Reading Reflection No.1

Reading Reflection No.1

For this reflection, I chose to read Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs.

1. The thing that most surprised me was the fact that Steve Jobs’s trip to India influenced his decision to adopt a minimalistic approach. The thing that I admire the most about Steve Jobs is that he didn’t show much interest in material things, other than Sports cars and German knives. The thing I least admire about Steve Jobs is that his harassing and bullying behavior towards his colleagues. Steve Jobs was kicked out of his own company due to his behavior and in return he created Pixar. Surprisingly, Pixar made Jobs a millionaire and not Apple.

2. The main competency that I noticed in Jobs is his ability to get things done no matter how complex it was to do it.

3. The one that confuses me the most is why he chose to keep such a closed integrated system instead of giving users the options to customize.

4. If I had the opportunity to ask two questions, the first one would be how hard it was to get over his addiction to LSD and the second one would be how he came up with the idea of reality distortion field. I would ask these questions because firstly I see many teenagers abusing drugs these days and secondly to learn how he thinks so different as compared to others.
5. I believe that Steve Jobs believed in Working Smart and not just hard. I completely agree with Jobs's opinion of working smart and not just hard.

Celebrating Failure

Celebrating Failure

1. At the beginning of this semester, I often failed to stick to my schedule of watching online lectures for this class. I would often procrastinate and push it to some other day.
2. After the first two weeks, I learned that procrastinating to watch videos for the Entrepreneurship course indirectly had an impact on other courses too. This is because I was not able to stick to the schedule I planned out and from then on I ensured that I followed the schedule that I planned.
3. Failure is hard for sure. But I strongly believe that one wouldn’t learn something new or push themselves to do better if they never fail. This class for sure had an impact on my perspective on failure. I realized that everybody fails and it is imperative to take calculated risks in order to be successful in life.

Halfway Reflection

Halfway Reflection

• To keep up with the course I have developed the habit of multitasking and ensured that I work ahead. I chose an online section for this course which requires me to watch lecture videos every week and submit blog posts. Through developing the habit of multitasking, so far I am able to listen to lectures while working on something else and also whenever I’m free between my classes or on weekends, I try to work ahead. In this way, so far I am able to keep up with the course.
• I am not a huge fan of reading books. When I was told that we were supposed to read a couple of novels and write a reflection on them, I felt like giving up. But then, I just reminded myself that I am halfway there and just needed to push myself to get through those two assignments. I strongly believe that I have developed a tenacious attitude in the last two months and the ability to effectively manage time most contributed to this.

• Three tips : 

1. Work ahead. All the assignments are open. So you can always work ahead and get done with the assignments.
2. Make a schedule that suits you and stick to it.
3. 
   Take notes while listening to lectures.

Solving the Problem

Solving the Problem

The opportunity that I have identified and would like to solve is the lack of platforms for the present generation to showcase their talent. In the fast-paced world, students are often pressurized to study 24/7 and they do not get enough time to showcase some unique talents that they might possess or might have worked on. So my product/service is to create a website which is going to host tournaments and give opportunity to others to host tournaments. For example, the platform could be used to host tournaments and competitions like Sudoku, Crosswords, Art&Craft and so on. For the tournaments hosted from the organization side, the winner will get a certificate and a cash prize. For others to host a tournament on the website, there will be an entry fee. In this way, many students will have the opportunity to take part in competitions they are interested in right from their house and showcase their talents in the wide range of competitions being hosted.

Entrepreneurship Story

Entrepreneurship story

Coming from a middle-class Indian family, just like most others, I always thought that I was required to study to get a 9-5 job. I always thought that all I ever needed was to get into a good company with a decent pay scale. I never even had the idea that I could instead start my own company by finding a solution to a problem until my brother came up with his idea of starting his own company after his graduation. Initially, I thought that the idea my brother had come up with was really cool and I thought that he was going to get super rich when he finishes his product. I thought that the path would be pretty straightforward. I thought that it would be super easy to build the product and starting earning.  I always believed that one doesn’t need to work in his own company and could just hire people. I also thought that profit could be made very easily. But what my brother is experiencing currently is extremely opposite to what I thought. It has been roughly two years since my brother established his company and I can see how hard he works for 16-18 hours a day. He only has about 4 employees in his company (just like a typical startup) and the product is still under development and testing. He recently got an investor for his company and has a 2-year deadline to demonstrate the complete working product. This is my personal experience with entrepreneurship.

I enrolled in this class because I am considering to minor in Entrepreneurship. I hope to learn the various aspects of being an entrepreneur and learn how to become a successful entrepreneur.

Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

-Economic Trend: US housing starts soar 16.9% in December to a 13-year high

-Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/17/us-housing-starts-december-2019.html

-I believe that an opportunity exists in this situation because it was mentioned in the article that currently the mortgage rates are low and this will encourage many more individuals to build houses. 

-The prototypical customer would be someone who is looking to build a new home.

- The opportunity is relatively easy to exploit in my opinion. This is because, looking at the statistics of the number of houses being built, many more individuals will be motivated to build houses, leading to a domino effect.

-Why did I see this opportunity? In our society having an own house is looked upon as the epitome of success. Meaning, having a house makes one look successful. So, I saw this economic trend as an opportunity.

-Economic Trend: Manufacturers to spend $26.2 billion on ‘upskilling’ in 2020 to attract and keep workers

-Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/17/manufacturers-to-spend-26point2-billion-on-upskilling-workers-in-2020.html

-I believe that an opportunity exists in this case as manufacturing is an occupation that requires being up to date with the technology. Also, investing in the skills of workers will benefit the manufacturer's revenue. Therefore, many manufacturers are likely to invest in upskilling workers.

-The prototypical customer would be all the manufacturers who are looking to upskill their workforce.

-The opportunity is easy to exploit as manufacturing is a competitive industry and if one manufacturer starts to upskill his/her workforce, it will motivate other manufacturers to upskill his/her workforce as well. 

-Why did I see this opportunity? I considered it as an opportunity because of the high number of prototypical customers(manufacturers).

-Regulatory Changes: Worker classification

-Source: https://www.paychex.com/articles/compliance/top-regulatory-issues

- I believe that an opportunity exists in this case as the law has made it mandatory for the employer to demonstrate the efficiency of the worker in a test to classify him/her as an independent contractor in the state.

-The prototypical customer would be a worker who is trying to prove his/her efficiency in the test.

-The opportunity is relatively hard to exploit because not many workers would want to spend their time taking a test and would instead try to find an easy way out of the situation.

-Why did I see this opportunity? I saw this as an opportunity because of the fact that many states across the United States are considering similar changes.

-Regulatory Changes: China approves tax waiver for cleaner ship fuel exports, but may limit shipments

-Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-oil-imo-tax/china-approves-tax-waiver-for-cleaner-ship-fuel-exports-but-may-limit-shipments-sources-idUSKBN1Z90OE

-Importing and exporting of goods plays a crucial role in a country’s economy. So I feel that this regulatory change will have a huge impact on the global economy and thus I believe that an opportunity exists.

-The prototypical customer would be companies that want to invest in a cleaner fuel for their ships.

-It is a hard opportunity to exploit. Mainly because of the fact that shipment industry is very vast and will require a lot of time to make a profit.

-Why did I see this opportunity? Reducing taxes on clean fuel will motivate many companies to take advantage of change even though it would require them to limit some shipments. This is because a clean source of fuel will make the ships much more efficient and decrease the overall cost of shipment.

Identifying local opportunities

Identifying local opportunities

1. The last straw: Gainesville ban takes effect

https://www.alligator.org/news/the-last-straw-gainesville-ban-takes-effect/article_5c6bb62c-3354-11ea-85b7-63c47c871247.html

As a part of the Gainesville waste-free by 2040 campaign, the city commission officially began the plastic straw ban on January 2nd. Businesses that do not adhere to the ban would be given initial warnings and then fines could go up to as high as $250.

The problem: Businesses will need to immediately find alternatives for plastic-free straws. Plastic-free straws are generally far more expensive than plastic straws. This increases the cost of the restaurants. 

Who has the problem? : All the local restaurants and fast-food chains that sell beverages.

2. UF requires health insurance, but do students want that?

https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-requires-health-insurance-but-do-students-want-that/article_3f77d344-3907-11ea-bf77-abcfeab20e68.html

Many international and out of state students who pay out-of-state tuition fees believe that the need for health insurance just pays more burden on them and only increases their debt. Many students feel that they are being robbed $2,500 annually as they do not use the infirmary even once in the whole semester.

The problem: High annual health insurance fee at UF even though the United States government doesn’t require citizens to have health insurance.

Who has the problem: International and out-of-state students who already pay a high amount of tuition fees.

3. Students, professors unfamiliar with sexual assault prevention program

https://www.alligator.org/news/students-professors-unfamiliar-with-sexual-assault-prevention-program/article_8da8973c-38f9-11ea-82fc-67babd048e96.html

As a part of the increased sexual assaults in the UF campus, UF President Kent Fuchs introduced Green Dot Gators as a way to eliminate sexual assaults.

The problem: Many students, professors are unaware of the Green Dot Gators Program.

Who has the problem: All the students and the administration department at UF as they have not taken steps to effectively eliminate sexual assaults.

4. Alachua County graduation rates increase

https://www.alligator.org/news/alachua-county-graduation-rates-increase/article_8ddc66a4-37c6-11ea-817d-e7b267e7ac22.html

Alachua County in the state of Florida is making it difficult for students to fail their classes and as a result, it has increased graduation rates. The graduation rates have increased by 0.5% from 2018-19. 

The problem: It is difficult for the universities to give admission to the high amount of graduating students and also as the county is making graduation easier, unworthy students are also going to graduate very easily.

Who has the problem: All the universities will face a problem as they have to increase the number of admissions offered.

5. Letter to the Editor: Seven reasons it’s not great to be a Florida Gator

https://www.alligator.org/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-seven-reasons-it-s-not-great/article_d36babc8-0763-11ea-807c-8f28c5bc6425.html

In this letter to the Editor of Alligator, Stephanie Chang a UF business sophomore lists seven reasons why UF is not a great university.

The problem: Listing of various reasons why UF is not a good school will lead to the downfall of UF’s reputation and as a result will reduce the number of incoming freshmen and also reduces the worth of the degree from UF.

Who has the problem: The University of Florida as a whole and also the students who are going to graduate from the University of Florida as it will reduce the worth of a UF degree.

Forming an Opportunity Belief

Forming an Opportunity Belief

I strongly believe that an opportunity exists in changing the Student recreation and fitness center timings to the usual 5:30am - 12am during the weekends also. During the weekends, the Student Recreation and fitness centers are open from 10am-10pm instead of the usual 5am-12am. Many individuals, just like me, like to train early in the morning, try to maintain a daily schedule and do not like to change their routine often. So I feel that an opportunity exists in changing the weekend schedule to match the weekday schedule.

The prototypical customer is an early morning or late in the night gym user and also the individuals who believe that having the same schedule every day is important to them.

Prototypical customer #1 - Sophomore Student who uses the fitness center regularly at 5:30 am during weekdays.

Q) Do the weekend gym timings bother you?

1. I strongly believe in having a schedule and following it on a daily basis. 

Q) When did you notice the need?

1. I first noticed the need when I joined UF.

Q) How do you currently address the need?

1. Instead of coming to the gym on weekends I go to workout outdoors during the weekends at 5:30 in the morning.

Q) What do you think about the solution I proposed?

1. I really like it and I feel that it would work for me and also others who like to workout in the morning.

Prototypical customer #2 - Graduate Student whom I interviewed on a Sunday.

Q) Do the weekend gym timings bother you?

1. It really bothers me but I just try to change my schedule according to the timings of the gym.

Q) When did you first notice the need?

1. During my second semester. Mainly because the workload was pretty hectic and I felt working out first thing in the morning allows me to be productive throughout the day.

Q) How do you currently address the need?

1. I just try to change my schedule according to the timings of the gym. Or sometimes I just go for a cycle or a run.

Q) What do you think about the solution I proposed?

1. I strongly believe that the solution would work and would also be very beneficial to everyone who likes to workout early. But I feel that it would place a burden on the recsports employees to work so early in the morning even during the weekends.

Prototypical customer #3 - A man in the mid 40s 

Q) Do the weekend gym timings bother you?

1. Not really. I try to take rest days during the weekend.

Q) Do you believe that having the same timings during the weekends just like the weekdays be beneficial?

1. I believe that it would be good for those who like to follow a schedule and also if one can go to the gym early during weekends, he/she can spend more time with his/her family.

Q) Do you personally know anyone who would find this change helpful?

1. Yes. My daughter really likes to workout early in the morning and get on with her day. So it would be really helpful for her.

Q) What do you think about the solution I proposed?

1. It is a simple and easily executable solution. It shouldn’t find much opposition to carry out the change.

Reflection - 

After conducting the above interviews I came to the conclusion that there is definitely an opportunity exists in changing the Student recreation and fitness center timings during the weekends. Currently, many students like to workout early in the morning before their classes start and would like to do the same even during weekends. The most surprising element from the interviews was that I found that many would like to attend the gym early in the morning even during weekends.

Summary - 

From the interviews I conducted, my opportunity belief did not change at all and I strongly believe that an opportunity exists. Also, I strongly believe that entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based on customer feedback because at the end of the day, customers are the ones who are going to give you money. 

Bug List

Bug List

1) The requirement to go somewhere else and dump the recyclable section of waste instead of just installing it in the dorm building at UF.

Why? This bug exists probably because most of the dorms in UF are very old and the building was not designed to accommodate recycle trash chute.

2) The need to share washrooms in most of the dorms at UF.

Why? Again because most of the dorms are very old at UF.

3) All the campus routes of RTS Buses do not run on the weekends.

Why? Because the campus is closed on weekends.

4) The fact that the price of unhealthy food is much lesser than healthy food.

Why? It is very easy to make unhealthy fast food as compared to healthy, nutritious food.

5) Cyclist lanes not available throughout the campus.

Why? Probably because of the poor planning of roads during construction.

6) Different dining location timings on weekends as compared to the weekdays. Generally on weekdays the dining locations open at 7:00am and on weekends they open at 8:30am.

Why? Because the administration believes that students wake up generally much later than usual on weekends.

7) Different Student recreation and fitness center timings on weekends as compared to weekdays. Generally on weekdays the locations open at 5:30am and on weekends they open at 10am.

Why? Unwillingness of employees to work so early during weekends also.

8) The fact that Chick-fil-a is closed on Sunday.

Why? Probably because all the chickens needed a rest day.

9) The guy who doesn’t rack the weights after usage in the gym.

Why? Because they are very lazy to rack the weights.

10) People who think squatting the full depth is bad for your knees.

Why? Lack of knowledge on how to squat with proper form and the lack of knowledge on squatting the full depth.

11) People who come to the library to talk and do not respect the fact that others are trying to study.

Why? This bug exists because many just do not care about others around them.

12) Not being able to use open access meal swipe on the grub hub app to pick up food from the campus dining centers.

Why? Probably because the app developers thought it was not necessary to include the meal swipe option.

13) People who use plastic water bottles.

Why? Maybe because they believe that carrying a reusable water bottle with them is too much work.

14) Traffic sense of people back in India.

Why? Mostly because the police do not impose strict fines for breaking the law and also because of illiteracy.

15) People who do not use crosswalks to cross the road.

Why? Mainly because they believe that it is the duty of the car driver to stop for them and not their duty to cross at the crosswalk.

16) People who attend lectures without taking a shower after working out.

Why? Laziness and also time constraint.

17) Obese people who do nothing to get fit and keep eating unhealthy food.

Why? Because they think it as too much work and effort and also because they believe that they will eventually give up anyways.

18) The inability to use my Indian Prime account in the United States

Why? This bug exists because that is how Jeff Bezos wants to run Amazon.

19) The bus drivers who do not stop even though they see you running towards the bus stop.

Why?  Probably because the bus drivers have to follow a timing schedule and also because they just don’t care about you.

20) When I ask the chef not to put too much oil in my food but does so.

Why? Doesn’t want to follow other’s requests.

Initially, I found it very easy to get the first 5-6 bugs. From then on I had to think very carefully what bugs me in particular and then I had to note each one down whenever the bugs came to my mind.

Test

Blog to check if my blog is working.