Reading Reflection | Week 8

Kuratko Chapter 8 (Sources of Capital for Entrepreneurial Ventures)

Questions being answered regarding Chapter 8:

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?

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

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

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

1. While reading Chapter 8, there were many sections that stood out to me. I personally enjoyed learning about the essential elements for a successful presentation to venture capitalist. This section really goes into depth about the qualities team members must have, as well as the necessities that the product, business plan, and market must have in order to work.

2. I found this article to be very clear and concise. I really didn't have any section that was confusing to me. I enjoyed it!


3. If I were able to ask the author two questions:

1. What would you say is the most important aspect of capital markets?
2. What are the best ways to master venture capitalism?

I would ask these questions in order to hear the perspective of an intelligent writer and also to learn about the author's ventures that lead him to the place he is today.


4. I don't have anything in particular that I felt the author was wrong about. I really enjoyed this chapter and learning about the venture capital market. 

Half Way Reflection | ENT3003

I have really enjoyed these past two months in ENT 3003 and have to say, this is my favorite college course thus far. Dr. Pryor is a motivating, insightful instructor who is entertaining to watch and has taught me so much already.

1. One behavior that I have developed in this course is the love of blogging. I enjoy the creating new blog posts and the creative activities that are challenging and fun at the same time. I feel that it is somewhat of a creative outlet for me. Pushing yourself outside my comfort zone and being creative is certainly the way of keeping up with the requirements of this course.

2. A moment that has really 'tested me' in this course was approaching random people for interviews. This assignment made me realize how unusual it seems for people in society to just approach one another. Many people (not necessarily students) are in a rush with their day to day activities and don't care to be bothered. Others however, really provide good insight and motivate you to pursue your idea/venture.

3. Three tips I would offer next semester's students in order to foster the skills that support tenacity and with developing the tenacious mindset:

• Be creative. There is so much to learn within this class and you can really learn a lot about yourself.
• Push yourself. Even on those days where you feel that an assignment is out of your comfort zone, give yourself the privilege of doing yet. If you put effort into it, you will be glad you did every time.
• Watch Dr. Pryor's lectures. I think this is a key step in the process of developing the 'tenacious mindset'. Enjoyable, always something to learn, and definitely motivational. 

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Reading Reflection | Week 7

Yankelovich & Meer: Rediscovering Market Segmentation (Harvard Business Review, February 2006)  

Questions being answered regarding Harvard Business Review:

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?

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

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

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

1. In the Harvard Business Journal article, there were many sections that stood out to me. I personally enjoyed learning about the psychographic types like "High-tech Harry" and "Joe Six-Pack" and how they can directly correlate with real people's lifestyles, attitudes, self-image, and aspirations. I definitely can see how demographics play a huge part in predicting purchase behavior. 

2. I found this article to be very clear and concise. I really didn't have any section that was confusing to me. I enjoyed it!


3. If I were able to ask the author two questions:

1. What inspired you to study non demographic segmentation?
2. What were the steps you took in creating the psychographic types, "High-tech Harry" and "Joe Six-Pack"?

I would ask these questions in order to hear the perspective of an intelligent writer and also to learn about the author's ventures that lead him to the place he is today.


4. I don't have anything in particular that I felt the author was wrong about. I really enjoyed this article in the Harvard Business Journal, Yankelovich & Meer: Rediscovering Market Segmentation.

Elevator Pitch No. 2 | Revise & Reflect

Rare Earth Organics is 100% organic, plant-based cafe that specializes in gourmet cuisines.

As I mentioned in my first pitch, Fish hawk, Florida is a growing community that is located close to the heart of Tampa. This community is continuing to develop and already has most everything you would find in a small city; grocery stores, banks, doctor offices, homes, parks, nature trails, water parks, some chain restaurants, fast food places, etc.

I see many people in this town striving to be health conscious and live an active lifestyle with their families. Being a community full of families who strive to live a healthy fitness lifestyle, food is a big issue. Fast food places (such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Sonic), along with some ice cream places, and a few chain restaurant that let's just say are..."eh", make up the food options in this community.

As a plant-based eater, I personally find it very difficult to find places to enjoy in this community that offer foods that fit my dietary needs such as plant-based, vegan, gluten free, non-processed healthy foods. With this personal unmet need, I can't help but believe there may be others out there that would consider the restaurant options in this area as an unmet need for them as well. Whether one is Vegan, Vegetarian, or just wants some healthier options, I feel this is truly an unmet need in the Tampa bay area, particularly in the community of Fish hawk. That is why I created the idea of Rare Earth Organics Cafe.

I want to bring a restaurant to the market that offers creative plant-based cuisine that is both rich in flavor and of course, nutrient dense. This cafe will offer a unique environment that focuses on supporting nutritional wellness and sustainability for every person who walks into the door. Rare Earth Organics will ensure to select the finest organic ingredients while also supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products.

Note: I have been recovering from being sick, so forgive my pitch isn't as dynamic as I would have liked. 

Thanks for watching!

Reflection:
I appreciate all of the feedback from my first elevator pitch. Although I have been getting over being sick, I certainly can say I felt more comfortable speaking to the camera and giving my pitch the more I practiced. 
I tried to dress more professional in this pitch. Also, I aimed to have a better camera view (as was suggested to me in the first pitch.) 

Interviewing Customers No. 3

Questions being asked in interviews: 

• Do you have any dietary restictions?
• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• What makes the restaurant your favorite? 
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite? 

I approached many different types of people (shown below), most did not want to go on camera, but were happy to answer questions. 

Video/written interviews:

Interviews

1. Fish hawk Resident, Stephanie

2. Fish hawk Resident, Julie

3. Fish hawk Resident, Russ (did not want to be filmed but didn't mind answering questions)

• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• "I like to go out to eat most of the time, I like to be out and about and not have to worry about cooking at home." 
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• "I normally drive to Brandon or Tampa to find a restaurant because the options are limited in this area. One of my favorite restaurants is Bone Fish Grill" 
• What makes the restaurant your favorite? 
• "They have a good menu... some healthy options that taste good and great specials!"
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite? 
• "I eat mostly seafood and Italian foods."

4. Fish hawk Resident, Lynn

• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• "I like to meet with my friends from church at Panera bread or Chilis. That is just where we all have been going the last couple years..."
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• "If it's just myself, I like to go to the fresh market and get some healthy prepared foods."
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite to eat? 
• "I really try to eat healthy... I eat a lot of salads and vegetables."

5. Fish hawk Resident, Chris

• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• "I like to go out to eat, just wish there were more options in this area"
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• "I like the Sushi restaurant over by Stein mart. 
• What makes the restaurant your favorite? 
• "I have always been a sushi lover"
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite? 
• "Sushi, but I would like to see some more healthier options to change it up."

This little community known as Fish Hawk, located right outside of Tampa that has most everything you would find in a small city; grocery stores, banks, doctor offices, homes, parks, nature trails, water parks, some restaurants and so on. However, I often wonder to myself where all of the 'healthy' options are. Being a plant-based eater, I find it very difficult to find places to enjoy in this community that offer plant-based, vegan, healthy foods. It seems that unless I go to a grocery store myself and put some ingredients together, I am so out of luck. With this personal unmet need, I can't help but believe there may be others out there that would consider the restaurant options in this area as an unmet need for them as well. Whether one is Vegan, Vegetarian, or just wants some healthier options, I feel this is truly an unmet need in the Tampa bay area, particularly in the community of Fish hawk.
With this idea,  I spend sometime in the local park over the weekend, observing some active people enjoying the outdoors and time with their family. I interview five people to try and uncover if this truly is an unmet need in their area!

Reflection

I realized from this assignment and interviews that there are many who do crave healthier options in the community of Fish hawk. Many of the people I spoke with seemed to leave the community (ciccio Cali, Seasons 52, and all of the other restaurants mentioned in the interviews) for better food options but wish they had more options in their area. Without specifically asking about a plant-based restaurant, I learned that people are open-minded in this area and want to be more health-conscious. 

Reading Reflection | Week 6

The Five Forces that Shape Competitive Strategy 

Questions being answered regarding Harvard Business Review:

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?

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

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

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

1. In the Harvard Business Journal, there were many sections that stood out to me. I personally enjoyed learning about each of the five forces that shape competitive strategy. I can see how this can benefit any entrepreneur in their venture. This article really inspires me and makes me want to start practicing these five forces.

2. I found this chapter to be very clear and concise. I really didn't have any section that was confusing to me. I enjoyed it!


3. If I were able to ask the author two questions:

1. What motivated you to become an Entrepreneur?
2. What types of ventures have you worked on in your experience?

I would ask these questions in order to hear the perspective of an intelligent writer and also to learn about the author's ventures that lead him to the place he is today.


4. I don't have anything in particular that I felt the author was wrong about. I really enjoyed this chapter on the Entrepreneurial mind-set in Organizations and enjoyed the authors explanations regarding developing a vision.

Idea Napkin No. 1

Questions being answered:

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life?

2) What are you offering to customers? Describe the product or service (in other words, how you'll solve customers' unmet needs).

3) Who are you offering it to? Describe, in as much detail as possible, the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your customers. Think especially of this question: what do your customers all have in common?

4) Why do they care? Your solution is only valuable insofar as customers believe its valuable to them. Here, explain why customers will actually pay you money to use your product or service.

5) What are your core competencies? What sets you apart from everyone else? Also: what do you have that nobody else has?
_________________________________________________________________________________

1. My name is Rebecca Marra, I'm incredibly passionate about yoga and overall nutritional wellness of the body. Rare Earth Organics is 100% organic, plant-based cafe that specializes in gourmet cuisines. I want to bring a restaurant to the market that offers creative plant-based cuisine that is both rich in flavor and of course, nutrient dense. 

2. As I mentioned, Rare Earth Organics is 100% organic, plant-based cafe that specializes in gourmet cuisines. I want to bring a restaurant to the market that offers creative plant-based cuisine that is both rich in flavor and of course, nutrient dense. 

3. Fish hawk, Florida is a growing community right outside of Tampa that has most everything you would find in a small city; grocery stores, banks, doctor offices, homes, parks, nature trails, water parks, some chain restaurants, fast food places and so on. Being a community full of families who strive to live a healthy fitness lifestyle, food is a big issue. Fast food places (such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Sonic), along with ice cream places, and a few chain restaurant that let's just say are..."eh", make up the food options in this community.

4. Many people are becoming more conscious of their health and want to do what they can to improve it. Rare Earth Cafe fits into the lifestyle of those wanting to look and feel their best. 

5. This cafe will offer a unique environment that focuses on supporting nutritional wellness and sustainability for every person who walks into the door. Rare Earth Organics will ensure to select the finest organic ingredients while also supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products.

Each of these elements fit together and cater to those who want to live a healthy lifestyle and nourish the body. Being a plant-based eater, I personally find it very difficult to find places to enjoy in this community that offer plant-based, vegan, healthy foods. It seems that unless I go to a grocery store myself and put some ingredients together, I am so out of luck. With this personal unmet need, I can't help but believe there may be others out there that would consider the restaurant options in this area as an unmet need for them as well. Whether one is Vegan, Vegetarian, or just wants some healthier options, I feel this is truly an unmet need in the Tampa bay area, particularly in the community of Fish hawk. 

Customer Interviews No. 2

Fish hawk, Florida is a little community right outside of Tampa that has most everything you would find in a small city; grocery stores, banks, doctor offices, homes, parks, nature trails, water parks, some restaurants and so on. However, I often wonder to myself where all of the 'healthy' options are. Being a plant-based eater, I find it very difficult to find places to enjoy in this community that offer plant-based, vegan, healthy foods. It seems that unless I go to a grocery store myself and put some ingredients together, I am so out of luck. With this personal unmet need, I can't help but believe there may be others out there that would consider the restaurant options in this area as an unmet need for them as well. Whether one is Vegan, Vegetarian, or just wants some healthier options, I feel this is truly an unmet need in the Tampa bay area, particularly in the community of Fish hawk.
With this idea,  I spend sometime in the local park over the weekend, observing some active people enjoying the outdoors and time with their family. I interview five people to try and uncover if this truly is an unmet need in their area!

Questions being asked in interviews: 

• Do you have any dietary restictions?
• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• What makes the restaurant your favorite? 
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite? 

I approached many different types of people (shown below), most did not want to go on camera, but were happy to answer questions. 

Video/written interviews:

Interviews

1. Fish hawk Resident, Julie

2. Fish hawk Resident, Austin 

• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• "I prefer eating at home...there aren't many foods in this area that are healthy, mostly fast food places, etc."
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• "That is a tough one... The Brunchery sometimes for breakfast with my buddies I would say is my favorite."
• What makes the restaurant your favorite? 
• "I like to eat healthy and workout, they have good breakfast options...Omelets and stuff for breakfast."
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite? 
• "I like all types of foods, although I try to eat healthy as much as possible."

3. Fish hawk Resident, Josh (did not want to be filmed but didn't mind answering questions)

• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• "I like to go out to eat most of the time, I like to be out and about and not have to worry about cooking at home." 
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• "I normally drive to Brandon or Tampa to find a restaurant because the options are limited in this area. One of my favorite restaurants is Bone Fish Grill" 
• What makes the restaurant your favorite? 
• "They have a good menu... some healthy options that taste good and great specials!"
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite? 
• "I eat mostly seafood and Italian foods."

4. Fish hawk Resident, Lynn

• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• "I like to meet with my friends from church at Panera bread or Chilis. That is just where we all have been going the last couple years..."
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• "If it's just myself, I like to go to the fresh market and get some healthy prepared foods."
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite to eat? 
• "I really try to eat healthy... I eat a lot of salads and vegetables."

5. Fish hawk Resident, Michael

• Do you prefer to go out to a restaurant to eat or cook at home? Why?
• "I like to go out to eat, just wish there were more options in this area"
• Where is your favorite place to eat in this area?
• "I like the Sushi restaurant over by Stein mart. 
• What makes the restaurant your favorite? 
• "I have always been a sushi lover"
• What types of cuisine is typically your favorite? 
• "Sushi, but I would like to see some more healthier options to change it up."

Reflection

I realized from this assignment and interviews that there are many who do crave healthier options in the community of Fish hawk. Many of the people I spoke with seemed to leave the community for better food options but wish they had more options in their area. Without specifically asking about a plant-based restaurant, I learned that people are open-minded in this area and want to be more health-conscious. 

Reading Reflection | Week 5

Social Entrepreneurship and the Ethical Challenges of Entrepreneurship 

Questions being answered regarding Chapter 4:

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?

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

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

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

1. In Chapter 4 "Social Entrepreneurship and the Ethical Challenges of Entrepreneurship", there were many sections that stood out to me. I personally enjoyed  learning about the Ethical Practices and Codes of Conduct. This section really touches on improving moral climate of the enterprise, in order for the corporation can obtain the public's confidence. 

2. I found this chapter to be very clear and concise. I really didn't have any section that was confusing to me. I enjoyed it!


3. If I were able to ask the author two questions:

1. What motivated you to become an Entrepreneur?
2. What types of ventures have you worked on in your experience?

I would ask these questions in order to hear the perspective of an intelligent writer and also to learn about the author's ventures that lead him to the place he is today.


4. I don't have anything in particular that I felt the author was wrong about. I really enjoyed this chapter on the Entrepreneurial mind-set in Organizations and enjoyed the authors explanations regarding developing a vision.

Elevator Pitch No. 1 | Enjoy Being Nourished

Fish hawk, Florida is a growing community right outside of Tampa that has most everything you would find in a small city; grocery stores, banks, doctor offices, homes, parks, nature trails, water parks, some chain restaurants, fast food places and so on.

However, I often wonder to myself where all of the nutritious options are. Being a community full of families who strive to live a healthy fitness lifestyle, food is a big issue. Fast food places (such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Sonic), along with ice cream places, and a few chain restaurant that let's just say are..."eh", make up the food options in this community.

Being a plant-based eater, I personally find it very difficult to find places to enjoy in this community that offer plant-based, vegan, healthy foods. It seems that unless I go to a grocery store myself and put some ingredients together, I am so out of luck.

With this personal unmet need, I can't help but believe there may be others out there that would consider the restaurant options in this area as an unmet need for them as well. Whether one is Vegan, Vegetarian, or just wants some healthier options, I feel this is truly an unmet need in the Tampa bay area, particularly in the community of Fish hawk.

That is why I created the idea of Rare Earth Organics Cafe.

Rare Earth Organics is 100% organic, plant-based cafe that specializes in gourmet cuisines.

I want to bring a restaurant to the market that offers creative plant-based cuisine that is both rich in flavor and of course, nutrient dense. This cafe will offer a unique environment that focuses on supporting nutritional wellness and sustainability for every person who walks into the door. Rare Earth Organics will ensure to select the finest organic ingredients while also supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products.