Exit Strategy

My Exit Strategy

     With the venture and entrepreneurial pursuits I have made with my innovation this far, I ultimately believe that my strategy will not to exit at all, but to operate and effectively sustain a company that works towards developing new devices and technologies to benefit humanity and the planet. I intend to keep my pursuits long and to last well over a decade, instead of selling my accomplishments in the pursue of monetary gain. I find more value in the benefit for humanity than the success of an individual.

     If all is accomplished correctly, and the venture takes off; I would certainly like to pass it down to my family and give them the opportunity to pursue even more opportunities in the future as environmental efforts and planet sustainability will only become a bigger concern. There will be more exciting advancements in technology, which would allow Geolink to evolve with the innovations of the future.

    I am absolutely content with this exit strategy because I believe that it is rewarding and purposeful. My goals are clear and vividly detailed so that I can follow the correct steps to a successful venture. I have hopes that my first product will get my foot in the door and aid global safety sooner rather than later.

This strategy seems consistent with the ideologies and tendencies that I have exhibited in my past works. I have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact entirely for the gain of the planet, so that humanity can have a renaissance in global health and equality.

Venture Concept No.2

GEOLINK Venture Concept by Alex Arnau

   Geolink is my innovation and it will serve a purposeful function to society by being a new emergency/safety wearable device that will save and connect people all over the world. 

    

   Wearable technology is the future of the accessory and clothing industry. Due to the fact that my innovation will be cost-effective, energy-efficient, and stylish; my innovation has the potential to be as ubiquitous on people's wrists as rubber bands, hair ties, and various types of wristwear that will be outdated in the near future. 

   My prospective competitors would most likely be FitBit and perhaps even LifeAlert. I aim to differentiate myself from my competitors by offering a more cost friendly device than FitBit and by being more stylish and mass appealing than LifeAlert. 

   I would like to organize an entire organization with various products and solutions to energy systems and pursue better interactions between humans and the Earth. It will be mass appealing to populations of people who are highly concerned and involved with the state of the planet. 

   Critical factors for aiding the success of my venture would definitely be related with packaging, price, branding, and location. My packaging should be just as eco-friendly as my company and I will aim to use recycled and low-waste packaging. My price should be globally feasible to various socioeconomic classes, I would like to have one extremely low cost design, and one that is a little more advanced. Branding should be stylish and popularly appealing. Lastly, my location should be in a position that has a strong population base that supports eco-friendly movements and where environmental disasters exist; so California, Washington, New York, and Colorado would be better locations to work in instead of Arkansas or New Jersey. 

   
   Feedback that I have received on my venture concept in prior projects have given me increased momentum and desire to pursue positive missions that benefit people on a global scale. 

   

Reading Reflection No.3

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, Ashlee Vance

  Due to the exciting news that Elon Musk and his company SpaceX successfully launched a rocket in to orbit this week; I was exceptionally curious to read the biography on him from the first section of the ENT3003 reading list. The biography was definitely well written, and had a variety of anecdotes and interesting information about Elon Musk from dozens of people close with him. Elon Musk is an entrepreneur, innovator, and one of the most influencing philanthropist thus far in the twenty first century.

What surprised you the most?

- I was most surprised with Musk's fierce determination with staying focused on his work during very complicated and high stress situations. There was mention in the book that Musk would sleep on a beanbag next to his desk in his 20x30ft office in Palo Alto.

 What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

- The traits that I learned about Elon Musk that I find most admirable is his ingenuity and ability to identify opportunities that exist in the future.

What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

- The traits that I learned about Elon Musk that I find least admirable is the way he sometimes treats his employees. This was just based on hear-say, but apparently he demands a lot from his employees and would easily eliminate them if they failed to adhere to work properly. I could understand this with his fiery determination.

 Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

-   There were account in the biography that detailed how Elon Musk was hours away from bankruptcy with Tesla Motors, and during those stressful hours, managed to make a deal with NASA in the pursuit of SpaceX that allowed him to make over a billion dollars, and save himself from failure. 

What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

- Consistent competencies that I learned about Elon Musk besides his determination and innovative thinking, was his desire to learn how to do things himself; instead of relying on other people's works. 

Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

- The only part of the reading that was partially confusing was the descriptions on Elon's social personality because the biography gave both positives and negatives; sometimes contradicting itself. 

If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

- If I had the opportunity to as Elon Musk two questions I would first ask him what advice does he have for someone to make a meaningful impact in a society that seems to have too much of everything, because it is a theoretical concern of mine. I would secondly ask him what does he plan to do with potential colonization of our own moon. 

What do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

- I would presume that Elon Musk's opinion of hard work would be tireless relentlessness, and also a determination to stay on top of societal trends, and exploit these trends. 

Celebrating Failure

      Innovation is a special topic because it is in some sense, a way to exploit unmet opportunity. Discovering an opportunity that may not quite yet exist is bound to come with flops and failures. There are many ways to frame a failure. The road to success is usually done over a long period of time and typically through smaller achievements. By accepting and analyzing failure, the failed can prevent themselves from ever failing again. 

      My experience with a failure this past semester was by missing the opportunity towards a potential job. With my mother's experience and connections with showtimes and productions in large venues, I was given an expedited opportunity to secure a job with a production company here in Gainesville that works on large projects for places like the Reitz Union, Phillips Center, and Hippodrome Theater. It seemed like a good opportunity with plenty of room for growth in the company; however I was not too initially attracted to the advertised salary, and therefore I did not make it a priority. Due to my lack of professionalism in the matter, I did not adhere to meet proper deadlines for a potential interview, and I was then put on employee waiting list. I decided that my failure to take this opportunity was the best decision for me, and I would like to focus my pursuits toward other types of work.

       Since my initial failure, I continued my search for jobs and started to look for careers that were more related to my long-term goals. In my quest, I have received more interest from other companies, and I feel that I am close to securing a job with a company that I am very excited to work for. 

What's Next

Geolink by Alex Arnau

Existing Market:

      The next step to consider in growing my product in an existing market would be to make the product visually appealing while maintaining functionality and cost margins. Based on the feedback I have received in interviews from potential customers, I have learned that they were initially curious on how the prices will stack up in a retail market. This is a factor, I have been highly considering and I have proposed to keep production costs at a minimum with a focus on maintaining functionality, longevity, and reliability. Another interviewee had the same concern as me with keeping up with design and style trends when focusing on the product.

      My future plans for my venture will be to make the device effective, eye-catching, and efficient. I would like to keep the bulk and technological aspects of the device to be relatively minimal and hidden from the device so it is not just another block and screen on a wrist.

     

     Further Development and growth for my venture will be with involvement and cooperation with non-profit organization, environmental movement groups, and health/safety bureaucracies.    

New Market:

       Implementing my product into a new market, would require me to seek into the approach of using my product as a medical device. In the case of presenting my product as a medical device, I would prefer to make minimum profit if that was the case, and I would proceed to make my device part of a non-profit organization for underdeveloped people in poverty. As I interviewed new people, they have shared with me similar feedback, and that is the recommendation that I need to approach my product with a altruistic and sensible purpose if it is going there is going to be future development that isn't seeking profit.

       With the new knowledge I have gained by seeking information from an outside market, I have learned that there is many competing innovations coming out for medical devices, as it is a very growing and demanding field. 

       I am going to have to keep my device unique and differentiable from other competing devices on the market. This can be done by donating profits to a greater cause, and marketing based on the positivity of my product's purpose. This tactic would be similar to how Toms shoes company donates a pair for every pair bought of their shoes. 

Venture Concept No.1

GEOLINK by Alex Arnau

      My entrepreneurial venture for ENT3003 is a unique innovation called, Geolink. Geolink is a wearable technology that is ran entirely on sustainable and renewable resources. Through my brainstorming and product development, I have proposed two designs for my Geolink wearable technology. The first and original prototype is designed to serve as an emergency communication device that will be reliable and functional during natural disasters and other catastrophic situations. The device will be solar-powered made and made from sustainable resource. It will use simple communication protocols and would be reliable when traditional communication networks are down. One major component of this device would be the fact that the minimal design would allow and compel me to sell the product at a price far below the price for competing wearable technologies. This reason is to engage market activity in developing and developed countries in a variety of social classes. Due to the fact that there is a variety of natural disasters occurring at unpredictable moments around the globe, this product has the potential to be demanded by many individuals and families.

Your Venture's Unfair Advantage

My Venture's 10 Resources:
     
- Educational Background:

        My knowledge, credentials, and educational accomplishments prove that I am indeed trained and capable to work in my prospective field.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
High	High	No	Yes

- Social Personnel:

        The resources that I have acquired from my entrepreneurial pursuits and connections with important "players" and organizations within my market.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
High	High	Yes	Yes

- Educational Personnel

        The connections made with highly regarded people with advanced educational background. Can help further sustainable development and efficient research.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
High	Med	Yes	Yes

- Safety Advancements

        Maintaining strong functionality and deign to ensure reliability and access when needed.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
High	Med	Yes	Yes

- Financial Knowledge
     
        Making use of successful money management and allocation of wealth and resources.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
High	Med	Yes	Yes

- Media and Marketing Knowledge

      Understanding of mass-marketing and targeting of media phenomenons. 

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
Med	Low	Yes	No

- Spatial, demographic, and geological knowledge

     Understanding how location, demographics, and resources apply to the use and marketing of my venture

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
High	Med	Yes	Yes

- Innovative mindset

      Ability and vision to seek new designs and innovations to improve the state of the product.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
High	Med	Yes	Yes

- Technological Knowledge

     Awareness and capabilities of navigating the technological landscape and ensuring technological growth.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
Med	Med	Yes	No

- Job/Volunteering Experience

     Earned wisdom and discipline from working physically demanding environmental jobs.

Value	Rarity	Inimitable	Non-Substitutable
Med	Med	Yes	No

 My most valuable resource would be my educational background. This is because my educational pursuits prove credibility and reliability in my work and all future ventures. 

Elevator Pitch No. 3

Presented below is my YouTube upload for my third elevator pitch:

Before recording this Elevator Pitch, I detailed and analyzed the feedback that I received from my peers in my previous pitches. I appreciate the feedback that I received as the various comments were constructional and much needed. One main aspect of my pitch that I wanted to emphasize was definitely to shorten the length of my pitch. I feel that I was able to manage my time effectively in this video, and I proceeded to summarize my innovation simpler than I had managed to do before. I approached this pitch without the help of visual aids or teleprompters. I did this to attempt to improve my fluidity and delivery of ideas in a conversational manner. I was also very focused on maintaining a consistent description of my idea, and trying not to change the concept too much as that would have come off as a bit confusing. In summary, my innovation will be a wearable technology that will be affordably priced and serve a basic function of locating and contacting displaced people. 

Reading Reflection No.2

This week I chose the book from the second half of the ENT3003 reading list, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by author Carol Dweck. I decided that this was the book for me because the title was very captivating and involved with perspectives that I am definitely interested in.

The most recurring theme in this novel is that mentality plays a significant role in transitioning from being unsuccessful to successful. The author compares these mentalities by noting that successful entrepreneurs are considerably more inclined to face risks in their pursuits. These people are driven to learn new knowledge, and constantly aiming to improve multiple aspects of their venture instead of a singular focus.

This novel definitely connects with topics and ideas that have been exercised in ENT3003. Specifically, the novel emphasized the importance of solving problems and identifying profitable opportunities.

From what I learned from the novel, I would be able to envision and exercise that utilizes the importance of planning and focusing energy on progression. This exercise could be as simple as constructing a 'dream board' or to push individuals to give the extra 105% in one thing that they have being trying to accomplish, (ex: lifting heavier or running for more distance.)

The most significant moment that struck me while I was reading this novel was how in multiple scenarios, successful people almost 100% of the time chose to interact with the more 'complex' set of puzzles in the experiment conducted. It seemed to be a strange coincidence that was worth noting.

Growing Your Social Capital

      This week, I had the opportunity to personally introduce, network, and associate myself with three notable and credible people within both my prospective field and markets. I decided to investigate and pursue network relations with people in the geological sciences studies, and the renewable energy market.

      My first contact hat I connected with this week is the CEO and Founder of Sungrade, Zain Jan. Fortunately, Zain Jan gave me valuable insight with his knowledge in both the market interactions and supplier interactions. I was able to discover the sustainable movement by Mr. Jan through my own research on the rapidly growing successful startups in the energy market. He successfully has gained over $50M for his company. Our interaction was an incredible experience. He asked me explain myself, and my goals in the future. Mr. Jan then proceeded to direct me to his hiring directors, and now I am potentially on the path of actually diving into the field I am passionate about!

      My second contact, has been David Foster, who is the chair of geoloigeol sciences at the University of Florida. I was able to connect with him through E-Mail, and I later was able to conduct a meeting with Dr. Foster. I was very excited to meet Dr. Foster as he is highly knowledgeable and regarded in his science. I was able to explain to him my interest in geological sciences and my vision for the field in the future. He was actively listening to my goals, and he told me some of his own. Dr. Foster also shared with me experiences of his trips around the world during his studies. I really appreciated the visit with Dr. Foster.

      My final contact that serves value to my innovative and opportunistic goals was the demonstrative representatives at Solar Impact in Gainesville FL. This was actually the second time that I networked with Solar Impact. I first introduced myself to them at the Gainesville VegFest in February and I was able to catch them at the Gainesville Farmer's market this Wednesday with a booth with representatives. I was able to sign up as a volunteer and sign up for the E-Mail list, but this far connections have maintained in the early stages.

      Ultimately, the connections and experiences that I have made with this assignment have been more valuable than I actually anticipated. I was not expecting to receive such positive responses, and I now am potentially facing a job opportunity in California! I am very excited.

Idea Napkin #2

 Back to the Lab     

       Throughout the first stages of my innovative brainstorming and idea configuration, I have aimed to maintain my core competencies of an overlapping purpose that is ultimately to serve as a safety product for people during the severe events caused by natural disasters. I would feel humbly accomplished to achieve goals that benefit humanity. 

       The positive feedback that I received from my initial development has enabled me to unlock more ideas and innovations within my own design. In the future development, I will incorporate aspects that make my device suitable for all types of people and age groups. There will be designs and personable aspects that will be included in the design of the product. This will allow more people to want to purchase the device as it suits more niches.

        My device will continue to serve as a low-cost, low-maintenance communication device that will be efficient and readily available. With the power harnessed and stored from renewable energy, this communication device will be able to withstand the conditions and manage to be functional in any future conditions.

   

Create a Customer Avatar

       Using the avatar building platform from mybluerobot.com, I have managed to idealize and develop two avatar models that would represent an ideal customer for my innovation. In this first example, we use the avatar Teddy.
       Teddy here is depicted as being happy and alert. He is happy and alert because he is always aware and prepared for potential dangers that may strike his environment. Teddy has done a lot to secure the safety of his middle-class family by incorporating weather proof structures and appliances around his house. He is also wearing green, signifying that he is active and conscious about the state of our Earth. Teddy makes for an ideal customer because he is is prepared to keep his family safe.

       My second avatar is Moussa, and he is from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His area is prone to earthquakes and actually has one of the highest earthquake rates in Africa. Moussa makes for an ideal customer because he has the resources and technology to power and operate the device from his country. Because of the device's relatively inexpensive retail price, he was able to afford the device and implement it into his daily lifestyle as a simple addition. He will be able to effectively locate and message his family members remotely in the case of an emergency. 

   
    I am able to identify similarities between myself and my potential customers. Most notably, I can relate to their desire to protect and secure their families. I do not think this is entirely a coincidence as this trait is very strongly exhibited by men who are head of their households. 

Elevator Pitch #2

The video below is my submission for my second elevator pitch in ENT3003. My device is an inexpensive, self-powered, wearable technology that works as a simple locator and communication device. It will be easy to access by a variety of people in different countries and its uses will be most prominent in the events of natural disasters when typical communication grids are down. 

https://youtu.be/jEG9evBJegA

Some important aspects of my presentation that I will aim to improve is more direct focus to the camera/audience, less hand/arm movement in my speech, and the lighting/spatial quality. I would have also liked to have gotten into further detail about how my device's reliability functionality aims to be utilized and how it will stand to compete against the traditional cellular carriers, who most likely would not have sustainable communication grids in a natural disaster. I have noticed improved since my last pitch because I did the entire pitch in less time by recording in one take and I proceeded to wear an attire more suitable to my device's purpose and niche. 

What's Your Secret Sauce?

My opinion on my personal human capital:



1. Determined / Disciplined

2. Adept at independent / collaborative work

3. Humble / Humanitarian

4. Knowledgeable / Trustworthy

5. Artistic / Innovative



My interviews



Listen to Entrepreneurship 16A by flexdynomite #np on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/flexdynomite/entrepreneurship-16a



Through these conducted interviews, I have gained additional knowledge and critique for my innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits. I have also received new information from potential buyers to further understand the dynamics of my buyers' behaviors.

Before and after this addition of my entrepreneurial blog, I believe that I have maintained consistent beliefs and pursuits, which ultimately allows me maintain my goals and purpose of this pursuit.

The people that I have interviewed seemed to have a similar look on my entrepreneurial characteristics. They all gave me positive feedback and encouraged me to keep pursuing this venture. To summarize their opinions, I was told that I was a good leader, an independent/driven worker, and that I have a diverse background to deal with various scenarios.

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior

       Throughout the week, I have conducted very informative interviews with potential buyers of my innovation, with the goal to understand more of their consumer behavior and purchase tendencies. I initiated each interview with a detailed description and presentation of my innovation.My key points of focus with these interviews were to see how my product related and fit into the buyer's lifestyle, where they would expect to purchase an item like mine, and also the product's useful applications. I was able to identify similarities within the responses on multiple occasions.
       The majority of my interviewees claimed they would most likely purchase the item on a web platform like Amazon or Ebay; while the two men that I interviewed saw opportunity for the item to be sold as a regular purchase item in quickly accessible locations such as Lowes, Home Depot, or Walmart.
        The customers also agreed that the uses and applications were definitely beneficial to society, and a few said they would not be dissatisfied with the purchase even if it was not used, but stored, "Just in case."
        Lastly, the various responses in my findings have informed me that the most important factors for the device's design and use should primarily be focused on functional reliability, durability and mobility.

Halfway Reflection

Halfway Reflection

      The past two months have been the beginning of my 'entrepreneurial journey.' The class has so far provided me with vital tendencies and professional qualities to maintain focus and determination in the business world. I can see full practical use and application of some of the tools and activities completed within this class. Such behaviors that I have gained or improved upon include market curiosity, consumer evaluation, advertising/framing methods, and market introduction. I never had a  moment where I felt any desire to give up on my opportunity or pursuits. I am well equipped with the knowledge and behavior to make sure my opportunity impacts the most people it possibly can. Three tips that I would recommend/suggest to any potential entrepreneur, is to have a purpose that you can truly follow, be confident, and make smart decisions. These tips would definitely be beneficial to introduce someone to the exciting world of entrepreneurship. 

Reading Reflection No.1

Reading Reflection No.1

        The autobiography that I read throughout this week was Coco Chanel by Lisa Chaney.

*What surprised me the most

  - That Coco Chanel conspired with the Nazis during WWII.

* What about Coco Chanel I most admired

- Her unorthodox approach to the fashion world, making new achievements for women.

* What about Coco Chanel I least admired

- Her use of sexual manipulation to her close ones

* Coco Chanel's adversity

- Coco Chanel's mother died when Coco was six years old, and she grew up a poor foster child

Competencies of Coco Chanel: Revolutionary, Stylish, Persnickety

Confusions in my readings? None at all

My two questions for Coco Chanel:

1) Where would be the best platform to start as a new designer outside of Paris?

2) Who impacted/inspired her the most?

Coco Chanel indeed worked hard, and her ideology of hard work would probably be considered with accumulating superior skills and making full use of them.

                                           

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

Through my research and brainstorming, I have decided to focus my segment on the demographic of people who are at risk of being impacted by a natural disaster. I have spread awareness of the dangers that are posted in areas across the country and I have identified potential consumers who have the need for the device I have presented. These people are primarily within my segment, and they are indeed concerned about the impact a potential might have on them. My interviewees have all mentioned that they would consider having this as an emergency device. Initially they had assumed that their phone networks would take care of their need, but soon became conscious of the need for the device in case their networks aren't reliable. Even as an emergency device, I can still see the legitimate purpose of my device as a service unit. It holds value at all times, and this value would even exceed in the axtuac occurrence of a disaster. The interviews definitely opened my eyes to innovation within my own design that I can certainly take into account for the future.

11A Idea Napkin No.1

Business concept:

1.) You:

I pursue opportunities with an objective purpose. My main goal is to have satisfaction in my efforts and know that my efforts are indeed meaningful and contributing. I have experiences working with animal rescue and rehabilitation care. My overall business concept will be a always-ready communication device.

2.) What are you offering to customers?

I will be offering a remote communication  device that is able to reliabily function during catastrophic situations while being affordable, portable, and energy efficient.

3.) Who are you offering it to?

This device will be accessible to all ages but should be purchased and primarily own by at least a teenager. The device will ultimately be usable for a child if the situation were to occur but ideally it is for teens, adults, parents, and rescue teams. People who would need to be ready in a disastrous event.

4.) Why do they care?

Security is one of the most important aspects inin hum nature and in the entire animal kingdom. When danger occurs, families would ideally want to be together.

5.) What are your core competencies?

Primarily, I aim to focus on the benefit of mankind. I want to make my device as eco-friendly, and able to function as minimalistic as possible. My goal is to help people during situations when they need the most help, and make it easily accessible.

Elevator Pitch No. 1

This is the commercial pitch for my device aimed to relieve tragedy or natural disasters primarily in developing areas.

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

Who's in, who's out???

During my innovative adventures with my potential products, I recently conducted five new interview; this time with consumers "out of my opportunity." Through my research, I discovered that the people who are out of my target range are primarily people who are in relatively safe locations. There were a few interviewees that regarded their situation as potentially dangerous due to flooding, but the fact that they lived on the coast, they mentioned that their cities' infrastructure would be well able to handle catastrophe. I argued that some natural disasters are not able to be managed remotely, especially solar flares, which ever occurred would destroy the electrical grid as we know it. The product at its current state serves better function for developing areas. This is because the outside consumers have more resources to seek relief aid.

Who is in?  - Households in danger zones with low income	Who is out? - Safe households with higher income
What the need is? - Aid relief after natural disasters	What the aid is not -Aid relief after natural disasters
Why the need exists? - Natural disasters impact people on a regional and global scale	Alternative Explanations:  - Specific areas could be safe or have complex communication infrastructures.

Solving The Problem

"Is there anybody out there???" - Solution

Problem: After natural disasters, people are frequently displaced and lack communication to reach out for help and safety because electronic systems in many areas are inefficient and outdated.

Solution: Develop a device that is capable of working within a limited energy capacity that can transmit information remotely to a service station or anyone with full access to resources who can bring families together and safe. It is not a cell phone or a computer device. This device will not be operated through battery charging or data service sectors. I envision a product that can be powered through solar, thermal, or wind energy, depending on the conditions being faced and it has only the capabilities to contact important messages. This is an emergency device used when cellphones, computers, etc. are not functional. It would potentially have more capabilities, but at the prototype stage, it is meant to keep families aware of each-other's locations. This product could be especially useful for first-respond teams, or environmental salvage efforts. One specific time in history, this device would have been useful for was the Thailand cave disaster last year that had several boys missing within a flooded cave for days. This device will be inexpensive, and readily available to third-world countries that experience brutal disasters with little relief efforts. 

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

"Is anybody out there???"

Problem Statement: After natural disasters, people are frequently displaced and lack communication to reach out for help and safety because electronic systems in many areas are inefficient and outdated.

Who: People affected by natural disasters

What: They are unable to effectively communicate and seek aid

Why: Challenges faced by current electrical infrastructure

The problem presented is practical internationally, and its uses are especially necessary for people residing in areas that are at high risk of environmental disasters (Coasts, Windy Plains, Volcanic Areas, Mountain Ranges, Land Faults, and Canal Systems.) The boundaries of application is very broad considering multi-regional landscapes experience categorical catastrophe. The fact that tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes are significantly different would present the challenge to make a product/service that it applicable to a universally multitude of areas. 

Interviews

Interview #1: Nickolas, my relative who lives in Hidden Hills, California. 

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Nick: Due to our proximity by the San Andreas Fault, our area is prone to tremors and even occasional earthquakes. Recently, we have also been experiencing extremely dry conditions, concurrent with rapid wildfires and drought. 

Me: I notice your familiarity with these events, especially since they are so close to your own home. If you were actually going through such an experience, what are some of the most important things you would need to feel safe and as complete as possibly. 

Nick: I must acknowledge that my family comes first. Before I focus my attention on anything, I must ensure the safety of my family. Thereafter, I would consider saving some valuable items. 

Me: Personally, I would feel the exact same way. Now, I want you to hypothetically imagine a scenario where you or even your wife were dislocated, and your cellphones act dysfunctional during a disaster. Wouldn't finding her or being found your number one priority?

Nick: Certainly! I would not pursue anything other than keeping my family together. That is a very strong point, because I would look to my phone to help my look for my family. 

Me: I have brainstormed an idea that would serve as a perfect use during this type of situation. It will keep families safe, secure, and together. 

Nick: I am definitely interested in that movement. It would help a lot of people; not only here in the USA, but all over the world where people lack basic communication anyways. 

Interview #2: Stephanie, a family friend who lost her house during Hurricane Andrew in the 90's

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

 

Stephanie: I live in South Miami-Dade, where we experience tropical storms and hurricanes annually. In 1992, my home was completely destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. 

Me: How difficult was it to gather your family after the hurricane passed and the chaos was evident?

Stephanie: To gather my immediate family was not too difficult, we were all staying tight during the whole scenario. It was very difficult to reach out to my family that was across town or in the city. 

Me: If readily available at the time, would you have used a service or device that would have allowed you to check on your loved ones remotely?

Stephanie: Well definitely, but this was in the 90's; we didn't have any technology like this available. If the same thing happened today, I certainly would seek that, because it's not like I can just message them on Facebook. I would get that product for sure.

Interview #3: My grandmother (Nona) who lives in Mendoza, Argentina.

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Nona: We live by the Andes Mountain Range. Here we face very dry conditions, extreme hot/cold temperatures, and occasionally tremors.

Me: Would you say that your area is not severely affected by environmental disasters?

Nona: No, not really. We experience lack of rain more than anything. 

Me: I understand. In the future, your area has the potential to be severely impacted by droughts and wildfires. In this event, how would you reach out to your loved ones, even us in America?

Nona: You're right. We could definitely see huge changes in the future and about the environment. 

I can't think of anything more important in the situation.

Interview #4: My good friend, Fabian who lives in Minnesota. 

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Fabian: The weather here is insane, we have 4 inches of snow right now!

Me: What natural catastrophes are you personally at risk of?

Fabian: Because of the heavy snowfall, we can potentially face avalanches. I have personally experienced an avalanche. 

Me: Do your remember the impact from the avalanche and how it affected your household?

Fabian: Yes, the snow seemed ceaseless. The domed roof at the Vikings' stadium completely collapsed because it was holding too much snow. My own house and people down my block, were very concerned that our homes were not strong enough to hold up in the condition, and that our own houses would collapse.

Me: I could imagine how difficult transportation and movement must have been. In the event of being blocked in by storm and electric grids failing, how would you let everyone know you are okay?

Fabian: I actually experienced the difficulty with this, trying to call my brother in Minneapolis. The static on the phone and the insane winds made it almost impossible to hear.

Me: I am brainstorming a device or service that will be a reliable source of communication in the event of extreme natural catastrophe. Does this idea seem to serve a need you face?

Fabian: I could see myself using such a device. I think that the importance of the issue, should allow it to be sold well.

Interview #5: My childhood friend, Kelly who now goes to the University of Hawaii. 

Me: Please describe the environmental problems faced within your community.

Kelly: Back home in South Florida, storms and hurricanes seemed to be the regular. Here in Hawaii, I try not to keep it in the front of my mind, but there is a looming threat of a possible volcanic eruption causing massive damage to the islands here. 

Me: How likely do you think you would be affected by such a situation?

Kelly: I would like to be a little realistic and say greater than 30%. That is because the cycle of natural history. I know that if the event occurred, there would be a 100% chance I would be affected.

Me: Being alone in the situation would definitely make it harder and stressful what are you going to do to contact your family back in Florida?

Kelly: I would try to reach out over the internet. 

Me: In the event of a major catastrophe, there is a huge possibility that internet systems in the affected area would not work. If you had known, would you have taken precautionary measures to seek a successful means of communication during the situation?

Kelly: Yeah, you actually have me a bit worried right now. I usually am concerned about the state of the environment around me, and especially the safety. I would definitely own a device that serves the function you mentioned. 

Summary

It seems evidently apparent that the need for natural disaster aid is becoming more of a common theme for many places. Within my interviews, I have discovered that the opportunity to capitalize on saving lives in natural disasters are necessary around the world in many environments. I specifically targeted these people I am close to, because they are in very different communities but they can all benefit from the same purpose of my proposed product/service. 

 

Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

Economic and Regulatory Opportunities 

1.) The house market is facing a potential problem (economic)

https://www.businessinsider.com/falling-home-sales-could-signal-us-recession-2019-1?utm_source=reddit.com

  

      According to Business Insider headline, "Americans stopped buying homes in 2018, mortgage lenders are getting crushed, and an economic storm could be brewing," the housing market could experience a serious problem. In 2008, the United States of America saw a serious crash in the housing market. In this case, the amount of homes bought in 2018 decreased, especially in the final economic quarter. This event has impacted mortgage lenders hard. Opportunity arises with the potential for potential homeowners to see houses being sold for lower prices, as houses are estimated at lower values. This opportunity could be difficult to exploit because houses are major purchases. I saw this opportunity because I personally am looking for houses frequently, and I have noticed the trend identified in this article through my own research.

2.) Why a carbon tax won’t cause a recession (regulatory)

https://www.macleans.ca/opinion/why-a-carbon-tax-wont-cause-a-recession/

 

      The Canadian publisher, "Macleans" identifies the reasons why a federal tax on carbon will not cause economic recession. Opportunity lies in the aspect of clean air for the benefit of the planet. Carbon tax would push energy firms to switch to cleaner energy. The customers of this opportunity would be energy firms and residents that switch to renewable energy. This opportunity will be easy to exploit because the changes towards renewable energy are evidently and morally beneficial. I identified opportunity here because the use of carbon fuels is old-fashioned and illogical. 

3.) Italian economy slowly on the brink of recession (economic)

https://listenitaly.com/2019/01/25/italian-economy-slowly-on-the-brink-of-recession/

      The Italian economy is facing an economic crises as their public debt increases and GDP decreases. Opportunity for the Italian economy can come from technological innovation and higher levels of export. This opportunity could be easy for Italy because they have very notable positions specialized markets. I identified this opportunity because Italy is a historic country that is capable of obtaining resources to potentially be a world superpower.

4.)  Google Is Fined $57 Million Under Europe’s Data Privacy Law (regulatory)

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/21/technology/google-europe-gdpr-fine.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FRegulation%20and%20Deregulation%20of%20Industry&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=collection

      

      Tech giant Google has been fined heavily for failing to comply with Europe's data privacy laws. Opportunity for this event lies with increase implementation of cyber security and internet safety to meet regulatory standards. This change could be easily done by Google as they have the financial capital and resources. I noticed this opportunity because the field of information technology is growing rapidly around the world.