My opportunity idea was to offer a service where students
can sign into a study room and get paid for how long they study for. Of course,
there would be requirements and rules but for the sake of brevity, I won’t go
into detail. This service would meet the needs of the many students who find it
difficult to allot their time appropriately between work and school. I asked my
customers how often they study, what would motivate them to study more, and if
they would utilize a service that pays them to study. After interviewing
customers, I think my idea would be successful because some of the people I
interviewed said they would study more if they were getting paid before I even
asked if they would use a service that does exactly that. However, interviewing
customers was pretty challenging. The part that made me the most nervous was
waiting for a stranger’s agreement to participate. It made me realize that you
can get rejected before you even present what you have to offer.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Week 4 Reading Reflection- Rachel Mead
1)
What was the biggest surprise for you in the
reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different
from your expectations?
I really liked on page 138 the section about
eliminating muddling mindsets. Although I think it’s important to be able to
recognize design flaws and what not, if you focus on that too much it can
really hinder the bigger picture from happening.
2)
Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
I was
confused when the author said “things and people exist in the world in relation
to other things and people.” I honestly have no clue what this means.
3) If you were able to ask two questions
to the author, what would you ask? Why?
After reading this chapter, I would ask
the author which type of creativity (relationship, event, inner, spontaneous)
seems to be the most common that people practice? On that note, I would also
want to know which of these is most successful?
4)
Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?
I really disagreed with table 5.2 in chapter 5. It specifies
differences between adaptors and innovators and says that Innovators questions
basic assumptions but I feel that the comments about adaptors are basic
assumptions. I thought this chart did point out some things that were correct
but overall was somewhat generalized.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Week 3 Reading Reflection- Rachel Mead
1.Something I was surprised with about this reading was that the author included that an entrepreneur should have a good sense of humor. I feel like this only applies to certain people and personalities. Someone could have a terrible sense of humor and still be a great entrepreneur.
2. I felt that the part that talked about entrepreneurs confrontation with risk was somewhat confusing because risk is something that is can be up to chance anyway and out of the person's control.
3. Two questions I would ask the author would be if there is a measurable way to calculate how risky a situation is. I would also ask how one limits unrealistic optimism.
4. Something I disagree with was when the author said entrepreneurs are not intimidated by difficult situations. I think that it's still possible to be intimated by a situation but that doesn't mean something good can result from it.
2. I felt that the part that talked about entrepreneurs confrontation with risk was somewhat confusing because risk is something that is can be up to chance anyway and out of the person's control.
3. Two questions I would ask the author would be if there is a measurable way to calculate how risky a situation is. I would also ask how one limits unrealistic optimism.
4. Something I disagree with was when the author said entrepreneurs are not intimidated by difficult situations. I think that it's still possible to be intimated by a situation but that doesn't mean something good can result from it.
Top 5 World Problems- Rachel Mead
Top 5 Problems:
1. Global Warming- If we destroy our planet, we literally won't exist and this is why I think this is the most important issue.
2. Poverty- Living without the necessities (food, water, shelter) is no way to live
3. Depression and Suicide- No one should feel like life isn't worth living
4. Chronic Diseases and Illnesses- This can (not always) take away someone's ability to live life to the fullest.
5. Animal Cruelty- Animal lives matter too. If we continue to let populations become extinct, it ultimately affects the human race as well.
Top 5 Solutions:
1. Solution to Poverty: Offering products that donate money to organizations is the most implementable because this solution is already being practiced.
2. Solution for Chronic Disease: More fresh food options have already been offered and can continue to increase.
3. Solution to Self Image: Edit free magazines and campaigns are starting to become more popular and have a lot of encouragement.
4. Solution to Equality: Continuing to demand equality laws. This is already becoming more successful.
5. Solution for Depression and Suicide: Education on bullying and acceptance needs more programs and promotion.
1. Global Warming- If we destroy our planet, we literally won't exist and this is why I think this is the most important issue.
2. Poverty- Living without the necessities (food, water, shelter) is no way to live
3. Depression and Suicide- No one should feel like life isn't worth living
4. Chronic Diseases and Illnesses- This can (not always) take away someone's ability to live life to the fullest.
5. Animal Cruelty- Animal lives matter too. If we continue to let populations become extinct, it ultimately affects the human race as well.
Top 5 Solutions:
1. Solution to Poverty: Offering products that donate money to organizations is the most implementable because this solution is already being practiced.
2. Solution for Chronic Disease: More fresh food options have already been offered and can continue to increase.
3. Solution to Self Image: Edit free magazines and campaigns are starting to become more popular and have a lot of encouragement.
4. Solution to Equality: Continuing to demand equality laws. This is already becoming more successful.
5. Solution for Depression and Suicide: Education on bullying and acceptance needs more programs and promotion.
Identifying Local Opportunities- Rachel Mead
1. a) Struggling for Justice in Mexico
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00072
c) Students in Mexico have been killed and gone missing. Students decided to take action and protest only to be subject to more abductions and killings.
d) Students in Mexico keep getting killed and abducted or forcibly disappeared
e) Students in Mexico are facing this problem
2. a) International Farmworkers, small farm leaders visit Gainseville
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00060
c) Various farmers and workers are protesting against large corporate agricultural companies
d) Farmers are running out of jobs
e) La Via Campensina
3. a) Tuition Equity for All
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00061
c) Students attending UF who have graduated from Florida high schools and meet residency requirements are being charged 300% more for tuition just because they were born out of state.
d) Students being charged out of state fees despite meeting residency requirements
e) UF students born out of state face this issue.
4. a) Gainesville Women Liberation speaks out on abortion
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00061
c) A women speaks out on her abortion
d) Partner Consent Laws
e) Women
5. a) Ft. Lauderdale Homeless Hate Laws
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00068
c) Ft. Lauderdale is resisting homeless hate laws and proceeding to provide for the homeless.
d) Homeless hate laws punish those who help the homeless
e) People of Ft. Lauderdale who want to help the homeless as well as the homeless themselves.
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00072
c) Students in Mexico have been killed and gone missing. Students decided to take action and protest only to be subject to more abductions and killings.
d) Students in Mexico keep getting killed and abducted or forcibly disappeared
e) Students in Mexico are facing this problem
2. a) International Farmworkers, small farm leaders visit Gainseville
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00060
c) Various farmers and workers are protesting against large corporate agricultural companies
d) Farmers are running out of jobs
e) La Via Campensina
3. a) Tuition Equity for All
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00061
c) Students attending UF who have graduated from Florida high schools and meet residency requirements are being charged 300% more for tuition just because they were born out of state.
d) Students being charged out of state fees despite meeting residency requirements
e) UF students born out of state face this issue.
4. a) Gainesville Women Liberation speaks out on abortion
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00061
c) A women speaks out on her abortion
d) Partner Consent Laws
e) Women
5. a) Ft. Lauderdale Homeless Hate Laws
b) http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073860/00068
c) Ft. Lauderdale is resisting homeless hate laws and proceeding to provide for the homeless.
d) Homeless hate laws punish those who help the homeless
e) People of Ft. Lauderdale who want to help the homeless as well as the homeless themselves.
Very Short Interview No. 1- Rachel Mead
The entrepreneur I interviewed is Linda Benjamin. She is one of my best friend's mother and has worked for companies such as ONE Coconut Water and even started her own business, Paradise Pops. Linda is a great example of an entrepreneur because she meets the needs of the people in her area in a creative way while maintaining a business of her own. The three questions I asked were:
1) What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur?
2) What’s your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?
3) What makes Paradise Pops different from other
companies and products?
These were her answers:
1) The challenges
include creating a demand for what you are offering, finding repeat customers
and filling a need in the market. These are challenging because they all
require different time, effort and strategies and they all cost money. Cash
flow impacts all businesses. Being an entrepreneur, these challengers fall on
you. Your choices and decisions impact the bottom line.
2) Being an entrepreneur allows me to be my authentic self. Doing what I love and sharing it with others. It allows me to be creative and independent on my own terms. I can say 'yes' or 'no' according to my needs. It also allows me to meet people from all walks of life. This is important to me.
3) Paradise Pops offers unique flavors presented with a tropical twist. Our pops are appealing to people of all ages and enjoyed by all. On a hot Florida day nothing cools one down as well as an icy treat and Paradise Pops offers 100's of flavor combinations too. We have a retro pop cart that identifies our brand with our unique logo and allows for us to sell outside our storefront. We are easily available for purchase via retail, catering, delivery and monthly subscription. Our brand identity relates to anything tropical which influences our flavors, offerings and venues we are represented at. These are they ways we separate ourselves from our competitors.
2) Being an entrepreneur allows me to be my authentic self. Doing what I love and sharing it with others. It allows me to be creative and independent on my own terms. I can say 'yes' or 'no' according to my needs. It also allows me to meet people from all walks of life. This is important to me.
3) Paradise Pops offers unique flavors presented with a tropical twist. Our pops are appealing to people of all ages and enjoyed by all. On a hot Florida day nothing cools one down as well as an icy treat and Paradise Pops offers 100's of flavor combinations too. We have a retro pop cart that identifies our brand with our unique logo and allows for us to sell outside our storefront. We are easily available for purchase via retail, catering, delivery and monthly subscription. Our brand identity relates to anything tropical which influences our flavors, offerings and venues we are represented at. These are they ways we separate ourselves from our competitors.
After speaking with Mrs. Benjamin what I took away from the most was when she talked about how it can difficult to create a demand and how many details go into ensuring that demand is met. It puts into perspective how important your own choices are and helps me realize how each decision can impact the entirety of a company. I loved Mrs. Benjamin's insight and look forward to speaking with her again in the near future!
Saturday, January 16, 2016
World's 10 Biggest Problems- Rachel Mead
These are 10 problems (not in a particular order) that I personally think are the most challenging to overcome.
Problem 1- Poverty
I think that poverty is something we often hear about, but don't take the time to think about the affect it has on others because we don't personally relate to it. I believe a lot of people acknowledge it's a problem but think to themselves that others will take care of the issue. I think the most effective way to combat these issues are programs that offer a product you would normally buy, such as Toms, that donate the same product or a portion of money, at no extra cost to the consumer, to those in need. I've noticed that people feel better about spending their money on something that goes toward a greater cause.
Problem 2- Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty is something I take a lot of offense to. I think any human being who participates in any type of animal cruelty (from domestic animals to farm animals) should be given the same consequences as child abusers and those charged with domestic violence. There are numerous laws against animal cruelty in every state yet we still treat animals as products or entertainment. In order to fix this issue, I think we need to start with the root of the problem and teach our children about animal cruelty and treat it as a serious concern. I also think we need to take further action in regulating and disciplining those who are caught abusing animals, including large companies that slaughter animals.
Problem 3- Global Warming
I find it hard to believe that people think global warming is a debate. From what I've learned, global warming is a natural occurrence, however we are contributing to the rapidness of the situation. Because our generation doesn't see the effects of our actions first hand, it's hard for many people to take global warming seriously. I think once the impact directly effects us is when people will see it as a major issue and it will be too late. I believe the earth will continue to thrive in the future, only with other organisms and not necessarily with the human species if we continue at this rate. Again, I think education is important and I think we should offer more classes and programs with projects that directly contribute to the well-being of our planet.
Problem 4- Obsession with Money
It's kind of twisted that in order to be successful in this society, we have to have money. I've never agreed with the saying, "Money can't buy happiness." I believe that no, money doesn't define happiness, but it most certainly can buy us better education, better food, better health, etc., which in turn makes us happy. And that sucks. Unless you want to be that guy who lived on an isolated island for a very long period of time all by himself and fought for his resources, there's no way we can really separate ourselves from the drive to obtain money. To be honest, I don't really know a solution to this problem but I hope we can find a way out.
Problem 5- Student Debt
Problem 4 leads me to the issue of student debt. Like I said before, we can't get away from our need for money. Money buys better education. But what happens when you have to borrow money in order to get the same opportunities as everyone else? Debt. I think scholarships are great and the fact that we can take out student loans is amazing, but wouldn't it be better if we just simply had the right to gain knowledge for free? If you've ever watched Good Will Hunting, you'll know what I mean. We could seek out the knowledge we want but the only way we can apply it is for our knowledge to be passed on through schooling we pay for so that we can officially be recognized. My solution to this issue would be to have jobs define guidelines so that people can study and work toward those guidelines and be able to take certifying tests on their own. Sort of like training for a job but with a focus on education.
Problem 6- Addiction
Addiction is a really big problem that many people face. It's so controlling and hard to get out of. Once I came to college, I started hearing more and more about all the people who have tried major drugs and I think this is where a lot of the problem starts. My first solution would be to say to try and limit accessibility, however I've heard of cases where some countries have legalized drugs such as weed and crime rates actually decreased. So, I would suggest seeing which option works best.
Problem 7- Chronic Diseases
Back in the day, people used to die of colds and common illnesses. Now, we face the challenge of Chronic diseases. I think this could be linked to the amount of processed and preserved foods that we eat. There is plenty of research going on that is contributing to finding a cure. But I think it would be best if we could fix the source of the problem in the first place, at least in the cases where chronic disease is not genetic. I would encourage more fresh foods be available at decent prices and for companies to stop putting additives in our foods or stripping away the nutrients from them.
Problem 8- Self Image
Self image is a huge issue that leads to many other problems and illnesses. I think society is starting to take a turn and recognizing how severe this problem is but it's still going to take a few more generations to have more accepting ideals and views. I think we are influenced by many factors when we are younger that promote poor self efficacy and esteem such as dolls, magazines, commercials, communication, etc. A good solution would be to show different types of people in the media. Although I think Victoria's Secret models are beautiful, they are teaching girls and women that you can only look a certain way in order to be like one of them. I think companies like that should follow Aeropostale's lead and stop photo-shopping images and including people of different backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. We should also teach our kids to be proud of their differences.
Problem 9- Depression and Suicide
This is an issue that is constantly rising but also being more and more ignored. According to the CDC, half of people with depression get treated and 1/25 suicide attempts are successful. The AAS estimates that a quarter million people become suicide survivors every year. I personally know people who have been very close to me have battled depression and suicide so this an issue I take very seriously. I think one of the most important things is awareness and encouraging people to talk about their issues. We should also teach people that suicide is not something to be shamed and it's not something to joke about. I think it would be great to continue teaching kids that it's not okay to bully others, as this is where a lot of depression and suicidal thoughts arise from. I think this issue is one that many people are afraid to talk about but shouldn't be and we should offer more resources to those struggling with Depression and Suicide.
Problem 10- Equality
You wouldn't think that equality would be an issue in the year of 2016 but in my opinion, people still choose to be close minded and ignorant. I truly believe in the saying, "love has no boundaries" and everyone should have the right to love another person, despite age, color, gender, religion, etc. It amazes me that people can be so cruel to each other and the fact that our government bases decisions off of religion, when one of the purposes of starting a government hear was to be free of religious obligations, and societal standards that shouldn't exist. There's a lot I could say about this topic but I think the best solution is for society to just live and let live. I think we're on the right path and fighting for laws that encourage equality for all.
Problem 1- Poverty
I think that poverty is something we often hear about, but don't take the time to think about the affect it has on others because we don't personally relate to it. I believe a lot of people acknowledge it's a problem but think to themselves that others will take care of the issue. I think the most effective way to combat these issues are programs that offer a product you would normally buy, such as Toms, that donate the same product or a portion of money, at no extra cost to the consumer, to those in need. I've noticed that people feel better about spending their money on something that goes toward a greater cause.
Problem 2- Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty is something I take a lot of offense to. I think any human being who participates in any type of animal cruelty (from domestic animals to farm animals) should be given the same consequences as child abusers and those charged with domestic violence. There are numerous laws against animal cruelty in every state yet we still treat animals as products or entertainment. In order to fix this issue, I think we need to start with the root of the problem and teach our children about animal cruelty and treat it as a serious concern. I also think we need to take further action in regulating and disciplining those who are caught abusing animals, including large companies that slaughter animals.
Problem 3- Global Warming
I find it hard to believe that people think global warming is a debate. From what I've learned, global warming is a natural occurrence, however we are contributing to the rapidness of the situation. Because our generation doesn't see the effects of our actions first hand, it's hard for many people to take global warming seriously. I think once the impact directly effects us is when people will see it as a major issue and it will be too late. I believe the earth will continue to thrive in the future, only with other organisms and not necessarily with the human species if we continue at this rate. Again, I think education is important and I think we should offer more classes and programs with projects that directly contribute to the well-being of our planet.
Problem 4- Obsession with Money
It's kind of twisted that in order to be successful in this society, we have to have money. I've never agreed with the saying, "Money can't buy happiness." I believe that no, money doesn't define happiness, but it most certainly can buy us better education, better food, better health, etc., which in turn makes us happy. And that sucks. Unless you want to be that guy who lived on an isolated island for a very long period of time all by himself and fought for his resources, there's no way we can really separate ourselves from the drive to obtain money. To be honest, I don't really know a solution to this problem but I hope we can find a way out.
Problem 5- Student Debt
Problem 4 leads me to the issue of student debt. Like I said before, we can't get away from our need for money. Money buys better education. But what happens when you have to borrow money in order to get the same opportunities as everyone else? Debt. I think scholarships are great and the fact that we can take out student loans is amazing, but wouldn't it be better if we just simply had the right to gain knowledge for free? If you've ever watched Good Will Hunting, you'll know what I mean. We could seek out the knowledge we want but the only way we can apply it is for our knowledge to be passed on through schooling we pay for so that we can officially be recognized. My solution to this issue would be to have jobs define guidelines so that people can study and work toward those guidelines and be able to take certifying tests on their own. Sort of like training for a job but with a focus on education.
Problem 6- Addiction
Addiction is a really big problem that many people face. It's so controlling and hard to get out of. Once I came to college, I started hearing more and more about all the people who have tried major drugs and I think this is where a lot of the problem starts. My first solution would be to say to try and limit accessibility, however I've heard of cases where some countries have legalized drugs such as weed and crime rates actually decreased. So, I would suggest seeing which option works best.
Problem 7- Chronic Diseases
Back in the day, people used to die of colds and common illnesses. Now, we face the challenge of Chronic diseases. I think this could be linked to the amount of processed and preserved foods that we eat. There is plenty of research going on that is contributing to finding a cure. But I think it would be best if we could fix the source of the problem in the first place, at least in the cases where chronic disease is not genetic. I would encourage more fresh foods be available at decent prices and for companies to stop putting additives in our foods or stripping away the nutrients from them.
Problem 8- Self Image
Self image is a huge issue that leads to many other problems and illnesses. I think society is starting to take a turn and recognizing how severe this problem is but it's still going to take a few more generations to have more accepting ideals and views. I think we are influenced by many factors when we are younger that promote poor self efficacy and esteem such as dolls, magazines, commercials, communication, etc. A good solution would be to show different types of people in the media. Although I think Victoria's Secret models are beautiful, they are teaching girls and women that you can only look a certain way in order to be like one of them. I think companies like that should follow Aeropostale's lead and stop photo-shopping images and including people of different backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. We should also teach our kids to be proud of their differences.
Problem 9- Depression and Suicide
This is an issue that is constantly rising but also being more and more ignored. According to the CDC, half of people with depression get treated and 1/25 suicide attempts are successful. The AAS estimates that a quarter million people become suicide survivors every year. I personally know people who have been very close to me have battled depression and suicide so this an issue I take very seriously. I think one of the most important things is awareness and encouraging people to talk about their issues. We should also teach people that suicide is not something to be shamed and it's not something to joke about. I think it would be great to continue teaching kids that it's not okay to bully others, as this is where a lot of depression and suicidal thoughts arise from. I think this issue is one that many people are afraid to talk about but shouldn't be and we should offer more resources to those struggling with Depression and Suicide.
Problem 10- Equality
You wouldn't think that equality would be an issue in the year of 2016 but in my opinion, people still choose to be close minded and ignorant. I truly believe in the saying, "love has no boundaries" and everyone should have the right to love another person, despite age, color, gender, religion, etc. It amazes me that people can be so cruel to each other and the fact that our government bases decisions off of religion, when one of the purposes of starting a government hear was to be free of religious obligations, and societal standards that shouldn't exist. There's a lot I could say about this topic but I think the best solution is for society to just live and let live. I think we're on the right path and fighting for laws that encourage equality for all.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Bug List- Rachel Mead
1. Emergency Broadcast Tests are very unpleasant to listen to and ironically make me feel unsafe.
Why this exists: To ensure important warnings or announcements will be passed to viewers.
2. I get a little too frustrated when wifi cuts out because it interrupts my work.
Why this exists: Poor range of signals.
3. There's nothing worse than wearing uncomfortable contacts. I get so distracted until I'm able to take them out.
Why this exists: Contacts dry out quickly.
4. Actual bugs bother me. Insects give me nightmares.
Why this exists: Bugs have a bad reputation.
5. Bad customer service (particularly my apartment management) can ruin my entire day. I called them 24 times before getting an issue solved recently.
Why this exists: Poor training and lack of organization.
6. Trying to hang up a picture is frustrating because there are so many obstacles from furniture being in the way to not being able to hang it up straight.
Why this exists: Not enough tools to help other than levels.
7. Walking through wet grass can be so uncomfortable. It gets your shoes, pants, and skin dirty.
Why this exists: Not having waterproof shoes.
8. It really bothers me when people talk with food in their mouths. It grossing me out so much that my food is unappetizing.
Why this exists: People aren't taught good manners.
9. When people don't use their blinkers correctly it makes me wonder how many car accidents they've caused.
Why this exists: People aren't cautious of their surroundings.
10. Stop lights that take too long can back up traffic three lights behind it.
Why this exists: Not enough lights with sensors.
11. When clothes shrink I feel like I completely wasted my money.
Why this exists: Not enough pre-shrunk clothes.
12. Vacuums that don't pick up hair leave floors filthy.
Why this exists: design of the vacuum cleaner.
13. Tight parking spots are really tricky when you have to park a small car between two large ones.
Why this exists: Parking garages trying to fit as many spaces as possible in one area.
14. Glasses that slide down your face are almost pointless in having.
Why this exists: Poor design of glasses
15. Driving is almost impossible when the steering wheel is too hot or cold.
Why this exists: Material of the car
16. It's so awful when my dog gets hitchhikers on her fur and I have to pull them off because it hurts her.
Why this exists: Dogs walk in the grass
17. People who don't like animals seriously concern me.
Why this exists: I love animals too much.
18. I hate when I get saltwater in my eyes at the beach because it burns and doesn't go away.
Why this exists: Not wearing goggles in the water.
19. When water tastes like the plastic bottle it was in, it makes me feel bad.
Why this exists: Cheap plastic water bottles
20. Sensitive fire alarms are really annoying because it makes it really hard to cook.
Why this exists: My apartment uses cheap equipment.
I truly didn't expect this assignment to be difficult but it was really hard to come up with reasoning for each "bug". As I was forming this list, I realized how minor these problems were and felt like they weren't even things worth mentioning. However, it does make me realize how many possible innovations can be created in response to some of these "bugs". A lot of the "bugs" didn't even really have legitimate reasons as to why they exist. It was easy to come up with "bugs" just not why they bothered me or exist.
Why this exists: To ensure important warnings or announcements will be passed to viewers.
2. I get a little too frustrated when wifi cuts out because it interrupts my work.
Why this exists: Poor range of signals.
3. There's nothing worse than wearing uncomfortable contacts. I get so distracted until I'm able to take them out.
Why this exists: Contacts dry out quickly.
4. Actual bugs bother me. Insects give me nightmares.
Why this exists: Bugs have a bad reputation.
5. Bad customer service (particularly my apartment management) can ruin my entire day. I called them 24 times before getting an issue solved recently.
Why this exists: Poor training and lack of organization.
6. Trying to hang up a picture is frustrating because there are so many obstacles from furniture being in the way to not being able to hang it up straight.
Why this exists: Not enough tools to help other than levels.
7. Walking through wet grass can be so uncomfortable. It gets your shoes, pants, and skin dirty.
Why this exists: Not having waterproof shoes.
8. It really bothers me when people talk with food in their mouths. It grossing me out so much that my food is unappetizing.
Why this exists: People aren't taught good manners.
9. When people don't use their blinkers correctly it makes me wonder how many car accidents they've caused.
Why this exists: People aren't cautious of their surroundings.
10. Stop lights that take too long can back up traffic three lights behind it.
Why this exists: Not enough lights with sensors.
11. When clothes shrink I feel like I completely wasted my money.
Why this exists: Not enough pre-shrunk clothes.
12. Vacuums that don't pick up hair leave floors filthy.
Why this exists: design of the vacuum cleaner.
13. Tight parking spots are really tricky when you have to park a small car between two large ones.
Why this exists: Parking garages trying to fit as many spaces as possible in one area.
14. Glasses that slide down your face are almost pointless in having.
Why this exists: Poor design of glasses
15. Driving is almost impossible when the steering wheel is too hot or cold.
Why this exists: Material of the car
16. It's so awful when my dog gets hitchhikers on her fur and I have to pull them off because it hurts her.
Why this exists: Dogs walk in the grass
17. People who don't like animals seriously concern me.
Why this exists: I love animals too much.
18. I hate when I get saltwater in my eyes at the beach because it burns and doesn't go away.
Why this exists: Not wearing goggles in the water.
19. When water tastes like the plastic bottle it was in, it makes me feel bad.
Why this exists: Cheap plastic water bottles
20. Sensitive fire alarms are really annoying because it makes it really hard to cook.
Why this exists: My apartment uses cheap equipment.
I truly didn't expect this assignment to be difficult but it was really hard to come up with reasoning for each "bug". As I was forming this list, I realized how minor these problems were and felt like they weren't even things worth mentioning. However, it does make me realize how many possible innovations can be created in response to some of these "bugs". A lot of the "bugs" didn't even really have legitimate reasons as to why they exist. It was easy to come up with "bugs" just not why they bothered me or exist.
Friday, January 8, 2016
Week 2 Reading Reflection- Rachel Mead
While reading the first chapter of Entrepreneurship, I learned about some facts that I didn't know of before. I was surprised to read that only 18% of entrepreneurial businesses failed between 1977-1993. I expected the number to be at least 30%. I also found it interesting that there is a growing demand for "Green Apparel". I know about the efforts against animal testing but I was unaware there was such a thing as organic cotton and other materials that are considered green.
I started getting confused reading about the integrative and dynamic states approaches. It was difficult for me to see the major differences between the two. It seemed to me that they covered mostly the same topics and were made up of similar components.
If I could speak with the author, I would ask if he would consider someone who develops methods and strategies to make something such as advertising or marketing more successful an entrepreneur. I would also like to know why about half of start up businesses fail after the first five to seven years and how often those failed businesses try to restart again.
I felt that this chapter mentioned a lot about how entrepreneurship should pay attention to the economy and while I don't necessarily think this is wrong, I think that more emphasis should have been placed on targeting specific audiences and consumers. This is an important aspect of entrepreneurship that I feel should have had more attention. Even if an innovation is great for an economy, it has to be engaging and beneficial to customers.
Overall, I thought this chapter was a little repetitive but I did learn some interesting facts and was reminded of differences between the different areas of entrepreneurship.
I started getting confused reading about the integrative and dynamic states approaches. It was difficult for me to see the major differences between the two. It seemed to me that they covered mostly the same topics and were made up of similar components.
If I could speak with the author, I would ask if he would consider someone who develops methods and strategies to make something such as advertising or marketing more successful an entrepreneur. I would also like to know why about half of start up businesses fail after the first five to seven years and how often those failed businesses try to restart again.
I felt that this chapter mentioned a lot about how entrepreneurship should pay attention to the economy and while I don't necessarily think this is wrong, I think that more emphasis should have been placed on targeting specific audiences and consumers. This is an important aspect of entrepreneurship that I feel should have had more attention. Even if an innovation is great for an economy, it has to be engaging and beneficial to customers.
Overall, I thought this chapter was a little repetitive but I did learn some interesting facts and was reminded of differences between the different areas of entrepreneurship.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
My Entrepreneurship Story- Rachel Mead
There's one instance in particular that I'm very proud of and really thought of myself as an entrepreneur. Being in the Innovation Academy, we participated in Catalyst, a competition in which students shared their innovations. Inspired by my high school research project, my group and I designed earphones for the purpose of eliminating noise. The difference between our headphones and the current soundproofing headphones, such as those designed by Bose, was the material that makes up the earpieces. We used a non-newtonian fluid (a fluid that takes on the properties of a solid when force or pressure is applied) and soaked it into a soundproofing foam. This process bettered our 3D printed headphones because the non-newtonian fluid help deflect sound waves. We called our headphones Inaudibles. Our project was runner up for an award but we did not place. Instead, one of the judges offered to sponsor us and fund our research and advancement of our project. This really made me proud of my group's innovation and I saw that there really were resources out there that I could utilize.
I enrolled in ENT 3003 because I love coming up with new ways to solve a problem. I have plenty of experience in leadership and love helping others expand their ideas and listening to other's suggestions for my own. I would like to take away from this class how to network more efficiently and be a better presenter. I look forward to seeing what this course has in store!
I enrolled in ENT 3003 because I love coming up with new ways to solve a problem. I have plenty of experience in leadership and love helping others expand their ideas and listening to other's suggestions for my own. I would like to take away from this class how to network more efficiently and be a better presenter. I look forward to seeing what this course has in store!
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Introduction- Rachel Mead
Hello! My name is Rachel Mead and I am a second year student majoring in Animal Sciences with a minor in Innovation. I plan to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine in the future. I'm from Sarasota, Florida where I lived with my mom and younger brother. I grew up near Siesta Key Beach and try to find any excuse to go outside. I was a competitive weightlifter in high school and still do my best to get in the gym as much as possible. Fall of 2015 I was given the opportunity to intern for Gainesville Pet Rescue and had a great experience there. I'm really looking forward to participating in this class and excited for this spring semester!
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
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