Week 9 Reading Reflection

Howdy! This is week 9's reading reflection.

1. What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 
• The fact that some entrepreneurs don't conduct marketing research was surprising to me.
2. Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
• None of the reading was confusing to me.  All of it was pretty straightforward.  
3. If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?
• Have you not conducted marketing research? If so, why not?
• There were 4 main reasons for not carrying out research.  I am curious as to the authors potential reasons for not doing so.
• What do you think is the best method for social media start-ups to get their name/brand known?
• I use pretty much every social media outlet in existence and I would like to know why the author would think some are more successful than others.
4. Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?
• There was nothing I thought the author was wrong about.

My Secret Sauce

Howdy! For this assignment, I will be talking about how wonderful and unique I am!

Five Ways I think I am Unique

1. I am very determined to complete whatever task at hand.  I don't like quitting (not specific to me, but I know that I can be more stubborn than most).
2. I do my best to put others needs before my own.
3. I try to make everyone smile even if it's at my own expense.
4. I'm somewhat quick-witted.
5. I do my best to put forth 100% effort (super hard sometimes though).

From Others' Perspective

Interview 1 - Niamh

Summary: Niamh says that I always give 110% and that I would give my life for the people I care about. 

Interview 2 - Allison

Summary: Allison says that I'm unique because I've only had girl scout cookies once (two years ago.  Barely remember the experience).  

Interview 3 - Veronica

Summary: Veronica thinks I'm funny and punny (true lol).

Interview 4 - Logan

Summary: Logan says I care about the people around me even if I don't know them.  He also says I'm dedicated to both Doritos and whatever I set my mind to.

Interview 5 - Anna

Summary: Anna says I worry about others regardless of my situation.  

Reflection

Based on the interviews with my dearest friends, they all seem to think that I'm incredibly generous and selfless regardless of the cost or situation.  Compared to my list, they think more highly of me than I do.  I think general self esteem causes the differences between the two views.  I'd like to think that what my interviewees said is true.  I certainly do my best to live up to that standard.  I wouldn't change my list all that much because I still think of myself the same way I did before.  

Idea Napkin No. 2

Howdy! This assignment is my product idea tied together with all of the information I've obtain via interviews and research and such (part 2).

1. About Me?
• My name is Nika de Vries and I am good at designing and assembling electronics.  I used to be a part of my high school's robotics team so I have had previous experience with creating a machine that would perform a specific task.  Regarding my business concept, I do not seeing it playing a major role in my life.  However, I think it would be interesting to materialize an idea of mine.
2. What are you offering to customers?
• I am offering a product that provides the convenience of not having to get out of bed to turn off an overhead/ceiling light.  The switch would be activated by using an infrared remote, so it could be controlled from a distance. 
3. Who are you offering it to?
• Although the product can be used for all ages, I believe that college students and young adults would find the most use from it.  Based on my interviews, the older people living in houses (adults and elderly people) had lamps by their bedside table, whereas college students living in apartments only had access to the overhead light. However, elderly people with trouble walking may also be able to use this product. 
4. Why do they care?
• The customers would care because it would expedite their whole going to sleep process and save them a small amount of energy. Personally, I have no other way of turning off my light other than standing up and doing it manually and it has been a terrible inconvenience.  I will sometimes go to sleep without turning off the light, thus expending energy.  Customers would pay for this product to save them energy when it comes to lighting in their homes and to get rid of an inconvenience. 
5. What are your core competencies?
• When compared to everyone else, I believe that I would be able to create this and other products effectively because I will do anything to make my own life easier.  

Reflection

From Napkin No.1: I believe these elements somewhat fit together in that the product does solve a problem. However, there since everyone has different room layouts the product may not apply to everyone.

From Napkin No. 2: Compared to the last napkin and from the feedback I received, I believe that these elements will fit together without any issues. 

Feedback Memo

1. My idea would be very easy to market to all age groups.

2. Aside from saving energy, there are more benefits to this product. 

3. College students would very much enjoy my product as all of the people that commented on my last post seemed to like the idea. 

4. Elderly people will be less likely to trip and fall on the way to turn off their light (bonus safety feature).

5. If there is a cost effective way to create this product, it would probably do well on the market. 

Since no one really said anything was wrong with my idea napkin, I didn't really change too much.