The Twenty Percent- Rachel Mead

I interviewed Trevor Bliss. He asked to not be recorded but here is the transcript of his interview:

Could you please provide a brief description of your business?
Consilario Scholastic Consulting Services aims to provide high school students with the necessary guidance to get in to colleges that are the best fit for their interests and abilities.  With typical school counselor caseloads at averages over 400 to 1, private consulting for college guidance is almost necessary to ensure a student's best chances for college admittance.  Consilario guides and monitors all of the necessary components to be admitted into first choice colleges such as volunteerism, academics, testing, applications, essays and scholarships.

Who are your target customers?
Target customers are families from middle and upper socioeconomic demographics with children in high school.  These families know little about the college admittance process or do not have the time to monitor and ensure best practices for meeting college entrance criteria.

What are your customers unmet needs?
Customers' unmet needs are the knowledge of the colleges and their admissions processes; the tracking of volunteer hours and placement in activities that demonstrate leadership and passion; connections to various services for tutoring and test preparation; advice on best high school courses of study in order to gain college admission.

Where do you find your customers?
Customers are found by word of mouth.  Advertising will take place at middle school functions where parents are beliguired by high school choice and future plans for their children.  Social media and a website will also help funnel clientelle to the business.

What are your customer's demographics?
Customers are primarily affluent members of the county who have moved into the area after completing their schooling.  They know little about the educational offerings of the area but value education and are willing to pay money for a better educational service than what is offered at their child's school.

I then interviewed three target customers and asked them who they thought his twenty percent came from. Their responses matched Trevor's because his business directly works with families who are interested in gaining help from an adviser who aids them in helping their child through the college application process.

Week 8 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 was unaware that there were other places besides banks that are able to loan money. I really liked the diagram the author included describing the various types of lenders and each of their details.

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

I was a little confused about debt-financing and what it is. To me, the word debt just sounds bad so I was unsure how debt-financing works because it doesn't sound beneficial.

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

I would ask the author what types of businesses ask which types of lenders for money and I would also ask if certain lenders are more likely to support one type of business over another.

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

I disagreed with the author when he spoke about the myths on Venture Capitalists. He says it's untrue that they want control of the business but that they do want to be consulted with major decisions and that they expect unreasonably high returns on investments. I felt this was somewhat contradictory and even though they may not want to have complete control, it sounds like they want the power and authority and maybe some of the credit as well. 

Half-Way Reflection- Rachel Mead

1) Tenaciousness is a skill. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

I have been keeping up with this class by doing assignments in bulk since they are usually short. The amount of time spent doing a certain amount of assignments is equivalent to the time spent studying for other classes.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

I think the most frustrating part for me has been recording my assignments. This is different from other classes and does make some of the work much harder and requires a significant amount of effort. This is also a good thing though and has taught me to plan ahead. I think this class has definitely encouraged me to be more tenacious and it helps that my grade (which is determined by myself) depends on the work I truthfully complete. 

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?

I would tell next semester's students to work ahead especially when recordings are needed. In order to develop a tenacious mindset I would recommend reflecting more often, possibly every other weekend, to stay focused. Another tip I would offer is to take advantage of the extra credit ahead of time just in case you can't complete an assignment.