Final Reflection

1. Overall, this semester pushed me to my limits when it came to having to interview that many people. I found it difficult to connect to strangers since I work so much when I'm not working on school assignments. I did struggle with getting my assignments completed because of this a well. With that being said, I gained a lot of knowledge when it comes to planning and starting your vision. The only thing I really dreaded for this class was the noon deadlines. It's easier for me to get the full extension to midnight with my busy schedule. 

2. I think my most formative experience was having to network. As an introvert, it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. 

Years later I will remember the awkward video pitches we had to do.

My most joyous experience was being able to see a business plan through. I thought it was very insightful and I believe I'll be able to use that information for my future. 

I am most proud of myself for being able to finish reading 3 books within a semester. I am not much of a reader and it did take a lot of self motivation to actually get through. 

3.) I do believe I have some entrepreneur qualities, but I believe I may be better suited as a behind the scenes type. Something in accounting and reports like profit/losses for a business. I think I can develop the mindset overall, but I'm not sure if that's something I'd be fully happy with doing. I may be better with just supporting someone else and offering them what I can bring to the table. 

4.) I would recommend for them to take it seriously. Even though the exercises you're doing in class just seem like it's for a grade, you can actually gain a lot of knowledge on how to maneuver in this world. I would recommend they dedicate a little more time than other classes. For me I think that's where I messed up. If they are willing to put the work and effort in, I believe that's the start of the entrepreneurial mindset. 

Venture Concept No. 2

Opportunity:

My business will provide a service in which targets college students who have tobacco addictions. This is a major need, especially with students who decide to go to college outside of their hometown, because they no longer have easy access to their friends and family for support.

We have had significant impacts to our society with the COVID-19 and personally, I have dealt with issues with even being seen by a doctor. Many college students are turning to tobacco products to help reduce their anxiety and stress – and with COVID-19, they have to social distance, creating a gap between their current support system. We want to act as a bridge in which provides them the assistance they need to get well while quitting their tobacco addiction.

I believe this window of opportunity will always be available, because although the use of cigarettes have decreased, the use of e-cigarettes or vapes have increased. Since they are new to the market, many students still are not understanding the long term effects they will have on their body. Many believe they are not as harmful, because they are vaporized, but health complications such as “popcorn lungs” has become prominent.

Our goal is to not only provide services and products to help kick the tobacco addiction, but to also raise awareness of the burden these products will create in your life.

Innovation:

In order to provide service that is personalized to each individuals needs, we will begin with a questionnaire along the lines of- 

-          What tobacco products do you use?

-          When did you start using these products?

-          How often do you use these products?

-          Have you tried to stop before? What was the result?

-          Did someone in your family use tobacco products when you were growing up?

-          Do you or an immediate family member have any mental illnesses?

Based on the information provided, we will set up a plan in which addresses the best way to end their habit, while also ensuring they don’t need any additional help that’s beyond the tobacco use. You will get paired with an advisor whose sole focus is to ensure the plan is effective, and if not they will act accordingly. The advisors will be the customers main point of contact for the services which are listed below-

-          Provide nicotine patches/gum

-          Therapists

-          Group support

-          24/7 access to phone calls, emails, text messages etc. if you need to talk

-          List of affordable health programs

We are a non-profit organization which heavily relies on the support from our community. We will provide different rallies in order to raise money and we are also very dependent upon volunteers. These rallies will include fundraisers that will also raise awareness to our brand and service. 

We are looking for volunteers within the same demographic to our target customers, that way they are able to relate to one another easier. This business plan is a slow walk in the beginning until we are able to get more established.

In the future, we hope to have financial backing from companies such as CVS since they have also made the decision to become tobacco-less. We believe they will support us for having similar views and the same goal.  

Venture Concept:

My innovation will solve the opportunity, because it allows a customized plan in which will be most beneficial to our customer. For example, someone who smokes cigarettes out of stress will need a different plan of action for someone who says they just smoke when they are drunk. While one understands that they have an addiction, the other is not as aware. We must cater to each individuals persons needs in order to best suit them.

If we provide enough relevant information to our target customers, they will understand the harm they are causing to their body and will at least be interested in the next steps to quit. We understand that with our business, a key element is the customer actually wanting the service. “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot force it to drink.” Although we will provide all of the services they need, they will also have to be a willing participant and understand why quitting will improve their life.

Our biggest competition would be Tobacco Free Florida. They are an anti-smoking organization based in Florida and also administered by the Florida Department of Health. They are a well-known company, but I think they lack the personal relationships. Although I see their commercials and their smoke free zones, I do not see them targeting this demographic. The commercials commonly reflect older individuals and the smoke free zones I have seen are at places like my job, which is a law firm and a bank – mainly individuals who are older.

Three Minor Elements:

1.       I think my most important resource will  be the support for the community.

2.       The next venture will include all drug addictions, not just tobacco.

3.       In the next five years I want to continue to help individuals in the community who do not have the same support and privilege as other people do.

Feedback of Summary:

I received positive feedback in which agreed to my point of the increased vape usage in young adults. I was given the idea to add fundraising as a way to raise more funds for my service. I do not believe right now I want to charge a small fee for services, especially with how the market is now. Many people are living paycheck to paycheck and no longer have the extra funds coming in from unemployment. I want to be able to help people and not have them worry about the costs of it. 

Changed Venture Concept: 

Not only will I expand to fundraisers, but I will also add something similar to an "exit interview." Once someone is finished with the program, I would like to know what they struggled with and if there would have been anything that could've helped them out during that time. I want to know how they were treated by the staff and if any changes needed to be made to ensure we are assisting them properly. 

Reading Reflection No. 3

1. The theme of How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams is about embracing your failures. Scott Adams provides examples of failure from his life, but emphasizes the positive impact you can have if you're able to learn and understand your mistakes. This book is about being able to achieve success based on your past mistakes. The hard work and effort you put in will have a direct impact in how well you achieve your goals. 

2.) This connected and enhanced what I'm learning in ENT 3003, because both have provided real information about being an entrepreneur. I find it encouraging to know that failure is normal, and that you can make the best of it by learning from those decisions. It doesn't give you a sugarcoated, unrealistic image, which I think a lot of people try to sell you on. You may not get exactly what you expect, but you can turn that around for yourself. 

3.) Based on this book, I would design an exercise that provided a scenario and gave many different ways to react. Within this exercise, you will realize sometimes the option you think is the best - isn't. I think this will be an effective way to weigh out pros in cons. 

4.) My biggest surprise moment while reading this book was that goals are too vague. I have always been conditioned to set goals and whether they were short or long term. Scott Adams explained how systems are better since they can adapt to change. It's almost like a process you take and you have to decide which road you're going to take. With goals, if you take one wrong turn, you can just end up disappointed. 

Your Exit Strategy

1. In the next five years I intend to keep expanding my business. If this means selling this business to a buyer which has the same agenda I do, that's the option I will go with. My goal is to expand this business enough to where it can help many different types of people, not just one targeted group. I believe the business should go to someone who is just as passionate, if not more, about stopping tobacco and drug use. 

2. I have selected this exit strategy, because I think it would be what's best for the people who need the service. If another business professional can bring more value than I can, I believe it's what's ethically correct for the community. 

3.) I think my exit strategy has influenced other decisions I've made in my concept, because it's not about the profit. The opportunity is helping people that may not have the resources and support they need. It has influenced my growth intentions, because I realized there are more people that need the help. 

Celebrating Failure

1. I had a really rough semester. Between balancing a full time job while being a full time student, the pandemic and my mental health in general, I've been struggling to feel like myself. This has drastically impacted both my work and school performances. 

At work, I was having a difficult time with being present. I was so distant that everyone was concerned about the sudden disconnect. 
At school, I felt like I suddenly lost interest and had no desire to put my best foot forward. 

In both situations, I felt like I was content with the bare minimum. I failed at giving each opportunity I'm given the best effort. I tried to see a doctor for my mental health and get on prescription medication. I tried to set a new schedule for both work and school to get back on track. I tried reaching out to loved ones to let them know where I was at and see what advice they had to offer. 

There were many scenarios and different things I tried to get myself back to where I needed to be. 

2. I learned that nothing is permanent and change is imminent. I learned that in order to give other people my best self, I must be my best self to begin with. As cliche as it sounds, this pandemic has given me a lot of time to reflect on self care. I've gained healthier habits and I've also dropped toxic people out of my life. I've realized that who you are and what you surround yourself with has a big impact on how you go about executing your goals. 

3.) In general, I believe failure is necessary. It is hard, but it makes you appreciate when things are easy. There's this book, called "No Mud, No Lotus." This book explains the need for the nasty mud, aka struggle, that the lotus needs in order to grow into this beautiful flower. The author explains that the key to success is how you handle your suffering. You must be self aware, understanding and have patience for yourself. Personally, I internalize failure and it may be something that impacts me negatively. 

This class has also led me to believe that we need to learn from our failures. 

What’s Next?

Existing Market

Step 1: In terms of products and services for my next venture, I think it would be beneficial for my brand to start public speaking for middle and high schools. This will allow my demographic to expand, not only focusing on college students.

Step 2: I interviewed 3 customers and they all believe this will be beneficial for my brand, because it can provide knowledge to a younger group, in hopes that they will not get a tobacco addiction in their future.

Step 3: Based on my own expectations and feedback that I’ve received from customers; I believe it will be a slow start but it will eventually gain the momentum needed to become profitable.

We will start within our local community, focusing on college students who are struggling with a tobacco addiction. We will provide all the resources they need in order to help overcome this obstacle in their life and once we become well known, we will reach out to CVS, a tobacco-less company, for financial backing or donations.

At this point, we will be able to broaden our horizon and reach out to a younger demographic. We will have volunteers of people who have had and overcame a tobacco addiction in order to educate and answer any questions these kids may have. Our goal is to prevent any future tobacco addictions from happening.

New Market

Step 1: I believe we can enter a different, but at the same time similar, market by then focusing on young adults with drug addictions.

Step 2: My venture concept might be able to create a value for people in the market, because we are already familiar with personalized plans for each individual. Although we will probably have to have a medical expert employed, it would be worth it to help as many people as possible.

Step 3: I have interviewed 2 people who have/had struggled with drug addictions and they believe it will be beneficial, especially if it’s targeted towards young adults, because many people feel alone at this time. Our personalized plans will make them feel important and hopefully this will encourage them to want to help themselves.

Step 4: I thought this new market put a lot into perspective for me, because many people are seeking help and they are not necessarily getting the results that they hoped for. They feel like a burden or that they have already been given up on before they even begin. It surprised me how hand in hand tobacco use and drug use can be – not saying that everyone who uses tobacco also uses drugs, though. I think this will be a great expansion for my existing market.

Venture Concept No. 1

Opportunity:

My business will provide a service in which targets college students who have tobacco addictions. This is a major need, especially with students who decide to go to college outside of their hometown, because they no longer have easy access to their friends and family for support.

We have had significant impacts to our society with the COVID-19 and personally, I have dealt with issues with even being seen by a doctor. Many college students are turning to tobacco products to help reduce their anxiety and stress – and with COVID-19, they have to social distance, creating a gap between their current support system. We want to act as a bridge in which provides them the assistance they need to get well while quitting their tobacco addiction.

I believe this window of opportunity will always be available, because although the use of cigarettes have decreased, the use of e-cigarettes or vapes have increased. Since they are new to the market, many students still are not understanding the long term effects they will have on their body. Many believe they are not as harmful, because they are vaporized, but health complications such as “popcorn lungs” has become prominent.

Our goal is to not only provide services and products to help kick the tobacco addiction, but to also raise awareness of the burden these products will create in your life.

Innovation:

In order to provide service that is personalized to each individuals needs, we will begin with a questionnaire along the lines of-

-          What tobacco products do you use?

-          When did you start using these products?

-          How often do you use these products?

-          Have you tried to stop before? What was the result?

-          Did someone in your family use tobacco products when you were growing up?

-          Do you or an immediate family member have any mental illnesses?

Based on the information provided, we will set up a plan in which addresses the best way to end their habit, while also ensuring they don’t need any additional help that’s beyond the tobacco use. You will get paired with an advisor whose sole focus is to ensure the plan is effective, and if not they will act accordingly. The advisors will be the customers main point of contact for the services which are listed below-

-          Provide nicotine patches/gum

-          Therapists

-          Group support

-          24/7 access to phone calls, emails, text messages etc. if you need to talk

-          List of affordable health programs

We are a non-profit organization which heavily relies on the support from our community. We will provide different rallies in order to raise money and we are also very dependent upon volunteers. We are looking for volunteers within the same demographic to our target customers, that way they are able to relate to one another easier. This business plan is a slow walk in the beginning until we are able to get more established.

In the future, we hope to have financial backing from companies such as CVS since they have also made the decision to become tobacco-less. We believe they will support us for having similar views and the same goal.  

Venture Concept:

My innovation will solve the opportunity, because it allows a customized plan in which will be most beneficial to our customer. For example, someone who smokes cigarettes out of stress will need a different plan of action for someone who says they just smoke when they are drunk. While one understands that they have an addiction, the other is not as aware. We must cater to each individuals persons needs in order to best suit them.

If we provide enough relevant information to our target customers, they will understand the harm they are causing to their body and will at least be interested in the next steps to quit. We understand that with our business, a key element is the customer actually wanting the service. “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot force it to drink.” Although we will provide all of the services they need, they will also have to be a willing participant and understand why quitting will improve their life.

Our biggest competition would be Tobacco Free Florida. They are an anti-smoking organization based in Florida and also administered by the Florida Department of Health. They are a well-known company, but I think they lack the personal relationships. Although I see their commercials and their smoke free zones, I do not see them targeting this demographic. The commercials commonly reflect older individuals and the smoke free zones I have seen are at places like my job, which is a law firm and a bank – mainly individuals who are older.

Three Minor Elements:

1.       I think my most important resource will  be the support for the community.

2.       The next venture will include all drug addictions, not just tobacco.

3.       In the next five years I want to continue to help individuals in the community who do not have the same support and privilege as other people do.

Your Venture’s Unfair Advantage

1.       Business Training:

-          V. This is valuable, because I have knowledge on how to run a business.

-          R. Anyone can seek courses, but not everyone believes in college.

-          I. Anyone can receive the training I have by going to school.

-          N. I don’t think it’s substitutable. I believe I can continue to gain knowledge with different courses, though.

2.       Relationships with Potential Customers

-          V. This is valuable so you can develop a personal relationship with each customer.

-          R. It’s not too rare, but I believe many businesses forget the importance of rapport.

-          I. Anyone can imitate this, but I don’t think every personality is suited for it.

-          N. This cannot be substituted, because it’s what’s sets our business apart.

3.       Accessibility

-          V. This is valuable, because it allows my customer access to their service whenever they need it the most.

-          R. This isn’t necessarily rare with companies like Tobacco Free Florida, but it is more of a localized service.

-          I. There are multiple ways to imitate these services. What will set us apart is the customer service itself.

-          N. This can’t be substituted, because are availability is important when it comes to being able to help the customers with our service.

4.       Variation of Services

-          V. This is valuable, because we are able to personalize service based on a customers needs.

-          R. Many services provide just a base service which might not necessarily be the best fit for that individual.

-          I. This could be imitated throughout the industry, but execution is important when it comes to meeting a customers needs.

-          N. The different services can’t be substituted, because they are designed to meet a persons exact needs.

5.       Personal Values/Passion

-          V. I have the ambitions to help individuals with my services while also running a business.

-          R. Most businesses do not care about the individuals they are providing service for. They just are interested in the numbers and profits.

-          I. You cannot imitate a person, I believe everyone is different and your moral and ethical choices are what sets you apart.

-          N. You cannot substitute the service my business will provide. This will be apart of the mission statement.

6.       Knowledge of Potential Customers

-          V. I obtained information from this class in order to gain information on my target customers.

-          R. This information applies directly to the people that need my service.

-          I. This can be imitated because the same data can be collected by anyone interested.

-          N. This information can’t be substituted. Although it can be reproduced, it’s targeting a specific person.

7.       Ability to connect with the local community

-          V. This is valuable, because it allows the community to see what we are doing for them. We would benefit from their support.

-          R. This is rare, because the industry is only focusing on marketing on tv ads and such which doesn’t give them the easiest accessibility. You won’t feel as connected to the individual.

-          I. This can be imitated, but it’s highly unlikely that it will be since such a big industry hasn’t tried to yet.

-          N. This can be substituted if we didn’t want the physical contact, but that’s what will set us apart.

8.       Innovative Thinking

-          V. This is valuable so we can overcome any obstacles we may face and are able to move forward accordingly.

-          R. This isn’t rare, it’s more of a characteristic trait.

-          I. This can be imitated and learned through skills and mindsets.

-          N. This cannot be substituted, because you will not be able to grow as a company without fixing your faults.

9.       Social Capital: Connections with radio stations

-          V. This is valuable, because I currently have relationships with radio stations from my current position. This will allow me with resources to market my service.

-          R. I’m sure this is only moderately rare. Many people might not have this readily available, but they could after they spend some time networking.

-          I. This can be imitated from anyone in the industry, not just the people I have met.

-          N. I could meet new people in the industry, substituting the people I have already made connections with.

10.   Willingness to accept feedback

-          V. I think this is important, because nothing is perfect, and you have to leave room for improvement and constructive criticism.

-          R. This is not rare, I just think it reflects the type of character one has.

-          I. I don’t think you can imitate this skill from person to person. Although everyone can accept feedback, how they react will vary. No person is the same.

-          N. This can’t be substituted, you just have to be able to listen and understand, whether you decide to take the feedback or not.

My top resource is the connections I make within my local community. I believe they are key when it comes to expanding and marketing my service. Once I receive their support, my rapport and my reputation will be impacted positively. At that point, individuals will be able to contact me for their own personal service. Without their support, I do not think I will be able to grow at a profitable rate.

Reading Reflection No. 2

1.       In Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Peter Drucker, Drucker explained the importance of both – innovation and entrepreneurship. In order to become a successful entrepreneur, you must be able to adapt to different situations while also learning along the way. Knowledge is power. This success isn’t learned overnight, it takes experience and determination. Drucker explains how this also positively impacts the economy, not just people.

2.       I believe this book did support everything I was taught in ENT 3003, because both have provided me with substantial information in order to be a successful entrepreneur. Both were also similar in the fact that they mentioned success takes work. Many of the entrepreneurs I interviewed because of this class also stressed the importance of failure and how you use it to grow.

3.       If I had to create an exercise based on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I would create something similar to a worksheet and/or simulation which emphasizes failures. Where you’re given a scenario, and then a roadblock where you must decide how to move forward with the business. This will have students think of different plans and ways to overcome obstacles they could possibly face. You will never be prepared for each obstacle, but you can control how you react to different situations by holding your composure and remaining calm.

4.       My biggest surprise moment from this book was how well the book was written. You can feel the inspiration and passion Drucker had for entrepreneurship. He actually provided information that I feel I can utilize in my everyday and future life.

Growing Your Social Capital

1.       Domain Expert in your Industry

1)      Who they are and what their background is.

Michael – General Manager at the local Gate Gas Station. He has worked in Management at Gas Stations for over 10 years.

2)      Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.

Domain Expert – this individual does inventory regularly at the gas station. He is aware of the amount of tobacco products that are being sold and he is also aware of the demographics that come in to purchase these items.

3)      A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.

I went to the local gas station and asked the General Manager’s schedule in order to talk to him for a few minutes about his store.

4)      The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation? 

Michael provided information on the tobacco products he sells at his store. Although they do not record each individual demographic, his store has a lot of regulars that shop there and purchase the same item. He is very knowledgeable on the products itself and the clientele they are attracting.

5)      How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?

Michael is able to provide me with insider information. Although my goal is to stop the use of tobacco, while he’s selling it, the information will allow me to target the market as well as understand any trends that may come from it.

2.       Expert on your Market

1)      Who they are and what their background is.

Patricia – Advocate at Tobacco Free Florida. She went to school to be a Social Worker

2)      Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.

Market Expert – This individual works directly within my market and offers similar services. She talks to individuals about quitting tobacco. Her company offers phone quit, group quit, web quit, 2 week starter kits, text2quit, email tips and a quit guide.

  

3)      A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.

My mom works at Duval County Public School boards and she met Patricia through a school meeting they had to discuss the effects of tobacco with the students.

4)      The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation? 

I talked to Patricia over the phone. She provided insight on how her company functions and what value they provide to the individuals who are reaching out. She did explain their other services such as their “Tobacco Free Zones” and how they were able to branch out/expand.

5)      How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?

Including Patricia in my network would allow me to understand exactly how the market works and what I should look out for. I believe her knowledge will be essential in a sense of me setting my boundaries and expectations based on the current realities.

3.       Supplier to your Industry

1)      Who they are and what their background is.

Ado works at CVS which is a tobacco free company who also sells nicotine patches. He is a college graduate in Business.

2)      Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.

Supplier – This individual also sells nicotine patches, which is one of the products we would offer with our service.

3)      A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.

I knew this individual from high-school so I sent him a text message to set up a meeting.

4)      The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation? 

I spoke with Ado about how the tobacco free change has affected the business and also about the sales of his nicotine patches.

5)      How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?

This individual has helped me understand the process of switching to tobacco free. I will have to look into all avenues to ensure my business thrives, and that includes seeing the business in the eyes of someone who is also wants to end the use of tobacco.

Overall, this experience has opened my eyes to different perspectives. Even though everyone may have the same opinion, they all see it through different scenarios. I will have to always maintain an open mind and be understanding to differences. With businesses, I have to also keep in mind that a lot of their opinions are based on profits. I think you’re supposed to take in all of the information, and base your own conclusions once all has been taken into consideration. This did differ from my other networking experiences, because it was a more targeted interview. It wasn’t as easy to find candidates.

Idea Napkin No. 2

1.      My name is Jessica Bui and I am pursuing my BSBA. I’m very good at using my analytical skills in order to work “behind the scenes” and identify different patterns and trends that will become beneficial for future growth. I am currently an Accounting Manager at a Tax Law Firm and I am very familiar with Profit & Loss statements as well as staying up to date with the new tax codes that are constantly changing.

I aspire to continue my education and with my current experience, work my way up to become a Chief Financial Officer.

Growing up, my father smoked cigarettes heavily and I watched his health slowly deteriorate. Today, I am surrounded by all of my friends who have also fallen victim to these “e-cigarettes” where they believe they are not harming their body. Their lack of knowledge concerns me, and I hope to bring more awareness to this new product.

I want to use this business as a platform in order for people to create healthier lifestyles.

2.       I am offering a service to young adults in which provides local support for their nicotine addiction. These services include but are not limited to linking them to affordable health care, provide nicotine patches and gum and being included in the support groups to gain more knowledge about addiction and tobacco.

We would take on the grunt of the work to connect them with what that specific person needs that way they are not dealing with the stress of planning.

3.       I am targeting young adults who are either struggling financially or lacking emotional support. The bulk of the demographic would be college students who are not bringing in a lot of income or are thousands of miles away from their friends and family back at home. These young adults are typically subject to the “party lifestyle” and believe they are not / will not actually get addicted to the nicotine use.

4.       The service to these young adults will be of no charge, because we plan to partner with tobacco free businesses such as CVS and school campuses in which would provide some of the financial backing. We will work as a non-profit because the goal is to help the individuals with these addictions and to raise awareness. The customers will see how active we are in the community, always fundraising for additional funds and creating more opportunities to reach out. Products such as the patches and gum will be offered for the individuals who are actively working with ending their addiction. We believe how we interact locally will impact how this demographic will see us.

5.       What sets me apart from other groups is that we are more than a support group where you sit in a circle and share your stories. We provide connections that will directly improve their health. We also want to be active in the community to raise awareness, like hosting events at elementary, middle and high schools in order to teach kids that the decisions they make are important. Our brand will distinguish us from the rest of our competitors.

I believe these aspects are able to work out, because we always need to look for different ways to improve our communities.

From my feedback, I learned changing this plan to a nonprofit as well as shooting for the stars is the best way. I shouldn’t hold back just because companies like CVS seem intimidating. This company is offering a service for a good cause and the audience will be able to see that.  

Create a Customer Avatar

College Students

The target group I'm focusing on is college students with nicotine addictions. I believe these individuals enjoy going to house parties or bars when they aren't in class. They probably have an easy part time job such as a barista in order to get by. These college students are most likely living with other roommates and driving a used car since it's either paid off or close to being paid off. They probably watch binge-worthy Netflix series such as Ozark, Dexter or Breaking Bad.

I believe the females are trendy and popular. Products such as Juul's provide fruity flavored nicotine options which make it more appealing.
I believe the males dress more casually. Jeans, vans and either a t-shirt or hoodie. Products such as cigarettes or chewing tobacco lead me to believe they are the outdoorsy type.

I have a lot in common with these characters. Although I am not a tobacco user, a lot of my friends are so it's common for me to be around it. Also, as a college student, I understand how easy it is to experiment with different things and enjoy a few nights out. I don't think it's too much of a coincidence, I just believe its a way that we figure out who we are and how we want to be before fully entering adulthood. 

Elevator Pitch No. 2

What’s Your Secret Sauce?

 1) Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique.

1. Independent: I’m able to complete tasks myself and although as a leader it’s important to delegate tasks, I also know I will be able to handle everything myself if needed.

2. Reliable: When it comes to deadlines and completing tasks, I will always prioritize my schedule in order to ensure everything is completed efficiently.

3. Trustworthy: With businesses, I understand there is confidential information and I can be trusted with sensitive details.

4. Understanding: Conflicts and issues are bound to happen, but what’s important is how you handle the situation. I think I do a great job at remaining calm, understanding both sides and figuring out the best way to move forward.

5. Hardworking: I will go above and beyond needed in order to complete a task. Once I get my mind set on something, I will do whatever it takes to complete it.

2) Interview the five people who know you the best.

“How would you best describe me?”

Interview #1: Boss

You are very charismatic. You seem very passionate and involved with every task you take on. I believe this is what makes you a good team player.

Interview #2: Coworker

I would say you’re determined. You have a lot going on between school and work and you always are able to hold your composure to make sure both aspects are taken care of.

Interview #3: Sister

Straight to the point. You are very honest and like to get to the bottom of things without sugar coating it. It lets people know exactly where you’re at instead of them having to assume or guess.

Interview #4:  N/A

Interview #5: N/A

Was only to get 3 interviews completed.

3) Reflect on the differences.

I thought overall the most surprising interview was with my boss. I am an introvert and I feel like that makes me hard to connect with people. I think during these times, I’m able to put on a different face for a little to get the job done. The other interviews I believe were in tune with what I thought myself.