What's Next- Rachel Mead

Existing Market

What I believe is next: I think the customers would like to have the option of at home tutors who monitor their progress in the comfort of their own home. Tutors who offer to participate will get paid extra.

Here are the interviews:

Reflection:
       In the future, I plan to add security to my system, make sure that students are getting paid enough so that it is beneficial to them, and include a log where students can set goals they would like to accomplish. These responses are exactly the type of feedback needed in order to grow and make this company successful. I think that if this service were available to everyone, after some adjustments with how we would obtain the money, students would have no reason not to be a part of this amazing opportunity.
       I truly believe that every student will benefit from this system and other businesses will receive more educated, time managed, and motivated workers. This system is a game changer and would affect the population on a large scale. I look forward to see what this business has in store for the future and what else we can accomplish.



New Market

I would try to sell my services to another business such as current tutoring businesses instead of just students.

I believe selling my service to another business will benefit both of parties and draw in more people. I also think that we would be able to build ideas off of each other and see what works and what doesn't in each company. For the most part, we would be able to exchange supplies for customers and referrals. We'd also give our students the option of working with some of these businesses.

Interviews:

Reflection:
       I think that this networking will help spread the word about my business as well as the others and it's great to have these connections. We will all be able to feed off of each other's customers, thus creating more revenue for both businesses. I think my program would give these people some great workers that will be more driven than some of the workers they obtain who do not use our program.
       Partnering with these businesses will ultimately help our students. They are our first priority so we want them to have the best opportunities possible. Our students will be set up for success by using our program as well as being involved with these other businesses. The businesses can also help by referring their customers to us. I believe that no one will disappointed whether they are a business owner or customer.

Week 12 Reading Reflection- 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 think that the SWOT analysis is a great way to look at your venture from all angles and allows us to be objective when trying to create a successful business. I also can sympathize when he writes about lack of strategic planning. Planning is essential in every business but some factors do make it more difficult. 

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

I found the first diagram of this chapter confusing. It wasn't very organized and didn't flow well. I wasn't able to follow what the author was trying to get across with this picture. 

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

I would ask the author if anyone has studied which states have the best demographics for technological demand and also how many people you should share your idea with and are necessary to every business. 

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

There was not anything I thought the author was wrong about. 

Venture Concept No. 1

Opportunity

I saw an opportunity to help students who need to make money while also maintaining high grades by paying them to study. This is when I came up with idea “Study Money”. My opportunity is targeted toward students who also need to work. What has created this environment includes the increasing competition to get into graduate schools and also the rising cost to apply and attend those programs. The geography for this market is mainly universities. The demographics will mostly be made up of students who need money as well as anyone who is qualified to be a part of our staff. Customers are currently struggling to keep their grades up and making money by sacrificing time to one or the other. Whichever is more of a priority to the individual will receive more attention while the other option suffers. Currently, there are no resources that I know of in which students can get around this so they are very loyal to this way of living. As of now, students have to sacrifice time to focus it all on school and working with little down time so they are dedicated to this system. I think this opportunity is definitely a game changer. I believe that at least 70% of the student population would try my program and 100% will benefit. Some students I have spoken to believe that studying is not something students should get paid for because is it a part of what we need to do for our education. However, I think if this business were available to them, it would do no harm and only help them. Ultimately, this opportunity will be open until a business such as mine is created. Until then, this opportunity will always be available.

Innovation

            “Study Money” will be a service that provides students the opportunity to get paid for studying. Students will sign in to my facility and just begin studying. They will be paid $5 for every hour spent studying and an extra $10 for every A they earn on the exam or project they were studying for or working on. If students need to use computers, they will either use computers that we provide so that we can monitor the sites they go on or be on wifi with restrictions. Only sites related to school application will be allowed to ensure students aren’t taking advantage of our program. Only sites related to school application will be allowed. Not only are the students able to make money, but staff will be paid as well. Even one of our suppliers has offered to employ some of our most promising students or staff members in his workplace. This particular employer works at a bank and can provide future opportunities to students and staff in different areas of his business. This truly is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Venture Concept

            My innovation will solve the issue that students face to keep high grades and make money at the same time. Customers will be interested in this innovation because there are currently no other programs that offer both of these features. Customers won’t even need to switch to this program because it will be the first of its kind. Students will have no trouble using this program. There are no competitors at the moment, however we are prepared to face some in the future and have plans on how to succeed continuously with or without competitors. Competitors will have lack of originality and it will be hard to keep up with this business because we will constantly be improving our system and methods. The most defining feature of my business is the means for funding. Everything else will neatly come together. The funding will be supported by scholarships, grants, and investors. In order to organize this business to exceed expectations, we will focus on marketing, seeking investors, and allowing learning opportunities for employees. The venture will consist of the role of the student, staff, and funders. We are confident we can combine these elements to create an effective business.

Resources, Future for the Venture, Future for Me

            My most important resource will be the demand of students who need high grades as well as money. This program meets two of the most important needs that students have. Competitors will have a hard time replicating my business because we will be the most original and are open to customer concerns and suggestions. We will get first hand feedback and be able to make any modifications necessary to ensure we are meeting the needs of students. To make this program more advanced, we would like to offer scholarship opportunities. I believe this will give students even more incentive and motivation. In five years, I think this program would drastically decrease the amount of local competition amongst students and allow easier access to the things they’re truly interested in. I see myself a much more insightful business owner and better prepared to face my other aspirations. I think this adventure would make me more knowledgeable in running my own veterinary practice one day.  In a decade, this business will provide me credibility that I am capable of running my own business and be innovative. I think this will help me be more objective and be better able to criticism and suggestions as well. It will be easier to recognize what makes a business more or less successful.