Elevator Pitch
Same Video but from Youtube:
Friday, September 27, 2019
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Assignment 9: Testing the Hypothesis Part 2
Testing the Hypothesis Part 2
Who: The following are conclusions based on the interviews I conducted with five new individuals who essentially have the need but are already supplementing it with another form:
- Interview 1: I found that some people don't need snacks to supplement calorie deficiency because they would make up for it by eating a heavy amount of calories during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Interview 2: I found that some people would do a calorie deficit because they wanted to lose weight. They assumed that by burning more calories than they're consuming effectively helps them lose weight.
- Interview 3: In my third interview, I found that people do need that extra snack in between meals to ensure that people get their needed calories; however, instead of snacks they would replace them with protein shakes. I found these individuals to be outside the boundaries of my market.
- Interview 4: In interview four, I found a new market, mothers. Mothers usually supply their kids with protein or granola bars for when they go to school. My product would be a perfect supplement to replace the store bought granola bars and protein bars.
- Interview 5: I received the same new information that I got from interview one.
Why: I want to supply this product to save people from the time and hassle of making healthy snacks at home.
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Inside
the Boundary
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Outside the Boundary
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Who is in: Gym Goers, Outside Workers, “Health nuts”, and
Mothers
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Who is out: Those without calories deficits, those who eat 3
large meals a day, those trying to have calorie deficit, those with peanut
allergies.
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What the need is: An alternative to making your own healthy, homemade
snacks
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What the need is not: A snack that’ll solve your weight problems being
coined as “healthy”.
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Why the need exists: For people who don’t want to go through the hassle
and time to make their own form of healthy snacks.
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Alternative explanations: A healthy snack to eat between meals.
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Friday, September 20, 2019
Assignment 8: Solving the Problem
Solving the Problem
Before this class, I've always had a passion for the fitness industry. So much passion that my first job was working for my buddy's supplement company. Through that job, I have learned much about supplements, personal health, and ways to ensure that I'm getting the right mix of foods in my diet. However, the main problem I would have through many years was that I was having trouble getting the necessary calories to fuel the progress of gains I wanted to achieve as a result of going to the gym. I've tried to search the internet for different recipes for homemade snacks but found nothing that intrigued me. Plus, how was I sure I was going to enjoy the recipe that may have intrigued me? That's when it hit me. I remembered a time back when I first started bootcamp, maybe 6 years ago, this lady would bring these little balls of peanut butter and other things that I couldn't remember and tasted amazing. Using that experience as inspiration, I decided to experiment with different ingredients and came up with a product I like to call "Bulk Bites." I made them with natural ingredients of only oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, and raisins. Excited with what I made, I had other people try them. Everyone loved them and told me I should try and sell them. So here I am. I found an opportunity where people had the same problem as me. People were lifting and lifting, but haven't had something to supply to those gains to keep them. They would buy protein shakes, protein bars, and "health" bars, but that would cost too much money. On average, the price for a good protein bar might be 2-3 dollars per bar. However, I would be able to sell Bulk Bites for around a dollar a Bite for around the same benefit. Additionally, people don't want to go through the hassle and take the time to make healthy snacks to eat throughout the day. That's where I come in. I would sacrifice my time to make these Bulk Bites by the batch and sell them by the batch. This saves both me and the customer time, and allows the customer to have about a week and a half supply worth of Bulk Bites. Furthermore, these don't just have to be for people who work out, but they can also be for people who need a quick, healthy snack that they can just pop into their mouth and be good for about 2 hours. So far, I've sold 3 batches and double my money every two batches. Hoping for that five stars on Yelp.
Assignment 7: Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
(1) Opportunity
Gym goers in the US are unable to consume the needed calories on a day-to-day basis to fuel their gains because they don't have the time and effort to make themselves a healthy, homemade snack to consume throughout the day.
(2) Who, What, Why
The Who: Gym goers in the US
The What: They are unable to consume the needed calories on a day-to-day basis to fuel their gains
The Why: They don't have the time and effort to make themselves a healthy, homemade snack to consume throughout the day.
(3) Hypothesis
Testing the Who: Not only do gym goers have the need, but also college students, auto collision workers, 9-5 workers, athletes, and kids.
Testing the What: The boundaries of the need include the people who consume the product. Consumers may have different allergies that may prevent them from consuming some snacks. Another boundary may be for athletes where they are usually sticking to a specific diet.
Testing the Why: I believe that most of the people I identified in my who have the "why" where they don't have the time and/or effort to make themselves a healthy, homemade snack to ensure that they supply their body with the needed calories on a day-to-day basis. The only exception may be for college students who just may not have the effort, while other college students may just not have enough time in the day.
(4) Interviews
Interview 1: Jake
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I think that a lot of people aren't getting the amount of calories needed throughout the day. People that I find to be having this problem would have to be gym goers. They don't seem to be getting the necessary calories to feed their progress.
What do you think is stopping people from making healthy snacks?
I don't think some people have the time to be making their own snacks in the morning because of their schedule. Me, as a college student, don't have the time in the mornings or throughout the day because I am busy with going to classes, studying, and going to the gym.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
Like I said in the previous question, I just don't have the time to be making my own snacks. I would much rather buy my own snacks from stores who have protein bars and such. If I had time to make my own snacks, I would but I currently just don't have the time to do so.
Interview 2: Geo
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
By far people who go to the gym and athletes. They need these calories to fuel the gains.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
I think whats stopping people from getting the necessary calories is that people don't like what is on the market right now so want to make their own snacks that they can consume throughout the day. Plus, the protein bars that are in stores are expensive to keep buying because of the cost for each singular bar. Also, you don't know what you're actually putting into your body when you consume them. I much rather would make my own if I had the time.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I think that the main reason people have the problem with making their own snacks is that they don't really have the time. For me, I just don't have the time. I have a 9-5 job that I can't really find time to go through the hassle of making my own healthy snacks.
Interview 3: Carol
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I don't really have a calorie deficiency by accident but rather on purpose because I want my body to burn more calories than I'm consuming to lose weight. However, I think that some other people that may have the problem would be office workers.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
People would much rather buy their granola bars and such at grocery stores. For me, I normally purchase Fiber One bars at Target because they taste good and they get the job done. But I do think it's hard for some others because they have allergies where they may be allergic to peanuts and such. This limits the selection of snacks that they can buy and consume from the grocery store.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I think what's stopping people from making homemade snacks is that they may not know how to make them. There's definitely a bunch of recipes online but, I don't think that people want to go through the hassle of making it themselves. Plus, for most people the first batch doesn't normally come out good so they just end up giving up on making them.
Interview 4: Beau
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I think people who work outside jobs are the most calorie deficient because they burn more than they're able to consume. In Florida, the heat is terrible because of the humidity and the direct sunlight. Not even the shade can really save you. But I work in collision so I'm always outside.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
I think people just make a shake or get healthy snacks from the grocery store. My go to is usually a 2000 calorie health shake that I make in the morning to help ensure that I'm getting sufficient calories every day. But these shakes aren't always the greatest things because they have a very thick consistency and they don't always taste good.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I think people are lazy and they don't want to go through the hassle of making their own stuff. After working all day in the sun, its hard for me to muster up the energy to even work out at the end of the day. Plus, my job as an auto collision worker, I have to be at my job at 8:00 to work.
Interview 5: Mike
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I think that people who work outside are the most deficient on calories. The sun drains the energy from their bodies and causes them to sweat. But I can see people in the gym who want to get bigger to have the same problem as well because you usually want something that you can easily pop in your mouth after a workout to make sure your body is getting the necessary carbs.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
I think what's stopping people from getting the necessary calories is the way people function. Some people are just used to going just three meals a day where they aren't hungry in between meals. Snacks really aren't an issue for them so they can survive without it.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I don't think people want to go through the effort of making homemade snacks, and they don't want to go through buying the needed supplies to do a recipe they found online that they'll use only once.
(5) Summary of Interviews
Overall, I believe that I was nearly spot on on what the opportunity called for. I knew that people who were in college, 9-5 workers, and auto collision workers had calorie deficiency; however, many brought up external workers which encompasses more than just auto collision workers. I learned that some people made shakes in place of snacks to ease their hunger and get their calorie number up. Mostly the ones I talked to who went to the gym claimed to be taking protein shakes rather than the grocery store bought snacks while those who didn't always go to the gym bought mostly protein bars and health bars. I found out that people do try and make their own, but they normally do it maybe once or twice before they give up doing it.
Gym goers in the US are unable to consume the needed calories on a day-to-day basis to fuel their gains because they don't have the time and effort to make themselves a healthy, homemade snack to consume throughout the day.
(2) Who, What, Why
The Who: Gym goers in the US
The What: They are unable to consume the needed calories on a day-to-day basis to fuel their gains
The Why: They don't have the time and effort to make themselves a healthy, homemade snack to consume throughout the day.
(3) Hypothesis
Testing the Who: Not only do gym goers have the need, but also college students, auto collision workers, 9-5 workers, athletes, and kids.
Testing the What: The boundaries of the need include the people who consume the product. Consumers may have different allergies that may prevent them from consuming some snacks. Another boundary may be for athletes where they are usually sticking to a specific diet.
Testing the Why: I believe that most of the people I identified in my who have the "why" where they don't have the time and/or effort to make themselves a healthy, homemade snack to ensure that they supply their body with the needed calories on a day-to-day basis. The only exception may be for college students who just may not have the effort, while other college students may just not have enough time in the day.
(4) Interviews
Interview 1: Jake
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I think that a lot of people aren't getting the amount of calories needed throughout the day. People that I find to be having this problem would have to be gym goers. They don't seem to be getting the necessary calories to feed their progress.
What do you think is stopping people from making healthy snacks?
I don't think some people have the time to be making their own snacks in the morning because of their schedule. Me, as a college student, don't have the time in the mornings or throughout the day because I am busy with going to classes, studying, and going to the gym.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
Like I said in the previous question, I just don't have the time to be making my own snacks. I would much rather buy my own snacks from stores who have protein bars and such. If I had time to make my own snacks, I would but I currently just don't have the time to do so.
Interview 2: Geo
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
By far people who go to the gym and athletes. They need these calories to fuel the gains.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
I think whats stopping people from getting the necessary calories is that people don't like what is on the market right now so want to make their own snacks that they can consume throughout the day. Plus, the protein bars that are in stores are expensive to keep buying because of the cost for each singular bar. Also, you don't know what you're actually putting into your body when you consume them. I much rather would make my own if I had the time.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I think that the main reason people have the problem with making their own snacks is that they don't really have the time. For me, I just don't have the time. I have a 9-5 job that I can't really find time to go through the hassle of making my own healthy snacks.
Interview 3: Carol
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I don't really have a calorie deficiency by accident but rather on purpose because I want my body to burn more calories than I'm consuming to lose weight. However, I think that some other people that may have the problem would be office workers.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
People would much rather buy their granola bars and such at grocery stores. For me, I normally purchase Fiber One bars at Target because they taste good and they get the job done. But I do think it's hard for some others because they have allergies where they may be allergic to peanuts and such. This limits the selection of snacks that they can buy and consume from the grocery store.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I think what's stopping people from making homemade snacks is that they may not know how to make them. There's definitely a bunch of recipes online but, I don't think that people want to go through the hassle of making it themselves. Plus, for most people the first batch doesn't normally come out good so they just end up giving up on making them.
Interview 4: Beau
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I think people who work outside jobs are the most calorie deficient because they burn more than they're able to consume. In Florida, the heat is terrible because of the humidity and the direct sunlight. Not even the shade can really save you. But I work in collision so I'm always outside.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
I think people just make a shake or get healthy snacks from the grocery store. My go to is usually a 2000 calorie health shake that I make in the morning to help ensure that I'm getting sufficient calories every day. But these shakes aren't always the greatest things because they have a very thick consistency and they don't always taste good.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I think people are lazy and they don't want to go through the hassle of making their own stuff. After working all day in the sun, its hard for me to muster up the energy to even work out at the end of the day. Plus, my job as an auto collision worker, I have to be at my job at 8:00 to work.
Interview 5: Mike
Who do you think has the problem with calorie deficiency?
I think that people who work outside are the most deficient on calories. The sun drains the energy from their bodies and causes them to sweat. But I can see people in the gym who want to get bigger to have the same problem as well because you usually want something that you can easily pop in your mouth after a workout to make sure your body is getting the necessary carbs.
What do you think is stopping people from getting the necessary calories?
I think what's stopping people from getting the necessary calories is the way people function. Some people are just used to going just three meals a day where they aren't hungry in between meals. Snacks really aren't an issue for them so they can survive without it.
Why do you think people have the problem with making healthy homemade snacks?
I don't think people want to go through the effort of making homemade snacks, and they don't want to go through buying the needed supplies to do a recipe they found online that they'll use only once.
(5) Summary of Interviews
Overall, I believe that I was nearly spot on on what the opportunity called for. I knew that people who were in college, 9-5 workers, and auto collision workers had calorie deficiency; however, many brought up external workers which encompasses more than just auto collision workers. I learned that some people made shakes in place of snacks to ease their hunger and get their calorie number up. Mostly the ones I talked to who went to the gym claimed to be taking protein shakes rather than the grocery store bought snacks while those who didn't always go to the gym bought mostly protein bars and health bars. I found out that people do try and make their own, but they normally do it maybe once or twice before they give up doing it.
Assignment 6: Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends
Economic Trends
Solar and Wind Power Too Cheap for Subsidies
(a) In a growing society that puts an importance on renewable energy, I thought that there might be some kind of changes in the renewable energy industry.
(b) What leads me to believe that there is an opportunity is that the decreasing prices of solar and wind make it easier to sell to consumers. Plus, the decreasing value and the "green" value will be highly attractive to those who both care about the environment without breaking the bank. Because of the drop in prices of solar and wind, the government won't have to put aside money to start-up new plants. This price drop makes it cheaper to get into business selling solar and wind power to consumers.
(c) I believe the prototypical customer to the opportunity might be home owners, small business owners, large corporations.
(d) The opportunity would be hard to exploit because the price may influence customers to just purchase their own rig of solar panels.
Why did you see the opportunity?
I've always been a fan of renewable energy. The old house I used to live in had solar panels on the roof that would supply power to some of the house. I remember them being very expensive so, when I saw that they were decreasing in pricing I thought that there might be an opportunity in the making.
Oil Prices on the Rise as a Result of Iran's War Warning
(a) The last time I received gas for my car, I noticed that the gas prices were starting to rise. So, I thought that maybe it was just that time of the year so I just looked up why they might be rising because I've never known the reason.
(b) What lead me to believe that there was an opportunity is that gas is necessary for just about a majority of those in the area. People need gas for cars, scooters, buses, and motorcycles.
(c) The prototypical customer for this opportunity would be car owners, motorcyclists, bus company owners, and college students.
(d) The opportunity would be difficult to exploit because the rising prices of oil will in turn raise the cost of acquiring the supplies to convert to gas. Also, if customers had incite on the rising prices of gas, customers would buy now and not when the prices were raised. It would almost be like people buying gas before hurricanes.
Why did you see the opportunity?
I thought of the opportunity because I know that a majority of people in the US need gas on a daily bases. Therefore, we will have a lot of customers regardless of how high the prices may be.
Regulatory Trends
FDA moves to regulate CBD oil to protect Big Pharma's Profits
(a) I'm interested in the marijuana industry and found this article thinking that there might be an opportunity. Usually, marijuana likes to stir up some controversy so, I thought that there might be something to salvage from its popularity.
(b) What leads me to believe that there is an opportunity is that the popularity for CBD oil is increasing which means that the product of CBD may be easier to sell to consumers. Plus, the marijuana industry is starting to boom.
(c) The prototypical consumers for CBD oil would be college students, old people, people with tourettes, and people who suffer from depression.
(d) The opportunity may be hard to come by legally unless I go to a place where marijuana is available recreational.
Why did you see the opportunity?
I have an older brother who has a lot of anger issues so he uses marijuana to cool himself down a notch. So the CBD oil helps him achieve a calmer state of mind. I saw an opportunity because many people actually need the effects of CBD to help medicate different diseases or disabilities that they have.
US and Canada reach last-minute deal to replace NAFTA with new trade agreement
(a) The source that lead me to form a belief for an opportunity was the upcoming new deal that Donald Trump was trying to resurrect a new NAFTA in place of the old one.
(b) The diary market that Canada houses is highly desirable to the farmers in the US. Plus, officials say that this new agreement will create new jobs and new opportunities for those who live in North America.
(c) The customer with the opportunity would be the farmers in the US who get highly prized dairy from Canada as well as North American citizens who will be able to acquire good, well-paying jobs.
(d) I think the opportunity is relatively difficult because the jobs aren't specified and the dairy business would be a lot of money to try and start up.
Why did you see the opportunity?
I think what helped me find an opportunity as a result of this deal was that I really need a job and this deal promising extra job is not only beneficial to me, but also those who are currently unemployed.
Friday, September 13, 2019
Assignment 5
Identifying Local Opportunities
"Tropical Storm Humberto Expected to form and skirt by Florida, forecasters say"
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-ne-tropical-storm-humberto-florida-weekend-20190912-yt6l5xllzzfsdjyoho4gmvml4e-story.html
Description: According to the article, Humberto, another big storm, is supposed to bring heavy winds and a fair amount of rain to the east coast of Florida.
Problem: The tropical storm is expected to hit the east coast of Florida with 50 mph, possibly causing closed schools and establishments. This scare may be good and or bad for gas stations, students, and other businesses that are located along the coast.
Who has the Problem?
Schools have the problem because bus will be unable to function because of how strong the winds will be. This causes a problem in the transportation of student to learning institutions. Gas will be in high demand if the storm tries to linger for a few days. This will cause gas stations to be busy. Businesses along the coast might have to shutdown their operation because of potential damage the storm may cause to their business.
Opportunity 2:
"Cavender's Western Outfitter to sell boots and hats at first Florida store in Orlando"
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-cfb-cavenders-western-outfitter-20190913-5sv2qy5erjf5zc6rki5s4bgj4m-story.html
Description: Cavendor's Western Outfitter is expanding their locations to Florida for the first time.
Problem: This will be Cavender's first store in Florida and they will not know the depth of the customer base that they will have in the Orlando area. It will definitely be a high risk.
Who has the Problem?
The business has the problem of not knowing the potential customer base in Orlando. The business is taking the risk in thinking that Orlando would be the best place to place a 'western' type of store.
Opportunity 3:
"The Everglades Burmese Python might finally meet its match, if this agency gets its way"
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article234964692.html
Description: The South Florida Water Management District is proposing to increase the amount of hunters going after the Burmese Python in the Everglades.
Problem: The Burmese Python is an invasive species that invades the Everglades, and is growing in numbers. The Burmese Python has been a problem for years because of the increasing demand to have them as pets. When they get to almost its full size, they are usually let go into the environment where they destroy our native species.
Who has the Problem?
Homeowners that live close or in the Everglades of Florida have the biggest problem with these snakes. These snakes may eat livestock, dogs, or cats and can even attack people. West Palm Beach is also affected because the proposal would cost $750,000 to accomplish.
Opportunity 4:
"Christopher Columbus student suspended after music video with school threats goes viral"
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article235044977.html
Description: A student from Christopher Columbus made a Tik-Tok that went viral and depicted the student making gun gestures towards Stoneman Douglas High and two rival schools.
Problem: Schools take things like this very seriously. It may have been a 'flex' over the other schools in the student's eyes, but the school sees this as a possible threat to other schools and the students that go there. With the growing number of school shootings, this school was trying to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its neighboring schools.
Who has the Problem?
The student has the problem because he now can't get an education till his suspension is over with. The Christopher Columbus school is affected because this builds a reputation for future students who were planning on going to the school. The schools that the student made threats to have the problem that the Columbus student may actually go and shoot up one of their schools. Tik-Tok may get some flack for allowing someone to make these kind of threats on their app.
Opportunity 5:
"Fort Lauderdale water treatment plant could fail in major storm, cutting water hundreds of thousands of customers"
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-ne-new-water-plant-needed-20190913-3on2ilkoirhgbn4lt477jvt35i-story.html
Description: Fort Lauderdale's Fiveash Water Treatment Plant is in very bad shape and would not be able to survive a major hurricane until it gets the needed repairs. Currently the plant supplies more than 200,000 resident with water, but wouldn't be able to accomplish such a task for a few days if it were to get hit by a major hurricane in its current state. This notice occurred because of the most recent hurricane that just missed Florida, Dorian.
Problem: The problem is that the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant is not updated to survive a major hurricane. With its location in a major hurricane state, the plant would need necessary repairs to ensure that it is fortified for years to come. If this plant were to get hit by a major hurricane in its current state, more than 200,000 people would not have water for days.
Who has the Problem?
The resident who rely on the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant have the risk of potentially not having running water after a major hurricane hits Fort Lauderdale. Tax payers who pay for utility fees for running water also have a problem where they may have to pay a little more for either repairs or a whole new water treatment plant to replace the older one. The City of Fort Lauderdale has the problem that they don't possess the needed funds to build a new water treatment plant. Fort Lauderdale would need a private company to build a new plant and the city lease it back.
Assignment 4: Forming an Opportunity Belief
Belief and Description
My belief is that there are a shortage of healthy and natural snacks available for gym goers, health nuts, people who work outside, and college students. There are many snacks out that claim to be healthy and all natural; however, these products contain ingredients that may not be considered "healthy" such as fructose corn syrup. Plus, most of these products are packaged with only small servings. Most healthy snack bars come either single or in a package of five. This opportunity is definitely a small market, but it's a market that I wish to go into. This is a new unmet need that I've recently noticed over the summer. Currently, people are purchasing snacks by the single bar or a package of the bars. I've also seen products tailored to single needs such as protein bars, fiber bars, and low calorie bars. I believe that I can make a snack that tailors to all needs. I am 75% sure that this problem exists.
Prototype Customer 1: Gym Goers
Gym goers will most likely be the main people who have the the problem with these healthy options for snacks. In my experience, I've talked to many people in the gym because I'm almost always in the gym for about two and a half hours of the day. Most of the feedback I get is that I get from more of the low weight gym goers who are trying to gain weight and muscle mass claim that there isn't a tasty and healthy option for a snack that helps them achieve their fitness goals in the gym. For those who are already at the mass they desire also need a snack that they can consume to maintain their size.Many of these gym goers have a full schedule to deal with and don't have the time to consume the needed calories to promote muscle growth and mass gain. To gain mass, gym goers tend to lean towards mass gainer shakes; however, these shakes tend to be distasteful and too thick. They normally experience the need through the weekdays due to school, work, gym, and errand running. In Gainesville, I would also say studying because I normally go to Southwest which is mostly college students. They first came aware of this need when they weren't seeing progress or were losing gains based on their current diet.
Prototype Customer 2: Those who work outside
People who work outside have the need to consume a lot of calories because of the amount of calories they burn in the blistering heat of Florida. I've contacted friends and family that are part of my dad's auto body shop about their thoughts on the available health bars. I've been told that they need to consume a lot of calories because they burn calories just working the heat. Like the gym goers, they acquire the need for nutrient rich and healthy snacks during the weekdays when they have to work on cars. Although I haven't talked to those with other outdoors jobs such as construction workers, I believe that they acquire the need during the weekdays as well. When asked when they first required the need for more calories and healthy snacks, they replied that a few days after they acquired the job. Currently, most of the workers at the shop walk to one of the nearby fast food places located around the shop. These places include Wendy's, Checkers, and a gas station. Therefore, the workers are not necessarily consuming healthy options but rather options that promote unfavorable calories. The workers were not satisfied with the options available around them and none seemed to go with any bar options available at grocery stores.
Prototype Customer 3: College Students
College students are not necessarily a big market but they are definitely a marketable customer for healthy snacks on a day-to-day basis. As a student myself who goes to campus quite often, I was able to interview many people on their thoughts on the existing selection of healthy snacks available. A lot of the people I talked to told me that they usually shop for healthy snacks whenever they go grocery shopping, which is about once every week. The students I talked to indicated that the need for a healthy snack happened daily when they had to attend a class or lecture. Many said that they started to notice the need a few weeks into their first semester where they were often too busy to worry about consuming healthy snacks. Currently, the students are solving their need by spending money on regular meals at places on campus such as Chik-Fil-A, Panda Express, and Pollo Tropical where the average meal costs about $6-$8. Other students said that they would purchase snacks while they were at Publix. However, these students indicated that would run out of the snack within about three to four days. Some were satisfied and others weren't. The satisfaction rate with the available options is about a 50/50 split.
Reflection
When it comes to the everyday gym goer, I learned that my opportunity is definitely there. Most of the people I talked to were really interested in a possible healthy snack solution to help them get the gains that they wish to develop. Knowing many people in the gym, I already knew most of what their answers to my questions were going to be; therefore, I didn't really learn too much from this group. As for the people who have outside jobs, I've learned a few things. I learned that in substitution for healthy snacks you can buy at the grocery store, these individuals would rather purchase food from fast food places to satisfy their calorie deficit from working outside. They also need to consume more calories than the normal person because they are burning calories at an accelerated rate due to the Florida weather. The college students were similar to the outside workers where they would rather get something from a fast food place in place of a healthy snack. I understand the struggle and I would normally do the same thing. What I found surprising is that the biggest factor that prevented most of the people I interviewed from consuming healthy snacks was time. Many didn't have the time to consume healthier options. More so the outside workers and gym goers than the college students. In contrast, college students suffered more from lack of extra cash to spend on optional healthy snacks at the store. Most students have the food plan which allows them access to some food items at the food court in the Reitz and various locations on campus.
Summation
How much of your original opportunity is still there?
I honestly don't think a lot of my opportunity is still available. I believe that many people will not see this topic on the availability of healthy snacks being a big opportunity. I mostly chose my belief on this topic because I'm trying to sell a product that is related to the belief I provided in this assignment. I do believe some of it is still available, but not a very big amount now that I think about it.
Do you believe that your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started?
I believe that my new opportunity is more vague than when I started because I came to the realization that it's not necessarily a definable opportunity. The more I think about it, the more I feel like the opportunity isn't really there. I feel like I'm trying to solve a problem that I have, and in the process trying to force it into an opportunity.
How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback?
I do feel like at a certain point there is a trade-off between adapting and staying firm. Customer feedback helps you find how customers feel about the problem you're trying to solve. Straying too far from your belief will cause you to think of another problem. If entrepreneurs got in the habit of doing this, they would be in an endless loop of thinking of opportunities and they'll get lost. Entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities, but should be careful not to let their opportunity go for what may seem to be a better opportunity. Sometimes opportunities are gilded with possibilities when in reality they are worse than the opportunity you originally had.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Assignment 3: My Entrepreneurship Story
My Entrepreneurship Story
Throughout my life I have experienced many entrepreneurs. Two of the main entrepreneurs in my life are one of my best friends (who is also my boss) and my father. My first experience with an entrepreneur is my father who owns an auto collision shop in south Florida. The name of my father's shop is Precision Auto Body. I grew up learning about cars, the collision business, and the internal working of being the owner of the shop. This experience sparked an interest in starting my own business in the future. The other experience I've had was in the supplement business that a buddy of mine owns. I started working for him about 4 or 5 years ago as a part-time worker in his warehouse in Delray Beach. My experience working for my buddy sparked an interest in a more specialized kind of business that would sell products geared more towards fitness products rather than providing a service by repairing cars.
I enrolled in ENT3003 for two reasons: I needed the credit and I am interested in making my own business. I'm currently working on developing a business marketed towards athletes, gym goers, and the everyday person who is unable to escape the workplace to find some kind of healthy food source. What I'm trying to sell is a snack I like to call Bulk Bites. Bulk Bites are an excellent source of good fats, natural sugar, protein, and fiber. I'm planning on selling them by batch of 25-30 at a price around $25. Right now, I'm selling them independently to friends and family to see how popular they are and to test the average consumption rate before people might decide to buy another batch. I currently make them all by hand and I look forward to continue making them for the source of extra cash for college.
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