My Solution

In my previous post, I stated that there was a need for a water taxi service in my area, Fort Myers, FL. My solution would be to create a company that was a water taxi, similar to Uber. It would have the application abilities as Uber, and multiple types of boats to accommodate different size parties, with different riding needs.  Some parties may prefer a quick "Point A to Point B" ride, while others might request a trip down the river and back. Perhaps my fleet could include a boat with multiple levels, bar, and appetizers. I think the area could benefit from this service and that it could be a lucrative and enjoyable venture.

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

The opportunity I am most interested in pursuing is starting up a water taxi to serve the Fort Myers River District, Cape Coral canals, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach areas, in hopes of providing a safe and enjoyable ride to wherever they need, by keeping drunk or inexperienced boaters off the waterways.

Who: This service would be beneficial to tourists to the area, as well as locals, who want to be on the water but are lacking the capabilities. I believe this need exists among 60% or tourists, but maybe only 15-20% of residents.

What are the boundaries: Only individuals with access to the water would you the service regularly. They would have to live on or have access to a canal, boat ram, dock, beach, etc.

Why: Some may not see the need for the service if they have a boat. They might decide to drive themselves even after drinking. Some people may decide to get a car taxi, or drive themselves if they think it costs less.

Interviews:

1) Mike: https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/mike
2) Sally: https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/sally
3) Karen: https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/karen
4) Stephanie: https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/stephanie
5) Crystal: https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/crystal

In interviewing, my prototypical customers were very helpful in thinking of aspects that hadn't crossed my mind. They came up with new ideas on how to expand my concept, and other ideas on what to watch out for. Overall, a productive assignment. 

Looking for Opportunity

Opportunity #1: My first economic opportunity is pulled from information derived from Forbes Magazine. It states that income growth has improved and that we should see a spike in consumer spending. This leads me to believe that the is an opportunity in perhaps the retail environment, since Americans are expected to spend more money as a result of saving money on such items as fuel and energy costs. The prototypical customer will be Americans realizing a savings in energy costs who will turn around and spend their money versus saving it. I think this opportunity seems relatively easy to exploit. Although the article is not specific as to which types of products will be consumed, if you have a retail idea, now might be the time to try your hand at it. I saw the opportunity in this because where some people might see a chance to save or spend their money, I am thinking its a good time to earn the dollars people will be out to spend. I have seen a roaring "spend" economy and it seemed that people were excited to get rid of their money in exchange for something they saw of value.

Opportunity #2: My second economic opportunity also came from Forbes Magazine. The article describes how our healthy economy is seeing growth in employment, and the demand for goods. This is causing a meed for skilled workers, which are hard to find right now. It mentions wages increasing in hopes of attracting those skilled workers. The opportunity that I see would be to open a skilled worker employment placement agency. The prototypical customer would be employers seeking skilled workers, such as construction companies, etc, as well as skilled employees seeking fair compensation for their work. This one also seems easy to exploit. The need is there and employers will already be seeking these employees, but their rate of turn around would naturally be slower than an agency's, enticing them to pay for your services. I see the opportunity here because I once found a job through an agency. They placed me in a position almost the moment I walked through their door. My employer paid them directly, which they took a chunk of, and paid me the remains. This is clearly profitable.

Opportunity #3: The first regulatory opportunity stems from an initiative that will be on the Florida ballot again this November, and from Marijuana Policy Project website, allowing for the legalization of marijuana in the state of Florida. Of course, it will first be authorized for medicinal purposes only, leading to decriminalization, and ultimately legal for recreational use. The opportunity I see in this is, of course, opening a bakery and dispensary! Once legalized for recreational use, users will be looking for stores to purchase different varieties and in different forms. This could be a very lucrative business, as we have seen from Colorado leading by example. I have a friend who lives in Denver and has described these dispensaries to me. It would be very interesting to see this shops popping up around Florida and I know this would be an easy opportunity to exploit. The prototypical customer would be anyone seeking to purchase marijuana goods in a retail environment. In my experience, people would much prefer to shop in a clean and safe business environment than in a sketchy alley with potentially dangerous individuals.

Opportunity #4: The second regulatory opportunity I found is in response to Florida implementing the Florida Black Bass Management Plan, as found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. The new plan is in place to help the sustainability of the black bass population, while keeping Florida the Black Bass Fishing Capital of the World. They are doing this by promoting bass fisheries for catch and release. The opportunity I see would be to open a Bass Fishery and exploit this opportunity by offer customers the chance to catch some of the largest black bass in the world. The prototypical customer would be fishing enthusiast, tourist and locals, who care about the necessity of catch-and-release. This opportunity may be hard to exploit because a fishery sounds like a large business to physically build, and I would have to catch or grow large black bass before be able to advertise as such. I see the opportunity in this because I enjoy fishing, and without knowing where to go or what bait to use, you may never see a fish on the end of your line.

Forming an Opportunity Belief

I see a great need for improvements or alternatives in the Health Insurance Industry in Florida. Every citizen has a need for affordable health insurance. This need has probably always been there in some form in the past, but has been exacerbated in the past few years with implementation of new laws, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires the uninsured to pay a penalty for not carrying insurance. Currently, individuals are seeking health insurance either via employers (if offered), private insurance, Medicaid, Florida Kidcare, or are going without insurance all together.

Assuming there aren't extremely complicated stipulations to do so, I would say that I am 65% sure that there is an opportunity to provide health insurance at a more affordable rate to individuals needing a better and more affordable option.

Interview #1: Misty, single mother of one - https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/misty
Interview #2: Sarah, Engaged mother of one - https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/sarah
Interview #3: Drew, single male - https://soundcloud.com/user-979476020/drew

Reflection: I learned that most people are frustrated with the health care and health insurance industry. They are experiencing difficult in affordability of employer offers plans, and most have considered or used Medicaid as temporary relief to their problem. The most surprising part that I learned was that there is much confusion about laws and penalties surrounding Health Insurance. And little is know about the specifics of different health insurance options out there, leading consumers to uninformed decision regarding their policies or other plans.

Summarize: I believe my opportunity still exists, and even more so, now that I have spoken to different people about their personal experiences. My new opportunity is more accurate because I have a better sense of how the public views health insurance options. Entrepreneurs should definitely pay attention to customer feedback. This is some of the most valuable data you can collect.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1)
Title: Elbow Surgery 'Epedemic' spreads to youth baseball
Link: http://www.news-press.com/story/sports/2016/05/20/elbow-surgery-epidemic-spreads-youth-baseball/83192922/
Summary: Youths playing competitive baseball, as pitchers, are seeing more issues with their arms over time. Two local players are experiencing these issues right now. They also received advice from pro baseball players.
Problem: More and more youths are creating injuries by "over throwing" with their arm, which causing pain and leads to surgery at a young age.
Who: High School baseball pitchers

2)
Title: Killer Nile crocodiles in Florida? Experts say "it's possible".
Link: http://www.news-press.com/story/news/2016/05/20/killer-nile-crocodiles-florida-experts-say-s-possible/84644792/
Summary: Florida researchers have confirmed that three Nile crocodiles have been caught on the South East side of Florida, close to Miami. They were genetically tested and it was found that all three were related. It is speculated that someone brought the species into this country illegally, and possible released them with the intent of them breeding. The crocodiles were caught at separate time. The largest of which was euthanized. Florida wildlife professionals worry that the Nile Crocodile would be the next invasive species, coming in behind the python which has had a negative effect on the Everglades wildlife.
Problem: These Nile Crocodiles are a huge threat to the Florida ecosystem.
Who: The State of Florida, its resident, wildlife and cattle farmers.

3)
Title: What's that green stuff tainting the Caloosahatchee?
Link: http://www.news-press.com/story/news/2016/05/20/caloosahatchee-green-bloom-algae-cyanobacteria-riverwwatch/84675600/
Summary: The Caloosahatchee river is experiencing some kind of green algae floating along the surface. It is believed to be cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. The algae can cause health issues ranging from itchy eyes, to liver failure and death. Water samples were taken and they are testing it to confirm.
Problem: The presence of blue-green algae causes health problems, which can be very severe.
Who: Anyone that plans to any water activity in this area, and people who have allergies to it.

4)
Title:  Crime Stoppers seeking murder suspect in Harlem Heights killing
Link: http://www.news-press.com/story/news/2016/05/20/crime-stoppers-seeking-murder-suspect-harlem-heights-killing/84676600/
Summary: Authorities are trying to locate a suspected murder, who has evaded police for nine days. The crime was committed in Harlem Heights, Fort Myers area, and he was last seen in Orlando, FL in a stolen vehicle. He apparently shot a father of six earlier this month. He remains at large.
Problem: A murder suspect is on the run and continues to evade police.
Who: US Marshals task force, Crime Stoppers, and people in general who might be in harms way.

5)
Title: Wells Fargo Bank takes over Gulf Coast Town Center
 Link: http://www.news-press.com/story/news/2016/05/18/bank-takes-over-gulf-coast-town-center/84539946/
Summary: The owner/investor of Gulf Coast Town Center, in Fort Myers, FL defaulted on their loan. The property went to auction, where it was bid up and Wells Fargo ended up walking away with it. The shopping area saw some fairly weak bid initially before getting bid up.
Problem: A popular shopping area was foreclosed on and sold to a bank.
Who: The investor

Bug List

My Bug List

1) Constant Contact's Redundancy - In creating emailing campaigns (and mostly in copying campaigns) it seems like they ask you the same information over and over (Title, Dates, Content) instead of automatically including it in all your event emails based on the campaign details.
Why? My guess would be that they thought it was better to give the user the ability to fully customize content instead of automating part of the process for them.
2) Again, Constant Contact, but about usability - Almost everything you do in Constant Contact does not have the proper buttons/links to take you to a different point in the creation process. You have to hit the back or finished button to access other options. Very frustrating!
Why? Honestly, I think they just haven't realized this is an issue yet. They do advocate suggestions, so I will be submitting this to them as well in hopes they make their system more fluid and user friendly.
3) The cost of food in the Fort Myers area - for some reason, every restaurant here thinks they can charge whatever they want for their meals. It gets frustrating when trying to save money but also get out of the office for lunch.
Why? Fort Myers is a very tourist driven area. It runs on the money of vacationers and tourists, and knowing this gives them the power to maintain higher prices than other areas.
4) Shopping cart return locations - My Publix has shopping cart returns all the way at the end of the aisles, furthest from the store.
Why? Perhaps the plaza has limited parking and they didn't want to sacrifice more parking spots for cart returns.
5)The cost of daycare - families are expected to have 2 incomes these days in order to hold a comfortable lifestyle. And single parents? Forget it! Half their income goes to daycare!
Why? Because they think they can compete with private school pricing on daycare, and know that society has given parents almost no other choice.
6) Cell phones don't seem to last more than 2 years, if that long. Droids less than iPhones.
Why? Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I think it is designed to only have a quality that lasts a finite amount of time, forcing us to "upgrade" to their newest, and more expensive version.
7) The line at the Panera off US 41 and Boyscott has a ridiculously long line at lunch time.
Why? It is right off the main road in Fort Myers, and is the only Panera in the area.
8) There are so many scams out on the internet, and in particular, the retail industry where web stores pop up and offer designer designs, but once you receive it, it is a cheap piece of cloth sent directly from some unknown factory in China, hardly resembling the original picture online.
Why? They are preying on people who are trying to save money on designer clothes, and think they deserve your money.
9) So many people (coworkers) care very little about others and refuse to find the time to volunteer or donate items when I make arrangements, at my work.
Why? They are lazy or greedy and don't feel it in their hearts to help others.
10) Micro-Managers - when I am asked at my job to track daily tasks, where I am and when, and if projects were completed at work.
Why? Some people feel people need to be managed and followed-up on in order to produce a positive result.
11) Verizon took away their unlimited data, and you are now forced to pay depending on the amount of data you expect to use every month.
Why? Phone companies have found a way to charge more for services because the dependency on technology has risen, but we also expect that phone service costs should go down with abundency of companies, so this is their way of still getting their numbers.
12) My house is not wired for regular cables and I am stuck with DirecTV because they offer the wireless Genies, making me unable to get a lower price elsewhere.
Why? All the wires were ripped out of the walls by previous owner during renovation.
13)Fort Myers has a very limited job market.
Why? Area is based on tourism and seems to have really only one industry - Hospitality, and no major tech firms or other large corporations.
14) When planning a wedding, just mentioning the word "wedding" to a possible vendor triples the price.
Why? People think they can price gouge for the same services, because they know the event means so much to you.
15) The water running out of my pipes sometimes has such a horrible taste and smell.
Why? The pipes in this neighborhood are so old.
16) My family thinks its such an expensive and hard task to come and visit me where I live.
Why? They think the drive is too long and are afraid they will spend too much money.
17) Color printers that use up their ink to fast, because I print flyers, etc to see how they look before mass printing.
Why? The ink cartridges are so small.
18) How people from an area, such as New York, become such snobs about it when they visit your area, and constantly go on about how its better where they are.
Why? They are always trying to justify to themselves and others why they say the like it where they live.
19) People who don't know boat laws or waterways or how to trailer their boats get in the way of a perfectly peaceful afternoon on the water.
Why? They probably don't own a boat and are just renting a boat while close to the water, and don't realize there are rules you have to follow to stay safe.
20) Walmart. Enough said? But really, its full of such rude people and aisles are always in disarray.
Why? It is a discount store and attracts certain people, maybe they are in a rush or just angry, and don't pay their employees well.

I didn't find this too challenging although I did have to stop a couple times and come back to it to come up with fresh new (an unrelated) ideas. I can say that in looking for bugs, I could feel the frustrations of the situation. I found myself focusing on the area in which I live.

Blog Test

Testing.. Testing... 1...2...

My Entrepreneurship Story

My Exposure to Entrepreneurship:

   My father has always been easy to convince that "Get-Rich-Quick" schemes work. Unfortunately for him and the rest of the family, but to no surprise, they were not the way to "Get Rich", whether quick or slow. I have seen my parents try different types of businesses that (while requiring much hard work and time) never really seemed to earn us those big houses and fast cars we were promised. But despite his best efforts and unsuccessful endeavors, my father is still an optimist and is not afraid of taking risks! Which leads me to a time when he really dove in head first....

   One Sunday, while on a morning drive after breakfast, my father spotted a building sporting an attractive "For Lease" sign which caught his attention and triggered a memory from a dream he had the night before, of this very same building. In his dream, he was running a restaurant out of this location. He quickly called the number on the sign, got it up and running, turning a huge profit, sold the restaurant for millions and retired fat and happy. And we all lived happily ever after. Right?

   Of course not, because that is not how life goes and it certainly didn't happen to him this way. He did in fact call the number on the sign, but that was the easy part. The real work started when he began spending long days and nights there trying to get it up and running, all the while pouring more and more money into his investment. Eventually, the "Deli and Grill" opened after much renovation and permitting obstacles. Breakfast were their more successful hours, especially on the weekends when every seat in the house was filled with a warm body. As the community worked the restaurant into their daily and weekly routines, business was looking good. However, this seemingly successful business never seemed to turn a good profit. 

   Much to the dismay of my mother, my father spent every waking hour of almost every day pouring his blood, sweat, and tears into this place. All while spending more than the Grill ever made. Upon closer inspection by my father (and if I can be honest, a true "I told you so" moment for me), the books were not lining up with the receipts. The person of interest quickly became his untrustworthy and self-serving business partner, who used the joint as a place of pleasure instead of business. Giving away food and beverages and flirting with the wait staff and patrons were just two of his main offenses. With a partner burning every effort of making a profit in exchange for his personal gains, it was easy to see why the restaurant never turned into the retirement plan my father had hoped it one day may be. He sold the business and went back to work doing what he does best, finance. 

   Despite the impression I may have given, this is not actually a tale of loss, but of perseverance. Did my dad fail once again? Yes. But do you think that his past failures will stop him from trying his hand at would could end up being his million dollar idea? Absolutely not. He is an entrepreneur at heart. And it is in these failures, that he will find his success.

So, why am I here?

   If I can be perfectly honest, I enrolled in ENT3003 because it is a requirement for my degree, but regardless of that, I have heard some really amazing things about Chris as a Professor and his teaching styles, and in listening to his videos from Day 1 about upcoming assignments and putting us outside of our comfort zone, I know I made the right choice. This course sounds like more of a real-life, hands-on, makes-you-feel-it experience than just another boring read-along other professors call a class. THIS should be interesting...