30A - Final Reflection

1) Some highs and lows throughout the semester I experienced are the lows of coming up with stable and usable ideas. For the posts we’ve done I have experienced both highs and lows in coming up with ideas. The amount of ideas I’ve thrown away on my entrepreneurial journey is a lot. Although, finally coming up with a true venture concept for my idea was an all time high.

2) What sticks out to me as the most formative experience that I’ll remember years later, is the skill I obtained in regards to networking and reaching out to the experts. This also is the most joyous experience as it helped push me toward my overall goal and main product ideas, and my venture. I am most proud of how far I came with my elevator pitches. I am very uncomfortable speaking for a certain amount of time, especially on camera, and with practice I was able to do well on it and be more confident.

3) I have moved much closer to be becoming a true entrepreneur. Utilizing the entrepreneur mindset is a good tool in a variety of ways. It helps in the fails, as well as the successes, and gives you a push you wouldn’t have otherwise had to get things done and keep trying.

4) One recommendation I would make to those who are doing this on the future is to plan ahead for deadlines, and do extra work to ensure your success. It’s really important, too, when considering the entrepreneurial route to be as prepared for everything that might get thrown at you as you begin and work on your soul venture in the future.

28 - My Exit Strategy

1) My Exit Strategy:
With my business, as it will hopefully thrive for the next five years, I choose to 'exit' by keeping it on the side. I wish to invest and create more ventures as well. I would also like to make it a family business if it would last that long, why not teach the kids about entrepreneurship young?

2) Why I Selected This Strategy:
I chose this strategy because this would have been the venture to start it all for me, and while I continue in my career, it's important to me to keep it around. It would have been my first step into the entrepreneurial world, and it can set an example for future projects. What could i have done better? What were some great ideas? What should I change for next time?

3) How My Strategy Influenced Other Decisions:
With this strategy, I had influenced the value I place on opportunities and resources. This project was like a baby, and I became very close to it itself, and the closeness helped me value the resources because they can be hard to come by in this day in age. I also think that it'll hep influence future business ventures. Much more now falls under the umbrella of opportunity.

27A - Reading Reflection No. 3

How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Scott Adams

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?
The general theme/argument of the book is that through Adams' memoir, we are able to learn how to take care of ourselves in a way that we are able to move from loss and fail to another, to eventually 'win big' in the end. If you're able to carry yourself along, there shouldn't be a problem with eventually reaching a goal in the end. Just keep swimming.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
The book connected with what we're learning in ENT3003 because we are taught the entire semester about how failures aren't necessarily failures, but can be learning tools. It enhances the work in this class because it is a real life example of someone who was able to fail so many times, and eventually come out on top. It's an inspiration to our entire learning objective.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
My exercise would involve students picking something they have failed at, no matter what it it (painting, music, puzzles games, etc.) and trying it again and again. I would want them to document their thoughts as they did this, and all throughout the semester until they eventually get it right and be able to reflect on the experience.

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?

The biggest 'aha'moment I had was learning the concept is true, that if you try hard enough at something, and even if your fail many times, there is still hope that you'll reach your goal. I didn't really realize that there were real life 'failure to success' stories, especially like this. I enjoyed this read because it taught valuable lessons. 

26A - Celebrating Failure

1) Something I Failed At This Semester:

Painting. I tried only 3 times, but over the course of the semester I had tried to draw and then pain the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland without making any mistakes, but it seems that every time I would add paint to my piece, I would somehow make a mistake that was hard to fix. I couldn't figure out if it was just me, and the fact I am not an artist, or if it was the tools I was using that were hindering the process.

2) What I Learned From It:

I learned that painting, like many things, take lots of time and practice to get right. I had painted other things, so I knew I didn't have to be an artist to paint or draw a pretty picture. The big takeaway from this was that I shouldn't give up right away at something like this, and I was able to develop a sort of patience with myself.

3) What I Think About Failure:

I think failure is a great tool, in probably all aspects of life. It tells you that you're doing something wrong, and if you can admit that kind of thing to yourself you're more able to benefit by improving yourself or your work. We are all our biggest critics, so it's also important that we aren't too hard on ourselves when we fail, because in order to benefit from the failure, no matter how epic it may be, we need to use it as a learning opportunity. I tend to be a little hard on myself or get frustrated when I fail, and it's hard for me to try again because I feel embarrassed. But, over the course of this semester I learned that there really are no mistakes, just happy accidents and learning opportunities. This class helped me ensure that I value all tries/attempts, and to use them in future work.

23A - Your Venture's Unfair Advantage

What makes ME so special?

1. Uniqueness of Venture
a) Valuable: very valuable, important for the lack of competition
b) Rare: very rare, typically most ventures have tons of competition
c) Inimitable: fairly simple of you happen to have the same idea
d) Non-substitutable: no, the uniqueness of this venture is the reason for the benefits

2. Public Speaking
a) Valuable: very valuable, important to be able to communicate ideas
b) Rare: not rare, many can have this ability
c) Inimitable: very, many entrepreneurs tend to have this trait
d) Non-substitutable: yes, other resources can express these outcomes

3. Personal Experience
a) Valuable: very valuable when working with the product that you are familiar with, as well as the consumer base
b) Rare: not rare, there are many people part of the same experience I am
c) Inimitable: very, many people are experienced in this field
d) Non-substitutable: yes other resources can express these outcomes

4. Unmet Market
a) Valuable: Valuable because it is not a need that is met yet.
b) Rare: Rare because other sports equipment is unlike mine
c) Inimitable: Yes, if one has a similar idea then they could recreate my products
d) Non-Substitutable: Yes because it is specific to the focused market

5. Determination
a) Valuable: Yes because if you are not determined in your goals you will never accomplish them
b) Rare: No, anyone can become determined on their own personal goal, it is also something someone can work on.
c) Inimitable: Yes, almost anyone can be determined if they put their mind to it
d) Non-substitutable: Yes, no other character trait can provide you the same benefits in life and business

6. Sustainable Business Venture
a) Valuable: Yes, if a business is not sustainable then it can never be successful.
b) Rare: No, every successful business must also be sustainable
c) Inimitable: The fact of having a sustainable business venture is not inimitable, you either are sustainable or you are not
d) Non-substitutable: Yes, no other resource can provide one with the same benefits.

7. Meaningful Business Venture
a) Valuable: Yes, a wide variety of people care about the safety of sports players
b) Rare: Yes, other sports companies are not as focused on reducing concussions among sports players
c) Inimitable: Yes, other sports equipment companies can also begin to focus on reducing concussions among players
d) Non- Substitutable: Yes, because having a meaningful business venture is what sets my company apart from others.

8. Products
a) Valuable: Yes, because the sports equipment are what drives the business
b) Rare: Yes, because our products are unique in that they are concussion preventive
c) Inimitable: No, because one goal of the business is to acquire patents for the concussion preventative technology so no other companies can intimidate our product.
d) Non-substitutable: Yes, no other resource can drive the business like the products

9. Funding
a) Valuable: Yes, without funding a business cannot operate
b) Rare: Variable, depending on your background or credit score it can vary how much funding one can get.
c) Inimitable: Yes, almost anyone is able to acquire some sort of funding.
d) Non-Substitutable: Yes, funding is the only resource that can kick start any business

10. Communication Skills
a) Valuable: Yes, extremely valuable when talking with customers, employees, or other business partners.
b) Rare: No, many people possess communication skills and anyone can work to improve their own
c) Inimitable: Yes, many people can use their communication skills
d) Non-Substitutable: Yes, no other resource provides the same benefits as good communication

Top Resource & Why: The top resource is uniqueness of business venture because it creates a lack in competition which will help grow my business. The uniqueness of my business also meets unmet needs which is extremely beneficial.

22A - Elevator Pitch No.3

Elevator Pitch No. 3, my wisdom teeth are coming in currently so please forgive stutters/pauses.

Reflection from last Elevator Pitch:
I received relatively positive feedback on my last elevator pitch. Those who reviewed my pitch noticed that I included statistics in my pitch, and enjoyed that because it really helped back my point in my pitch and the importance of my product. The only feedback I didn't realize I would get was based off my constructive criticism. I don't realize that I move around a lot in my videos, and I wasn't aware that it was distracting either. I tried better this time, but I think that the reason I do it is because I am not super comfortable making these videos and having to talk for 90 seconds straight. But, I do appreciate the critique because it will improve future pitch videos. I also noticed the sounds in the background, these are my cat Elvis' bells on his collar. It was difficult for me to record this without hearing them despite him being in the next room.

21A - Reading Reflection No. 2

The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users, Guy Kawasaki

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?
The general theme of this book is that there are over 100 tips and tricks to use social media as a business strategy and get attention for your brand or product. The author provides actionable lessons for entrepreneurs to improve their social media presence, and use it as a tool in business.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
In my opinion, this book enhanced what we're learning in ENT3003 because it boosts the fact that there are several outlets that exist to express entrepreneurship. Its important to utilize all the resources that we can in this world, especially as times like these where social media is very important, and many businesses rely on it when they can't advertise in person. It also helped me realize how important and helpful it can be to know how to properly use technology and social media to aid in your success.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
My exercise would involve stuff like we're doing now. Blogs, social media accounts, internet websites, etc. I believe it would be very beneficial to practice utilizing social media to promote your products and help in your future success as an entrepreneur.

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?
I never found social media to be a reliable form of product promotion and advertising. The author of this book helped me understand that with the changing times, social media is more important than ever. As long as you're using social media as a resource for your business, it is possible to have great outcomes that lead to success of business. I learned you can tie business and the media to your benefit.