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.  

Forming An Opportunity Belief

I believe that there is a need for healthier food and snack option at work.

I feel that there is an unmet need of accessible food and snack option in the workplace. Most break rooms have vending machines however they only provide junk food like chips and candy bars. I think that most everyone who works in an office or school or really almost any place has this unmet need. The need come from the fact they those in the workforce spend a great deal of their time at work. Life happens and we aren't always able to pack a lunch or bring snacks to work from home. So if healthier snacks or food were more easily accessible, we would be healthier. I think that the main thing that people are currently doing to fix this unmet need is really just bringing their own from home. I think that something should change with work organization or maybe even vending machine companies to make a difference. I'm confident that this opportunity 100% exists.

I have spoke with three customers in regards to this unmet need.
Here are the 3 recordings:

Michelle
https://soundcloud.com/lisa-register/forming-an-opportunity-belief

Rashawn
https://soundcloud.com/lisa-register/forming-an-opportunity-belief-1

Jackie.
https://soundcloud.com/lisa-register/voice00001


The biggest thing that I learned about this unmet need is that although, those that I spoke with also agree that healthier food option should be available, they've never thought about actually doing anything about it.
I still feel that the opportunity exists, however, I am not so sure what the likeliness of change is. The opportunity is accurate but I don't think that it's anymore accurate than before talking to customers.
I would say that there should be a give and take mentality when it comes to entrepreneurship. The entrepreneur should be firm on their ideas but they should also take the customers into consideration. They should be flexible to the point of accepting opinions but not so flexible that they completely lose their own vision.  

Identifying Local Opportunities

Deep Bottom Creek called a misnomer; Residents blame buildup on construction; quest for relief is slow going

http://go.galegroup.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/ps/retrieve.do?sort=DA-SORT&docType=Article&tabID=T004&prodId=GPS&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&contentSegment=&currentPosition=14&searchResultsType=SingleTab&inPS=true&userGroupName=gain40375&docId=GALE%7CA452551624&contentSet=GALE%7CA452551624

Deep Bottom Creek runs through the Mandarin and San Jose area and connects to the St, Johns River. Until recently, families in that area have always been able to swim and fish in that creek. The creek is now too shallow to get the boat in and out of due to excess sandbars. The excessive sandbars are a result of construction going on in that area. The individuals in that community have called the city and complained but nothing is really being done to get their creek back.

The problem is that a once enjoyed creek is now ruined due to more construction and nothing is being done to fix it.

The individuals who used to go fishing or swimming in the creek are the ones who have problem with this. The wildlife has probably also been greatly affected by this.

Latest case of road rage leaves 4 hurt; Highway Patrol seeks help in Saturday night crash on I-295

http://go.galegroup.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/ps/retrieve.do?sort=DA-SORT&docType=Article&tabID=T004&prodId=GPS&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&contentSegment=&currentPosition=15&searchResultsType=SingleTab&inPS=true&userGroupName=gain40375&docId=GALE%7CA452551633&contentSet=GALE%7CA452551633

This story is about a car full of people who were shot at due to road rage. All individual in the vehicle only had minor injuries but there is no known reason for the shooting. Police officials believe the shooter is also related to another drive by road rage shooting.

The problem with this story is that there is a crazed person out there shooting at driver. 

The City of Jacksonville is who has this problem. 

Armada's slump continues in Minnesota; Team's scoreless streak now at 344 minutes after shutout loss

http://go.galegroup.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/ps/retrieve.do?sort=DA-SORT&docType=Brief+article&tabID=T004&prodId=GPS&searchId=R2&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&contentSegment=&currentPosition=7&searchResultsType=SingleTab&inPS=true&userGroupName=gain40375&docId=GALE%7CA452458723&contentSet=GALE%7CA452458723

The story is about how Jacksonville's Soccer Team, The Armada, is not doing very well. Their captain has recently been traded but that did not help them. The team is on a scoreless streak. 

The problem is that this soccer team is not very good regardless of who their team captain is.

The Armada are the ones with the problem. 

Pension debt projections to be updated before vote; Actuarial firm, city had widely different figures; next 30-year report will have updated data

http://go.galegroup.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/ps/retrieve.do?sort=DA-SORT&docType=Article&tabID=T004&prodId=GPS&searchId=R2&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&contentSegment=&currentPosition=29&searchResultsType=SingleTab&inPS=true&userGroupName=gain40375&docId=GALE%7CA452552571&contentSet=GALE%7CA452552571

This story is about how big the pension problem is in Jacksonville. City officials fear the raising pension debt over the next 30 years. There are calculation and report being done to determine a pretty accurate number however there is not definite way to know. There have already been reforms for what newer fire fighters and police officers will receive. Financial Directors aren't positive of what will happen but they know it's not very good.

The problem is the debt that the city is in the pension debt projection are not promising. 

The City of Jacksonville as well as those who are supposed to receive a pension are the ones that this problem affects. 

Safety concerns raised on Eureka stair repairs

http://go.galegroup.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/ps/retrieve.do?sort=DA-SORT&docType=Article&tabID=T004&prodId=GPS&searchId=R4&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&contentSegment=&currentPosition=5&searchResultsType=SingleTab&inPS=true&userGroupName=gain40375&docId=GALE%7CA452338844&contentSet=GALE%7CA452338844

This story is in regards to staircases being repaired at a local apartment complex here in Jacksonville. There was some confusion as to whether or not residence who lived in certain units needed to evacuate. Staircases would be unavailable and some entrances would need to be blocked. This would leave some of those residence with only one way out if there was an emergency which was a safety hazard.

The main problem in this story is that it left residence unsure as to whether or not they have to leave their home. The Fire Marshall's office said that the residence would need to evacuate but the company who owns the apartment complex said evacuation isn't necessary since there was a permit. 

The residence of this apartment complex are the ones with the real problem. No one knows what is going on. They may have to leave their home but are unable to get a definite answer.  

Bug List

When I am trying to get somewhere and the people in front of me are moseying along as if they have all of the time in the world

             Why: I am impatient and feel that everyone should move as fast as I do.

Traffic on a Friday afternoon when all I want to do is get home after a long week. 

             Why: Everyone is trying to also get home because they too have had a long week.

Not being in control of situations like waiting for approval to take a day off from work. 

             Why: I am a bit of a control freak and feel that yes or no answer should be given right away. Again I am impatient.

When the TV is so loud that I can't even hear myself think.

             Why: Loudness gives me anxiety.

When I am trying to have a conversation with someone and they won't put their phone down long enough to even look at me.

             Why: Phones are a way of life however we all should take time to listen to others when they talk. I feel that it is rude and disrespectful to ignore someone when they are talking to you.

Being too short to reach the box on the top shelf in the cabinet.

             Why: I don’t want to have to ask someone to get something down for me or go get a chair to stand on.

The mechanics at Jiffy Lube who gives me an entire lists of things that I need to get done to my car when I'm only there for an oil change. 

             Why: I don’t like feeling pressured to decide to get more maintenance done on my car then I want to. I asked for any oil change and only an oil change.

The fact that no matter how green I buy bananas, they always go bad before I can eat them all. 

             Why: I spent money on those bananas, I would like to enjoy them for a few days. Not have to eat them immediately.

Going to the break room at work first thing in the morning to get a cup of coffee and all of the 6 coffee pots are empty because the people who drank from the pots didn't bother to make more. 

             Why: There’s a sign that says to make more if you drink the last of the coffee. I think it’s polite to make more for the people who come in behind you. I then have to make it as well as wait for it to finish.

 When someone orders a salad where you can pick 6 topping but then demands 7 toppings.

             Why: The rules are the rules. I think people try to take advantage of people and situation and I don’t like that.

Driving and all of my favorite radio stations go to commercial at the same time. 

             Why: I want to jam while I am driving, not listen to someone advertise their law firm. And really?! All of them at once. I have 6 stations set on my car radio. Do of the station have the same commercial schedule?!

Going to theater to see a new movie that I am very excited about and people talk the whole time and ruin the movie. 

             Why: I spent my money to see this movie I should be able to enjoy it.

No matter how many times or what time of day it is, going to Wal-Mart is always an ordeal.

            Why: I just want a quick in and out trip to pick up a few things. Somehow, the person in front of me in line always has a problem. Or someone is always blocking the item that you need to pick.

Summer time when all of the good shows go on break

            Why: Fall/Spring I can’t even keep up with the shows. Summer and 200 channels and nothing on.

When someone will not make a decision on something as simple as dinner but expects me to decide.

            Why: I hate making decisions.

When I ask someone a question and they and with a question.

            Why: I want to know the answer. I do want to answer a question about my question.

When my hard earned paycheck is completely gone before it even hits the bank. 

            Why: I worked hard for that money. I would like to at least see it and not feel broke for at least a couple of days.

Calling a company to ask a question and not being able to even get past automated system.

            Why: I want to speak to a human. I’ve already looked the website for the answer. I couldn’t find it so I called.

The crazy continuous construction on that is always going on in Jacksonville. 

            Why: Construction cause traffic.

The news always being full of bad news,

           Why: I don’t want to always hear negative things. If more positive news was spread like the negative news is, maybe the world would be a little less negative.

This was a bigger challenge than I thought it would be. It was rather difficult to realize 20 things that really bug me. At first, it was rather easy to think of maybe 6 or 7 but then it became more and more challenging.

My Entrepreneurship Story

I, personally, have not had much entrepreneurship experience or exposure. I've never met or known anyone who has owned their own business or created something new. When I first read this assignment however, the first thought that came to mind was how I've always thought that it would be really great to own my own B&B in St. Augustine. The idea was not my own though. I actually got the idea from watching Gilmore Girls on the WB. I watched as Lorelei Gilmore had her dream of one day owning her own B&B in Stars Hallow and how she made it possible. Although it was all fake, it was inspiring to see her dream come true. Now, I do really love St. Augustine and the B&B's that are there are so cute and quaint. I think that it would be the perfect place to have one of my own. The opportunity for another B&B is a concern. Although there are always out of town visitors, there may not be a need for another B&B.

   



The reason I enrolled in this course is, well to be honest, it's required in order to get my Business Administration degree. At orientation we sat with Dr. Pryor and he told us his way of doing things in the class and it just seemed interesting. This is my first semester at the university and I thought that it would be a great first class to take to help me get comfortable. I really hope to get a better understanding of entrepreneurship from this class. I also hope to learn how think in a different way and experience things I normally wouldn't if it were just a textbook type of class.

Test Post

Test blog for entrepreneurship class.