Reading Reflection No.3

The general theme of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, was that one should acquire a growth mindset. The book focuses on the struggle people face between a fixed and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset is one in which people believe that they cannot change certain aspects of themselves. A growth mindset is described as having the ability to recognize that although one is not the best a certain task, one can become better at it. The book connected with this course because being an entrepreneur is about growing from one's mistakes. An entrepreneur needs to be able to take his or her abilities and recognize that it can the abilities can become better, they are not fixed. For example, at first, I believed I was terrible at interviewing people, but throughout the course I found myself getting better at it. An exercise based on this book would be to have students do a reflection on how they feel they have grown throughout the course and compare what they initially had as a fixed mindset versus what they have as a growth mindset. I did not expect to realize my own fixed and growth mindsets. The book made me think as to why I believe some aspects of  my mindset are fixed while other tend to lean heavily on the growth mindset.  

Venture Concept No.2

 In the United States there is an untapped market in the education of human trafficking. Although most know what human trafficking is and that it exists, it is doubtful that people know the extent of this epidemic. Primarily, the woman are victims. However, forty-five percent of the victims are males. There are organizations that attempt to address the issue, however, many remain uneducated. It is therefore, HUSH, will be the new face of educating people of all demographics about the severity of this issue.

              Unlike other atrocities occurring in society, human trafficking is not represented in the media. The media, whether it be the television or computer social media, does not address the topic of human trafficking. Although parents and teachers may be aware of the situation, the people mostly likely to be victims are not. This is explains the nature of how trafficking goes down. Teenage girls between the ages of twelve and fourteen are often introduced into the second largest crime industry worldwide. Adult figures may be too busy to explain the nature of the problem or oblivious on how big the issue is. It is therefore, HUSH, the human trafficking education organization will help educate those in need. HUSH will be implemented in schools, and begin a national campaign large enough to be of subject on television, Facebook and Twitter.

              Human trafficking is widespread. Human trafficking is everywhere. HUSH will provide hotspot areas with more information and resources than other. Hotspots include San Francisco, California, Portland, Oregon and Miami, Florida. As discussed previously, most victims are female. However, traffickers do not discriminate. This is a situation affecting all people of all ethnicities, races, ages, and religion. Due to trafficking affecting virtually everyone and anyone, the opportunity to conquer this market is widespread. Consumers for HUSH are everywhere nationally, and if done correctly, internationally would follow next. Trafficking is also something that unfortunately will not end; much like drugs, it is a profitable black-market industry. However, with HUSH, education may diminish current crime rates.

              HUSH is a service based business, however, there will be products in order to promote the organization. HUSH is informing people about the dangers of human trafficking, solving a need that perhaps future consumers are not aware of. Shirts, bands, social media campaigns and donations will all contribute to building revenue for the company. Due it have a multibillion dollar industry, creating buzz over human trafficking and creating outrage will not require much effort as opposed to introducing a product into a market. The outcry will form a lot of support because it is not an issue to be taken lightly. In order for HUSH to remain relevant, it will need to remain fresh in consumer minds by newly established commercials, newly developed social media campaigns and partnerships with different kinds of companies promoting the organization.

              Determination and passion are the driving forces behind the HUSH organization. Many people may pursue the market, however, finding a person as outraged and appalled by human trafficking would be difficult. HUSH will be an ongoing process throughout years to come; perhaps in future affairs, HUSH will incorporate solutions to similar problems. To help and educate people of the world they live in will always be the foundation for HUSH and its founder.

      

              The input by other members in the class have contributed to the ideas behind perfecting the HUSH organization. After an interview, it was advised that perhaps HUSH should be implemented in schools. Once this idea was posted to the blog, an overwhelmingly amount of people supported this idea. HUSH originally was “just” going to be a non-profit organization. However, after much consideration this idea proved to not only be a really good one but also a more effective way of reaching the most vulnerable victims. There has been a couple people who have suggested implementing more product use for support to the organization. HUSH has implemented the use of t-shirts, bracelet bands, and cups to promote the organization. However, there was still a demand for more. It is therefore that this part of the business will be part of the “what’s next.” First, HUSH has to establish itself as a reliable and trustworthy organization. Once HUSH has established a name for itself, people will me more willing to buy other products with the organization’s name on it. Words of encouragement never fall short, and everyone seems to agree that the topic of human trafficking should be brought to the light as soon as possible. The support and critique from people has shaped HUSH in being what it currently is, and organization that will be implemented in and out of schools, with products that will support the fight against human trafficking.

              

Final Reflection

Looking back on the posts, I realize that I have grown with this class. Like most people entering something new, I was little to optimistic on certain aspects that this class would bring. For instance, I was initially excited to be out of my comfort zone and interview people. However, I did not enjoy interviewing random strangers. Although interviewing people was not my favorite, now I do not see it much as a big deal as it was in the first instant I had to do it. I enjoyed reading about the aspirations of others and what kind of business they would like to pursue. I do believe that I have moved toward having more of an entrepreneurial mindset, because this class has pushed me to realize that what I want to do id doable...it has in a way already started the process.
For new coming students, I recommend to always stay on top of the assignments. I missed a few easy ones for leaving them last minute and they are going to affect my grade. I would also recommend to do the interviews although they can be a pain.

Making It Real

https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/9ac8c967-3e17-408e-8078-87a40ff6463f

Above is the link to my resume in relation to this class.

My Exit Strategy

HUSH will be an incredibly important part of my life. It is my mission to educate people on human trafficking and continue to make it relevant throughout the years. It is therefore that I plan to stay with HUSH for as long as I can. HUSH is so important to me and I believe that there are not much people who have passion for it as I do. I think that my exit strategy has only motivated me to find ways to make the organization a successful one.

Celebrating Failure

There were multiple times in which I failed this semester. Primarily, the failures came from interviewing people. Sometimes, people did not want to talk me, while other times the weather was just really bad to go out and find random strangers to talk to. I failed to complete several assignments in which we had to interview people. However, I did manage to interview a few and it is not as bad as I thought it would be. Interviewing people is still not something I enjoy and I believe that this class requires a lot of it. The fact that I failed at this, effects me because I know it will effect my grade, but it is not something that I can go back and change. Therefore, I must continue to move forward and take my loss as is, and learn from this experience and put more effort into things that put me out of my comfort zone.

This picture represents me on the hunt for interviewees. 

Venture Concept No.1

In the United States there is an untapped market in the education of human trafficking. Although most know what human trafficking is and that it exists, it is doubtful that people know the extent of this epidemic. Primarily, woman are victims. However, forty-five percent of the victims are males. There are organizations that attempt to address the issue, however, many remain uneducated. It is therefore, HUSH, will be the new face of educating people of all demographics about the severity of this issue.

              Human trafficking is not represented in the media. The media, whether it be the television or computer social media, do not address the topic of human trafficking. Although parents and teachers may be aware of the situation, the people mostly likely to be victims are not. Teenage girls between the ages of twelve and fourteen are often introduced into the second largest crime industry worldwide. Adult figures may be too busy to explain the nature of the problem or oblivious on how big the issue is. It is therefore, HUSH, the human trafficking education organization will help educate those in need. HUSH will be implemented in schools, and begin a national campaign large enough to be of subject on television, Facebook and Twitter.

              Human trafficking is widespread. Human trafficking is everywhere. HUSH will provide hotspot areas with more information and resources than other. Hotspots include San Francisco, California, Portland, Oregon and Miami, Florida. As discussed previously, most victims are female. However, traffickers do not discriminate. This is a situation affecting all people of all ethnicities, races, ages, and religion. Due to trafficking affecting virtually everyone and anyone, the opportunity to conquer this market is widespread. Consumers for HUSH are everywhere nationally, and if done correctly, internationally would follow next. Trafficking is also something that unfortunately will not end; much like drugs, it is a profitable black-market industry. However, with HUSH, education may diminish current crime rates.

              HUSH is a service based business, however, there will be products in order to promote the organization. HUSH is informing people about the dangers of human trafficking, solving a need that perhaps future consumers are not aware of. Shirts, bands, social media campaigns and donations will all contribute to building revenue for the company. Due it have a multibillion dollar industry, creating buzz over human trafficking and creating outrage will not require much effort as opposed to introducing a product into a market. The outcry will form a lot of support because it is not an issue to be taken lightly. In order for HUSH to remain relevant, it will need to remain fresh in consumer minds by newly established commercials, newly developed social media campaigns and partnerships with different kinds of companies promoting the organization.

              Determination and passion are the driving forces behind the HUSH organization. Many people may pursue the market, however, finding a person as outraged and appalled by human trafficking would be difficult. HUSH will be an ongoing process throughout years to come; perhaps in future affairs, HUSH will incorporate solutions to similar problems. To help and educate people of the world they live in will always be the foundation for HUSH and its founder. 

Elevator Pitch No.3

The Amazon Whisperer

My idea is Service based. Therefore, I will focus on t-shirts that can be made advertising and educating against human trafficking.

• Describe the revenue drivers you currently include in your business concept for this class. Revenue drivers are the different ways you make money. 

T-shirts with human trafficking shirts may be sold. 

• Describe what kind of product offering you believe should be next. What's the nextthing your customers want

Perhaps customers would want something smaller such as a bracelet in order to support the cause. 

• Describe how this "next" thing will enhance your existing product/service offering. Does it improve the user experience, does it increase customer switching costs, does it foster customer loyalty, etc.?

The next thing, will give the company more exposure. It will also cost less, so consumers would be able to support the company more easily.  

• Go to Amazon and try to find a product that is similar to the one you want to offer next. Describe the product. Include a picture of the product.

I can't really apply this to my business model. 

• What are the customer reviews for the product? What, exactly, do customers not like about the product? What do they like about it?
• Describe what design/usability changes you'd make to the product. 

I would have clever slogans on the bracelets as well as ones with different colors. 

• Describe why you think this product would make a good addition to your current product/service offering.

This product will promote the company and help reach new revenue. 

My Unfair Advantage

1. Passion
Value: Not everyone has a drive as strong to start a business
Rare: Not many people have gone after the human trafficking market
Inimitable: Others do not have this erk from within
Non- subsitutable: If there is not passion, businesses lack certainty

2. Knowledge
Value: I do not know a single person that knows about the severity of human trafficking
Rare: Human trafficking is not talked about
Inimitable: People can educate themselves, but don't know the extent to which the problem really exists.
Non-substituable: One has to know the facts about the market being entered.

3. Dedication
Value: I will not give up, until human trafficking becomes something that is talked about
Rare: Not many people are dedicated to this topic
Inimitable: It is something that plays a big part in what I want to do in life
Non-substituable: Without dedication nothing will get done

4. Compassion
Value: It is a non profit, therefore, the focus of the company is to change the way people see human trafficking
Rare: A lot of people don't think victims are victims
Inimitable: As previously mentioned, it's not a common trait for this area
Non-substituable: Compassion for victims is something that will be the foundation for the company.


5. Observant
Value: Picking up on environmental cues is important
Rare: People disregard surroundings
Inimitable: People can learn to be more aware of their environment
Non-substituable: This is a quality that one must maintain in order to keep up with changing markets

6. Friend/Family support
Value: There's nothing pulling me down
Rare: Not always, everyone is on board with what one pursues
Inimitable: You can't choose whether people support you
Non-substituable:

7. Want to educate people
Value: It something that I truly desire
Rare: It's work people are not usually up for
Inimitable: The way I would like it done, is not a common approach
Non-substituable: Education is the way to fix the problem

8. Begin a movement
Value: Ir's time people know what is going on
Rare: Not many have the courage to come out with this
Inimitable: Others can do it
Non-substituable: It's the only way to fix the problem

9. Getting an education
Value: I will me educated in the ways a business works
Rare: People can get an education
Inimitable: Other people can get an education
Non-substituable: Education helps set up a business

10. Desire
Value: Demonstrates dedication
Rare: Not common
Inimitable: It's not common for this topic
Non-substituable: Not common


The most important attribute is passion. I know the dangers of entering this market. There are a lot people that perhaps do not want this information to get out. However, I am determined to make this a big deal.

Reading Reflection No.2

The book "The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users" demonstrates effective ways in staying relevant when running a business. The book consisted on well thought-up tips in keeping a social media account appealing. The book presented an array of options on how to explore the opportunities given when using social media. The way the book describes taking advantage of the opportunities in social media is much like the advice Professor Pryor gives in the lectures. Finding opportunities in any space and using it toward your advantage in meeting customers' needs is a great part in entrepreneurship. This book gave a lot of advice on how to manage a social media account, it is therefore, that perhaps making a Facebook page of some sort would be a good exercise to engage future students in the technological world. The book gave some tips such as using "mentions" instead of hashtags as a way to promote buzz, as well as using asymmetrical angles to make a picture more exotic, these are examples of little things the book provided that make big differences that I would have never thought of. Overall, the book provided useful information in an area that I had considered myself somewhat if a guru in.

Idea Napkin No.2

1) Me

I believe that in order to make HUSH successful, I need to be passionate for educating people on human trafficking. Based on my other blog posts, I believe that I have demonstrated how much this topic means to me. If this business were to take off, and it will, it will play a major role in my life. Making HUSH happen, would mean opening the eyes of many and promoting change worldwide. It is a lot of responsibility but someone needs to do it.  

2) What am I offering to it to?

I do not think my customers are to be set apart demographically. Human trafficking affects every race, ethnicity and gender. However, I do believe that women, due to being more vulnerable at times, will benefit from the education more than males. The customers of this organization are all, or mostly, under-educated on the topic of human trafficking.


3) Who am I offering customers?

I am offering customers an opportunity to reevaluate their safety. Human trafficking is a multi billion dollar industry, one that needs to be stopped. Although, everyone knows it exists, everyone does not the the extent to which it exists.

4) Why do they care?

Customers care because it is something wrong that is occurring in society. This is a topic that is and has been flying under the radar for years. It is time to expose the truth and make it a big deal.

5) What are my core competencies?

This is something that strive in doing. I want to educate people on the effects of human trafficking. I am passionate about this topic. I know the amount of responsibility and the dangers it can bring. However, it is important to educate people. We cannot keep living in ignorance. I have true passion to bring this issue to the light.



These five elements complement each other very well. Knowing that a change needs to be done is crucial in making this organization successful. Educating people is important and people react to injustices that have not been brought to light.

The feedback I have received throughout these couple of weeks consists of expanding the way I reach people. It was brought up to me in an interview that maybe I should incorporate educating children in the K-12 area. This was beneficial advice because it allows teens to be aware of these dangers, especially young girls. Most of the feedback received were positive in the sense of encouragement to keep moving forward with this movement. I also was advised on talking more about the tangibles that would be offered in order to promote the organization. This feedback was incorporated into the second idea napkin in the sense that it is creating structure to how I will go about building HUSH.

Elevator pitch No.2

This second elevator pitch reflects the feedback I have been receiving throughout the course. I learned from comments and interviews that maybe educating children still in the K-12 system would be very effective. I think this was important advice because a lot of times these programs do get the attention of parents and talk about issues become widespread.

My Customer's Avatar

My main customer for HUSH, would be any woman or girl. HUSH is based around educating people on human trafficking, and although 45% of these victims are male, the majority are female. Due to a lot of children being victims to human trafficking, ideally, the customer would be a busy mom in her thirties. Perhaps this mom of 2-3 kids cannot take or pick up her children from school leaving the kids to walk a certain amount of distance. A mom who regularly watches the news, and can be progressively informed about the dangers of sex trafficking, would be ideal because she cares about the safety of her kids.

Apart from being a woman, I do not share much with this ideal customer. I believe that the issue of human trafficking is something that parents, especially moms would want to have more information on after realizing how much of an issue it is. By educating enough mothers, and creating enough talk among them, a movement can then begin.

DOLÉ

Dolé


Living in Miami, I thought it would be fun to combine Hispanic slang words. I combined "dale," meaning either okay, yes, or let's go and "olé," which means let's go.  These words are basically synonymous, therefore when I used it and told people what it meant they, at first looked at me strange, but then understood the concept. Around my friends and family, it become more of an inside joke than anything. The NBA finals just finished, and I was rooting for the Warriors. When the Warriors lost, my cousin called me saying  something along the lines of "Cavs won, DOLÉ." Not only did I find it funny that the word is now a thing, but it helped to remind me to complete this blog post. 

Halfway Reflection No.1

This class have definitely proven to be different than any other class I have encountered. Checking up on course material regularly is a must because one has to schedule assignments throughout the week according to what they may require. Interviews, for instance, may need more than one day; there are some days where finding people to talk to is difficult. When people reject to talk to you, almost always I feel like giving up. However, this must be overcame because the assignment has to get done and it s training oneself for the future. Once I do get people to talk to me, even if it is not the 10 to 15 minutes that Professor Pryor desires, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, because it means I am getting there. 

3 tips: 

-Maintain perseverance

-Memorize questions you might want answered in interviews

-The more you put yourself out there, the better off you'l be

Need Awareness and Information Search

https://soundcloud.com/user-645238584/segment-2

https://soundcloud.com/user-645238584/voice-160612-21

I could only interview two people this week and the interviews did not last long. Finding people to interview was difficult especially because the weather in Miami was rainy all week long, and people just wanted to go about their days without getting wet. 

I realized that the market for educating people on human trafficking is widespread. Many people are under-educated on the subject matter. However, I think because my goal is to educate and promote education, talking to people for more than a couple minutes proves to be difficult. What is essentially trying to be done is create a movement within the population. 

Reading Reflection No.1

Berry Gordy was an incredible entrepreneur. He created an empire based on what he loved, music. Not only was he able to establish MoTown, but he did so in time where African Americans were not rising to such powerful levels of business. Gordy, continuously tried saving his empire and did not give up until he finally came to grips that he did not want to do it anymore. Gordy, did not fall out of love with music, but at the time he was just doing business for the sake of business and not for his love of music. To leave behind what he considered to be "his baby" not only because he was losing money but because he was not in it as much as before, is the most admirable and disappointing thing about his journey. The strength to give up MoTown is truly incredible but disappointing because it was and continues to be a monumental part of music. Gordy's undeniable skillful ear led his to success. His gradual learning of the music industry and experiencing relationships with several offers led him to be the face of MoTown. Hard work to Berry Gordy can be defined as the phrase "just keep going." He was a man that hustled his way into becoming a legendary man.

If I were to ask Gordy any two questions it would be: 1)How did he find the courage to fight through the struggle of racism, and rejection?
2) What does he think he missed out the most while pursuing his dream?

Idea Napkin No.1

1) Me

I am a passionate college student trying to open the eyes of others about problems there are seldom talked about. I am hard working, and just as it is a blessing and a curse I am stubborn until I achieve what I want. I believe that if I were to start HUSH, an organization that educates people about human trafficking that will in turn diminish trafficking popularity, will change my life for the better. I will be making a difference.


2)What am I offering to customers?

I am offering a service that will educate people about the second largest crime industry in the world. This will make millions of people more cautious and keep more them safe and less likely from being slaves.


3) Why do they care?

They care because it is a sickening crime. Imagine a well known teen in your life disappearing from society because they have been taken into the black market of human trafficking. Most importantly, this crime does not lean on one gender specifically. Although, the majority of victims are women (55%) and whooping 45% are men.

4) What are my core competencies?

The second I learned about this issue, my freshman year in college (I am a junior now), I knew I had to be part of a change. The drive was so intuitive that my career mindset shifted. Becoming a doctor was still in mind but becoming part of something bigger became my ultimate goal. I have an incredible passion like no other and that is what will drive HUSH into becoming a big name.


The passion for this issue is present. The elements of the concept fit well. The challenge is grabbing the attention of people and going against a 32 billion dollar market. It is very evident that human trafficking is wrong, however, it is not talked about. Educating people and making them believe that a change can be made is the ultimate challenge, everything else fits well together.

Tweaking the Innovation

___________________________________________________________________

| Tangible                                   Augmented

| - Items with HUSH name         - Special  recognition for donation

|   -Bracelets                                  ($100 +) 

|   -Shirts                                          -Specialized complemetary items

|   -Hoodies

|

|Core (Benefit)

| -For a good cause

|   -Preventing people for getting trafficked through education 

|