Week 4 Reading Reflection

1. What stood out to me the most when I was reading was how surprised I am at all the sources of new ideas that are out there for entrepreneurs to discover. It never came to mind that the federal government would be a source of new product ideas. Also, distribution channels was another source of new ideas which I whole heartedly agree with, however, I didn't think about it before reading chapter 4 today.

2. A part of the reading that I found confusing was the explanation and description of attribute listing. I found the description for it very vague and therefore I don't entirely grasp the importance of this strategy.

3. My first question would be to ask, can an opportunity for entrepreneurship only be realized with proper knowledge and training? I ask this because it goes back to the question I asked my interviewee for the assignment of whether or not being an entrepreneur is something you can learn in a classroom. I am also sure there were innovative business ideas created by people who have never had any formal or experience in entrepreneurship. My other question to ask would be, do you think the use of the internet has exceptionally increased one's ability to succeed as an entrepreneur? I ask this because the section on Web Sites by entrepreneurial firms increasing is included in the textbook.

4. The only thing that I would disagree with the author about is the reading on the Gandhian Innovation. Perhaps successful Indian companies have different ways to credit towards their success, but that does not mean the same implications will have a positive effect in the Western World since understanding culture is a big part of business.

Top 5 World Problems

Top 5 Problems

1. Terrorism
2. Economy
3. Spread of Disease
4. Global Warming
5. Overpopulation

I chose Terrorism at the top of the 5 problems because this issue revolves around different opinions of what terrorism means. For example, terrorist groups to the U.S. and other western countries may not appear as terrorism to countries who have opposing views to ours. Additionally, terrorism is comprised out of an ideology which is something nearly impossible to stop or prevent. Overpopulation seems like the least of problems because it is something that is more worrisome in the future and not an immediate danger as of now.

Top 5 Solutions

1. Species Extinction
2. Homelessness
3. Economy
4. Terrorism
5. Overpopulation

I chose species extinction as something that is the most possible to implement since it requires more enforcement over a species of animals against poaching. Restricting poaching is something that is more easily controlled than overpopulation, which I put as the least possible solution to implement. I put overpopulation as such because of the ethics surrounding this issue. Overpopulation is due to better medical care, which is something no one would want to slow down to allow people to die so that there wouldn't be so many people on the earth. Additionally, it is unethical to restrict how many children households can have, which is something that China does because that country has such a huge overpopulation problem. Therefore, even though overpopulation doesn't seem to be as immediate of a danger as other problems, it is the stickiest problem to find a solution to.

Very Short Interview No. 1

The entrepreneur I interviewed is Joe Runk. He is one of the two Principals of Mission Capital, which is one of the leading boutique financial advisory firms in the country.


1. What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

"Being an entrepreneur means to be someone who is constantly creating something and thinking on your feet. As an entrepreneur, you have to have a vision and be dedicated to it. Entrepreneurship is about finding a problem or a way your business can improve a situation."

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? 

"I have always been someone who likes to think outside of the box and even when I was younger I knew I wanted to create something. I also wanted to work for myself doing something I love that is not always so monotonous."

3. Do you think becoming an entrepreneur is something you can learn in class?

"I think some qualities can be learned in a classroom but not all. A class can teach you how to think in a certain way and learn avenues of how to target a dream business. But I don't think all aspects of entrepreneurship can be learned in class."


I thought the interview was a very interesting experience. I enjoyed hearing about what made Joe want to become an entrepreneur and at what stage in his life he decided that. What surprised me was that he didn't think all qualities of entrepreneurship can be learned in a classroom, but he also thought that other aspects can be learned in class.

World's Biggest Problems

1. Pollution

From air pollution, to deforestation, water pollution and many other forms, pollution has always been a widespread problem. That is why finding alternative forms of energy and ensuring proper health codes has been an important push in politics. Unfortunately in third world countries, pollution is a much bigger problem. Since pollution is not regulated as much as it is in other countries, pollution leads to disease and death. A possible solutions to this would be the government enforcing stricter pollution codes on how much factories can omit as well as trying to find more sustainable sources of energy.

2. Global Warming

Global warming has also been a hot topic of debate in politics as well as a global issue. Global warming is also the reason why there is push to find more sustainable sources of energy. Global warming results in higher sea levels, increased precipitation globally, changes in weather, and changes in the existence or migration of animals. A possible solution would be also to find more sustainable sources of energy and be conscientious of how the world can eliminate causes of global warming.


3. Over Population

There is a global problem of over population. Since there is an increasing amount of people that the world will soon not be able to sustain, global over population has been a problem many worry about. Since there is better medical care, depletion of resources, and a reduce mortality rate, it has lead to more people living on this planet than Earth can hold. There have been some controversial solutions to how to fix overpopulation, but nonetheless it has been a topic of worry world wide. A solution to this problem is really tough since it is considered unethical to limit how much people can produce offspring. The only solution I can think of is finding more sustainable ways for people to eat food and try to salvage the resources that are being utilized.


4. Terrorism

Terrorism has been a huge global issue. Most recently, the ISIS terrorist attacks in Paris, as well as the future threats that have followed, have shocked the world and distilled fear throughout the world. The issue of terrorism has been a hot topic of debate politically to see what can be done about this global issue. Terrorism is a tough problem to find a solution to, since it is a very complex and complicated issue that has been in existence for the longest time. A possible solution would be for the opposing parties to meet and try to work issues out.

5. Economy 

The world economy has not been doing well. The big economic institutions of the world has been having a lot of problems. The Economist explains it best, "Now that German growth has stumbled, the euro area is on the verge of tipping into its third recession in sex years. A region that makes up almost a fifth of world output is marching towards stagnation and deflation." The economy is yet another problem that is a tough one to find the solution to. The only way to find a possible solution to that is to take matters into trying to rise out of the debt the entire world is in, by maybe planning some financial reform policies.

6. Spread of Disease

The number of Ebola cases this year is 9,936 and the deaths from Ebola are 4,877 and rising, according to IBT. Ebola originated in Africa and is spreading globally. There has also been a rising global concern for heath and a fear that a disease will cause a dramatic global wipe out. A possible solution for the spread of disease is to fund more money into research facilities that try to find cures to diseases that are causing widespread death.

7. Hunger

The world problem of hunger exists in both wealthy and impoverished countries. Due to overpopulation as well as other factors, the issue of hunger has always been a big global issue. Many nonprofit organizations have worked very hard in order to help solve this issue, but it has still been a problem nonetheless. A possible solution to hunger is to have non-profit organizations that donate food to impoverished countries or any countries that have high rates of hunger.

8. Homelessness

Global homelessness is another global issue. Defining homelessness varies from country to country but has still been an issue. The other global problem of overpopulation is one of the possible causes of homelessness. Homelessness is a tough problem to find a solution for since one of the factors contributing to it is the poor economy and overpopulation. A possible solution can be raising funding for communal housing for homeless people to live in so they aren't on the streets.

9. Species Extinction

The species that human beings depend on for food is naturally depleting, especially with such an overpopulation problem and the eating habits of various countries. The fear of running out of sources of food as well as causing other species to become extinct is a global problem. A possible solution to species extinction is to enforce stricter laws and punishments against people poaching endangered species to allow these species to repopulate.


10. Fresh Water Supply

Fresh water supply has been a more severe problem in third world or very impoverished countries. However, with global warming, pollution, increased human population, and so on, the resource of finding fresh water is also a problem that will soon affect first world countries too. A solution to the fresh water supply problem is to find economical and cost effective ways to purify water so that even poor countries have access to fresh water.

Bug List

1. The Line at Chipotle

-It bugs me when I go to get Chipotle on University Ave and there is a huge line wrapping around the restaurant.

-This bug exists because during the hours of lunch and dinner everyone is hungry and goes somewhere to eat food. Additionally, Chipotle is a very popular and delicious place, so everyone flocks there during those hours.

-This bugs me because I hate waiting in long lines for food when I'm hungry.

2. How Busy it is at the Gym

-It bugs me when I go to the gym and every machine is taken because there are too many people there at once.

-This bug exists because especially after the holidays, everyone is trying to go to the gym as a fulfillment to their New Years Resolution. Also, parking is lifted at Southwest Rec at 3:30pm, so a large group of people go there at that time.

-This bugs me because it either prolongs my time at the gym because I have to wait for the machine to be vacant, or I don't get to do all the things I wanted to do.


3. When Professors Talk Too Slowly

-It bugs me when my professors talk really slowly during class instead of in a concise and fast paced manner.

-This bug exists because some professors think that talking more slowly will help more people understand what they are talking about or professors get into the habit of becoming monotone after lecturing for so long.

-This bugs me because in this case what can be said in 20 minutes takes 2 hours and I lose focus.

4. Getting Emails on the Weekend

-It bugs me when I receive a lot of emails on the weekend for school or work.

-This bug exists because even though it's the weekend, emails are sent to prepare me for the following week or to work on things during the weekend.

-This bugs me because I am trying to relax and spend time doing things that aren't school related and it's hard to do that when the emails remind me of things I have to do.

5. The Line at Fat Daddy's

-It bugs me when I am going out with my friends and there is a huge line outside the entrance of Fat Daddy's and you have to wait in line for at least 30 minutes.

-This bug exists because certain nights are very popular to go out on, not to mention a lot of people enjoy going to this bar. So naturally the line will be very long to get in.

-This bugs me because it is annoying to wait in line to get into the bar especially when it's cold outside and people are pushing you trying to get ahead.

6. When There Are No Seats at the Library During Exam Week

-It bugs me when I am trying to go to Library West to study for exams and there are no seats available.

-This big exists because everyone is rushing to the library to study for their exams, so the library is a lot more crowded than it was during the semester.

-This bugs me because odds are I waste an hour trying to find a spot to sit and that takes out of time I could've been studying.

7. When My Cat Makes a Mess

-It bugs me when my cat makes a mess when he eats his food or splashes water everywhere.

-This bug exists because he's a cat and doesn't know any better. He also really enjoys playing in water, which is something I can't really train him not to like.

-This bugs me because having a cat leads me to clean my room a lot more often that I needed to before I got him. This sometimes takes time out of my day or is tiring to do often.

8. When I Have to Wake Up for Class

-It bugs me when I have to wake up in the morning to go to an early class.

-This bug exists because sometimes I don't have a choice in the timing of a certain class I am taking and I have to go to class if I want a good grade.

-This bugs me because I am NOT a morning person and it is very difficult for me to wake up early.

9. A lot of Homework on the Weekends

-It bugs me when I have a lot of studying or homework to do over the weekend.

-This bug exists because as an English major I have to read a lot of different books for all of my classes which takes a lot of time. If I procrastinate during the week the amount of reading or papers due builds up and I have to compensate for that over the weekend.

-This bugs me because I like to be lazy on the weekends and watch TV and hangout with my cat and friends.

10. Being Hungover

-It bugs me when I am hungover in the morning and unable to do anything all day.

-This bug exists because I drank too much the night before or didn't drink enough water throughout the day or night.

-This bugs me because being hungover prevents me from being productive that day and then I will fall behind on things I have to do.

11. Cluttered Room

-It bugs me when my room is very cluttered or messy.

-This bug exists because when I am in a rush to be somewhere or if I am lazy when I come home, I oftentimes just put things on my desk or around my room instead of putting it away where it belongs.

-This bugs me because I hate when my room is messy since a cluttered space stresses me out.

12. People Who Chew With Their Mouth Open

-It bugs me when I am sitting next to someone who chews with their mouth open.

-This bug exists because the person chewing with their mouth open either doesn't know any better or it's a tough habit to shake for them.

-This bugs me because I find it really bothersome and gross when someone chews with their mouth open and it makes it hard for me to eat.

13. When People Don't Stop Talking

-It bugs me when I am talking to someone or someone around me just doesn't stop talking.

-This bug exists because some people are just like that or really have to get some things off their chest.

-This bugs me because it gives me a head ache when someone is obnoxiously talking and doesn't stop.

14. When Someone Spills a Drink on Me

-It bugs me when I am out at a party or at a bar and someone spills their drink on me.

-This bug exists because people aren't as coordinated when they are drinking or the area is very crowded and people can't help but walk/bump into each other.

-This bugs me because when someone spills their drink on me it stains my clothes or I get very sticky and I don't like feeling dirty.

15. When I Have Assignments Due All at Once

-It bugs me when I have a lot of assignments for my classes all due on the same day or at once.

-This bug exists because sometimes class assignments just happen to be like that, or I didn't map my schedule organized enough to get some assignments done before others.

-This bugs me because I end up being very overwhelmed and stressed out to finish everything on time.

16. When I'm Late to Class

-It bugs me when I am late to my class.

-This bug exists because I am not very good at showing up to places on time or I don't wake up early enough.

-This bugs me because in some of my classes tardies add up to absences as well as, I don't like to show up late because it is rude and disrespectful to the professor.

17. When My Phone is Low on Battery

-It bugs me when my phone has low battery when I am leaving my house to go somewhere.

-This bug exists because I didn't charge my phone before leaving the house or I have been using it a lot that day.

-This bugs me because I hate it when my phone dies and I can't use it when I need to get in touch with someone.

18. When I'm Tired All Day

-It bugs me when I am tired and lethargic all day.

-This bug exists because I either didn't sleep well the night before or I stayed up late watching TV or spending time with friends.

-This bugs me because when I'm tired I am not able to be productive during the day and do all the things I was planning on doing. Also, I get into a bad mood when I'm really tired.

19. Traffic During Rush Hour

-It bugs me when I am driving in my car trying to get somewhere and it takes me forever because the traffic is really bad during rush hour on Archer Road or University Ave.

-This bug exists because there are a lot of people in Gainesville and it is natural for there to be a lot of traffic during rush hour.

-This bugs me because I hate being stuck in traffic especially when I am trying to go somewhere. It can become very frustrating.

20. When the Libraries are Closed

-It bugs me when I am going to the library to study and it is closed.

-This bug exists because the library has to be closed sometimes, especially for holidays.

-This bugs me because I get my hopes up getting ready to go the library and getting there only to find out it's closed. Then I have to find a new place to study.


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I found it somewhat challenging to create this list of bugs. I am not used to listing the things that bother me in my life but it was very interesting to compile such a list. It was also very interesting coming up with the reason why these bugs exist and gave me a new perspective of how to prevent these annoyances to my day in the future.

My Entrepreneurship Story

A time in my life where I have been exposed to entrepreneurship has taken place first with my dad. He started his own dental practice before I was born and grew it into a great business. Then when we moved to Florida, he sold that one and then started another practice. It has always been very interesting watching how my dad combined the medical field with the business field, and how he ran the business.

Additionally, this summer a friend of mine started an app called Knack that helps connect students with tutors in their area. I asked my friend a lot of questions about how he came up with the idea and the process he had to take in order to make his business happen.

I took this class because it has always interested me how one comes up with an idea and then implements that to create a business. I hope to gain more of a "business mind" after taking this class.

Introduction

Hi! My name is Lauren Hoffman. I am a junior here at the University of Florida with a major in English LiteratureI and a minor in Business Administration. I am from Palm Beach Gardens and I have two brothers and four dogs back home. Up here in college I have a really cool cat named Tiberius. Right now I am not completely certain what I would want to do with my life, but so far I have been considering either focusing on becoming a writer, or going into business. I have traveled a lot in my life so far, mainly in Europe. I love traveling and going to new places!

Entrepreneur's Mantra

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