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.

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

Segment: College Students

Interview #1: Female, 24 years old – FSCJ

This individual smokes hookah regularly. She usually buys one can of hookah tobacco from her local gas station, but she will also buy it if there’s somewhere closer to where she’s going to be at during that time. She said she alternates between 1-3 flavors, and the prices vary but only by a few dollars so she doesn’t think about it much. You can buy hookah tobacco online, but it’s not as convenient as just going up to the store when you need it. She doesn’t really feel bad for buying hookah tobacco because she feels like it’s more of a social event as opposed to being harmful to the body.

Interview #2: Male, 26 years old – UNF

This individual buys cartons of cigarettes instead of the single packs in order to reduce costs. He buys the same brand of cigarette, but it doesn’t matter where from. Sometimes it’s when he’s pumping his gas or others it’s just when he’s at the grocery store. He hasn’t really noticed a price difference, and it doesn’t seem like it would bother him even if he did. Seems like the most important is the brand itself for him. Things such as warning labels of nicotine use or his family/friends will make him feel bad for his purchase, but at the same time not bad enough to stop.

Interview #3: Female, 26 years old – JU

 This individual starting chewing tobacco when he played baseball. He also buys it wherever is close when he runs out. He doesn’t pay attention to the price and his buying decision is made himself. There are times where he will buy it if he’s running low and his buddies are already making a trip.

Based on the three interviews, it is apparent that they always buy their product of choice (same type, flavor, brand) regardless of the price that it is being offered. Although they usually go to the same store for each purchase, they are also willing to go to whatever is convenient at that particular moment. These purchases are typically done with cash and they are the only ones involved in the decision. With all of their nicotine purchases, there is nothing actively being done about stopping / minimizing the use of tobacco. The only notification that they see are the warning labels on those nicotine products.

Halfway Reflection

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

In order to keep up with the requirements of this course, I had to be very organized and disciplined. I had to keep up with the assignment due dates for this class and 2 others. It was important that I spent the beginning of each week I planned out what I was doing each day to make sure I allotted myself enough time per class.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

In the beginning of the class I felt like giving up, because of the due dates I wasn’t used to. A lot of the assignments were due Friday at noon. Friday’s are my busiest days at work, and I have to get in between 5am-6am, so I felt like I was always rushing to get everything done while also getting a decent nights sleep. My other classes gave us the midnight deadline, which helped because it allowed me to work on them after work. I believe I did develop a tenacious attitude because it made me adjust in order to make the schedule work. With that being said, I would be lying if I said paying tuition out of pocket didn’t drive me to do well.

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?

1. Set a schedule for each week

2. Try not to skip any assignments, every little point counts

3. Work ahead, if possible

Reading Reflection No. 1

The Wright Brothers

1.    I was very surprised to see how close the brothers were, even before their plane success. They lived together, worked together and even shared bank accounts with one another. Although it seemed like Orville and Wilbur complemented each other very well, you would think that at some point it could hinder their professional relationship in the future. That was not the case, the two kept defeating adversity and working as a team in order to become successful. Their perseverance and passion they had for this project is what I admire the most about the Brothers. They did not have this success handed to them, they actually came from a poor lifestyle, and they were still able to rise to the occasion despite the difficulties that were thrown their way. Time after time the Brothers faced failure and had to go back to the drawing board to figure out went wrong. The plane was a trial and error process and their faith is what led them to continuing to work at it until it was perfect. While it’s undeniable the Brothers were hard workers, I found it least admirable how it their only priority were the planes. Personally, my job is a high priority, but with that being said, so is a home life and my personal relationships. Neither of the Brothers married, and that’s not the way I would enjoy to live my life.

2.    The competencies I noticed that the Brothers exhibited were their vision for the finish line. They knew what they wanted, and they didn’t stop until that’s what they got. I think the says a lot about their character; how they don’t buckle under pressure and they are able to remain calm and remember the bigger picture. Personally, I think after a few failed attempts I would become frustrated and not as motivated. I commend them for their passion and drive.

3.    In this reading, I thought it was confusing how the story began, jumping back and forth describing the two brothers. It wasn’t until a little in until I was able to differentiate one from the other, just because it was all thrown at you in the beginning. I enjoyed the descriptions they gave, but I wasn’t fond of the execution. It has also made me question a few things though, because from what I knew previously to this reading, is that both Brothers were calm and almost emotionless.

4.    Do you think partnering with your brother is more or less difficult than someone else with a strict professional relationship?

Do you believe this was worth missing out on the other aspects in life such as relationships with other people?

5.    I think the both Brother’s had the same opinion in regards to hard work: work is life. They both lived, breathed and dreamed work and it definitely affected their personal lives. I personally do think work is a priority because we all have to make ends meet, but at the same time I do value my relationship with people. I feel like if that was the lifestyle I chose, I would be very anxious and flustered all the time. I also would feel like I missed out a lot in life if I didn’t get to experience a family and things like that. With that being said, I do understand that I do not share the same passion that they had.

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

Segment: College Students

Interview #1: Female, 23 years old

This individual is in her 2^nd year at UNF. Although she is in her hometown, she lived on campus in her dorm before COVID-19 and would visit her parents on the weekends. She started vaping and only thinks about her habit when her parents’ “shame” her for it. They make her feel guilty and she will quit temporarily, but she will start right back during the new semester. She just feels like it is easy for her to fall back into old habits when no one is holding her accountable for her own actions. Although she is aware of her need, she is not taking any steps in order to resolve it. She sees the commercials on tv from truth but she just doesn’t really feel like that has convinced her to further look into stopping. It seems like a lack of motivation.

Interview #2: Male, 26 years old

This individual does marathon runs regularly. With that being said, he only really trains a few weeks prior to a scheduled run. He does not find his cigarette use prominent until he starts running again and realizes his shortness of breath. When that happens, he does usually research information to see if any breathing treatments or exercises can help him with his breathing. It does not look like he’s further researching the effect it’s having on his lungs, even though he is aware. It’s almost like the temporary solutions are more convenient than just stopping for him. He does talk to his friends who run with him about this issue, and some are encouraging him to take the next steps to stop, while the others do not feel like it is a big deal.

Interview #3: Male, 25 years old

This individual goes to college in a different city than his hometown. Growing up, his parents smoked and dipped so he does not really rely on advice from them in regards to quitting his habit. It’s almost like when he comes to town, there’s always a celebration where he’s surrounded by all of his loved ones doing it. He has realized his issue when he is low on funds and needs a cigarette but cannot buy a pack, instead he has to get them from his friends. He has tried to find cheaper alternatives, but even with vapes, the price of the “juice” is even more expensive – which is supposed to be a way to ween off of nicotine.

Based on the college students I interviewed, it seems like they are aware of the issue when they are faced with a difficulty in that exact moment. They do not think about it long-term and therefore are not taking the steps to meet their unmet need. If the solution isn’t available to them at that time, it is not as likely for them to move forward with next steps. I think it would be most beneficial to market more on campus, in gyms and in high volume college businesses to raise awareness and allow them to see it while they are out and about in public. As far as information search goes, it's currently going through big sites such as Truth which isn't making this a personable experience. I think it’s best to have our search cater locally and also to have ads pop up on social media based on their location and web activity. This could include, but not limited to, online nicotine purchases and being at popular bars/clubs around town.

Idea Napkin No. 1

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.

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 at a reduced rate 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. The medical companies that we decide to partner with will give us a percentage for each referral. 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 at a reduced rate 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.

There are definitely aspects within this business proposal that might not all be cohesive. Although it is always a great idea to offer services in which will better an individual’s health, I also have to take into consideration the outcomes from a business point of view. Could this actually expand enough to be profitable? Would this be better just as a group and not a business? Will we have enough support from the community in order to be successful? Do these young adults even want to quit, will this be beneficial to anyone if they do not want the help? Realistically, I feel like it will be easier to pair with schools, rather than corporate businesses such as CVS, since this is targeted locally. I think overall I need to reevaluate how impactful and beneficial this would be for a demographic who is a little more reckless/careless.

Elevator Pitch No. 1

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

The Opportunity (From Part A): Young adults in the United States are suffering from nicotine addictions because of how the tobacco industry advertises it as “glamorous” or “cool”

With nicotine addictions, many support groups have the opportunity to build awareness around the issue and partner with businesses like CVS, who do not sell tobacco products, to offer alternatives such as nicotine patches or gum in order to stop further use.

Interview #1: Female, 22 years old

This interview provided a lot of information for people who have a nicotine addiction, in this case, “juuling” but do not want to quit. Her parents support her financially and they are also there emotionally – so she has access to money and support in order to stop. She does not believe the short-term time frame that she has been doing this (during her years in college) will affect her in the future. I do not believe she understands that addiction does not just stop because you have received a diploma. Since she does have the financial support to obtain nicotine patches and gum in order to stop, the support group would be most beneficial even though she falls outside of the boundary with just not caring and/or being aware of the future complications.

Interview #2: Male, 25 years old

This interview was from a business prospective since he is a cashier at Walgreens. He says he sells tobacco products regularly throughout the day, and that obviously helps Walgreens profits and keeping him employed. A lot of the time, the customers he is selling to are “regulars” and come in a few times out of the week – he can even remember their product of choice. He does not necessarily support the use of tobacco, but at the same time he was offered the job at Walgreens and not CVS.

Interview #3: Male, 27 years old

This interview was a little eye opening. This individual goes through a few packs of cigarettes a week but he believes he can stop whenever he wants to, just doesn’t feel the need. The long term effects do not bother him, because, “We are all going to die somehow.” I cannot tell if he just doesn’t care or is unaware of the addiction. The interview made me think about how closely related nicotine addictions are with depression or a similar mental illness. In this case, the support group could continue to provide service in order to get the medical attention needed, but you cannot help someone who doesn’t want the help.

Interview #4: Female, 25 years old

This interview was in a sense the same as Interview #3. She basically does not feel the need to stop using tobacco products, because both of her parents did growing up and “they are fine.” She is in a sense oblivious to these long-term effects, and I believe her hearing other peoples health complication stories, it could be eye opening. She works a part time job while going to school full time, so although she is not making a lot of money, the majority of it does go to her tobacco use and alcohol. This interview made me realize the different priorities people have based on where they are in life at that exact moment.

Interview #5: Male, 22 years old

This interview is similar to Interview #2, because this individual works at a Vape shop. He believes since vaping has been popular, tobacco use isn’t as harmful. His shop offers different nicotine percentages, and even some don’t have any in them at all. People use the zero nicotine when they are in the habit of the act of vaping, but don’t actually want the nicotine. They are a small businesses, profiting solely on the sales of vapes and the vape “juice.”



In summation, all of these interviews showed that these people need further help, but don't necessarily want it. I believe fully in the statement, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it." It's important for us to still give this option to people who are attempting to better their lives and also make resources more available to the community.

Inside the Boundary:	Outside the Boundary:
Who is in: People who have the need to better their lives and are seeking a healthier lifestyle, away from the addiction. This includes both people who have not experienced health complications and people who are starting to see the effects firsthand. CVS – they claim that the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with their purpose, which is helping people on their path to better health.	Who is not: People who do not care of the effects. People who have the resources to stop smoking, but still choose not to for their own personal reasons. People who believe tobacco alternatives such as vaping are not harmful. Businesses who are profiting off of the sale of tobacco. (Gas stations, Walgreens)
What the need is: The need is resources in which allow them to quit their addiction. Some people cannot afford the different products available or do not have a support group in which could help them.	What the need is not: Here, the need is not to worry about future complications but how the tobacco products make them feel in that present moment.
Why the need: This is necessary, because too many people are becoming addicted to nicotine which can cause serious health complications in the future.	Alternative explanations: They do not feel like they have an addition, therefore do not need to seek further help.

Solving The Problem

The Opportunity: Young adults in the United States are suffering from nicotine addictions because of how the tobacco industry advertises it as “glamorous” or “cool”

The Product/Service: Continued support groups, since there are many in place, that educate you on both the short- and long-term negative effects. These support groups will also be able to provide nicotine patches / gum in order to help people that aren’t able to afford them. People with the addiction would rather spend an average of $6.00 on a pack of cigarettes instead of $30.00 on a pack of nicotine patches.

The support groups would be able to seek help and financial assistance from businesses like CVS who have stopped the sale of tobacco within their stores.