20A – Growing Your Social Capital

Growing Your Social Capital

Domain expert in the industry.

https://www.leftyslefthanded.com/

1) Who they are and what their background is.

This a small online company that also does have a small location based in San Francisco that sell left handed products. It was the very first store in the United States to specialize in products for lefties.

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.

This company is filling the domain expert spot because they sell left handed products through their online website and store. This company is very similar to mine in the sense of the products being sold and how they will be sold.

3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.

I have always been familiar with the website but the items sold were very much out of the my budget so I never bought anything from them. I emailed the company and received some feedback from an associate, Zach, who was quite informative on the background of the family that owns the company and I was shocked to see all the associates that work there are left handed when he mentioned it to me.

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation?

Zach gave me a great deal of information on how much product is sold daily, majority of products being bought online. He told me this type of company is a lot more profitable than others believe. He loved my idea on the company I’d like to create and said it was very do-able and possible. Because he is has been working for the company for more than 4 years, He gave me better ideas and ways to sell my products and become noticed.

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?

Including Zach in my network enhances my ability to exploit an opportunity by having a connection with someone who is just as passionate about leftie lives, having information on how to go about becoming a company that is known of, and how to create these products on my own rather than buying products off sellers. He told me to email him for any other questions and he would be more than happy to help me start up my business.

Expert on the market

Walmart

1) Who they are and what their background is.

A large company that sells all sorts of different products at a low price.

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.

This spot is filling the expert on my market. Walmart fills the spot because the company sells in stores and online. They also sell products at very competitive prices and do sell few left handed products.

3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.

I am an active walmart shopper and have not noticed some left handed products. I came across their online shopping site and tried to get into contact with someone by leaving a message within the website. I have not heard back from anyone and it has been four days.

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation?

Though I did not speak to anyone, I researched the company. I see that they sell more products online than in store and that individuals can sell products on their website (like Amazon). The company’s goal is to sell products at extremely low prices which keeps them competitive in the industry. I now notice products can be sold online by other companies and individuals which can benefit my company. I can sell my products to walmart.

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?

This network will enhance my ability to exploit an opportunity by  helping me sell products and put my company on the map.

supplier to my industry.

Amazon

1) Who they are and what their background is.

Amazon sells just about anything and everything online and has products delivered to their home. They have many other things such as kindle, amazing music and videos and much more.

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.

Amazon fills the important supplier to my industry slot. This company fits this slot because Amazon can help me supply a few products to sell. For example, I can buy gel grips for left handed pens and put them on the pens to sell.

3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.

I came across a friend who has a friend that is the manager for a customer service center in a Florida location. I spoke to Kristie who works for Amazon over the phone for about 10 minutes.

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation?

She got into detail on how they supply large quantities of products to buyers. She also mentioned that many buyers use Amazon as suppliers for their products. Towards the end of the conversation she said, “The best thing about Amazon is you can have them as suppliers and you can sell products on Amazon too.”

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?

Having Kristie go into a lot of detail about Amazon and how Amazon works, helps me understand what I need to do to make Amazon a supplier for my company. I will have the opportunity to have large quantities of products that’ll enhance what I need to sell.

Finally: Reflect. This experience requires you to do a little 'targeted networking.' How will this experience shape how you participate in any future networking events? Did this experience differ from your networking experiences in the past? How?

I was a little uncomfortable speaking to Zach but he made not awkward and we ended up laughing and talking more about left handed struggles. I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone speaking to strangers. The network experiences i’ve had in the past was more of knowing someone who knew someone which was much easier than finding a network on my own. I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and did networking of my own.

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.