"Week 4: Reading Reflection"

  During the reading I became acquainted with the source of innovative ideas. From trends, to knowledge based concepts. As an entrepreneur we need to utilized our knowledge to identify an opportunity that is present in our community, or society as a whole. Also we need to comprehend how creative thinking functions alongside the innovation process and how that that can be developed and improved.

• The biggest surprise from the reading was understanding the Muddling Mind-Sets. Most importantly on how this can hinder the creative thinking process. In order to overcome this, we need to utilized different thought processes in order to enhance our own creative thinking. This was also somewhat confusing. When it came to stereotyping, how do we obtain information based on stereotyping and make business decisions.
• If I were to ask the author a question, it would be: How do we properly learn the principles of innovation if one is not a business major? What kind of resources do we need to obtain to properly comprehend this principles?
• Overall, I do not disagree with the author.

The reading gave me a knowledge on the creative process of an entrepreneur, and solidified my belief that not all innovators are artistic or geniuses. Innovators are inventing, extending, duplicating, and synthesizing products and services.

"Customer Interview No. 1"

College students lack basic financial literacy, and it is important for these students to obtain the knowledge necessary to make the right financial decisions. Many are not acquainted in the process of paying taxes, budgeting, loan rates and risks, as well as future decisions for retirement. 

In this case, students are the one with the unmet needs because they are not getting the right resources to become financially literate. By commencing a workshop at the University of Florida, or any community location in Gainesville we are providing resources to students who are in need of becoming financially literate.

This were my questions:

1. Please tell me your year and major?

2. How literate do you feel when it comes to your finances?

3. If the University of Florida were to offer a workshop on financial literacy, what skills would you expect to receive from this type of workshop?

Customer Interviews: Amani, Yzra, Friday, Christian, and Michael

In the interviews, I went through Muphree Area, and the Reitz to interview consumers and it was nerve wrecking in the beginning, but after my first customer, it actually became an enjoyable assignment.

The interviews also reinforced the need of a Financial Literacy Workshop in the University of Florida community.

"Top 5 World Problems"

“Top 5 World Problems”

1)    Global Water Crisis. As the world population increases, the water supply has decreased, and we find many underdeveloped countries with no clean water for it’s citizens. On the other spectrum, we find developed countries overusing their water supply.

2)    Water contamination. As pollutants are poured into our atmosphere, and our water systems, drinkable water has become contaminated. This is not only seen in underdeveloped countries, but in developed countries such as the United States where water contamination is becoming an issue in cities such as Flint, Michigan

3)    Armed violence around the world has caused mass shootings.

4)    Racism and discrimination. Racism based on color is prevailing in the United States and around the world, and religion discrimination is affecting millions.

5)    Media has a large impact in society, and the lack of information has led to misinformed citizens.     

As I chose my top 5 world problems, I considered those who have detrimental consequences to society as a whole. My top choice was the Global Water Crisis because of droughts occurring throughout the world due to climate change, we are faced with a limited supply of this natural resource. Second is water contamination. With water contamination, thousands of individuals and in children are being poisoned through the water that is available to them. Third is armed violence; we are having a large issue with armed violence that has affected different parts of the world regardless of skin color or religion. It is of great importance to comprehend on the idea of armed violence around the world and how is killing thousands of innocent individuals. Fourth is racism and discrimination which is segregating society through fear and oppression. Lastly is the media. Media has a large impact in society, and it is how we get our information.

 “Top Five Solutions”

1)    Laws that prevent civilians to from obtaining guns, or stricter laws that will require those individuals to go through screening processes.

2)    Laws that require the media to stop being biased on certain issues. Also, they need to provide the correct information on products.

3)    First, in order to find a solution, the developed countries should place a limitation on how much water a household can utilized during the day. In underdeveloped countries, corporations can invest in water plants, that will provide jobs to local community members and also provide a water supply.

4)    Accountability from manufacturers, corporation, and government systems to stop contaminated the drinkable water.

5)    Open-mindedness is a necessity in today’s world in order to bring humanity forward, and create a society where businesses and firms can prosper with a diverse population.

The first three are related to laws, and leaders of countries around the world need to pass lows in order to protect their people. Laws are passed by individuals who represent a whole country, and it is in their duty to protect their constituents. The fourth solution is accountability from businesses and government officials on how they are contaminating the world’s drinkable water. Lastly, there needs to be an open-mindedness in society in order to advance and create better future for the following generations.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1. Florida Committee Passes Bill That May Close Abortion Clinics Which Can’t Protect Women’s Health

http://www.lifenews.com/2016/01/20/florida-committee-passes-bill-that-may-close-abortion-clinics-which-cant-protect-womens-health/

Florida legislators are interested in passing a law that could make abortion clinics follow stricter procedures similar to surgical centers. The House Health Innovation Subcommittee approved House Bill 233, which republicans supporting the bill and democrats opposing it. The bill is intended to add extra protection for women seeking help from abortion clinics. 

This affects both women and non-profits providing abortion services because the underlying of the bill will eventually require over half of those clinics to close down. The majority of the clinics don’t actually offer abortion services, but since they have a few that do, they will require all of their clinics to follow the surgical center standards.

2. Bed bugs are a problem in these Florida Cities 

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional/bed-bugs-are-problem-these-florida-cities/np4Rc/

Central and South Florida cities have a major bed bug problem. Bed bugs are difficult to control without professional help, and to avoid them is also as difficult. 

Travelers and residents of those cities are affected by the bug situation, and to get rid of them is not easy. But it can be prevented. Check your beds and luggage constantly. 

3. Climate change could cost jobs in South Florida

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article55631150.html

A white house adviser told South Florida business and political leaders to work together to protect the local economy from flooding and climate change. Flooding and coastal erosion could threaten Miami’s economy.

The residents of Miami are at risk of losing homes and their jobs if climate change destroys South Florida, which is why residents and leaders need to take a step forward to make a change in their communities and lifestyle if they want to preserve the economy of Miami. 

4. PBSO identifies pedestrian killed in wreck with motorcycle

http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/pbso-identifies-pedestrian-killed-in-wreck-with-mo/nqBYR/

On January 19, 2016; a pedestrian was killed during a motorcycle wreck. The motorcyclist lost control and then crash into another motorcycle. 

The issue in this article is the lack of respect to pedestrians, mostly in South Florida. From this, I can speak from experience, drivers are unaware of the laws that pedestrians have, and sometimes do not care that they might crash into a person. Pedestrians have the problem in this situation because they are at risk of getting injured. Which as said previously, from a personal experience, there were times when I had to take the bus to go to my college where I was almost crashed into because of wreck less driving, even when pedestrians follow the signal signs, drivers fail to do so. 

5. Tesla electric cars growing in popularity

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/consumer/fl-tesla-economic-impact-20160122-story.html

Tesla’s electric car is growing in popularity, and more charging stations are being placed in South Florida, which makes it easier for the cars to make longer trips. Tesla is open to building more charging stations if sales increase. 

Gas stations have the problem in this situation, and even with low prices, people are increasingly purchasing electric cars instead in order to be environmentally friendly. 

Week 3 Reading Reflection

After reading the chapter, I noticed that the content was very straight forward. From the common characteristics of the entrepreneur, to the dark side. The dark side of the entrepreneur was the most challenging to read, but also the most interesting.

1. The biggest surprise from the reading was the entrepreneurial ego. Most importantly the sense of distrust, that can result in their focusing of trivial things and cause them to lose sight of reality, and can even lead to failure. Also, the need to control everything can be destructive in their professional and personal life.
a. This is something you can see in entrepreneurs, and sometimes their own ego causes them to be unaware of their employees and their business success.
2. The dark side of an entrepreneur to an extent was challenging, but it also put all the risk components an entrepreneur faces.
3. How and when does a family member or friend of an entrepreneur intervene when he/she is stressed? Or when their ego is affecting their company?
a. How should the person to handle the situation if the entrepreneur itself does not see it as an issue?
4. In this reading assignment, I agree with the author, and there were no sections in the readings that I disagree with him.

Very Short Interview

Alejandro Ortega is the owner of A&J Mart Plaza, in partnership with his brother. Over ten years ago, their parents found an unmet need of opening a gas station in a isolated community where it’s nearest gas station was over five miles away. They opened a Texaco, and a few years later, they bought the rights to become their own firm. Today, there are two more gas stations across the street, but they continue to thrive during economic recession, and have adapted to the community and provide products that the consumers want. They have also opened another gas station, and a car repair shop.

What should my expectations be in this course?

Mr. Ortega: Keep an open mind and do not get discouraged. An entrepreneurship course is not the place where you will be taught how to open a business and how you will become successful. Instead, your expectations should be on how to find opportunities, and how to apply them in your career and every day life.

What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

Mr. Ortega: To be an entrepreneur is to scan your environment, and find opportunities to get the right target market to come to your business. Also, to be an entrepreneur is to not be affected by externalities such as the economic turndown or competition.

You have to be innovative and creative in all situations, and focus on keeping your customer base but also widening it at the same time.

What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?

Mr. Ortega: What you should learn from this course is time management and innovation.

What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur? 

Mr. Ortega: I’m a self taught entrepreneur, when I attended college I attended to study mechanics in order to work for Mercedes, which I did. Few years later my parents decided on moving to Florida in order to open a family business, and from that day I became an entrepreneur. My knowledge came from being placed in the role of an entrepreneur, and I succeeded in that role. Even though I did not have a business background, I encouraged my children to do so because they will be taking over the business once I retire, and I want them to have the right knowledge to take our family business to the next level.

·      My biggest takeaway from this interview was speaking to Mr. Ortega from a business perspective, and not an employee, and I was impressed on how they have excelled in my community, even when they faced many externalities.