30A Final Reflection

Throughout this semester I've had the joy of learning a lot, typing a lot and reading a lot. All of these were both painful and pleasurable. From interviewing people on my project to reading books it was definitely some work but well worth it. I did not look forward to reading honestly but since it was interesting it wasn't that bad and I'm glad I did. Everything that was hard in tis class I learned the most from. 

I found the experience of going out and interviewing people for the first time as most memorable. It was a really odd and awkward thing to do but the feedback I got was very amiable in shaping my vision. The best memory of the class were watching the video lecture and all the times Dr. Pryor would rag on the grog house. Im pretty proud of myself as being a very shy person doing the elevator pitches and interviewing people and by the end I got pretty good at doing so. 

I think I have definitely grown my entrepreneurial mindset, I see things differently in the world now and look at problems as opportunity to create something to meet that unmet need now. Every day it seems I'm having another idea that could potentially solve an unmet need. I definitely do not see myself as a real entrepreneur but my mindset is in fact growing. 

One recommendation I would have is start out with something you are passionate about and it makes the whole thing much easier. the assignments don't suck if you like what you are learning about.  Get as many points as possible in the beginning so you have them just in case and embrace the mindsets mentioned in the beginning as the whole class is then made easier.  Slowly ease into an entrepreneurial mindset and the assignments will start to click and really make sense. 

http://sportstao.com/the-trouble-with-finish-line-guys/

29A Venture Concept #2

Venture Concept #2 

My venture is based largely off the opportunity of people in need ad their willingness to pay for help. People are either too lazy, too far away or unable to secure the products I am providing and therefore are willing to hire me to help or deliver those services. Geographically my market is low lying and casual areas that are prone to flooding and being hit by hurricanes. My service relies on hurricanes coming through areas and helping afterwards.  Currently customers are satisfying their need by either doing without the materials or risking their life and property to go and retrieve them for theirselves.  This opportunity is very big and shows promise all across the southeastern united states and even around the world as they are affected by natural disasters as well. Looking into the future there is a chance to expand from just hurricanes to natural disasters across the board. This window of opportunity will also well into the future. I haven't seen any similar all in one services in my research as far as storm preparations and post storm delivery/ resource services so I think I have something pretty unique here. There is room for others to come in and use the same idea but I strive to be the biggest and the best. I would sell my pre storm home preparation services for an hourly rate anywhere from 50-75 dollars an hour and then sell resources or services post storm at a 50% markup rate and similar hourly rates. Customers will hire me because they are unable to reach their property in time or just need help in general. People are willing to pay for convenience and that is where I come in. There is great room for competitors but if I get in fast enough and strong enough I can build a customer base and name for my business. Looking into the future I would constantly be observing how I do business and what kind of returns and areas that are lacking or those that areas need expansion in. order to make the most of the times in which my services are needed. That is one downfall of my plan as some years I may be packed and some years I may have minimal business so I need to be aware of that and make the most when I can.  My most important resource will be building relationships and providing a personal customer base so that i am the best couch for my customers. I want to expand into all natural disasters not only hurricanes. This venture could be the base in order of rme to provide resources for many people post natural disasters and could turn into a worldwide thing. 

I learned alot from the feedback the feedback I received my venture could be seen as capitalizing on the weak and needy which I can seee how one would think that at first glance but my business is much more than that. I am capitalizing on the people willing to pay and have those services done for them rather than do it themselves. So once they learn more they are willing to listen. Another point that came up was what do I do if I miss out on a storm or it is a year where not many storms hit the southeastern US. I would brace for this by capitalizing as much. as possible when possible and preparing adequately for these slow times in providing other services as well. 

I tweaked my venture concept to be more open with my customers and the community on exactly what I'm doing and how I'm doing so. Also I looked into off season activities and ways to produce income in years when there are less storms or not in my area. 

http://www.tuvie.com/bmw-venture-concept-car-by-chris-hammersley/