Customer Interviews No. 1 (Week 4)

My idea for this project was actually inspired by last week’s “Identifying Local Opportunities” assignment. In reading through countless articles about all the problems being reported in the local area, I was seriously disheartened, and I realized I was probably not the only one who felt that way. 

I think there are a lot of people who want to help make a difference, not just in this community but all over the world. However, willing as those people may be, they often miss out on opportunities to affect change because they don't know where to start and/or feel like they can’t make much of an impact on their own. 

So, I would like to create an online database/ networking forum that allows people to connect with others who are interested and/or involved in similar causes and projects. This resource would allow people to connect with other individuals within their local community, as well as with representatives from national and international organizations, and would offer all kinds of opportunities for people to give of their time, talent and treasure.

Below are the videos showing the interviews I conducted…

Through these interviews, I learned that there is a great need for this sort of resource, especially in today’s world when people are intimidated by problems that seem too widespread and daunting to take on alone. I also learned that I enjoy connecting with people and giving them a chance to voice their opinions on topics they care about. I especially enjoyed hearing the variety of causes that people said they wanted to do something about. 

Week 4 Reading Reflection

1) I was surprised to learn that the process of making ethical decisions is a lot more complex than simply company employees and representatives making decisions. I didn't realize previously that there are so many legal guidelines and procedures that factor into a company's determination of whether or not certain practices are ethical.

2) One thing that confused me in the reading was the section where the author defined ethics as doing things in an "acceptable" manner. In today's society, the definition of "acceptable" varies widely based on people's personal beliefs, and also seems to heavily depend on a person's role in society. Behaviors that might be "acceptable" for celebrities are not necessarily "acceptable" for everyday people. 

3) Two questions I have for the author are: Who determines what is considered ethical and/or acceptable? How has the definition of ethical and/or acceptable changed over time?

4) I disagree with the author's point that corporate entrepreneurs must walk a fine line between cleverly orchestrating opportunities/outcomes and blatantly breaking the rules. While I'm sure many businesses and corporations can be sneaky and manipulative in their (un)ethical practices, I don't think that this the way they have to be. There are countless successful companies (for example, Everlane, a clothing company that runs on the concept of "radical transparency") who are completely upfront about their business practices (from factory conditions, to the materials they utilize, to costs and markups). These are the companies who will make it in the long run, because they are rewarded by loyal customers who appreciate the uncompromising importance they place on honesty and quality.

Top 5 World Problems (Week 4)

This photo was taken in a chapel located on the Vanderbilt University campus.

Problems 

1. One of the most prevalent problems in the world is the destruction of the planet. People have been polluting and exploiting the earth for hundreds of years, and now we are starting to face the consequences. 
2. Inaccessibility of quality education is a major issue that exists in the world today. One of the biggest reasons why people can't get a good education is because it has become so expensive. 
3. The issue of sex trafficking has increased tremendously in recent years.
4. This might sound contradictory following #4, but prejudice against other races and religions is another major problem this world faces. You can't expect everyone to have the same beliefs or cultures, but violence is not (and has never been) an effective or acceptable method of addressing our differences. 
5. Society has gotten to the point where people are so afraid of offending anyone that they just tolerate everything. The morals and beliefs that used to guide world leaders and everyday people have been abandoned for an "anything goes" mentality. 

Justification for ranking: Each of these problems is extremely serious, and I found it difficult to rank them since they vary from environmental to societal issues. This is the ranking I settled on. I made the destruction of the planet the biggest problem because without a place to live, the rest of the problems are irrelevant. Then, I made inaccessibility of quality education the next-biggest problem because I think if people were more educated, it might help them adjust their perspective, a key part of solving the remaining problems.

Solutions (most implementable to least implementable)

1. Even though it sounds cliche, in order to prevent the issue of being overly tolerant from getting worse, people should consider the idea that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
2.  The answer to the issue of prejudice against other races and religions is simple: people just need to treat each other with more respect and consideration. 
3. In order to put a stop to the destruction of the planet and reverse the damage we have caused, people everywhere need to make a conscious and concerted effort to live "greener" lives.
4. One implementable solution to the issue of sex trafficking would be to get involved with one of the countless organizations and campaigns than ever that address this cause. 
5. In order for this to change, schools need to stop being run like businesses with the goal of making a profit, and focus more on sharing knowledge.

Justification for ranking: Again, the implementation of all of these solutions are vital for the preservation of our world and society. I consider the first two solutions to be most easily implemented because they are personal changes that can be made by individuals. The next two solutions are moderately easily implemented because they would require a change in people’s daily life/routine. The final solution is least easily implemented because it would require changes to be made not just to businesses but also government policies. 

Identifying Local Opportunities (Week 3)

Opportunity #1
Title: More roadway concerns from residents
Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A73C5E311191B8?p=AWNB
Description of Story: This article summarizes local citizens' traffic concerns.
Description of Problem: The issues addressed in this article include lane markings, congestion, potential for traffic control officers, etc.
Whose problem is this? These problems need to be addressed by city officials, but they are most affecting everyday citizens.

Opportunity #2
Title: Seeking clarity in hospital costs
Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E65B56EA5158?p=AWNB
Description of Story: This article addresses the need for transparency in hospital bills and charges.
Description of Problem: This is a problem because most hospitals are for-profit these days, and people want to make sure they are not being taken advantage of by the health care system.
Whose problem is this? This problem is primarily affecting hospital visitors. However, it is being addressed by state Sen. Rob Bradley, as well as other state and local government officials.

Opportunity #3
Title: Fracking industry refuses to disclose dangers
Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E65B4B3A5038?p=AWNB
Description of Story: This article addresses the environmental and health-related dangers of fracking.
Description of Problem: The process of fracking has controversial effects, including water pollution.
Whose problem is this? This problem is being addressed by lawmakers.

Opportunity #4
Title: Climate efforts intensified in hottest year
Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A83A5ACEE44D38?p=AWNB
Description of Story: This article addresses the rapidly-increasing issue of climate change and global warming.
Description of Problem: The awareness of climate change and actions being taken to correct it are currently insufficient to really solve the problem.
Whose problem is this? This is a problem for everyone on Earth.

Opportunity #5
Title: Diverting resources from public schools
Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A83A5AB971D368?p=AWNB
Description of Story: This article addresses the issue of insufficient funding for the local public school system.
Description of Problem: This problem has existed for years, and it persists because of people like former Gov. Jen Bush who are trying to prevent policies that would reform.
Whose problem is this? This is a problem for students and future residents.

Week 3 Reading Reflection

1. I was surprised that the author included a section on the entrepreneurial ego, as exemplified by an overbearing need for control, a sense of distrust, an overriding desire for success, etc. 
2. One part of the reading that confused me was early in the chapter, where the author attributes the failure of most entrepreneurial pursuits to inexperience. This seems contradictory to me because I was under the impression that entrepreneurship is all about taking risks, trying something new, and approaching things in a way that no one has before. I don't know if the textbook is encouraging failure or warning against entrepreneurship...
3. Two questions I have for the author are: How do you establish a balance between wanting to start new business ventures and maintain the ones you have already started? What is the best way for entrepreneurs to cope with stress?
4. I disagree with the author that a main quality of entrepreneurs is profit orientation. While money is certainly a motivating factor for many people, I don't think it is a necessary quality. Entrepreneurship is often applied to non-profit and volunteer-based organizations. 

Very Short Interview No. 1 (Week 3)

Lisa Rubinstein has served at her company, LdR Creative, Inc., for nearly 12 years. LdR Creative is a public relations and communications company that specializes in marketing/public relations plans, press releases, web copy, magazine editorial, newsletters, brochures, etc. I first met Ms. Rubinstein about a year ago at a Symposium in Sarasota, and she has acted as a sort of mentor and advisor to me ever since.

Here is our interview...

1. What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
"To me, entrepreneurship means being clever and aware of how best to use your skills to create a business that can support your lifestyle."

2. What do you wish you had been taught about entrepreneurship in school?
"I don’t know that I was ever taught about entrepreneurship in school. What I think is important is that before taking that leap, a person should have experience in the field they want to pursue. This is important to understand how the field or occupation works, observe those who are at the top who might be good role models or mentors and also to gain contacts and form relationships that can help along the way."

3. What advice would you share with future entrepreneurs?
"I think knowledge and experience are essential but what also opens doors is contacts and relationships. Never burn your bridges and always take the high road. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or to call on people who have offered to help. They mean it."

I enjoyed this assignment, as it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with an entrepreneur I have worked with in the past. One thing that surprised me was her first answer about what entrepreneurship means to her. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that her answer was actually very much in line with what I believe to be true about entrepreneurship.

The World's Biggest Problems (Week 3)

1.  One of the most prevalent problems in the world is the destruction of the planet. People have been polluting and exploiting the earth for hundreds of years, and now we are starting to face the consequences. In order to put a stop to this destruction and reverse the damage we have caused, people everywhere need to make a conscious and concerted effort to live "greener" lives.
2.  Society's misuse of technology is a problem that has arisen over the last few decades. Technology was meant to be used as a tool for making information more accessible, but now many people have become overly dependent on technology for filling the gaps in their lives. The only way this will change is if people make the decision to look up from their screens and engage in the world every once in awhile. 
3.  Inaccessibility of quality education is a major issue that exists in the world today. One of the biggest reasons why people can't get a good education is because it has become so expensive. In order for this to change, schools need to stop being run like businesses with the goal of making a profit, and focus more on sharing knowledge.
4.  Society has gotten to the point where people are so afraid of offending anyone that they just tolerate everything. The morals and beliefs that used to guide world leaders and everyday people have been abandoned for an "anything goes" mentality. Even though it sounds cliche, in order to prevent this situation from getting worse, people should consider the idea that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
5.  This might sound contradictory following #4, but prejudice against other races and religions is another major problem this world faces. You can't expect everyone to have the same beliefs or cultures, but violence is not (and has never been) an effective or acceptable method of addressing our differences. The answer is simple: people just need to treat each other with more respect and consideration. 
6.  The quality of the foster care system has never been great, but it has significantly deteriorated in recent years. This is largely due to lack of government funding, as well as the fact that it is too easy for people just looking for money to take advantage of the system. So, a good way to start solving this problem would be to make the process of becoming a foster parent more thorough. 
7.  Similarly, the lack of proper care for orphans has become a huge problem. One way this issue could begin to be solved is if people decreased the risk of unplanned pregnancy, or if more families with fertility challenges would consider adoption instead of IVF, etc.
8.  The issue of sex trafficking has increased tremendously in recent years. One implementable solution to this problem would be to get involved with one of the countless organizations and campaigns than ever that address this cause. 
9.  Another major problem with society is the the emphasis it places on money and power. Money can't buy love or happiness, and no matter how powerful you are you'll never be able to control everything in life. In order for this mentality to change, people need to understand what is truly important in life. 
10.  Finally, one of the biggest problems society faces is the increasing influence of random celebrities (as opposed to world leaders). People used to follow the news and look up to world leaders, but now they care more about the latest scandals in the entertainment industry. This could change if people were better able to filter through the media they're exposed to.

Week 2 Reading Reflection

1. One thing that surprised me in the reading was how the author talked about applying the concept of entrepreneurship to non-profit enterprises. I tend to think of entrepreneurship as being a fresh approach to business, with the main goal being to make money. 
2. One thing that confused me in the reading was the entrepreneurial assessment approach. I didn't really understand why it would be necessary for a company to examine entrepreneurship when it is already being practiced. 
3. I would like to ask the author what existing organizations he considered to be the best examples of entrepreneurship. I would also ask which of the three schools of entrepreneurial thought he feels is most important to focus on.
4. I'm not necessarily on the same page as the author about the strategic formulation school of thought. Entrepreneurship, as far as I understand, is about doing things differently, but the concept of leveraging unique elements sounds like the same old business concept of organizing groups of people into cookie cutter boxes so you can sell stuff to them. 

Bug List (Week 2)

It was difficult for me to come up with this list. I consider myself a pretty easygoing person, and most of the things that bother me can essentially be summed up as people not showing any consideration for their surroundings. But, I gave it my best shot! Here's my "bug" list:

1. It bugs me when drivers come to a complete stop before turning off of a main road. This bug exists because people don't know where they're going and so they drive excessively slowly. This bugs me because it disrupts the natural flow of traffic and often forces the cars behind them to slam on their brakes abruptly.
2.  It bugs me when people hide behind their cellphones. This bug exists because society has gotten so used to technology filling the gaps in their lives. This bugs me because it's a waste of time and it makes people miss out on what's happening around them. 
3. It bugs me when people have bad manners. This bug exists because people aren't taught or exposed to good manners growing up, or because they're just lazy. This bugs me because it shows a lack of consideration for the people around you.
4. It bugs me when people use profanity excessively. This bug exists because people think it makes them sound cool or assertive. This bugs me because it's usually disrespectful and unnecessary.
5. It bugs me when people say "A.M. in the morning." This bug exists because people don't learn proper English. This bugs me because it is redundant; "A.M." by definition means "in the morning."
6. It bugs me when people try to force their political beliefs and opinions on you. This bugs exists because it's more important for people to be right than to have an actual conversation in which they consider someone else's point of view. This bugs me because it shows a lack of understanding and respect for the other person. 
7. It bugs me when people wear Bluetooth headsets outside of the office. This bug exists because people want to be able to multitask even more. This bugs me because it makes people look like they're talking to themselves.
8. It bugs me when the straws at fast food restaurants are defective. This bug exists because the straws are made of cheap material that cracks easily. This bugs me because when you get one of these straws in the drive through you have to either suck it up (pun not intended) or drive through the line again. 
9. It bugs me when customers are rude to the hostess when there is a long wait at a restaurant. This bug exists because people are impatient and have a sense of entitlement. This bugs me because it's not the hostess' fault that you didn't make a reservation, and there's nothing she can do to change the situation.
10. It bugs me when teachers assign busy work. This bug exists because teachers can get lazy. This bugs me because it wastes time that could be better spent getting actually beneficial life experience.
11. It bugs me when office chairs are not ergonomically supportive. This bug exists because companies try to cut costs. This bugs me because it's uncomfortable, and it is in the company's best interest to ensure the comfort of their employees.
12. It bugs me when cars have LED headlights. This bug exists because LED lights are more cost-effective. This bugs me because LED lights are distractingly bright.
13. It bugs me when lights in rooms are dim or flicker. This bug exists because it is cheaper to wait until the bulbs burn out to replace them. This bugs me because it is terrible for your eyesight to have to strain your eyes in order to see. 
14. It bugs me when items are over-packaged in plastic. This bug exists because plastic is the cheapest and easiest form of packaging. This bugs me because it makes items very difficult to open, and it's bad for the environment when the packaging ends up in a landfill.
15. It bugs me when my phone or computer autocorrects to the wrong words. This bug exists because technology is trying to make our lives easier. This bugs me because technology doesn't know everything, and it's frustrating to have to frequently go back and retype things.
16. It bugs me when people with normal-sized cars take up two parking spaces. This bug exists because people don't know how to park properly or don't care enough to adjust their parking job. This bugs me because it's a waste of space, especially when parking lots are crowded. 
17. It bugs me when parents use technology to babysit their kids. This bug exists because parents get lazy and it's an easy way to get a break. This bugs me because it's lazy and not good for kids.
18. It bugs me when companies play annoying music on the phone to entertain you while you're on hold. This bug exists because companies think it's a clever way to distract customers from the fact that they're being put on hold. This bugs me because the music they play is always really annoying and catchy, so it gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
19. It bugs me that people have become celebrities and therefore role models simply because they are attractive. This bug exists because due to social media and trashy reality television, just about anyone can get famous these days. This bugs me because many of these people aren't actually contributing anything to society, so they shouldn't have the ability to influence so many people. 
20. It bugs me when I have to use the self-checkout at the store. This bug exists because making people check themselves out is an easy way for stores to cut costs. This bugs me because the self-checkout machines almost never work. 

My Entrepreneurship Story (Week 2)

I never had that time-stopping, life-changing, "Aha!" moment, where all of a sudden something clicked and I realized I was an entrepreneur. "Entrepreneurship" wasn't even a word I had often heard or used until recently. But the more I think about it, the more I see that I have been exposed to entrepreneurship in so many ways, without ever realizing it. From growing up with a father who started and managed several of his own businesses, to entering the Innovation Academy (without really knowing what I was getting myself into), the concept of entrepreneurship has actually been very present in my life.

The concept of entrepreneurship was first illustrated to me through the "lifestyle" Web sites that have become increasingly popular over the past few years (my favorites are Preserve by Blake Lively, Womanista by Cassie Kelley, and The Vogue Trip by Haley Hubbard). However, when I had the chance to meet with recording artist Kelsea Ballerini a few months ago, along with several of her bandmates and tour production crew, that I began to see entrepreneurship in a new and surprising way. In talking with her about her rise to fame- from writing songs on her bedroom floor, to getting her first publishing deal, to getting media training and developing her "brand," to being signed to a record label and touring for the first time- I came to understand that a recording artist is perhaps the most obvious example of an entrepreneur. Musicians are their enterprise; they make their living through self-expression. Entrepreneurship can be as deceivingly simple as that.

It sounds cheesy, but I've always liked those "do what you love, love what you do" sayings, and I've come to realize that is essentially what entrepreneurship is all about. Much to my parents' confusion and frustration, I've always said that I don't want to just end up with a job; rather, I want what I do to be a natural extension of my lifestyle. I don't do things halfway, and as a result there's not much balance between my personal and professional life. For the sake of my sanity and general well-being, this means whatever work I do in the future needs to be for a cause I wholeheartedly believe in. I want to have adventures. I want to create beauty. I want to be inspired, and inspire others. And to me, that is what entrepreneurship is all about.

To be totally honest, I probably wouldn't have enrolled in this class if it wasn't mandatory for Innovation Academy students. I don't consider myself to be business-minded, and until recently I had never thought of myself as being an entrepreneur. However, through experiences and interactions with entrepreneurs, I have come to realize that. So, I have decided to view this class as an opportunity to explore and discover my place in the entrepreneurial world. This semester, I hope to learn more about what the concept of entrepreneurship means, as well as what it actually looks like when applied to one's life and career.

Intoduction (Week 2)

Hello! Just thought I'd share a bit about myself...

I am originally from Washington D.C., but I grew up in Sarasota, FL. I come from a close family of five (I have a younger brother and sister), and I definitely believe big families are the best! Our family loves road trips, and we have travelled extensively throughout the South and up the East Coast. I would love to explore out West next; Montana, Oregon, Arizona and California are at the top of my list.

This photo was taken on our most recent road trip to the Nantahala River Valley in North Carolina, where we went hiking and whitewater rafting. Left to right: my sister (Natalia), me, my brother (Nick). 

I am currently a second-year public relations major in the Innovation Academy at UF. As soon as I graduate, I plan to move to Nashville, TN (aka Music City, USA). I grew up on country music, and while it's not the only genre I listen to now, it's where my heart is. I've been singing and writing songs as far back as I can remember (that's my dream job!), but I don't really consider myself musically gifted, so I plan work behind-the-scenes in the country music industry and be involved in fostering rising musicians. I'll probably end up in event production of some kind, whether it's tour management or working for a specific venue or organization...we'll see!

Entrepreneur's Mantra (Week 2)

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