1) Human's decision to not spay/neuter their pets result in the suffering and euthanizing of animals. Animals cannot speak for themselves and it is our responsibility to help control the population.
2)
Who: Cats and dogs, shelters, and pet owners
What: Overpopulation of cats and dogs
Why: Pets (cats and dogs, including free-roaming) are not spayed/neutered
According to the ASPCA, over 1.5 million animals are euthanized in shelters every year due to the over population of animals.
3)
Testing the who: I think business owners also have this need because free-roaming animals may not be welcome on their properties, which can result in them calling animal control and removing the animal(s).
Testing the what: Dogs and cats are not affected equally. Cats have this need more than dogs; The ASPCA states that more cats than dogs are euthanized each year. This could be because more dogs are adopted than cats.
Testing the why: Reasons why people do not spay/neuter their pets could be because: 1) they are not informed about how it saves lives, 2) they may not be able to afford it, and 3) they view an animal as disposable and less significant than a human life.
4) My interviews consisted of a pet sitting client, two foster parents (for animals), and two coworkers that own pets. The feedback from the interviews were favorable because they all share the same need, but I did receive insight as to why veterinarians may also share this need. The increase of spaying/neutering would increase their profits in two ways: the initial surgery of the animals and the continued care of the animals because of the likely longer lifespan. One foster parent that helps feed a cat colony on a business property (a gas station) has been attempting to trap and socialize the cats because management has threatened to remove them. There was a customer complaint about the cats which lead to their threat to call animal control. The colony is supposed to be protected, but she is having difficult in trying to find resources that will help her fight for the cats to stay. While the interviewees understood the importance of spaying/neutering pets, they were unable to provide a realistic approaching to prevent the problem from happening. Human kindness is the only option to provide rescue efforts for these animals, but it is not reliable. I'm learning this is a difficult opportunity, but I want to be able to solve it or at least provide something new to help lessen the suffering of animals. I'm curious as to how to propose legislation to an influential figure, like a legislator.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends
Economic
a) Trump Bets the U.S. Economy on Tariffs
b) I believe there is an opportunity here because Mexico is one of America's biggest trade partners.
c) I think the U.S. government is the customer with the opportunity. The U.S. government would be benefiting by imposing a 5% increase on imported Mexican goods. Unfortunately, this will either cost the importing companies or force them to increase the price of the goods to its customers.
d) It is easy to exploit. A tariff increase on China goods will be enforced this summer.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because of how the current president has been treating Mexico. From the president's standpoint, it is to punish Mexico and benefit the U.S.
a) US economy has added jobs for 103 straight months. Unemployment rate falls to 3.6%
b) I believe an opportunity exists because people are benefiting from an income and the government is benefiting taxes paid from newly employed people.
c) The newly employed people and the government are the customers.
d) I think this will be difficult to exploit or remain the same. The economy is not linear because it is always changing.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because of the growth of small businesses I've witnessed in my own community.
Regulatory
a) Plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam products could be on the way out at Orlando parks and venues
b) I believe there is an opportunity here because single-use plastics are used at most or all restaurants, theme parks, venues, and more.
c) I think companies that are already producing alternative products are the customer. The article states that alternative products can cost "6 cents apiece more than plastic." These companies will have more customers because of the ban.
d) I don't think it is easy to exploit because of the limited powers state governments have.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because of the damage single-use plastic is creating for our environment, and the desire from companies that want to eliminate them (e.g. Starbucks).
a) Illinois legislature passes the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
b) I believe there is an opportunity here because sick patients benefit from the use of medicinal marijuana.
c) Patients in need of medicinal marijuana and producers/distributors/manufactures are the customers.
d) I think it will be difficult to exploit even if the governor signs the legislation as expected. Illinois will be the first state ever to legalize marijuana legislatively, so this will be a new challenge for them.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because my coworker's mom died of cancer and I believe she (my coworker) voted in favor of legalizing marijuana in Florida.
a) Trump Bets the U.S. Economy on Tariffs
b) I believe there is an opportunity here because Mexico is one of America's biggest trade partners.
c) I think the U.S. government is the customer with the opportunity. The U.S. government would be benefiting by imposing a 5% increase on imported Mexican goods. Unfortunately, this will either cost the importing companies or force them to increase the price of the goods to its customers.
d) It is easy to exploit. A tariff increase on China goods will be enforced this summer.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because of how the current president has been treating Mexico. From the president's standpoint, it is to punish Mexico and benefit the U.S.
a) US economy has added jobs for 103 straight months. Unemployment rate falls to 3.6%
b) I believe an opportunity exists because people are benefiting from an income and the government is benefiting taxes paid from newly employed people.
c) The newly employed people and the government are the customers.
d) I think this will be difficult to exploit or remain the same. The economy is not linear because it is always changing.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because of the growth of small businesses I've witnessed in my own community.
Regulatory
a) Plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam products could be on the way out at Orlando parks and venues
b) I believe there is an opportunity here because single-use plastics are used at most or all restaurants, theme parks, venues, and more.
c) I think companies that are already producing alternative products are the customer. The article states that alternative products can cost "6 cents apiece more than plastic." These companies will have more customers because of the ban.
d) I don't think it is easy to exploit because of the limited powers state governments have.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because of the damage single-use plastic is creating for our environment, and the desire from companies that want to eliminate them (e.g. Starbucks).
a) Illinois legislature passes the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
b) I believe there is an opportunity here because sick patients benefit from the use of medicinal marijuana.
c) Patients in need of medicinal marijuana and producers/distributors/manufactures are the customers.
d) I think it will be difficult to exploit even if the governor signs the legislation as expected. Illinois will be the first state ever to legalize marijuana legislatively, so this will be a new challenge for them.
Why? - I believe I saw this opportunity because my coworker's mom died of cancer and I believe she (my coworker) voted in favor of legalizing marijuana in Florida.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Identifying Local Opportunities
1) Hep A rising in Central Florida
Cases of hepatitis A are rising in Central Florida and Volusia County is encouraging residents to get vaccinated. Since 2018, a 74 percent increase of hepatitis A has been reported in Florida. Out of the 954 cases, 46 have been reported in Volusia County. Residents in Florida and particularly in Volusia County have the problem because they are at risk of acquiring hepatitis A.
2) Who will control homeless shelter?
City commissioners discuss changing the leadership or taking control of the homeless shelter from First Step Shelter board members because of the boards talk of dissolving the organization. The board has not accomplished as much as it should have and city commissioners do not want to see the project fail. The city is trying to decide how to raise funds for the project and who should direct it. The city has the problem because the project is not going as planned, as well as homeless people who could potentially benefit from the project.
3) Elections chief says trust the process
Mail ballots were mailed to Volusia County residents and residents reported that they received duplicates or received someone else's ballot who has died or moved away. The residents are worried that the ballots will be miscounted. This is a problem for both the elections office and the residents because the elections office is responsible for counting every eligible vote and the residents are concerned about accurate votes.
4) Ex-firefighter sues Daytona, cop
An ex-firefighter filed a lawsuit against an officer and the city of Daytona Beach. The lawsuit alleges an officer falsely arrested him and contacted his bosses to make false accusations against him, which got him fired. Lewis Ashley Smith was in town for bike week with his wife and another couple. The other couple were arguing and Smith attempted to calm them down. Office Shawn Clark told the couple to move along, which led to a confrontation between Smith and the officer. Clark, Smith, and the City of Daytona Beach all have a problem. Smith has been fired from his job, while the city and officer are being sued.
5) Volusia school district officials say state funding formula is still squeezing their budget
An increase in state funding is not enough to give teachers raises and keep electricity on without making cuts from other areas, such as programs and personnel. The final budget has not been approved yet, but the amount approved by lawmakers so far is concerning the Volusia County School Board. The district, teachers, children, and other personnel employed by the district are affected by this problem.
Cases of hepatitis A are rising in Central Florida and Volusia County is encouraging residents to get vaccinated. Since 2018, a 74 percent increase of hepatitis A has been reported in Florida. Out of the 954 cases, 46 have been reported in Volusia County. Residents in Florida and particularly in Volusia County have the problem because they are at risk of acquiring hepatitis A.
2) Who will control homeless shelter?
City commissioners discuss changing the leadership or taking control of the homeless shelter from First Step Shelter board members because of the boards talk of dissolving the organization. The board has not accomplished as much as it should have and city commissioners do not want to see the project fail. The city is trying to decide how to raise funds for the project and who should direct it. The city has the problem because the project is not going as planned, as well as homeless people who could potentially benefit from the project.
3) Elections chief says trust the process
Mail ballots were mailed to Volusia County residents and residents reported that they received duplicates or received someone else's ballot who has died or moved away. The residents are worried that the ballots will be miscounted. This is a problem for both the elections office and the residents because the elections office is responsible for counting every eligible vote and the residents are concerned about accurate votes.
4) Ex-firefighter sues Daytona, cop
An ex-firefighter filed a lawsuit against an officer and the city of Daytona Beach. The lawsuit alleges an officer falsely arrested him and contacted his bosses to make false accusations against him, which got him fired. Lewis Ashley Smith was in town for bike week with his wife and another couple. The other couple were arguing and Smith attempted to calm them down. Office Shawn Clark told the couple to move along, which led to a confrontation between Smith and the officer. Clark, Smith, and the City of Daytona Beach all have a problem. Smith has been fired from his job, while the city and officer are being sued.
5) Volusia school district officials say state funding formula is still squeezing their budget
An increase in state funding is not enough to give teachers raises and keep electricity on without making cuts from other areas, such as programs and personnel. The final budget has not been approved yet, but the amount approved by lawmakers so far is concerning the Volusia County School Board. The district, teachers, children, and other personnel employed by the district are affected by this problem.
Friday, May 24, 2019
Forming An Opportunity Belief
I believe an opportunity exists in the overpopulation of cats living outside. The unmet need is that these animals require food, water, medical care, and shelter so that they can live a safe and healthy life. This need has and will always exist because of the abundance of cats that are not spayed or neutered. As of right now, there are people and organizations that foster animals at their own financial risk to try to control the population. I am 100% sure this opportunity exists. These animals are everywhere, and I don't believe there will ever be enough help for all of them. I believe more resources should be made available to the public so that it can do its part in helping reduce the cat population because it is our responsibility.
Prototypical customer 1: 7-Eleven nearby with a colony of cats
There is a 7-Eleven near a movie theater close to me that has had a colony of cats for many years now. Every time I go there I always see cats. There is a jar inside the store by the register that is for donations for the care of the cats. I've spoken to workers at this location before about the cats here and there, and spoke to someone new this time. The 7-Eleven is not responsible for the cats and the idea to care for them was arranged by a local rescue group called "Pawsibilities Rescue." The worker on shift did not know how many years Pawsibilities Rescue has been caring for the cat colony, but that the cats are well taken care of. It was clear that the business supports the rescue efforts from the organization and it does not see the cats as a burden to the business. The rescue group feeds them daily and is active in spaying and neutering any cats that show up to the colony.
Prototypical customer 2: Hair salon nearby that feeds a colony of cats
I spoke to a hair salon owner that has been in business for over five years. She stated that there has always been a couple of cats in the area, but has seen in increase in the past few years. She began feeding them a few years ago at her own expense, even coming to the location on her days off to make sure they are fed. Her business is located in an office space that is owned by someone else, and last year she was told that she could not feed the cats on the property. If she wanted to continue to feed them then she had to put food on the sidewalk, away from the property. Although she expressed an interest in helping them, she does not have the resources to TNR (trap-neuter-return). She does know one person that has taken a couple kittens from the property to foster them, but there are still many cats there that need help.
Prototypical customer 3: Local animal foster parent
CCFAW is a local organization that tries to reduce the pet population by providing affordable spaying and neutering and low cost shot clinics. If cats come from a registered colony, then these services are free. Through the organization I was able to speak to Sharon, who rescues feral and free roaming cats by TNR. Sharon has been rescuing and fostering cats for a couple of years now and got started by contacting CCFAW so that she could learn how to get started. If the cats are not feral, she will continue to foster the cats and adopt them out. She stated that she experiences the need of extra help because she is responsible for most of the costs for the cats. If she traps a cat that is sick or injured, then she must pay for its medical care, as well as food and litter. She cares for multiple cats at a time in her home, and feeds a cat colony daily. While she is aware of the impact she is making, she expressed that one person cannot do it all and always welcomes help from other animal foster parents.
Reflect: After speaking with my prototypical customers, I still believe an opportunity exists. I learned that cat colonies may not be as cared for even though it looks like it. The salon owner proved this by saying that she only feeds them, and the building owner has tried to stop it. Cat colonies require much more than just food and water if trying to help control the overpopulation.
Summarize: The opportunity I believe that exists is some sort of nonprofit rescue group that can be on call when someone sees an injured or sick cat, and a cat colony that may look like it is not being fed. While the CCFAW offers affordable resources to the public to help the cats, people still must pay for a lot of the costs themselves. If someone sees an injured or sick cat, he or she may want to help it but cannot afford to help it. Calling an organization that is dedicated to rescuing the cats to let it know where the cat is located is better than doing nothing. I believe my opportunity is accurate, but similar to the resources (rescue groups and animal foster parents) already available. I do believe this opportunity would be more active in rescuing the cats because it would be paying for the costs from donations and relying on animal foster parents. I think entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based off of customer feedback and realistic expectations. If there is a pattern from customer feedback and it differs from the original opportunity, I would say that it should be adapted or at least explored. Customers can offer insight that an entrepreneur may not have thought of.
Prototypical customer 1: 7-Eleven nearby with a colony of cats
There is a 7-Eleven near a movie theater close to me that has had a colony of cats for many years now. Every time I go there I always see cats. There is a jar inside the store by the register that is for donations for the care of the cats. I've spoken to workers at this location before about the cats here and there, and spoke to someone new this time. The 7-Eleven is not responsible for the cats and the idea to care for them was arranged by a local rescue group called "Pawsibilities Rescue." The worker on shift did not know how many years Pawsibilities Rescue has been caring for the cat colony, but that the cats are well taken care of. It was clear that the business supports the rescue efforts from the organization and it does not see the cats as a burden to the business. The rescue group feeds them daily and is active in spaying and neutering any cats that show up to the colony.
Prototypical customer 2: Hair salon nearby that feeds a colony of cats
I spoke to a hair salon owner that has been in business for over five years. She stated that there has always been a couple of cats in the area, but has seen in increase in the past few years. She began feeding them a few years ago at her own expense, even coming to the location on her days off to make sure they are fed. Her business is located in an office space that is owned by someone else, and last year she was told that she could not feed the cats on the property. If she wanted to continue to feed them then she had to put food on the sidewalk, away from the property. Although she expressed an interest in helping them, she does not have the resources to TNR (trap-neuter-return). She does know one person that has taken a couple kittens from the property to foster them, but there are still many cats there that need help.
Prototypical customer 3: Local animal foster parent
CCFAW is a local organization that tries to reduce the pet population by providing affordable spaying and neutering and low cost shot clinics. If cats come from a registered colony, then these services are free. Through the organization I was able to speak to Sharon, who rescues feral and free roaming cats by TNR. Sharon has been rescuing and fostering cats for a couple of years now and got started by contacting CCFAW so that she could learn how to get started. If the cats are not feral, she will continue to foster the cats and adopt them out. She stated that she experiences the need of extra help because she is responsible for most of the costs for the cats. If she traps a cat that is sick or injured, then she must pay for its medical care, as well as food and litter. She cares for multiple cats at a time in her home, and feeds a cat colony daily. While she is aware of the impact she is making, she expressed that one person cannot do it all and always welcomes help from other animal foster parents.
Reflect: After speaking with my prototypical customers, I still believe an opportunity exists. I learned that cat colonies may not be as cared for even though it looks like it. The salon owner proved this by saying that she only feeds them, and the building owner has tried to stop it. Cat colonies require much more than just food and water if trying to help control the overpopulation.
Summarize: The opportunity I believe that exists is some sort of nonprofit rescue group that can be on call when someone sees an injured or sick cat, and a cat colony that may look like it is not being fed. While the CCFAW offers affordable resources to the public to help the cats, people still must pay for a lot of the costs themselves. If someone sees an injured or sick cat, he or she may want to help it but cannot afford to help it. Calling an organization that is dedicated to rescuing the cats to let it know where the cat is located is better than doing nothing. I believe my opportunity is accurate, but similar to the resources (rescue groups and animal foster parents) already available. I do believe this opportunity would be more active in rescuing the cats because it would be paying for the costs from donations and relying on animal foster parents. I think entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based off of customer feedback and realistic expectations. If there is a pattern from customer feedback and it differs from the original opportunity, I would say that it should be adapted or at least explored. Customers can offer insight that an entrepreneur may not have thought of.
Your Entrepreneurship Story
An entrepreneurship experience for me started in the summer of 2011 when I was asked to cat sit for my hairdresser. I was a junior in high school and she asked me if I could care for her cat daily while she was on vacation for the week. She also had a dog at the time, but she would drop him off at her father's house. Eventually, she began to ask me if I would mind sleeping over at her house to care for her dog as well. I've been pet sitting for her since then and she has adopted two more dogs. She is also my referring source when her client's ask her if she knows anyone that pet sits. All of my clients come directly from her, but I also pet sit for some of my coworkers. She used to pay me whatever she thought she was fair and I was always satisfied with that. Now, people ask me what I charge and I give them a price depending how far they live. I pet sit regularly and have keys to some of my client's houses. Sometimes I consider it a second job because I do it often, but I enjoy it and it doesn't always feel like a one.
I enrolled in ENT 3003 because I'm minoring in business and I thought this course would help me with my venture as a pet sitter, and in case I ever wanted to create an LLC. I realize now that this course will help me in other ways besides just pet sitting, such as identifying problems and discovering solutions. I look forward to the upcoming lectures and assignments.
This is Mia, my hairdresser's Maine Coon. I'll be watching her and the two dogs a couple times this summer (she had three, but one recently passed away).
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Bug List
1) Whenever I initiate conversation with my office roommate or
speak about myself, she directs it to herself and completely ignores what I
said without responding to it.
Why? This conversational narcissism occurs because
she is only focused on herself.
2) Every time it gets very cold in Florida, my tire pressure
light comes on, and it is usually when I am driving to work.
Why? Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to
drop.
3) Whenever me and my friends hangout, they are always on their
phone browsing through social media or texting.
Why? They are more interested in what is going on in
other people’s lives and are addicted to social media.
4) When I try to watch something on my Netflix account and
can’t because it says there are too many people watching on my account.
Why? I pay for one screen and more than one person
uses my Netflix account.
5) The Dunkin’ closest to my route to work always has a long
line that backs out into the street sometimes and it is difficult trying to
leave the parking lot.
Why? The mornings are always the busiest from my
experience and the parking lot is too small, which makes it difficult to exit
because cars block the exits/entrances while in the drive thru.
6) When I am pet sitting for a family and they text me that
they will be home earlier than expected.
Why? They either gave me an estimated time at first
or did not think to text me earlier in the day to let me know that they would
be home earlier.
7) When a receptionist at work is out and I must fill in (I
work in a different department and it affects my work).
Why? I am the back-up receptionist.
8) Whenever I go to a concert with my coworker and I’m asked to
drive.
Why? I have the more reliable car.
9) When people do not spay/neuter their animals and contribute
to the overpopulation of cats and dogs living outside.
Why? People cannot afford it or do not realize the
harm it causes.
10) When I go to get maintenance done on my car and someone
tries to sell me maintenance I don’t need.
Why? Some mechanics work off commission.
11) When one of my favorite shows gets canceled.
Why? It may not be performing as well as the network would like.
12) Companies that claim to be cruelty free but are vague when asked how/if they are cruelty free.
Why? Cruelty free claims are not regulated. Some companies may not test or finance testing on animals but sell their products in China (China requires animal testing).
13) When people at work use the "reply all" button in an email while responding to the initial email (this mainly happens when someone is trying to be funny or congratulating/thanking someone).
Why? They may think that everyone will find their email humorous or believe their email adds substance.
14) When my glasses leave marks on my nose after I've put on makeup.
Why? The friction of the glasses causes makeup to rub off.
15) When my glasses fog up when I get in and out of my car.
Why? Condensation causes them to fog.
16) When cars wait until the last second to merge into a lane because the lane they are in cuts off.
Why? They are not paying attention or are rude drivers.
17) When I am pressured to hang out or go to an event by friends and coworkers.
Why? They don't understand why I do not want to go or do not believe that I have other commitments.
18) When my ears get infected from wearing earrings.
Why? I may have a nickle allergy.
19) When my friend is late to plans we've made.
Why? She is always late because she takes a long time to get ready and is inconsiderate of other people's time.
20) When my friends do not want to see a scary movie with me.
Why? They are too afraid of them.
Reflection: I did find the assignment challenging until I started coming across some of the things that bug me. Most of them are things that happen daily, such as when driving, putting my glasses on and taking them off, and being at work; Some are things that have happened recently, like being asked to hang out, speaking to a friend about cruelty free companies, going to Dunkin', and trying to use my Netflix account. When I had to think about it I could not come up with anything. It was mostly when these bugs happened.
11) When one of my favorite shows gets canceled.
Why? It may not be performing as well as the network would like.
12) Companies that claim to be cruelty free but are vague when asked how/if they are cruelty free.
Why? Cruelty free claims are not regulated. Some companies may not test or finance testing on animals but sell their products in China (China requires animal testing).
13) When people at work use the "reply all" button in an email while responding to the initial email (this mainly happens when someone is trying to be funny or congratulating/thanking someone).
Why? They may think that everyone will find their email humorous or believe their email adds substance.
14) When my glasses leave marks on my nose after I've put on makeup.
Why? The friction of the glasses causes makeup to rub off.
15) When my glasses fog up when I get in and out of my car.
Why? Condensation causes them to fog.
16) When cars wait until the last second to merge into a lane because the lane they are in cuts off.
Why? They are not paying attention or are rude drivers.
17) When I am pressured to hang out or go to an event by friends and coworkers.
Why? They don't understand why I do not want to go or do not believe that I have other commitments.
18) When my ears get infected from wearing earrings.
Why? I may have a nickle allergy.
19) When my friend is late to plans we've made.
Why? She is always late because she takes a long time to get ready and is inconsiderate of other people's time.
20) When my friends do not want to see a scary movie with me.
Why? They are too afraid of them.
Reflection: I did find the assignment challenging until I started coming across some of the things that bug me. Most of them are things that happen daily, such as when driving, putting my glasses on and taking them off, and being at work; Some are things that have happened recently, like being asked to hang out, speaking to a friend about cruelty free companies, going to Dunkin', and trying to use my Netflix account. When I had to think about it I could not come up with anything. It was mostly when these bugs happened.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
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