19A - Idea Napkin #2 1) I'm a third year student at the University of Florida who grew up overseas my whole life. As a result, I've formulated a world view that is pretty unique. I've seen third-world practices, learned a great deal about international trends, and have picked up a few tricks of the trade along the way. Those skills have stuck with me all throughout my college career, landing me different jobs and opportunities. As a gun advocate, I've also learned the ins and outs of gun construction and assembly. As a result, I am interested and have been researching a business into a niche of the gun industry that might be open for the taking. If I started this business, I would be very heavily invested and it would most likely take up most of my time. 2) I'm offering a storefront that focuses on gun aficionado's desire for customization. We buy the quality parts, assemble it, and then make unique changes to the firearm that makes it aesthetically ple...
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18A - Create A Customer Avatar In this post, I will identify and describe my prime customer, explaining their life as well as their tendency and attraction to my product. My customer is named Mike. He is a mid-30's aged man who is married and has three kids. They live on the outskirts of Gainesville, but most people would think of it as the "country." They live on a pseuto-farm and raise chickens and a few goats. Mike is the operating manager for a local company that sells and services tractors and farm supplies. On top of this, he also grows hay to sell to his community, where cattle and horses are commonplace. Mike has always loved the outdoors as well has making complete use of his property. He is an advocate of gun ownership and goes hunting often. He also carries a .38 special under the back seat of his black Chevy Silverado truck for personal safety as well as the cool factor, because why not? Mike also has a concealed carry permit, in which he carries his...
16A - What's Your Secret Sauce? Part 1) I have experience in teaching others and have a knack in doing so I am organized and ensure that my work is completed perfectly I am honest and trustworthy in my work I can be a leader when called upon to do so I have a persuasive personality which enables me to attain my goals Part 2) Q: What do you think my skills, talents, or knowledge entail? Interviewee #1) I think you're a motivated individual who possesses a lot of strengths. I would say that from experience, you are a loyal person who enjoys helping people. You also have a good amount of knowledge about a number of items, as well as talent in some specific areas, like your business plan. Interviewee #2) If I had to describe you to someone, I would say that you're a person who is driven to be successful, even though you have experienced a number of setbacks in your life. You work hard for your goals, are a trustworthy friend, and can shoulder a lot of...
15A - Figuring Out Buyer Behavior #2 Alternative Evaluation Potential Customer #1 (Close Friend) Q: When purchasing a firearm, what matters the most to you? A: What matters to me the most is usability - being able to use this firearm for years to come with little to no trouble. If the price is low, I will most definitely purchase it. Q: If the quality is not as you would like, will you still purchase it at the lower price? A: I know that gun manufacturers have to produce firearms at a fast rate, which means lower quality, and I'm fine with that, as it impacts my wallet less. Q: Knowing that the quality is less but the price suits you, will you be happy with the purchase? A: Most definitely, I am happy when I'm getting a good deal on anything! Q: Would you buy this online or in a store? A: Hearing stories from other people and reading reviews of online storefronts, I'd rather go to a store, purchase a firearm, have a backgrou...
14A - Halfway Reflection Tenaciousness is a competency This course has taught me innumerable skills, insights, and tricks-of-the-trade that I will use in the future. Not only have I learned extensive lessons about myself and my talents, but I am better able to organize my thoughts and how I will execute a possible business plan. With all these weekly assignments, it has also taught me anti-procrastination techniques to keep up and be successful in the course. These are all invaluable lessons that I have acquired. Tenaciousness is also about attitude I'm going to be completely honest. I hate my job as a bar-back. The late hours, the constant badgering of drunk customers, and the numerous frantic requests from the bartenders all converge to create a very stressful work environment. However, the job does pay well and I am working with people I like. There have been MANY times I have thought about walking to the manager's office and quitting right there and then, but w...
13A - Reading Reflection #1 1) Thoughts on Andrew Carnegie What surprised me the most about this great steel tycoon was his humble beginnings as the son of a hand loom weaver in Scotland. He later emigrated to the United States. I greatly admire his shrewd business dealings in the railroad and oil businesses at the beginning of his career. Such investments enabled him to have the resources to start the Carnegie Steel Corporation. There were hardly any negative aspects about this man, but one that the book touched on was the rebellion in his factory to low wages, which prompted his managers to deal out punishment in the form of beatings. This reflects on Andrew Carnegie as a leader, though I think it is a misconception, being that he was gone at the time. He most definitely encountered adversity and failure on his way to the top. At the beginning, he faced innumerable difficulties in managing to consolidate his hold on all the aspects of his busine...
12A - Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1 Pick A Segment The segment I have chosen is the idea that more and more people nowadays are beginning to lean towards more of a gun-control mindset. After the recent events, they are calling for reform in how people purchase firearms and the process that precedes it. As a result, I may be losing potential buyers due to this phenomenon. Essentially, I am losing customers to liberalism. Interviews 1) Grad Student (age 26) In this interview, I outlined my business plan to offer lower cost firearms and innovative firearm components to the demographic group that this same person is apart of. I clearly stated what my intentions were, how I was going to implement my plan, and my overall goals. After this "pitch" of sorts, I asked him what his political leanings were. He stated that he was a Democrat, placing him in the group of people who do not fall in my category of buyers and are most likely not sway-able. After recent eve...
11A - Idea Napkin No. 1 1) You I am a third-culture individual who has some talent in various areas of expertise. I grew up overseas, lending me insight into additional cultural values as well as a global world view and mindset. I have always been good at financial management as well as technical skills. I eventually see a business playing a central role in my life and determining my future career. 2) What are you offering to customers? I am offering a wide array of legal, background-checked firearm parts and equipment at lower cost and more efficiency. Along with this, I hope to be able to tap into a market of individuals who are eager to buy newer, innovative firearm components. 3) Who are you offering it to? I will be offering it to the local community, though definitely intend to create an online storefront with which to more actively tap into the national/global market. Demographically, I am expecting to be catering to men, in the age range of 25-45 an...