Reading Reflection No. 3

The Wright Brothers By David McCullough

The most I ever really knew about the Wright brother was that they built the first airplane so I was really surprised by everything in the book. I didn't know about their siblings or when they were kids. I didn't how they got started in the whole airplane adventure. I didn't know about their personalities or failures. I really enjoyed learning about them. They were very admirable men. I really admired their determination and ambition. They were determined to build the plane and get it to fly, even at the risk of their own life. They were very admirable men so it's hard to say what I least admired. If I had to pick something I would say that I least admired their social skills. They didn't have an interest in socializing or getting marred. They were fine with how things were. They were shy and socially awkward. This may not have been their fault, just who they were. The Wright brothers definitely faced adversity and failure. They grew up with their father travelling a lot and their mother died. The didn't have plumbing and electricity as children. When it came to building their planes they weren't always successful. Their first try was not a success. They continued to work hard and try different things and eventually they were able to fly. 

The Wright brothers exhibited a great deal of competencies. They were very intellectual, ambitious, and even courageous. They created things from a young age. They saw how things could be changed and changed them. They risked their own lives in attempt to get see their places fly. They were men of great qualities. 

I really wasn't confused by anything in the book. I understood what they were doing and who basically who they were from how the author described them. However, I didn't understand why they wouldn't want to get married and have a family. I also didn't understand why the military wouldn't want their planes. I guess I could understand their initial hesitation but they needed it and saw they potential. 

If I could ask them two questions I would ask:

1. How it felt to finally be successful and have their plane in the air?

2. Did they have any idea that they were going to make such a huge impact on history?

I'd I ask them these questions because I imagine that it was an amazing experience. I don't think any one would image changing history in such a major way. They were very low key guys so I'd like to know how they truly felt. 

I think that the Wright brothers thought hard was very important. They never gave up on their dreams. Without their hard work they never would have been successful and they wouldn't still be known today. I agree that hard work is important. You can't be successful in life without a little hard work. 

Final Reflection

I have really enjoyed this class and feel that I have learned a lot. I feel that the most formative part of this class for me was working based on experience, instead of out of a textbook. I was forced to create and develop my own idea as opposed to reading about how someone else did it. I think that I will remember the creative process the most. By reflecting on my experience of developing my idea  really helped me to grow as a possible entrepreneur. My most joyous experience was reading the feedback from my peers and learning that they thought I was doing a good job, even when I felt like I wasn't. I am very proud of myself for creating this product that actually has potential. I received some great feedback and learned that a lot of people found this product to be something that is needed.

Now that the class is ending, I do believe that I am closer to developing an entrepreneur mindset. I have never really had the desire to be an entrepreneur. Now, I see that there are some great benefits in being innovative and creating your own concept. There is a lot of work involved in being an entrepreneur but all worth it to create something that you are passionate about. There is no limit. I've learned that anyone, including myself, can be an entrepreneur.

For future ENT 3003 students, I would recommend just having confidence in yourself. If you believe that you have a good concept than that's all that matters. The best thing you can do to perform well in this class is to do the assignments and listen to Dr. Pryor's lectures. To foster the mindset of an entrepreneur just believe you are one.

Venture Concept No. 2

OPPORTUNITY

There is an opportunity for individuals everyone to have healthy snack options. Everyone who has to be at one location for a long period of time such as a hospital, work, or school are potential customers. The nature of this need is the lack of healthy options when stuck in one location. The main change in the environment that would cause this type of need is the excessive number of those who are obese. Unhealthy options are cheap quick and easy so more and more people are buying things that are not good for them. These junk food types items may be convenient but they are harmful to their health. The market for this opportunity is vast. Although I do believe this opportunity could be worldwide, I feel that the United States has the greatest need. Demographically, I believe that schools should really be focused on for this opportunity. If healthy options were provided or at least made available in school as early as elementary then maybe children would lead a little bit more of healthy lifestyles. Other than schools, I believe that workplaces should have healthier snack options. Currently it seems that this need is not being properly met. Children at school, employees at work, or even those sitting in hospitals are only satisfying their hunger with junk food. So really they are not satisfying their need. This is a big very important opportunity. Too many people are unhealthy and obese for this not be a big opportunity. I feel that this opportunity is something that should be addressed now. It will be an opportunity until there are healthy options available in all schools, workplaces, and hospitals everywhere.

INNOVATION

My innovation for this opportunity is a healthy options vending machine. I call it the Better Options vending machine. This product will everything someone would need to get them through their day. Whether they forgot their lunch or they just need a snack to boost their energy, this vending machine will have it all. The Better Options vending machine will offer things such as protein shake and bars, granola bars and nuts, Gatorade and Vitamin water, carrots with ranch and celery with peanut butter. This vending machine would replace the current vending that are located almost everywhere and offer such healthy items. The profit would come from selling the machine itself along with the list of items available to be in the machine. The items in the machine would remain at an affordable price. For instance, a granola bar would be .75 cents or a Gatorade would run at $1.25. By buying these items in bulk I’d be saving money. Then I’d turn around and sell the items at a higher price so that there would be a profit. I want to keep the items affordable so that the customers are more likely to buy. I don’t want my customers to feel as though they are being ripped off.

VENTURE CONCEPT

This innovation will solve individuals need by being healthy, affordable, and convenient. This is a great product to be in schools, workplaces, hospitals, rest stops, really just everywhere. I think that a lot of people want to be healthy but there’s nothing currently out there that offers nutritional options that’s also cheap and convenient. I think that customers would switch to my product because they want to eat healthier. I don’t think it would be hard at all to get people to switch to this product. So many people out there already wish that healthy options were as cheap and convenient as junk food. The competitors that I would have to worry about are those who currently provide vending machines. Although they do not offer what I offer in the sense of food and snack options, they do already know the business and have connections. They could decide to make the transition to the healthier side. The currently vending machines are vulnerable to the fact that they are known for selling junk food. If they started selling health snacks, customers would be somewhat skeptical. I think that the biggest defining factor of my concept would be customer support. If the customer is not happy then the product will not be successful. The organization of this product would be a big project in itself. I would like this product to be available everywhere. For starters I would need the machines produced. The machines would require individuals to stock and refill them. I would need employees for maintenance, accounting, a call center, and delivery men. I would need to develop connections to get the items for the machines at a good price. This would be a big, very involved business.

3 MINOR ELEMENTS

The most important resource of this venture would be my determination to get healthier foods more accessible. So many people, including children, are extremely unhealthy because junk is always within arm’s length. If nutritional items were as available as junk food is I think that this would see a lot less obesity. To expand it even further, I would like my next venture to be similar to this but more for meal and less for snacks. I would like to have a machine that offered things such as sandwiches or small salads. I think this would change the demographic even more. I hope that in 5 years from now my product, The Better Options vending machine, is in all schools worldwide, offices worldwide, in hospital, malls, department stores…everywhere. Within a decade I believe that my concept would have really helped me learn what works and what does. It would’ve guided me to where I was meant to be. The first concept would have only been the beginning. 

The feedback that I received on my original venture concept was all very positive. The only changes that were suggested were to space out my thoughts a little more clearly. Everyone seemed to really like my posted over all. Based on the feedback, I did exactly as suggested and broke my thoughts up instead of having what seemed like one continuous thought. I believe it should be little easier to read and determine the different categories of the venture concept.   

Making It Real

Here is the link to my resume:

https://1drv.ms/w/s!AsY2LPc61M_ngz8WiNJeIAgZfg_o

My Exit Strategy

Although it is very hard to know where my company will be financially in 5, 10, or 20 years down the road, I would like to think that it is very successful. In that case, my exit strategy would be to keep the company and retire. I know that I would be very happy running my own company. This company would be a major part of my life. I am passionate about my business so I would like to stick with it and be able to retire. I feel that anyone who really loves what they do would consider their business their baby. I want to see my business grow and develop. If it is successful I see no reason to sell it. With my foot already in the business world, I can take my current product and add on. I can develop new ideas and product. I would go into this business with the exit strategy to retire from the successful company when I am ready.

Venture Concept No. 1

There is an opportunity for individuals everyone to have healthy snack options. Everyone who has to be at one location for a long period of time such as a hospital, work, or school are potential customers. The nature of this need is the lack of healthy options when stuck in one location. The main change in the environment that would cause this type of need is the excessive number of those who are obese. Unhealthy options are cheap quick and easy so more and more people are buying things that are not good for them. These junk food types items may be convenient but they are harmful to their health. The market for this opportunity is vast. Although I do believe this opportunity could be worldwide, I feel that the United States has the greatest need. Demographically, I believe that schools should really be focused on for this opportunity. If healthy options were provided or at least made available in school as early as elementary then maybe children would lead a little bit more of healthy lifestyles. Other than schools, I believe that workplaces should have healthier snack options. Currently it seems that this need is not being properly met. Children at school, employees at work, or even those sitting in hospitals are only satisfying their hunger with junk food. So really they are not satisfying their need. This is a big very important opportunity. Too many people are unhealthy and obese for this not be a big opportunity. I feel that this opportunity is something that should be addressed now. It will be an opportunity until there are healthy options available in all schools, workplaces, and hospitals everywhere.

My innovation for this opportunity is a healthy options vending machine. I call it the Better Options vending machine. This product will everything someone would need to get them through their day. Whether they forgot their lunch or they just need a snack to boost their energy, this vending machine will have it all. The Better Options vending machine will offer things such as protein shake and bars, granola bars and nuts, Gatorade and Vitamin water, carrots with ranch and celery with peanut butter. This vending machine would replace the current vending that are located almost everywhere and offer such healthy items. The profit would come from selling the machine itself along with the list of items available to be in the machine. The items in the machine would remain at an affordable price. For instance, a granola bar would be .75 cents or a Gatorade would run at $1.25. By buying these items in bulk I’d be saving money. Then I’d turn around and sell the items at a higher price so that there would be a profit. I want to keep the items affordable so that the customers are more likely to buy. I don’t want my customers to feel as though they are being ripped off.

This innovation will solve individuals need by being healthy, affordable, and convenient. This is a great product to be in schools, workplaces, hospitals, rest stops, really just everywhere. I think that a lot of people want to be healthy but there’s nothing currently out there that offers nutritional options that’s also cheap and convenient. I think that customers would switch to my product because they want to eat healthier. I don’t think it would be hard at all to get people to switch to this product. So many people out there already wish that healthy options were as cheap and convenient as junk food. The competitors that I would have to worry about are those who currently provide vending machines. Although they do not offer what I offer in the sense of food and snack options, they do already know the business and have connections. They could decide to make the transition to the healthier side. The currently vending machines are vulnerable to the fact that they are known for selling junk food. If they started selling health snacks, customers would be somewhat skeptical. I think that the biggest defining factor of my concept would be customer support. If the customer is not happy then the product will not be successful. The organization of this product would be a big project in itself. I would like this product to be available everywhere. For starters I would need the machines produced. The machines would require individuals to stock and refill them. I would need employees for maintenance, accounting, a call center, and delivery men. I would need to develop connections to get the items for the machines at a good price. This would be a big, very involved business.

The most important resource of this venture would be my determination to get healthier foods more accessible. So many people, including children, are extremely unhealthy because junk is always within arm’s length. If nutritional items were as available as junk food is I think that this would see a lot less obesity. To expand it even further, I would like my next venture to be similar to this but more for meal and less for snacks. I would like to have a machine that offered things such as sandwiches or small salads. I think this would change the demographic even more. I hope that in 5 years from now my product, The Better Options vending machine, is in all schools worldwide, offices worldwide, in hospital, malls, department stores…everywhere. Within a decade I believe that my concept would have really helped me learn what works and what does. It would’ve guided me to where I was meant to be. The first concept would have only been the beginning. 

Celebrating Failure

The first thing that comes to mind when talking about failure is when I failed to properly communicate at work recently. I was assigned to train someone on a procedure for certain tasks that need to be processed. I've been the only one working on these tasks for about a year now. I could do this process in my sleep so I assumed that it would be fairly easy to train someone on how to also work them. I was wrong. The person who I was training was not comprehending what I was telling them. They did not grasp the quick and easy steps that I was telling them to take. It was frustrating. I was failing to properly communicate to this person. I would repeat myself over and over again but that didn't seem to matter. I was failing to complete my task of training a new person.  

From this experience I learned that I am not a teacher. I do not have the patience for it. I also learned that sometimes just because we learn something one way does not mean that someone else will learn it the same way. Everyone learns in different ways. I'm a visual learner. I need to be shown an example. Others are okay with just reading or hearing it. Also, I learned that when one approach doesn't work you try another, and another, until finally you succeed. 

Failure is definitely hard. I don't like it. I've learned that when I fail at something I have to take a step back and regroup. When I fail, I get very frustrated and discouraged. I'll admit that I whine a little bit. I feel like giving up. I have to take a break and let it go for a while and then re-approach it. After that I am usually okay. Since taking this class I wouldn't say that I am more likely to take a risk. I would say that I am more used to being out of my comfort zone now than before this class. I've learned a lot about the risks that entrepreneurs have to take in attempt to be successful and stay that way.

 

Elevator Pitch No.3

The feedback that I received for my prior elevator pitches were very helpful and positive. I changed my pitch by updating my concept to include suggestions that I received from the feedback.

Here is the link to my 3rd pitch:
https://youtu.be/Uegdt6963cM

Amazon Whisperer

The revenue drivers for the better options vending machine would be all of the different snack options available. The different options would include snacks such as nuts, granola bars, carrots with ranch, celery and peanut butter, and drinks such as protein shakes and Gatorade. All of these options would drive the revenue.
The next thing that I think customers would want is a bigger selection of refrigerated type items and items that are more meal like. These things would include fruit cups, parfaits, sandwiches, and possibly small side salads.
This next thing will enhance the current better options vending machine with more options. This would enhance the customer experience because there will be more options to satisfy their hunger and their need for something nutritional. I think that this would keep the customers loyalty. The can't get fulfilling healthy snack and meal options for an affordable price as oppose to pay and ridiculous amount of money for a small meal.
On Amazon I found this Good for you! vending machine which is very similar to the product that I had in mind.
   
I love how the machine is broken into section. I also love that it can hold 245 snack/food items as well as 177 drinks. It's also refrigerated. I would obviously have to change up the design to make it mine but besides that I don't feel like I would change anything else about this product.
Unfortunately, there aren't any customer reviews for this product. I, however, feel that my customer would be very pleased with this product. The machine would not only offer healthier options but it is also big enough to offer a selection.
I think that this product wold be a great addition to my product. It would offer a greater selection and variety. I also takes the vending machine to the next level by offering more than just snack and drink items. It's refrigerated to help maintain self life. This would definitely be a great addition..

Reading Reflection No. 2

I read The Art of Social Media, Power Tips for Power Users by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick.

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

The general theme of the book I read was tips on how to have a successful social media account. These tips go above and beyond the basics that everyone knows. It dives into details on what to do and not to do to have a successful and popular account whether it be for yourself or your business.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

Nowadays, entrepreneurs need to be linked to social media to help their business or concept become successful. This book provides very helpful tips on how to create and maintain a popular social media account. I think that this book provided good insight on the importance of social media for entrepreneurs and their business concept. 

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

The assignment that I would create for the class based on the book I read, would be for everyone to create a social media account for their venture concept. Then we would need to do promote the account to be successful following the tips provided in the book. 

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

What surprised me the most from the book was the authors theory, "if you're not pissing people off on social media, you're not using it right." I've never really thought about it before but that is surprisingly a very true statement. If you piss someone off on social media, you're way more likely to get attention and be talked about it. That pissed off person is going to tell other people about you and how you piss them off. It'll just keep going.

Idea Napkin No.2

My name is Lisa Register and I wouldn't say that I have many talents. I enjoy attempting to be crafty but I am not very talented at creating things. Most of experience is in customer service. I've worked in retail, I've been a waitress, and I've worked in a call center. I know the importance of good customer service. That is why my aspiration for The Better Choices vending machine is to take over and replace the current vending machines. I want The Better Choices vending machines to be everywhere, schools, hospitals, amusement parks, workplaces, etc.. I think that if I were to start this business it would be a huge part of my life. I would work hard to make sure my vending machines replaced the unhealthy vending machine we currently have everywhere.

The Better Choices vending machine is offering people who are in everyday life healthy fulfilling snacks. Whether you are at work, school, the hospital you are more than likely going to need some sort of sustenance to get you through the day. The Better Choice vending machine isn't going to offer energy drinks and candy bars so that you can crash and be lethargic. It is going to offer nuts, granola bars, protein packs, Gatorade, and so much more. This is real food that will provide natural energy, not a sugar high. The Better Choices vending machine meet customers need of having access to nutritional snacks instead of junk food.

My machine is for the working, studying, everyday person who might need a power boost to help them get through their day until they are able to get a full meal. I think that my customers all have in common the need to be able to access healthy options regardless of where they are. My customer is a college student who is stuck on campus for hours at a time studying and going to classes. My customer is someone who is at work all day staring at a computer. My customer is some one who has been waiting in the emergency room four hours. My customer is anyone and everyone, maybe not everyone all the time but everyone at some point.

My customers all in common the desire to be healthy and they don't want to feel like they are wasting their money. With the vending machines currently offering, chips, coke, and candy bars, it's a waste of money. People who eat those things will just get a sugar high then crash and be more tired than they were before. The options are unhealthy and they really are a waste of money. My customers are just everyday people who need a snack that will get them through their day while between meals. They are at work or school or just on the go. They are all trying to be mindful of what they are eating and spending their money on. 

The customers care because they, like so many others, want to be healthy and wise. People care because they want to get something that will be good for them and won't leave them hungry again in no time. My customers also care because they want to spend their money on something good for them not junk. Individuals are at work and school all day long.  Whether it elementary, middle, high school or college students need fuel for their brains to help them focus. People at work need a boost just to help them get through the day.

What sets me apart from so many others is the fact that I have this need just like everyone else. I am not starting this just to make money. I am starting this because I want healthier options, I want this change. This change is for the greater good. So many people are already so unhealthy, why have junk be the only option available. It's hard to say what I have that nobody else has. I deal with this problem almost everyday. I need something good to eat if I forgot snacks at home and there is just nothing in the vending machines. I feel that obesity is a serious problem in our country. Obesity is starting to affect people younger and younger. I want schools to offer protein, healthy sugars that are in fruit, water, just all around things that will teach children healthier habits. I guess what sets me apart is that I care about others and their health. 

I believe that all five points are intertwined. Who we are helps us figure out what we want or what we are passionate about. Our customers are important to us as they are vital in making our idea successful. What being offered is extremely important. If we are offering something no one wants then it really doesn't matter and will not be successful. We want our customer to care. We want them to invest in our idea, Being different from competition will help the idea be successful. What sets you apart will help bring the product to life. So these are all a connected part of innovating a new idea or product.

I received very positive feedback. One point that I took away from the feedback is that everyone agrees that this is something that needed. Also this is something that is needed in school. Junk food needs to be taken out of schools and replaced with healthier options. Refrigeration being included within the machine might be something to be considered. This would help provide sandwiches or help extend the life of food. Obesity is a problem in this country which is why this a good idea to have in organizations. Healthier living is becoming a way of life for people. I incorporated these points into my idea by making it a point for the vending machines to be in all schools. If we can help teach the importance of healthy living at an early age maybe we can help reduce obesity. It would also help create healthy mentality and boost brain functionality. 

Elevator Pitch No.2

 I think that I have received very positive feedback. The biggest concern I received about my idea was the life span of certain food items.

Here is the link for my elevator pitch no.2.

https://youtu.be/I-oS46sLo_s

My Customer's Avatar

My prototypical customer is just an average person. The type of person who is very busy and tries to be health conscious. They could range from 5 to 65. Anyone who needs a healthy snack. They enjoy running, watching sitcoms, and being with family. They have full time jobs. They are parents. They are students. My customer drives a small white car, something practical. They enjoy reading fiction such as romance or mystery novels. They are average people on the go with the need to have access to healthy snacks.

I do have stuff in common with my avatar. I am usually pretty busy and I also try to be health conscious. I enjoy the same hobbies. I like running, sitcoms, and spending time with family. I have a full time job and I am student. I drive a small practical car but mine is red. I'm just an average person who would like access to healthy snack options on the go.
I don't really think that it's a coincidence that I have things in common with me avatar. I created an idea based on my own interest and needs. I think that a lot of entrepreneurs create idea because not only is t an unmet need for a customer but also for themselves.

Halfway Reflection

The behaviors that I have used to keep up with the course work requirements are hard work and determination. I have had to develop the behavior of being innovative and creative also. In this class, I have to been determined and hard working in order to get the grade I want. I've to be innovative and creative to meet the requirements.
At one point I felt like giving up when I looked ahead at all of the assignments that would be due. It stressed me out. I got through because I do have a very good support system that helps me. I also learned to tell myself to only look at one assignment at a time. Just like taking things one day at a time, I like to take things one assignment at a time. I think that I have developed a tenacious attitude these past two months. I think that going through those "give up" moments are necessary in order to help develop that tenacious attitude.That experience has helped me.
The three tips that I would give are:
1. Do not give up!
2. Take things one assignment at a time.
3. Just believe that you can.

Portmateau: Dinnereal

My portmanteau is: Dinnereal.

Dinnereal means to have cereal for dinner. This is actually one of my favorite things.

The first time I used this word I used it around family. Their initial reaction was confusion but once I explained it to them they got it. They said that it was so me.

When I used it again at work again they were confused. Some people really liked it once I explained the meaning, others just kind of shrugged it off.

After a few more times of using it, others people started picking up on it and would use it.
They would ask me, "Lisa are you having dinnereal tonight?" or I got, "Are you cooking dinnereal?".
Some people who also enjoy cereal for dinner like I do would say, "I am having dinnereal tonight."

I think that some people really liked my word. It's caught on.

Reading Reflection No. 1

Coco Chanel-An Intimate Life

By: Lisa Chaney

I did not know very much about Coco Chanel prior to reading this book so I really found most everything surprising and interesting. I knew she was a designer of clothing and accessories, and that her brand is still very popular today. I knew nothing of how she got started or anything about who she was as a person. Everything from her name being Gabrielle, to her childhood, to the crazy drugs, all really took me by surprise. I was pleasantly surprise at how gutsy and independent she was in a time where woman usually followed the rules. That's exactly what I admired the most about her. She wasn't afraid to wear the pants. She knew what she wanted and went after it. If she wanted to wear pants and ride a horse then she did. I admire the fact that she did not want help from anyone, not even the men in her life. She was very prideful and wanted to be successful on her own. She wanted to make her own money. I really admire that. I least admire the fact that she would help her friends get drugs. I know that times were different back then with the war and there weren't options for help like there are now but that still doesn't seem like a very good reason to help your friends get drugs. Coco Chanel definitely faced adversity and failure. At that time, it was a mans world and she just lived in it. That was something she was going to change. It was frowned upon for women to work outside of the home. It made the men seem as if they didn't make enough money to support the home. There was a time in which her shop did not make profit. She didn't let any of these things stop her. These things only made her work harder.
Coco possessed a great deal of competencies. She was tenacious, independent, driven, smart, and so much more. She helped change the fashion. She was not like other women during her time. She didn't like what men create for women so she changed it. She created clothing for women's bodies instead of things that changed women's bodies.
The part of the book that confused me the most was trying to keep up with the different language and Parisian culture. I got lost a few times trying to figure out what some words meant or what was going on.
If I could ask Coco two questions, they would be:
Is anything in her life that she would do differently?
What was her favorite thing she ever designed?
I think that Coco valued hard work. I think that she believe if she wanted to succeed she had to work hard. I absolutely agree with that mentality. I know that you have to work hard for what you want. Things are not just going to be given to you in life. Coco didn't let anything hold her back.

Idea Napkin No.1

My name is Lisa Register and I wouldn't say that I have many talents. I enjoy attempting to be crafty but I am not very talented at creating things. Most of experience is in customer service. I've worked in retail, I've been a waitress, and I've worked in a call center. I know the importance of good customer service. That is why my aspiration for The Better Choices vending machine is to take over and replace the current vending machines. I want The Better Choices vending machines to be everywhere, schools, hospitals, amusement parks, workplaces, etc.. I think that if I were to start this business it would be a huge part of my life. I would work hard to make sure my vending machines replaced the unhealthy vending machine we currently have everywhere.

The Better Choices vending machine is offering people who are in everyday life healthy fulfilling snacks. Whether you are at work, school, the hospital you are more than likely going to need some sort of sustenance to get you through the day. The Better Choice vending machine is going to offer energy drinks and candy bars so that you can crash and be lethargic. It is going to offer nuts, granola bars, protein packs, Gatorade, and so much more. This is real food that will provide natural energy, not a sugar high. The Better Choices vending machine meet customers need of having access to nutritional snacks instead of junk food.

My machine is for the working, studying, everyday person who might need a power boost to help them get through their day until they are able to get a full meal. I think that my customers all have in common the need to be able to access healthy options regardless of where they are. My customer is a college student who is stuck on campus for hours at a time studying and going to classes. My customer is someone who is at work all day staring at a computer. My customer is some one who has been waiting in the emergency room four hours. My customer is anyone and everyone, maybe not everyone all the time but everyone at some point.

My customers care because they want to be healthy and they don't want to feel like they are wasting their money. With the vending machines currently offer, chips, coke, candy bars, it's a waste of money. People who eat those things will just get a sugar high then crash and be more tired than they were before. The options are unhealthy and they really are a waste of money. People care because they want to get something that will be good for them and won't leave them hungry again in no time.

What sets me apart from so many others is the fact that I have this need just like everyone else. I am not starting this just to make money. I am starting this because I want healthier options, I want this change. This change is for the greater good. So many people are already so unhealthy, why have junk be the only option available. It's hard to say what I have that nobody else has. I deal with this problem almost everyday. I need something good to eat if I forgot snacks at home and there is just nothing in the vending machines.

I believe that all five points are intertwined. Who we are helps us figure out what we want or what we are passionate about. Our customer are important to us as they are vital in making our idea successful. What being offered is extremely important. If we are offering something no one wants then it really doesn't matter and will not be successful. We want our customer to care. We want them to invest in our idea, Being different from competition will help the idea be successful. What sets you apart will help bring the product to life. So these are all a connected part of innovating a new idea or product.

Elevator Pitch No.1

I have named my opportunity The Better Choices vending machines. My pitch describes what would be included in the vending machine and why companies should invest in them. Here is the link for my video.
https://youtu.be/zuYlKB3XpMI

Tweaking the Innovation

1) Sketch out the product/service mix. 

For my healthier vending machine, here are the products that I would include in it. These are all healthier options compared to what is currently available in the majority of vending machines. These options provide protein, fiber, and vitamins which you will not get from chips and candy bars.

§                            Nuts                                                                                     

o   Peanuts

o   Almonds

o   Cashews

o   Trail mix

§                            Chips

o   Pretzels

o   Baked Chips

o   Veggie Chips

o   Popcorn

§                            Granola Bars

o   Special K Bars

o   Fiber One Bars

o   Nature Valley Bars

o   Quaker Oats Bars

§                             Fruit/Veggies

o   Carrots and Ranch

o   Apples and Caramel

o   Celery and Peanut Butter

§                             Drinks

o   Juice

o   Gatorade

o   Vitamin Water

o   V8

§                           

 2) Map each item.

Core, Tangible, and Augmented

§               Nuts-Core

o   Peanuts-Tangible

§  Salted vs. Honey Roasted-Augmented

§               Chips-Core

o   Veggie Chips-Tangible

§  Ranch vs. Sea Salt-Augmented

§               Granola Bars-Core

o   Special K Bars-Tangible

§  Strawberry vs. Dark Chocolate-Augmented

§               Vegetables-Core

o   Carrots-Tangible

§  With Ranch vs. Without Ranch-Augmented

                   Drinks-Core

o   Gatorade-Tangible

§  Cherry vs. Grape-Augmented

3) Describe the innovations. 

At the core level of each sections, the machine could offer more variety or it could include special pricing such as 2 for the price of one. 
At the tangible level, there could be organic options or exotic options for nuts or vegetables. 
The augmented level, there could be options for gluten free or no artificial flavoring. 

There are so many different ways to innovate and change what is offered. People like options and usually like for things to be changed up. 

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

Hypothesis: Individuals in the workplace are limited on healthy food snacks due to vending machines only offer unhealthy snack options. 

• The who: Individuals in the workplace
• The what: limited on healthy food snacks
• The why: vending machines only offer unhealthy snack options.

• Testing the who: Who has this need? Only those in the workplace or everyone?  
• Testing the what: What other options should be available? Do all workplaces have this unmet need? What time of other places would have this need?
• Testing the why: Why is junk food the only option in vending machines? Do you believe that the lack of healthy snacks affects peoples mood and weight?

After interviewing 5 people on this topic, I realized that I learned a lot from them. I learned that some companies actually do have refrigerated vending machines. This finds actually surprised me because I was not aware that vending machine companies offered refrigerated machines for food. These vending machines don't offer the healthiest of option but the options are still better than candy bars and chips. I also learned that some people see vending machines as a privilege that is offered because the company they work for is nice enough to provide it. We should not complain about the options since the organization is not required to have a vending machine at all. Although they see it this way they did agree that it would be nice to have other options such as granola bars or fruit. Some people are actually pretty satisfied with chocolate and the chips. It is unmet need for some more than others.

My Solution

I believe that the best solution to my problem is for vending machine companies to start offering healthier food option. Options include granola bars, fruit, baked or veggie chips. While I have learned that some organizations do have refrigerated type vending machine, they still don't offer the healthiest of options. I feel that all companies should invest in the refrigerated vending machines. These vending machines should include yogurt, cheese, and even vegetables.

Looking for Opportunity

Oil above $50 a barrel as summer driving season begins

I found this information on google news. The heading itself led me to believe that there is an opportunity here when it comes to oil. More than $50 a barrel means higher gas prices. This is the highest cost of oil in almost a year. With summer coming, it is expected for people to drive a lot more. People enjoy taking summer vacations or just going back and forth to the beach. I believe that this opportunity affects all of those who drive. It is possible to even affect those who don’t. If gas prices rise again it is possible for the cost of public transportation to rise as well. I think that this is a relatively easy opportunity to exploit. This is something that most everyone thinks about. I hate getting gas but I need it if I want to drive anywhere, I believe others would agree.

I think I saw this opportunity because I am someone who buys gas on a regular basis. I am very aware when prices increase. Gas prices greatly affect how much I am willing to drive. If it goes back up to the ridiculous $4 a gallon, then I will think twice before heading to the beach every weekend.

Global economic crisis tied to thousands of cancer deaths.

I found this information on CBSnews.com. This is something that is very concerning. It is believed that with the crash of the economy and lack of jobs cancer deaths were on the rise. This even includes treatable cancers. Studies show that in countries where there is universal health care, these deaths were a lot less. I think this really affects everyone who has the responsibilities of families, bills, and debt in this country. Without jobs there is no money. Without money you can’t take care of your responsibilities. This could become too much for someone to take and can weak their body which could lead to cancer. I think this one might be a little more challenging to exploit than oil and gas prices. Some people may think this wouldn’t affect them. They could also not believe that there is a link between the economy and stress.

I saw this as an opportunity because I live in this country and I have responsibilities. I need my job to service. If something were to happen to my steady income, it would be very stressful. Stress can greatly affect ones health.

Credit card fraud
I found this information on businessdailynews.com. I found this as needed change due to so much theft and stolen banking information. In 2015 credit cards started being issued with chips for extra security. Now most all businesses have the debit/credit cards machines that require you to insert your credits card so that the chips can be read. This regulation change to credit cards really affects everyone who uses credit and debit cards. It also affects banks, credit unions, and credit card companies. 
I saw this as an opportunity because I personally use my debit card on a regular basis. While sometimes it is a pain to take the extra step of being required to insert the card, i know that it for my own security. My credit card information was stolen last year and I had to get a new one issued. I was lucky that not much was stolen and that my bank protected me. I think the security of the chips a great regulation change.

Retirement plans
I found this information on businessdailynews.com. There is a possibility that in the summer changes will be made to retirement plans. The Department of Labor may start requiring business to not provide 401k or any other retirement plans. While this does not affect me immediately at this time, in the future if I change careers it might. This affects anyone who plans on one day retiring. A retirement plan is needed. I think that this opportunity would be easy to exploit. Anyone who cares about their future would agree that retirement plan options are important. 
I saw this as an opportunity because I personally value my retirement plan. I feel that this is something that businesses should provide to their employees. Individuals should have retirement to rely on when they reach an age where they are no longer able to work.