18A – Create a Customer Avatar

Customer Avatars

           Baseball player                           Softball player                                 Children

                           Cooks, Chefs

         Guitarist, Musician

What do you have in common with the customer avatar?

I am a left handed student, who played softball and still plays other sports and I enjoy cooking. As a left handed child, I struggled with certain tasks.

If you have anything in common with the avatar, do you think that is a coincidence? Why?

No, it is not a coincidence because this company was brought up by a bug I had and what caused this bug. These avatars represent who I was and who I am and other left handed people I know that have these struggles.

19A- Idea Napkin No.2

Idea Napkin 2

1) You.

I am left handed. I am well aware of small struggles left handed individuals go through because I experience them everyday. I am athletic and being left handed definitely helps me become more talented. I have skills in communicating well with others, caring for others, and determined with anything I put my mind to. I have experienced the struggles of ink marks on my hand when I write, 3 ring binders being in the way when beginning sentences, learning how to use a fork and knife right handed style (which I manage to still not follow but can make it through a professional dinner), learning how to shake someone’s hand (still slightly awkward to this day), sitting at a dinner with my loved ones and bumping my elbow against theirs, using a can opener that frustrates me when opening a can of beans, using a measure cup at work but having to turn it around to see exactly how many quarts I am putting into sauces, being able to only put a left handed layup in basketball because it feels physically impossible to lay up on my right (it looks ugly), paying those extra 20-80 dollars on a left handed softball glove, being told I can’t do certain things right because I am left handed (I manage to prove everyone wrong), and constantly being reminded that I am left handed. As a child my parent really had a hard time showing me how to do certain things like cutting paper, tieing my shoes, using utensils, avoiding marks on my hand when I write, and many other things.

I aspire to make this little struggles nonexistent with my business. This struggles shouldn’t have to be a struggle when products are made for these individuals at a realistic price. This business would play a huge role in my life because it will feel amazing to know that children and adults don’t have to think to themselves “damn I hate writing on paper and I hate using right handed stuff”.

2) What are you offering to customers?

Scissors: left handed scissors are fully reversed blades. This would greatly help children correctly cut paper.

Pens: Left-handed pens have a curve on the grip and the ballpoint is made differently. This prevents smearing when you write and also ink on the side of the hand.

Notebooks: Left handed notebooks have the spiral on the right side so it is not in the way of writing

Guitars: Everything on a guitar would be reversed. It’ll be easier playing the guitar and reading music

Can opener: The part that is used to twist and make the can opener move would be on the left side.

Baseball/Softball gloves: It’s difficult to find a left-handed glove at stores. For example, there are 15 gloves at Walmart and only one was for a lefty. This company would provide more varieties and sizes that’ll be for leftys

Cooking utensils: I’m sure many righties don’t notice but most of these utensils are made for you. Mt company would provide cooking utensils made specifically for them including a measuring cup that will be easier to read

A counter clockwise corkscrew: It’ll be much easier opening a bottle of wine

Books: I’d provide books for children and adults that’ll have fun facts and provide information about our left handedness

Many more things will be sold to provide more comfort for lefties.

I’d also like to provide left handed 101 handbooks which well explain to right handed parents how to utilize their left handed child creativity and talents. This book will also provided parents how to teach their kids how to do simple things like tying shoes, using a fork and a knife, and educate them on left handed facts.

3) Who are you offering it to?

Left handed children and adults, and right handed parents of left handed children. I’d mainly focus on the U.S. and Europe because that is where most left handed individuals reside. I’d also focus in schools (elementary, middle, and high schools). Psychographic characteristics: Children and adults who are in school, those who enjoy writing, those who play sports or are musicians, and those who cook.  

4) Why do they care?

I know at some point these lefties have had some form of a struggle when doing simple tasks that are uncomfortable. If I was to sell these products at the same price of right handed products, they will buy these products. No one wants to pay $20 for a can opener (that how much left-handed can openers cost) when they are typically priced at $5 (average right-handed can opener). Providing competitive prices will have left handers curious and ready to buy some awesome products!

5) What are your core competencies? What sets you apart from everyone else? Also: what do you have that nobody else has?

I will provide left handed products at a price that is similar to products made for right handers. I believe there is no physical store that is designated for left handed products. Who wouldn’t be curious to see what is inside a left handed store?

In addition to these five elements, please spend a paragraph evaluating whether you believe these elements fit together or whether there are aspects of your business concept that are weaker / out-of-joint with the others. I can have the interests of many investors with my company because it is specific, results oriented, and rare.

For the "feedback memo" -- please summarize at least two main points that you took away from the feedback you received. Also, please describe how you incorporated the feedback into this idea napkin

Do these items fit together?

I do believe the elements fit tightly together. Those who fit this segment will care because it’s different and it may get rid of “bug” they have experienced in the past and the possible future. It is possible 100% of this segment may not purchase anything for my business but they will have some form of curiosity. I believe with awareness and drive, my company will succeed in fulfilling the lives that are affected by this.

Feedback memo.

I had great feedback about the passion I have about this company. I was told I can have attention from investors, right handed investors, which is something I never thought about. I added investors to my core competencies because this company may draw attention to them and help me make a decent profit. I’ve added awareness by creating books and having awareness help make my elements come together. Not many people are aware of left handed bugs and products so it’ll open eyes which will draw attention to my business. I was previously told I should add schools to “who I am offering this to” because I can sell these products to school so they will be available for children. Having passion about this helps others notice what it means to left handed people. I tried to have much more detail into my personal struggles to give a better insight on why I believe this company is important.

17A – Elevator Pitch No. 2

A reflection on the feedback you received from your last pitch. 
     The last pitch had very good feedback. I was told that I kept the watcher's attention, I have a good company, and I was suggested to include selling my products to public schools which was a great idea and I included that in this pitch. 

 What did you change, based on the feedback?
     Well I was in a brighter area (at work, hence my work uniform). I condensed what I said so it was short and powerful. I decided to have a precise fact of 760 million people so it explains my segment more and helps people understand that there are a lot of lefties out there. The next elevator pitch I will be in professional attire instead of my work clothes and probably will be outside in pure daylight.

16A- secret sauce

Sauced Up

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

Skills: I work very well with others (Teamwork), I am a good listener, Caring (of others around me and animals), Clean (I keep things organized and clean frequently), Humor (I make myself laugh and those around me laugh)

Knowledge: I have a lot of fun facts about random things and random people, I grind in education (I don’t give up in school), I’ve taken many math related classes so I believe math has helped during many situations, I know in detail about food safety practices, I know the basic accounting principles, I familiar with political science in the U.S. and the other countries, and I am a critical thinker when I read.

Abilities: I can blow a bubble with gum using my nose, I have the ability to work under pressure, I am able to turn stressful situations to calmer and more exciting ones, I have the ability to pick up just about every sport and execute it well (softball, football, soccer, swimming, tennis, dance, and basketball), I have the ability to communicate with others who have different backgrounds and beliefs without judgement and arguments, I keep what is said to me personal (good secret keeper).

Emotions: I’m not very emotional so emotions don’t get in the way of my decisions. I separate my emotions from work. I can feel others emotions when they are speaking of experiences. When one is feeling sad, I tend to be great at cheering him/her up.

My mom
https://vocaroo.com/i/s1VB0XA2s1qv
     Here my mom is expressing my introversion which not many people are aware of. A takeaway is how she expressed my communication skills which I believe is a great skill I have and that I am caring individual. She mentions how I can step out of my comfort zone which is a great ability to have in life and workplace. She also mentions how I have taught her to be patient. As a parent, I believe being patient is one of the hardest things. Im an over thinker and stress a lot which does take a toll on those around me. 


My girlfriend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD7f0wAjL8A&feature=youtu.be  
     She knows me better than anyone else I know. She believes I accomplish things during stressful situations which I agree with. She expresses determination being both a skill and ability. Overall it seems that she believe I'm caring and express positive emotions around her. She has also learned how to be patient with me just like my mother.

My friends/coworkers (Steph and Angela)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA_WTbnSi1U&feature=youtu.be 
     Angela mentions I have leadership skills which I can agree with. It appears that I have some management skills according to Angela. She describes me as being a person that guides others and a motivator. Steph express me as being more mature and determined with tasks. I carry myself differently in certain places or situations according to Stephanie. Angela believes I have communication skills and Steph mentions I can hide my emotions. 

Friend
https://vocaroo.com/i/s0AYK1jmWxOj 
     I have know Rivera for almost four years. Rivera is pretty spot on with what I believe about myself and what she thinks about me. There is nothing I can disagree with here. 
     


Reflection: 
     I believe the way I see myself and the way others seem me are moderately the same. There are small disagreements such as "Hiding emotions". I don't hide my emotions because I am pretty much happy or stressed out. I appreciate my mother mentioning that I am introverted because not many people understand why I'd prefer to be alone and express myself to myself. I'd add that I'm introverted, and I am determined.
   

15A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

Leftie Buying Behavior

I have interviewed one man, a woman, and a teenager that are all left-handed. These interviews were about 10 minutes long. I took me about 3 days to come across left-handed individuals.

Begin with alternative evaluation. Does price matter the most? Does quality? Does style? Is there more than one factor that is important to your customer segment?

The man I interviewed believes that quality is most important regardless of price. “I want to make sure my products work and work for a long time.”

The teenage boy really only cared about how products look. He then said, “I like cool things but my mom is picky about what she buys me.”

The woman took some time to answer and decided that price and style are what matters to her. “I don’t think I’d buy a product that looks outdated and I wouldn’t buy a product that it is out of my budget.” She also mentioned that her husband’s opinion matters.

How/where do they buy? Is your segment more likely to buy online or in a store? Are they more likely to use cash or will they finance the purchase?

The teenage boy and the mother typically purchase items on amazon or order online through businesses of the product they want. They find it cheaper to order online and more convenient. The mother doesn’t hold cash on her and uses her debit and credit cards to purchase products. The teenage boy holds cash. His parents give him cash to buy products.

The man stated, “I’m old fashion. I buy all my products in stores near me. If it’s not what I want, I simply find another store or don’t buy it all.” The man only uses cards to buy products.

Post-purchase evaluation. What matters most to your customers when they think back on the 'rightness' of the purchase? What helps them determine the purchase was a good idea? What sorts of things make them think a purchase was a bad idea?

The mother considers herself as an “impulsive” shopper. She enjoys bargain shopping and her husband is not a fan of it. “I buy the things I like in the moment and when I get home I begin to overthink the products I buy. I return a lot of products more than I keep.”

The teenage boy believes all the products he buys are good ideas. He has not regretted anything he has bought. “I’ve ordered shoes online that didn’t fit and I just returned them and got the correct size. I don’t buy things because it’s not my own money. When I do have a chance to buy something, I like to make sure it is something I really want or need.”

The man only believes in necessities. He’s bought products that do not exceed his expectations and does get frustrated about it. He assumes the products he buys are good quality though they are not sometimes.

Draw conclusions. Based on what you know about this segment and what you learned in your interviews, how would you succinctly describe this segment in terms of alternative evaluation, purchase decision, and post-purchase evaluation?

The three I interviewed make purchase decisions based on their preferences and seem to be both willing to purchase online and in person. I believe my segments alternative decisions will focus on price and appearance for my products because that was what I noticed after these interviews. Quality is important so I will be sure these products have good quality but I will focus more on the price and how the products look. The post-purchase evaluation from these interviewees show more regret than excitement.

13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life

When the fashionable society came to the surface and her brand emerged,  I was surprised to see that the man she loved, Arthur Capel, turned the face of fashion into war (fashion war). I was also surprised that Chanel was a bit cold hearted later on in her life. I admire how through all her hardships (being poor, losing the love her life, having an absent father, her mother’s death) she managed to break through in the fashion world. She is a fashion legend. Because she was poor, she learned to sew and created fabrics out of cheap jersey and rabbit fur. All these hardships helped her become who she is. She might have slept with many men and was a mistress, but I believe it was her plan to have men invest in her brand. She changed the game. She created clothes that were casual in those times of corsets. She made skirts, bathing suits,little black dresses and other clothes that were more revealing. I believe this book emphasizes on feminism. There is nothing I do not like about Gabrielle Chanel. She made woman confident in themselves.

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?

Gabrielle Chanel was rebellious and very determined

3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I found it a bit difficult understanding and remembering french words in the book.

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

As a women, how did you make it so far? What pushed you to never give up? I’d love to know the answer to this because as a woman, I have hardships at work too. The career I’m going to get into is surrounded by men.

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

Having a vision and doing whatever is necessary to make that vision real. I do share this opinion.

14A – Halfway Reflection

Halfway Done!

Tenaciousness is a competency.

Since I am a full time student, I’ve been working on a balanced schedule. I’m still nt 100% on following the schedule but I have managed. For this class, I devoted one entire day to this course. I watch all the lectures of the week, and complete my assignments. I’ve developed a mindset to find a problem, the root of the problem then figure out what has caused this problem. I don’t immediately try to find a fix to a problem. I also make sure to do work that’ll interest me so I will be determined .

Tenaciousness is also about attitude

Two weeks ago I had 2 exams for two different courses and three assignments due for this course. I was stressed out trying to study for my exams and I was completely overwhelmed with the assignments for this class. I truly wanted to just not do any assignments for this class because I felt like I didn’t have enough time. I took a minute to try to recollect myself and decided to worry about the exams and figure out way to do the assignments afterwards. I took the exams and spent an entire night before the assignment due dates and completed all three. What pulled me through was the fact that I was so into my assignment and felt like I needed to do this so everyone else can see my work. Also, I wanted to make sure my group is able to make peer reviews. I did develop a determined attitude. I was determined to study, take my exams, and complete my assignments.

My dad always told me “Nicole if you do half the stuff I ask you to do, don’t do any of it and just take a butt beating. Do all of it and you won’t get any beating.”

Three tips.

1. Don’t give up.
2. Always do work that is passionate and it’ll never feel like hard work or busy work.
3. Manage. Follow the CANVAS schedule or create a schedule that’ll help you balance course work.

12A- Figuring out buyer behavior

Lefties can be right, sometimes.

Segment.

This segment will simply be left-handed individuals who have a struggle with right-handed products. (children and adults).

Interview.

It took me some time (3 days) to find left-handed individuals. I ran into a left-handed mother (Carly) and she had a left-handed child around the age of 11 (Isabella)! So interviewed them both. I also found an independent contractor mid-twenties female (Melanie) who is left-handed.

I spoke to the mother who was excited about me being concerned about left-handed children. I asked her, “When did you begin to notice small tasks were bothering you because you’re left-handed?”, she responded by saying “When my mother started pushing me to use my right handed and I began failing school work because I had terrible handwriting. I used to completely avoid scissors because I’d get frustrated. Now I use scissors everyday because I fix and sew clothing.” I then asked her “How do you adjust yourself when cutting fabric? And How did you manage to continue being left-handed when you’re mother was pushing you the other way?” Her response, “I didn’t adjust, I just bought left handed scissors online. I’m not going to adjust to being uncomfortable. Who would do that? And as for my mom, she eventually became more aware that it just was not possible for me to write, color, and do other things with my right hand.” The last question I asked was “Are there any problems or frustrations you run into because you’re left handed?” and her response was “Honey, I have a left handed little girl and her problems are mine. Also, I can’t eat dinner next to my husband. If we were to sit next to one another our elbows would be in the way since we are using opposite hands to eat.” She was a perfect customer for this business. She told me my business idea has her sold and ready to invest in sewing utensils.

I followed my interviewing the little girl. She was very nervous so it took some time to get her comfortable. I asked her “Do you like being left handed?” her response: “Yeah, I get told I’m unique all the time. Sometimes it’s a little different at school.” I then asked “What bothers you when you’re at school?” her answer was very simple, “When I have to write in a journal it bothers me.” Her mother said she comes home from school with smudges on her hands everyday. I asked Isabella if anything else bothers her and she responded with “Yes, a lot of things. Pretty much all the school activities.”

I interviewed a hairstylist (Melanie). She expressed to me how difficult it was to get through hair school because not a single person in her class was left-handed. Her teachers struggled with teaching her how to use shears and told her “try using your right hand.” She explained how nothing bothered her more than being left-handed at hair school. She then noticed she could learn by looking at the mirror when a teacher cut hair because it was reversed. She said it helped, but she couldn't grasp using her left hand with right-handed shears. She told me eventually she bought left-handed shears and just practiced and practiced. The prices were unbelievable! She showed me how much left-handed shears were ($2557) compared to the same exact shears for right-handed stylists ($1700) She said it’s something she got used to after four years. She explained how my business is awesome for kids and told me I should think about selling stylist shears.

Information search

Carly (the mom) pretty much buys left-handed products for her business. She does not settle for being uncomfortable at work. At home, she adjusts to the right-handed products because her husband is right-handed so it’s a “compromise”. She is well aware of the price difference and doesn’t find it worth buying. She does everything she can do to have her daughter comfortable at home but doesn’t have much of an option at school. Her husband has bought their daughter left-handed scissors and that has helped her a lot. The daughter, Isabella, seems to be bothered most with her journal and her parents do not seem aware that there are left-handed notebooks she can use. They probably wouldn’t buy it for her because they are double the price than a right-handed notebook.

For Melanie, the hairstylist, she pretty much buys shears more often than she should need to, because many shear sharpeners in Gainesville don’t know how to sharpen her shears since the blades are reversed. She mentioned how little things bother her like writing in folder at work and the way her station is set up, but she has adjusted to this.

These girls can all benefit from my company. The mother is not full aware of all the left-handed options she can buy online. She is also not willing to pay the price for those options. A simple measuring cup made for her need would dramatically increase her happiness “WOW a left-handed measuring cup! This is great” type of attitude. The daughter can benefit from a left handed notebook and left-handed pens. If I sell these items at reasonable prices, these people would be ecstatic and can fully embrace being left-handed. The hairstylists can also benefit from a left-handed binder. She actually gave me a business idea in possibly selling left-handed friendly hairstylists products.

They notice the things that are uncomfortable for them as left handed individuals but they aren’t doing the research to purchase items to make them comfortable. Society has made it so that the minority need to adjust to the majority in this case.They were unaware of the products that are available to purchase for lefties or they found them to be too expensive to purchase. In the end they are forced to adjust to a righty lifestyle. My company can change their lives for the better.

10A- Elevator Pitch

11A- Idea Napkin no.1

“To the left, to the left. Everything you own in the box to the left.” -Beyonce

You: I am Left-handed. I played softball my entire life as well as some other sports so I know how hard it is to get a decent left-handed glove at a store. I struggle with using a binder every day and bumping elbows with associates too. I’m majoring in business so I can develop these skills in creating this business.

My goal is to touch people’s lives by simply providing products that will improve their day to day lives. I especially want children to be comfortable and embrace being left-handed. I am well aware that my company will not be very profitable due to a low market, I just want to have enough profit to keep this business going.

This business will play a huge role in my life because this something that has my emotions, my personal experiences. My grandmother is the only other left handed person in my family and she has gone through so much for being left-handed because it was not socially acceptable back then. She would benefit so much from simple products like a can opener to improve her day when cooking.

My offer: Simple products would tremendously improve left handed children and adults.

Scissors: left handed scissors are fully reversed blades. This would greatly help children correctly cut paper.

Pens: Left-handed pens have a curve on the grip and the ballpoint is made differently. This prevents smearing when you write and also ink on the side of the hand.

Notebooks: Left handed notebooks have the spiral on the right side so it is not in the way of writing

Guitars: Everything on a guitar would be reversed. It’ll be easier playing the guitar and reading music

Can opener: The part that is used to twist and make the can opener move would be on the left side.

Baseball/Softball gloves: It’s difficult to find a left-handed glove at stores. For example, there are 15 gloves at Walmart and only one was for a lefty. This company would provide more varieties and sizes that’ll be for leftys

Cooking utensils: I’m sure many righties don’t notice but most of these utensils are made for you. Mt company would provide cooking utensils made specifically for them including a measuring cup that will be easier to read

A counter clockwise corkscrew: It’ll be much easier opening a bottle of wine

Books: I’d provide books for children and adults that’ll have fun facts and provide information about our left handedness

Many more things will be sold to provide more comfort for lefties.

Who to offer this to: Left-handed children and adults. I’d offer this to the countries where most lefties reside. (U.S., Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada)

Why they care: I know at some point these lefties have had some form of a struggle when doing simple tasks that are uncomfortable. If I was to sell these products at the same price of right handed products, they will buy these products. No one wants to pay $20 for a can opener (that how much left-handed can openers cost) when they are typically priced at $5 (average right-handed can opener). Providing competitive prices will have left handers curious and ready to buy some awesome products!

Core competencies: I know there are some left-handed companies but the prices are outrageous. So I will make sure that will not happen for my business. I have emotions tied into this business and that’ll be shown on my company and reflect my customers in a positive manner

I do believe these elements all fit together. The only downside to my company will be the low profit. But I believe there is a way to compensate for that. Maybe i’d have fundraisers or donations that would help with my company’s growth. All five of these elements have one thing in common: It is hard to be a left-handed individual in this world. I want others to embrace this like I do.