens up opportunities to buy things that wouldn’t normally be
available to you if there isn’t a physical store in your city.
Interviews: In doing all of the interviews, it actually
seemed like most people had very similar ideas to my own. For the last two
people I interviewed I was curious as to why they thought most people were
saying very similar things. Their reasons were basically because of how much
newer generations grew up with the Internet that they know online shopping
better than in person, and in some cases it’s all they know. I did get one
different idea to my own which I thought was pretty creative. Online shopping
gives you the ability to send products to other addresses than your own. This
could allow you to simply get a gift sent directly to the person you’re giving
it to rather than having to have it shipped to you and then you ship it to
them. I think in asking a much larger pool of people there could be many more
creative ideas, but most people use it for the daily convenience factors.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Practicing Opportunity Identification
Economic Trends
1. http://blog.indeed.com/2016/06/22/global-economy-employment-trends/
I found this trend in a blog written about a few different economic trends. I believe there is an opportunity here because it would allow employees to work less hours and employers to pay for less hours of work. Productivity also goes down as employees work longer hours, so the idea is that employees work shorter hours but more productive hours. Information from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group of 34 countries, was released saying in 1990 employees worked 1,880 hours year, but in 2013 it dropped to 1,770. Productivity rates are higher in countries where people work less. The prototypical customer, or people who can benefit from it are both the employee and employer. I think the opportunity is decently easy to exploit it would just take some transition time that could be pretty difficult.
I'm sure others see this opportunity as well, but for me personally it was very demotivating knowing I was going to be working 9-10+ hours a day. I feel like if I were to work shorter shifts I would be much more motivated to work as hard as I can for the shorter amount of period of time.
2. http://blog.indeed.com/2016/06/22/global-economy-employment-trends/
I found this trend on the same blog. I believe there is an opportunity here because mobile is taking over most industries. In 2013 only 40% of job seekers used mobile, but in 2016 that number was already 60%. It also varies on region. South Korea has an 88% rate of job seekers using mobile while Poland only has a 29% rate. I think customers could consist of job seekers around the world. With the Internet, technology, and mobile growing everyday, I think this is extremely easy exploit. I see this opportunity because I am very interested in technology myself and, like most people, use a mobile device or computer everyday.
Regulatory Changes
3. https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/us/pdf/2018/02/728013-nss-fs-top-10v5-web.pdf
I found this regulatory change in an article discussing multiple regulatory challenges. I see an opportunity in regulatory changes in cyber security. When there are risks to cyber security and data has a potential of being released, it can cause many problems. People may be hesitant to use technology available to them. If cyber security were to be more regulated and improved, it could increase the amount and type of information exchanged online, leading to much more efficient business. I think this is kind of difficult to exploit because of the nature of how regulations are passed.
I personally see this opportunity because, like I said I am big into technology and this affects me in terms of what I am comfortable and not comfortable with exchanging online.
4. https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/us/pdf/2018/02/728013-nss-fs-top-10v5-web.pdf
I found this change on the same article as the last. I believe there is on opportunity here because it will encourage people and make people more comfortable with investing their money. It greatly reduces the risk of customers when investing their own money. If people are investing more money smartly and getting more money back it could lead to more spending which leads to a better economy. I think customers around the US could benefit from this. I also think it would be easy to exploit because mobile trading is getting more popular making it easier than ever to invest.
I am a finance major so this is a very interesting topic to me because I am interested in investing and possibly helping others invest. If more people were investing it would help my job opportunities out.
1. http://blog.indeed.com/2016/06/22/global-economy-employment-trends/
I found this trend in a blog written about a few different economic trends. I believe there is an opportunity here because it would allow employees to work less hours and employers to pay for less hours of work. Productivity also goes down as employees work longer hours, so the idea is that employees work shorter hours but more productive hours. Information from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group of 34 countries, was released saying in 1990 employees worked 1,880 hours year, but in 2013 it dropped to 1,770. Productivity rates are higher in countries where people work less. The prototypical customer, or people who can benefit from it are both the employee and employer. I think the opportunity is decently easy to exploit it would just take some transition time that could be pretty difficult.
I'm sure others see this opportunity as well, but for me personally it was very demotivating knowing I was going to be working 9-10+ hours a day. I feel like if I were to work shorter shifts I would be much more motivated to work as hard as I can for the shorter amount of period of time.
2. http://blog.indeed.com/2016/06/22/global-economy-employment-trends/
I found this trend on the same blog. I believe there is an opportunity here because mobile is taking over most industries. In 2013 only 40% of job seekers used mobile, but in 2016 that number was already 60%. It also varies on region. South Korea has an 88% rate of job seekers using mobile while Poland only has a 29% rate. I think customers could consist of job seekers around the world. With the Internet, technology, and mobile growing everyday, I think this is extremely easy exploit. I see this opportunity because I am very interested in technology myself and, like most people, use a mobile device or computer everyday.
Regulatory Changes
3. https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/us/pdf/2018/02/728013-nss-fs-top-10v5-web.pdf
I found this regulatory change in an article discussing multiple regulatory challenges. I see an opportunity in regulatory changes in cyber security. When there are risks to cyber security and data has a potential of being released, it can cause many problems. People may be hesitant to use technology available to them. If cyber security were to be more regulated and improved, it could increase the amount and type of information exchanged online, leading to much more efficient business. I think this is kind of difficult to exploit because of the nature of how regulations are passed.
I personally see this opportunity because, like I said I am big into technology and this affects me in terms of what I am comfortable and not comfortable with exchanging online.
4. https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/us/pdf/2018/02/728013-nss-fs-top-10v5-web.pdf
I found this change on the same article as the last. I believe there is on opportunity here because it will encourage people and make people more comfortable with investing their money. It greatly reduces the risk of customers when investing their own money. If people are investing more money smartly and getting more money back it could lead to more spending which leads to a better economy. I think customers around the US could benefit from this. I also think it would be easy to exploit because mobile trading is getting more popular making it easier than ever to invest.
I am a finance major so this is a very interesting topic to me because I am interested in investing and possibly helping others invest. If more people were investing it would help my job opportunities out.
Identifying Local Opportunities
5 Opportunities
1.
- SunRail: Promise or peril? Central Florida's transit crisis - Local Viewpoint
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0912%21September%2B12&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E63B592D72DB70
- The SunRail, a public form of transportation in central Florida, has not reached the expected popularity and met its goal in reducing traffic on highways like I4. The system could connect to the Lynx bus system, run 7 days a week, and for 18-20 hours a day. It could also connect to the Orlando International Airport that already has a fully functional station ready for use. As of now there is no incentive to ride the SunRail because there aren't many bus connections, or there aren't services on the weekends. People who do ride the SunRail are reducing pollution, helping highway traffic, and possibly saving money on car payments. The League of Women Voters of Orange County are going to try to increase awareness soon.
- The SunRail, central Florida's potential main form of public transportation is being vastly underused potentially because it is inconvenient at this time and needs upgrades, or simply because there isn't much awareness about it.
- The problem exists for many people, including the public, who are suffering because a system isn't in place to make the SunRail a more viable option, saving time and money.
2.
- High waters might pose big problems - Hidden docks, wakes risk to boaters, property
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0912%21September%2B12&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E63B57E914C4F8
- Orlando has received much more rain than normal this year, so far. It has caused the water levels in lakes to rise to a near historic level, even before hurricane season. This has resulted in homeowners docks getting submerged, and out of sight of boaters. The country commissioner is trying to bring attention to this and getting the homeowners to put flags on their docks so they stick up and are visible. Many people also like to wake board, obviously creating large wakes. This could potentially bear the issue of water getting pushed into people's homes and patios because of the already high water levels.
- The problem is that water levels are at an almost historic level in height and are covering docks, making them basically invisible to boaters. It also poses a risk of waves pushing water into people's homes.
- Obviously, the boaters have this problem because they can't see docks, but homeowners also have it if their dock gets damaged or water is pushed into their homes.
3.
- Rollback of environmental rules puts children at risk - Local Viewpoint
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0909%21September%2B09&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E53CB32EE8CDE8
- The writer was a part of a sharecropper family in North Carolina as a child, using pesticides that had severe health risks, but no companies warned of such risks. He also served in Vietnam and was exposed to another harmful chemical called Agent Orange, of which they also were not told the risks. As a legislator he found out companies were spraying pesticides in the air while workers were in the field, sometimes with their children. This was shown to have effects on those children, who are now adults. He says efforts to reduce the Clean Air Act have begun under this administration. A report states that people of color are of a much greater risk to these pollutants because of where they live. Chlorpyrifos, an extremely dangerous chemical, recently had its near ban halted.
- The problem is that the bans on some of these dangerous chemicals are being slowed down or halted, for a variety of speculative reasons.
- The problem exists for children who are affected by the chemicals, and for the people of color who live in areas that are more exposed to these harmful chemicals.
4.
- Gas, oil prices swirl upward as Gordon threatens Golf Coast
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0905%21September%2B05&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E3EEA90E75EB68
- Gas prices rose overnight before Tropical Storm Gordon was potentially going to hit the Golf Coast. Wholesale prices were up 4 cents, meaning gas station prices will likely also rise. Much of the country's gas is refined where the storm was potentially going to hit, making many traders nervous. It is of low concern relative to Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, and for those storms the refineries held up well to the winds. The main concern for them is the flooding, as some refineries were shut down for a time being because workers couldn't get there. For Harvey, fuel prices rose 50 cents a gallon in Orlando, for Gordon it will be much less.
- The problem is that fuel prices could rise because of a risk of a tropical storm hitting oil refineries.
- It exists for oil companies, and people who want to get gas because it will cost them more.
5.
- 7-foot lizard terrorizes Davie family - Asian water monitor can be purchased legally on internet
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0903%21September%2B03&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E3402181C045D0
- The Asian water monitor, a 7-foot lizard, that can be purches on the Internet for less than $200, is terrorizing a South Florida family. You can buy them with credit cards online, with no restrictions. Their diet consists of fish, frogs, and newborn rodents. There are already restrictions on some exotic animals such as Burmese pythons, green anacondas, and Nile monitors, as they are extremely dangerous if they escape captivity. For the past 2 weeks a south Florida family has been calling trappers about a 7-foot, 150 pound Asian water monitor they have seen around their home. They are worried because they have children who could be put in danger. The water monitor was probably a pet that was released. People believe there should be at least some restrictions on your ability to buy these types of animals, such as proof of cages to make sure they don't escape. The Asian water monitor hasn't started a population large enough to sustain breeding in Florida yet, but it could happen if this continues.
- The problem is that these exotic animals, like the Asian water monitor, keep either escaping or getting released because families don't think they can take care of them anymore.
- The problem exists for basically everyone in Florida who happens to live near someone who owns an exotic pet who happens to escape or gets released. The pets could potentially hurt humans and even native wildlife.
1.
- SunRail: Promise or peril? Central Florida's transit crisis - Local Viewpoint
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0912%21September%2B12&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E63B592D72DB70
- The SunRail, a public form of transportation in central Florida, has not reached the expected popularity and met its goal in reducing traffic on highways like I4. The system could connect to the Lynx bus system, run 7 days a week, and for 18-20 hours a day. It could also connect to the Orlando International Airport that already has a fully functional station ready for use. As of now there is no incentive to ride the SunRail because there aren't many bus connections, or there aren't services on the weekends. People who do ride the SunRail are reducing pollution, helping highway traffic, and possibly saving money on car payments. The League of Women Voters of Orange County are going to try to increase awareness soon.
- The SunRail, central Florida's potential main form of public transportation is being vastly underused potentially because it is inconvenient at this time and needs upgrades, or simply because there isn't much awareness about it.
- The problem exists for many people, including the public, who are suffering because a system isn't in place to make the SunRail a more viable option, saving time and money.
2.
- High waters might pose big problems - Hidden docks, wakes risk to boaters, property
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0912%21September%2B12&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E63B57E914C4F8
- Orlando has received much more rain than normal this year, so far. It has caused the water levels in lakes to rise to a near historic level, even before hurricane season. This has resulted in homeowners docks getting submerged, and out of sight of boaters. The country commissioner is trying to bring attention to this and getting the homeowners to put flags on their docks so they stick up and are visible. Many people also like to wake board, obviously creating large wakes. This could potentially bear the issue of water getting pushed into people's homes and patios because of the already high water levels.
- The problem is that water levels are at an almost historic level in height and are covering docks, making them basically invisible to boaters. It also poses a risk of waves pushing water into people's homes.
- Obviously, the boaters have this problem because they can't see docks, but homeowners also have it if their dock gets damaged or water is pushed into their homes.
3.
- Rollback of environmental rules puts children at risk - Local Viewpoint
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0909%21September%2B09&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E53CB32EE8CDE8
- The writer was a part of a sharecropper family in North Carolina as a child, using pesticides that had severe health risks, but no companies warned of such risks. He also served in Vietnam and was exposed to another harmful chemical called Agent Orange, of which they also were not told the risks. As a legislator he found out companies were spraying pesticides in the air while workers were in the field, sometimes with their children. This was shown to have effects on those children, who are now adults. He says efforts to reduce the Clean Air Act have begun under this administration. A report states that people of color are of a much greater risk to these pollutants because of where they live. Chlorpyrifos, an extremely dangerous chemical, recently had its near ban halted.
- The problem is that the bans on some of these dangerous chemicals are being slowed down or halted, for a variety of speculative reasons.
- The problem exists for children who are affected by the chemicals, and for the people of color who live in areas that are more exposed to these harmful chemicals.
4.
- Gas, oil prices swirl upward as Gordon threatens Golf Coast
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0905%21September%2B05&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E3EEA90E75EB68
- Gas prices rose overnight before Tropical Storm Gordon was potentially going to hit the Golf Coast. Wholesale prices were up 4 cents, meaning gas station prices will likely also rise. Much of the country's gas is refined where the storm was potentially going to hit, making many traders nervous. It is of low concern relative to Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, and for those storms the refineries held up well to the winds. The main concern for them is the flooding, as some refineries were shut down for a time being because workers couldn't get there. For Harvey, fuel prices rose 50 cents a gallon in Orlando, for Gordon it will be much less.
- The problem is that fuel prices could rise because of a risk of a tropical storm hitting oil refineries.
- It exists for oil companies, and people who want to get gas because it will cost them more.
5.
- 7-foot lizard terrorizes Davie family - Asian water monitor can be purchased legally on internet
- https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0903%21September%2B03&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E3402181C045D0
- The Asian water monitor, a 7-foot lizard, that can be purches on the Internet for less than $200, is terrorizing a South Florida family. You can buy them with credit cards online, with no restrictions. Their diet consists of fish, frogs, and newborn rodents. There are already restrictions on some exotic animals such as Burmese pythons, green anacondas, and Nile monitors, as they are extremely dangerous if they escape captivity. For the past 2 weeks a south Florida family has been calling trappers about a 7-foot, 150 pound Asian water monitor they have seen around their home. They are worried because they have children who could be put in danger. The water monitor was probably a pet that was released. People believe there should be at least some restrictions on your ability to buy these types of animals, such as proof of cages to make sure they don't escape. The Asian water monitor hasn't started a population large enough to sustain breeding in Florida yet, but it could happen if this continues.
- The problem is that these exotic animals, like the Asian water monitor, keep either escaping or getting released because families don't think they can take care of them anymore.
- The problem exists for basically everyone in Florida who happens to live near someone who owns an exotic pet who happens to escape or gets released. The pets could potentially hurt humans and even native wildlife.
Friday, September 7, 2018
Forming an Opportunity Belief: A Twist on Opportunity Identification
I believe there is an unmet need for a gym on campus to relieve some of the stress off the existing two. However, I think it should be a privately owned gym right off campus. It would attract 1. the crowd that is too lazy to go all the way to Southwest but doesn't want to go to a small gym like Student Rec and 2. some of the more serious lifters that don't want to make the drive all the way to
Bailey's. I know from talking to people that they would be willing to pay for an off campus gym closer than Bailey's. Some of them even already go to Bailey's. I think this need has existed for awhile now, at least in the time I've been here (in my third year). As of now if people don't want to deal with the lines at the current UF gyms they can either get a membership at a gym far away or go to the ones on campus at obscure times. The issue is having to buy the land to build a gym, as right across from campus is prime real estate. For this reason, I am 70% sure there is an opportunity.
#1 3rd year female student in long term relationship
-Have you ever been to a UF gym? "Yes."
-How often do you go to one of the two gyms on campus? "Maybe like four times a week."
-Have you ever left before even working out because of how busy the gym was? "I've never outright left but my workout has been much shorter than I wanted it to be because the equipment was taken."
-Would you be interested in an off campus gym with a membership fee? "Yes."
-If so, how much would you be willing to pay? "Probably no more than $25 a month."
Reflection: It seems like this girl takes a more relaxed approach to her workouts, not minding if they get cut short and only willing to pay $25. This is definitely a prototypical customer, but would most likely not buy a membership at a gym right off campus.
#2 Freshman male who is very active
-Have you ever been to a UF gym? "Yes, my first time going was earlier this fall."
-How often do you go to one of the two gyms on campus? "I'd say around 5-6 times a week but sometimes I won't make it and I'll try to run outside."
-Have you ever left before even working out because of how busy the gym was? "I haven't left yet but I have noticed the gyms are both really busy."
-Would you be interested in an off campus gym with a membership fee? "I've actually already thought about it, so yes, especially if it was closer than some of the options right now."
-If so, how much would you be willing to pay? "I'd pay up to $40 a month for a high quality gym within walking distance of campus."
Reflection: This is a young student and it seems he is already getting tired of the traffic in the gyms on campus. With the amount of times he goes to the gym a week and him willing to pay $40, he would definitely get a membership at a new gym.
#3 Grad student female in mid twenties
-Have you ever been to a UF gym? "Yes, many times."
-How often do you go to one of the two gyms on campus? "Well, I used to go a few times a week but now I have a membership at a gym off campus."
-Have you ever left before even working out because of how busy the gym was? "Yes, there were so many times that happened. Sometimes I would try to workout in between classes and not be able to because there was a line. After dealing with it for so many years I finally decided to just pay for a membership off campus."
-Would you be interested in an off campus gym with a membership fee? "I already go to one so yes, but if it was closer that would definitely benefit the younger students."
-If so, how much would you be willing to pay? "I pay $30 right now, so I'd continue to pay $30."
Reflection: This student may be on the border of prototypical customer because of her age. She is most likely leaving Gainesville soon. However, she surprisingly was very supportive of an off campus gym. She seemed like when she was in undergrad she had rough experiences at the gyms. She would potentially switch her membership to the new gym for location purposes but other people in her situation that don't already have a membership somewhere else would most likely get one at a new gym.
Summary: I do think after talking to people that there is less of an opportunity than I initially thought, but that there is still definitely a demand there. I still think a lot of the hard core people would make the switch and then there would also be the crowd that is simply frustrated, like the last student I interviewed. This frustration could come earlier than grad school, too. It would be a big risk with how much someone would have to invest in the land, but it could pay off in a relatively quick time.
Bailey's. I know from talking to people that they would be willing to pay for an off campus gym closer than Bailey's. Some of them even already go to Bailey's. I think this need has existed for awhile now, at least in the time I've been here (in my third year). As of now if people don't want to deal with the lines at the current UF gyms they can either get a membership at a gym far away or go to the ones on campus at obscure times. The issue is having to buy the land to build a gym, as right across from campus is prime real estate. For this reason, I am 70% sure there is an opportunity.
#1 3rd year female student in long term relationship
-Have you ever been to a UF gym? "Yes."
-How often do you go to one of the two gyms on campus? "Maybe like four times a week."
-Have you ever left before even working out because of how busy the gym was? "I've never outright left but my workout has been much shorter than I wanted it to be because the equipment was taken."
-Would you be interested in an off campus gym with a membership fee? "Yes."
-If so, how much would you be willing to pay? "Probably no more than $25 a month."
Reflection: It seems like this girl takes a more relaxed approach to her workouts, not minding if they get cut short and only willing to pay $25. This is definitely a prototypical customer, but would most likely not buy a membership at a gym right off campus.
#2 Freshman male who is very active
-Have you ever been to a UF gym? "Yes, my first time going was earlier this fall."
-How often do you go to one of the two gyms on campus? "I'd say around 5-6 times a week but sometimes I won't make it and I'll try to run outside."
-Have you ever left before even working out because of how busy the gym was? "I haven't left yet but I have noticed the gyms are both really busy."
-Would you be interested in an off campus gym with a membership fee? "I've actually already thought about it, so yes, especially if it was closer than some of the options right now."
-If so, how much would you be willing to pay? "I'd pay up to $40 a month for a high quality gym within walking distance of campus."
Reflection: This is a young student and it seems he is already getting tired of the traffic in the gyms on campus. With the amount of times he goes to the gym a week and him willing to pay $40, he would definitely get a membership at a new gym.
#3 Grad student female in mid twenties
-Have you ever been to a UF gym? "Yes, many times."
-How often do you go to one of the two gyms on campus? "Well, I used to go a few times a week but now I have a membership at a gym off campus."
-Have you ever left before even working out because of how busy the gym was? "Yes, there were so many times that happened. Sometimes I would try to workout in between classes and not be able to because there was a line. After dealing with it for so many years I finally decided to just pay for a membership off campus."
-Would you be interested in an off campus gym with a membership fee? "I already go to one so yes, but if it was closer that would definitely benefit the younger students."
-If so, how much would you be willing to pay? "I pay $30 right now, so I'd continue to pay $30."
Reflection: This student may be on the border of prototypical customer because of her age. She is most likely leaving Gainesville soon. However, she surprisingly was very supportive of an off campus gym. She seemed like when she was in undergrad she had rough experiences at the gyms. She would potentially switch her membership to the new gym for location purposes but other people in her situation that don't already have a membership somewhere else would most likely get one at a new gym.
Summary: I do think after talking to people that there is less of an opportunity than I initially thought, but that there is still definitely a demand there. I still think a lot of the hard core people would make the switch and then there would also be the crowd that is simply frustrated, like the last student I interviewed. This frustration could come earlier than grad school, too. It would be a big risk with how much someone would have to invest in the land, but it could pay off in a relatively quick time.
My Entrepreneurship Story
I've had a few previous encounters with entrepreneurs, but there is one that stands out to me for numerous reasons. In my first year here at UF I was introduced to one of my good friend's roommates. He had already been working on his project, a carbon fiber fly fishing reel, for awhile. We had many conversations about how he made his connections, how he got his ideas, and how he put everything into action. When I was talking to him he was still in the prototype phase so I got to see how he was trying to get funding to further his project. This was the most meaningful confrontation for me because it was someone my age going through college so it was extremely cool to see how, even though it seems out of reach, I could still do something similar if I put in enough effort.
I enrolled in ENT 3003 for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is an elective for my major. However, I knew many people who have taken the class before me and they all recommended it because of the setup and how it challenges you in unconventional ways. I'm hoping to be able to strengthen my creativity and ability to think outside of the box because those have been two of my weaker points throughout my life.
I enrolled in ENT 3003 for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is an elective for my major. However, I knew many people who have taken the class before me and they all recommended it because of the setup and how it challenges you in unconventional ways. I'm hoping to be able to strengthen my creativity and ability to think outside of the box because those have been two of my weaker points throughout my life.
Bug List
1. Long line at the Chipotle on University
WHY it exists: There are limiting factors to how many employees can work in a single store at once, including space and financial restraints. This, combined with the fact that this location is across the street from a college campus, causes the line to sometimes wrap through the store.
2. People not using their blinkers to turn and then turning on the road I'm trying to turn off of
WHY it exists: This is probably caused by a distraction most of the time, such as people being on their phones or texting while driving, however, it could also be because the driving tests in Florida are extremely easy and they just breezed through and forgot blinkers even exist.
3. Long lines during peak times at the UF gyms, Southwest and Student Rec
WHY it exists: Two gyms fit a decent amount of people but when they are trying to service an entire school of over 50,000 students, there are inevitably going to be lines. There simply aren't enough gyms.
4. People who don't look ahead of them when they're walking
WHY it exists: Most people are probably on their phone when they are walking.
5. Having to pay each time to use a washer and dryer
WHY it exists: The payments probably act as a rent for the company that supplies the machines.
6. People who say how hard an exam was and then get an A
WHY is exists: Students may not want to seem like the classic "nerd" and so they act as if an exam that was relatively hard to most of the class was also hard to them, even though they knew they did well on it.
7. Golden State Warriors/New England Patriots/UCF fans
WHY it exists: The classic bandwagon fans who don't know much about sports support the hot team. In rare situations they may even claim a National Championship.
8. Packaging that claims it only requires scissors and then doesn't cut open
WHY it exists: Maybe the companies are worried about the product falling out of a weaker packaging
9. Traffic light cycles that are so short only 3 cars can get through
WHY it exists: There may be some factor that actually helps the flow of traffic by doing this.
10. Shin splints
WHY it exists: The muscles around your shin can get inflamed while running if you don't put stress on them often.
11. Acne after the age of 20 (but really at all)
WHY it exists: Some acne is genetic to a certain extent but also there may be a lack of face cleaning
12. People who are rude to waiters/waitresses
WHY it exists: Everyone was raised differently so most cases are probably a cultural difference but in some instances people are just plain mean.
13. Peeling after a sunburn and losing the tan in a day
WHY it exists: I think the sunburn kills the skin so it falls off but I do think there is a genetic aspect to how bad one peels.
14. Driving a stick shift in traffic
WHY it exists: Driving a stick shift is a lot more work than an automatic and constantly having to push the clutch in can get annoying.
15. People who have overly loud cars and think it sounds good
WHY it exists: People take the cheap way out to make their cars loud instead of spending more money to make it sound loud but also good.
16. Sweating while walking to class and back
WHY it exists: At UF and in Florida the heat never leaves year round and it is extremely humid, making the shortest journeys still able to cause sweat
17. People who use their phones during a conversation and ask you to repeat yourself
WHY it exists: People are addicted to their phones these days and won't even stop looking at them to have human interaction.
18. The completely random times it rains in Gainesville everyday
WHY it exists: Florida is notorious for short periods of rain throughout the day and with Gainesville being in a swamp it makes it even worse
19. Getting caught in the rain on a scooter
WHY it happens: A combination of the constant rain and the large amount of scooters in Gainesville leads to this happening all the time.
20. Roommates who don't clean their dishes
WHY it exists: Some roommates are lazier than others and put their responsibilities on the roommates who will clean the dishes.
Reflection: This assignment challenged me a little more than I expected. I didn't want to use too many basic or common "bugs" so I tried to think of some creative ones. Writing the "Why" really helped think about things in a logical, real world way which is not a perspective I would normally come from when thinking of things that bug me.
WHY it exists: There are limiting factors to how many employees can work in a single store at once, including space and financial restraints. This, combined with the fact that this location is across the street from a college campus, causes the line to sometimes wrap through the store.
2. People not using their blinkers to turn and then turning on the road I'm trying to turn off of
WHY it exists: This is probably caused by a distraction most of the time, such as people being on their phones or texting while driving, however, it could also be because the driving tests in Florida are extremely easy and they just breezed through and forgot blinkers even exist.
3. Long lines during peak times at the UF gyms, Southwest and Student Rec
WHY it exists: Two gyms fit a decent amount of people but when they are trying to service an entire school of over 50,000 students, there are inevitably going to be lines. There simply aren't enough gyms.
4. People who don't look ahead of them when they're walking
WHY it exists: Most people are probably on their phone when they are walking.
5. Having to pay each time to use a washer and dryer
WHY it exists: The payments probably act as a rent for the company that supplies the machines.
6. People who say how hard an exam was and then get an A
WHY is exists: Students may not want to seem like the classic "nerd" and so they act as if an exam that was relatively hard to most of the class was also hard to them, even though they knew they did well on it.
7. Golden State Warriors/New England Patriots/UCF fans
WHY it exists: The classic bandwagon fans who don't know much about sports support the hot team. In rare situations they may even claim a National Championship.
8. Packaging that claims it only requires scissors and then doesn't cut open
WHY it exists: Maybe the companies are worried about the product falling out of a weaker packaging
9. Traffic light cycles that are so short only 3 cars can get through
WHY it exists: There may be some factor that actually helps the flow of traffic by doing this.
10. Shin splints
WHY it exists: The muscles around your shin can get inflamed while running if you don't put stress on them often.
11. Acne after the age of 20 (but really at all)
WHY it exists: Some acne is genetic to a certain extent but also there may be a lack of face cleaning
12. People who are rude to waiters/waitresses
WHY it exists: Everyone was raised differently so most cases are probably a cultural difference but in some instances people are just plain mean.
13. Peeling after a sunburn and losing the tan in a day
WHY it exists: I think the sunburn kills the skin so it falls off but I do think there is a genetic aspect to how bad one peels.
14. Driving a stick shift in traffic
WHY it exists: Driving a stick shift is a lot more work than an automatic and constantly having to push the clutch in can get annoying.
15. People who have overly loud cars and think it sounds good
WHY it exists: People take the cheap way out to make their cars loud instead of spending more money to make it sound loud but also good.
16. Sweating while walking to class and back
WHY it exists: At UF and in Florida the heat never leaves year round and it is extremely humid, making the shortest journeys still able to cause sweat
17. People who use their phones during a conversation and ask you to repeat yourself
WHY it exists: People are addicted to their phones these days and won't even stop looking at them to have human interaction.
18. The completely random times it rains in Gainesville everyday
WHY it exists: Florida is notorious for short periods of rain throughout the day and with Gainesville being in a swamp it makes it even worse
19. Getting caught in the rain on a scooter
WHY it happens: A combination of the constant rain and the large amount of scooters in Gainesville leads to this happening all the time.
20. Roommates who don't clean their dishes
WHY it exists: Some roommates are lazier than others and put their responsibilities on the roommates who will clean the dishes.
Reflection: This assignment challenged me a little more than I expected. I didn't want to use too many basic or common "bugs" so I tried to think of some creative ones. Writing the "Why" really helped think about things in a logical, real world way which is not a perspective I would normally come from when thinking of things that bug me.
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