30A

1) What sticks out to you as the most formative experience? The experience that you'll remember years later? What was your most joyous experience? What experience are you most proud of yourself for accomplishing?

Honestly, just seeing the development of my concept. We first started out with the bugs exercise and trends. It was interesting to see how by around assignment 7 I established my idea. Looking back from the beginning of the semester, I never imagined coming up with the idea I did, but I am so glad I did because it has shaped me this semester. 

The most joyous experience was probably hearing the audio interviews of my family and close friends describing me. I still have those audio files saved on my laptop because they are special to me and if I ever do feel down, I can listen to them.

I am most proud of the app I made. I know it is not an "experience" but shaping this app has been an experience all in itself. I am so proud of myself for creating an app that has pure intentions meant to help survivors like me. 

2) At the beginning of the semester, I mentioned that I wanted each of you to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Now, at the end, do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Do you think you have moved closer to developing an entrepreneurial mindset?

I can honestly say yes I have developed an entrepreneurial mindset. For example, the other day, Instagram finally released its version where users cannot see the number of likes on a post besides the person who posted. This has become problematic for influencers. Then I thought it would be great to have an analytical app that allows companies searching for influencers to see their likes. Currently I do not view myself as an entrepreneur. I view myself more of a dreamer. I do not view myself as one because I have not created anything in person, just all hypothetical. Overall, I do think I am heading towards an entrepreneurial mindset though. 

3) What is the one recommendation you would make to the students who are going to journey down this path in the future? What would you recommend they do to perform best in this course? What would you recommend they do to foster that mindset?

My biggest recommendation is to really to think about your semester-long entrepreneurial idea. It is easier to interview and write blog posts when it is a topic or business idea you are really passionate about. That is why this semester has been enjoyable for me writing about my app. Also, it will allow for the entrepreneurial mindset to build. To perform best in this course, do not use GroupMe. The professor at the beginning of the semester said he enjoyed reporting people, so you are just asking for trouble. Additionally, the lecture for the most part are not that bad. Watching lecture and writing a few blog posts a week isn't too bad considering we don't have exams. 

29A- Speak to Heal (Venture Concept No. 2)

Opportunity: 

• Sexual violence occurs every 92 seconds in the US. 1 in 6 women, 1 in 5 UF students. Additionally, from those 94% of the survivors experience PTSD. 
• Other countries have even higher and worse statistics, especially in India
• Many do not seek out therapist mainly due to the fact of guilt and self-blame. Example of this include being blamed for “sexy” clothes, being under the influence of alcohol, and walking alone at night. Additionally, there is also a misconception that those in a relationship like boyfriends/girlfriends and spouses cannot commit sexual violent acts.
• There is a need for a community where survivors can openly discuss their feelings and their healings. Currently there is no social media platform on the market like mine. This app is purely for survivors who seek a community. 
• Currently who has this need are college students. This would be my initial market before expanding to the whole US. Since sexual violence can occur to anyone, any race, any gender, and any religion, I do not want to segment my market too much. The need is within university students aged 18-23. 
• This forces in nature that are helping with this issue is the #MeToo movement in my opinion. People feel they can speak out more about their attack. Attacks are now being held more accountable for their actions. To not have your attacker not face any type of punishment is incredibly emotional and scarring. 
• For the first market, I plan to focus on universities in the US. 
• Currently customers will either post on FaceBook, Instagram, or Tumblr. However, these are multi-use platforms. There is no single social media platform that only focuses on sexual violence. Also, some may attend therapy. Overall, I think they are loyal to these social media platforms. However, since these platforms are multi purpose, some people are not comfortable opening about their emotions. 
• This opportunity is very big. Since this is a global issue, this platform could easily spread to be as large as FaceBook. 
• The window to act on it is now. The #MeToo movement really sparked with many people across the nation and the world. Currently is no platform on the market like this, it is best to act on it now before there is. 

Innovation: 

• This is a non-profit app. The funding will come from private donations or grants. Therefore, I do not have a pricing market for individuals or businesses. There are multiple reasons for deciding to make this app non-profit. First, everyone deserves a chance to heal, speak about their experiences, and have this community without having to pay for it. Second, it shows the company’s dedication to create a goodwill app. It is easy for social media platforms like FaceBook to become corrupt. We purely just want to help people. Honestly, it just comes down to company values on why we decided to make this app non-profit. 
• As mentioned in my previous blog post about human capital, I contain skills in coding and fundraising for non-profit organizations. I believe there will be minimal costs, just more time towards developing the app. 

Venture Concept: 

• Individuals will use this product because it will provide them a sense of community. Often times, many survivors feel alone, guilty, and shamed for what happened. They will use this app if they want to be able to connect with people like them
• This is not really a company businesses will buy. The only possible reason a company may use it is for HR when there are sexual allegations within the company and is seen as a way to heal. Still, this app is made more for individuals rather than businesses. 
• Advocacy programs and student organizations would promote this app. This app could be similar to a hotline.
• Switch- I think people would switch to my social media platform to share their experiences because it is a more open environment. This is the only social media platform dedicated to survivors with its only focus being on sexual assault topics. 
• There really are not many competitors. There are other social media platforms like FaceBook, but they do not purely focus on sexual assault. If anything, therapist could be seen as competition. As a company though, we do support seeing therapists. However, our app provides something a therapist cannot- a community. 
• Price Points- This app is purely not for profit. We are not charging individuals to use it nor will we run advertisements to fund the app. We will offer an option for private donations or apply to grants. I will not accept loans since this platform is non-profit, I do not have a way to repay these loaners without using the money from donations, which is not in my plan. 
• Distribution- I first plan to bring my app with information to sexual assault centers on the UF campus. For example, the UFPD Advocacy Program and CWC. Additionally, I would attend my social capitals’ organization. For example, this includes the Planned Parenthood club. From there, I would spread it through word of mouth and social media. I want to start off at UF then slowly expand to other colleges, then to the national level, and one day on a global.
• Customer Service- I would have links or phone numbers to hotline workers who are there for my customers when they need help in their sexual violence struggles. If there is an issue with the app, I can set up an email which customers can send any issues they are experiencing which I can later change the code. 
• Location- Starting in colleges, specifically the University of Florida, then spreading to the national level and then the global scale. However, initial focus on university students.  
• Packaging- There is not much to package. The only version of packaging I can imagine is the app design itself. 
• Employees- A small team (7-10). If the app hit a national level I would hire more. Ideally the staff would include a coder, hotline people, social media team, a finance fundraiser, and myself. 
• Unfair advantage- The #MeToo movement in my opinion is my biggest resource. I went into detail with my analysis in the previous blog post. No other movement besides potentially the climate change movement has gained such global traction. This movement had big stars fired. Additionally, is even impacting the US’ government. There is finally a visibly community on a topic not spoken about much. 
• What’s Next- This app can become a platform for other taboo, social topics. For example, an app for those struggling with depression or eating disorders. 
• For Me- I hope to expand into different markets with the same basic app platform. At the end of the day, I truly just want to help people. In 5 years, I hope to see this app hitting the national level. In 10 years, I hope to have at least 2 other social issue platforms up as well.

Reflection (Question 3/4): 

Everyone was super supportive of my topic. They all loved that fact I am starting in the college campus as my first location. Gg asked if I would take loans in her comment. I updated my price points relating to this topic. I do not plan on taking loans. This is mainly because I do not want to take money donated to the platform to pay off the loans. Again, this app is non-profit so I am not concerned about this app generating revenue to stay afloat. If this platform went to a national or global scale then that is something I would have to look into if I had employees. At this moment though it is not. There were not too many critical points in my comments that made me alter too many aspects of my original concept. Overall, all the comments mentioned the need for this app and how innovative it is where there is no platform like Speak to Heal. 

For my image, I decided to create an official logo for my company! I feel this logo captures the essence of what we stand for and gives a general idea of what the app is focused on- mental health. 

27A

Book: The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users by Guy Kawasaki

The General Theme: In the modern age, social media is a big key to having a successful business. This book is essentially a "how-to" guide for using social media to benefit your company.

Enhancing ENT 3003: Professor Pryor has lectured on the value of social media and some steps to be successful with it. This book compliments his lecture, and adds even more specific details to do so. For me, having a large social media campaign for my company is important. Social media is a great marketing technique! This book opened my eyes to how to do it properly.

Exercise: Some important topics the book discusses includes building a foundation, attracting more followers, and making your social media profile as perfect as possible. My exercise would have my students A. create a social media page on Instagram (a common platform) promoting their company and B. create a post on the page. This would be an image of some sort since it is on Instagram. They would have to take tips from the book and apply it to the exercise.

Biggest Surprise: He suggested a self-hosted blog. Which to some may not make sense since we write weekly blogs in this class. For me, it was a surprise because I view blogs as archaic- very 2000's. I just think it is incredibly difficult to have a successful blog in these modern days. I think a better words to use would be to write articles. He says it helps with long-term ideas relating to the community.

28A

Identify the exit strategy you plan to make. Do you intend to sell your business in the next 5 years for a large return? Do you intend to stay with the business for several decades and retire? Do you intend to protect the venture as a family business, and pass it down to your children?

I do not have plans on selling my business anytime soon. My values with this organization is pure. It is why the app is non-profit. I am concerned that if I sold the business that it could potentially be used as a profit maker. Therefore, I plan to stay with the app for the long-run. I would not make it a family business, or dynasty. What happens in the next 10, 20, 40 etc years really depends on the market. Hypothetically, if I were to sell/give away my platform, it would be to a non-profit organization. Again though, it would be decades from now.


Why have you selected this particular exit strategy?

The reason I chose this strategy is a reason I briefly discussed before is in my values. I want the bets for people and this app. It is easy in this world to be corrupted through money motivations. Therefore, I think the app would be best in my hands. Though if I did not run the app, I would most likely donate it to an organization, whether through the government or to a NGO, that has the same core values as I do for this app.

How do you think your exit strategy has influenced the other decisions you've made in your concept? For instance, has it influenced how you have identified an opportunity? Has it influenced your growth intentions or how you plan to acquire and use resources?

My exit strategy absolutely influenced my other decisions. Google's previous mission statement said "don't be evil." My company aligns with that. At the end of the day, it does not matter how many consumers I have, as long as I am helping one person then I consider this company a success. 

26A

For basic background information, I am majoring in Business Administration specializing in International Studies with a minor in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance. 

This semester I am taking all 3 core classes required for my minor: Comparative Agriculture (AEB 3671), International Development Policy (AEB 4283), and International Humanitarian Assistance (AEB 4282). At the beginning of the semester, my professor for my policy class sent out a notification saying this will be an incredibly difficult class. At first, this gave me a lot of anxiety. However, as the class went along I felt comfortable. 

Then the first exam came. I studied hard, or what I thought was studying hard for this class. I read my class notes over and over again, did practice exams, the study guide, and went through each slide show presentation. However, I did not perform well on the exam. I still feel the blood draining from my face even now writing this post. I had a passing grade, but it was not sufficient for me. I am someone who strives to be the best version of me, and my exam grade did not represent it at all. Additionally, there are not many grades in the class, so every point matters. 

I learned the difference between thinking you know something through recall versus actually knowing something. I am taking what I learned and applying it for studying for the final, potentially my saving grace. Additionally, I plan on spending a minimum of 3 days to study the material because the material is incredibly challenging. 

Failure gives me anxiety, I absolutely hate it. However, I know it is part of life. Therefore, I try my best to make something negative into something positive. I know my potential. Once I set a goal, I am determined to meet it. For example, the last core business course is MAN 4504. A challenging, engineering-like class with a lot of math. I was determined to earn an "A". I spent time studying.  through the entire Summer C of 2019; I earned that "A". When I did fail this past semester, I normally shut down for a few hours. I hermit in my apartment and binge watch some shows. Then after feeling bad about myself, I pick myself back up, workout, and tell myself it is okay and just to do better next time. Honestly, this class has not taught me much about failure. It highlighted that failure will happen and that is okay, but it has not changed my perception on it. I mentioned in a previous post that I have spent a large chunk of time devoted to growing as a person. It was during this time that I really learned that failure is okay, that is okay to feel upset about it, but it is what you do after failure that matters. 

25A

What I think is Next: Eventually I would like to expand my platform to other social topics such as depression and eating disorders. However, for distribution I hope to start in college settings before expanding to the national level then one day a global setting.

Existing Market: 
1. Brought up the idea of hotlines. I briefly thought about this topic. She said it would be nice for those struggling to be able to call someone via the app. She said while she hasn't ever called a hotline, she knows it has been successful when it comes to suicide, so could be applicable here as well.

2. Dominate on social media platforms. She said this would help spread awareness on sexual assault. Additionally, could help bring people to the app.

3. This interviewee did not know what else I could add to this app. He said just the idea of the app is "pretty awesome". When I mentioned about expanding to other social topics eventually, he really liked the idea. He said just like sexual assault, depression is a wide-spread issue too.

Reflection: 
My first interviewee brought up an idea I originally thought of. However, I did not put much effort into it. I am glad that my idea is also something my consumers want. Once the app develops and gains traction, I think this is a great addition to the app and will help diversify more and help even more people.

I originally did not think much of social media pages on other apps like Instagram like my second interviewee mentioned. However, I think it is a great idea. It is a way for me to spread awareness on the issue and promote my app.

Unfortunately, my third interviewee did not provide much insight. However, it is reassuring he is fully supporting my idea on spreading to other social issues. After interviewing all my people, I am confident in the future of the app and the potential spin-offs.

New Market: A radically new market could be partnering with sexual assault centers like the CWC that promote my app for survivors.

1. Works in UFPD- thinks this is a great idea. For cases, he would support handing a pamphlet out to the survivors. He said it would be better than verbally saying the app name because it can be easy to forget when you're in a traumatic mindset.

2. Therapist- She thinks having this app would be good for her patients that have experience sexual assault. She did not mention adding anything to the company like the UFPD officer did about a pamphlet. She likes that this new market could help even more people by going directly to the cause.

Reflection: 

The officer brought up a point I did not think about. In hindsight, he is completely right. Sometimes when reporting incidents or what not, what officers say go through one ear and out the other because there is so much happening around you but also mentally. Adding a pamphlet to offer to businesses would be a great idea, so those who need help won't forget the name- Speak to Heal.

The therapist like I said before did not mention any ideas on what I can add to the mix to make this app successful in a business-to-business setting. However, she thinks that going business-to-business is a great idea. It is another great way to market my company.

Ideally, my first market is the most attractive to me. I believe the new market can be successful. However, it requires more networking. I am glad to see my new market interviewees agreed with me that the new market is a good idea. Nothing really surprised me all that much when conducting these interviews.

24A- Speak to Heal

Opportunity: 

• Sexual violence occurs every 92 seconds in the US. 1 in 6 women, 1 in 5 UF students. Additionally, from those 94% of the survivors experience PTSD. 
• Other countries have even higher and worse statistics, especially in India
• Many do not seek out therapist mainly due to the fact of guilt and self-blame. Example of this include being blamed for “sexy” clothes, being under the influence of alcohol, and walking alone at night. Additionally, there is also a misconception that those in a relationship like boyfriends/girlfriends and spouses cannot commit sexual violent acts.
• There is a need for a community where survivors can openly discuss their feelings and their healings. Currently there is no social media platform on the market like mine. This app is purely for survivors who seek a community. 
• Currently who has this need are college students. This would be my initial market before expanding to the whole US. Since sexual violence can occur to anyone, any race, any gender, and any religion, I do not want to segment my market too much. The need is within university students aged 18-23. 
• This forces in nature that are helping with this issue is the #MeToo movement in my opinion. People feel they can speak out more about their attack. Attacks are now being held more accountable for their actions. To not have your attacker not face any type of punishment is incredibly emotional and scarring. 
• For the first market, I plan to focus on universities in the US. 
• Currently customers will either post on FaceBook, Instagram, or Tumblr. However, these are multi-use platforms. There is no single social media platform that only focuses on sexual violence. Also, some may attend therapy. Overall, I think they are loyal to these social media platforms. However, since these platforms are multi purpose, some people are not comfortable opening about their emotions. 
• This opportunity is very big. Since this is a global issue, this platform could easily spread to be as large as FaceBook. 
• The window to act on it is now. The #MeToo movement really sparked with many people across the nation and the world. Currently is no platform on the market like this, it is best to act on it now before there is. 

Innovation: 

• This is a non-profit app. The funding will come from private donations or grants. Therefore, I do not have a pricing market for individuals or businesses. There are multiple reasons for deciding to make this app non-profit. First, everyone deserves a chance to heal, speak about their experiences, and have this community without having to pay for it. Second, it shows the company’s dedication to create a goodwill app. It is easy for social media platforms like FaceBook to become corrupt. We purely just want to help people. Honestly, it just comes down to company values on why we decided to make this app non-profit. 
• As mentioned in my previous blog post about human capital, I contain skills in coding and fundraising for non-profit organizations. I believe there will be minimal costs, just more time towards developing the app. 

Venture Concept: 

• Individuals will use this product because it will provide them a sense of community. Often times, many survivors feel alone, guilty, and shamed for what happened. They will use this app if they want to be able to connect with people like them
• This is not really a company businesses will buy. The only possible reason a company may use it is for HR when there are sexual allegations within the company and is seen as a way to heal. Still, this app is made more for individuals rather than businesses. 
• Advocacy programs and student organizations would promote this app. This app could be similar to a hotline.
• Switch- I think people would switch to my social media platform to share their experiences because it is a more open environment. This is the only social media platform dedicated to survivors with its only focus being on sexual assault topics. 
• There really are not many competitors. There are other social media platforms like FaceBook, but they do not purely focus on sexual assault. If anything, therapist could be seen as competition. As a company though, we do support seeing therapists. However, our app provides something a therapist cannot- a community. 
• Price Points- This app is purely not for profit. We are not charging individuals to use it nor will we run advertisements to fund the app. We will offer an option for private donations or apply to grants. 
• Distribution- I first plan to bring my app with information to sexual assault centers on the UF campus. For example, the UFPD Advocacy Program and CWC. Additionally, I would attend my social capitals’ organization. For example, this includes the Planned Parenthood club. From there, I would spread it through word of mouth and social media. I want to start off at UF then slowly expand to other colleges, then to the national level, and one day on a global.
• Customer Service- I would rather invest in hotline workers who are there for my customers when they need help. If there is an issue with the app, I can set up an email which customers can send any issues they are experiencing which I can later change the code. 
• Location- Starting in colleges then spreading to the national level. However, initial focus on university students.  
• Packaging- none 
• Employees- A small team (7-10). If the app hit a national level I would hire more. Ideally the staff would include a coder, hotline people, social media team, a finance fundraiser, and myself. 
• Unfair advantage- The #MeToo movement in my opinion is my biggest resource. I went into detail with my analysis in the previous blog post. No other movement besides potentially the climate change movement has gained such global traction. This movement had big stars fired. Additionally, is even impacting the US’ government. There is finally a visibly community on a topic not spoken about much. 
• What’s Next- This app can become a platform for other taboo, social topics. For example, an app for those struggling with depression or eating disorders. 
• For Me- I hope to expand into different markets with the same basic app platform. At the end of the day, I truly just want to help people. In 5 years, I hope to see this app hitting the national level. In 10 years, I hope to have at least 2 other social issue platforms up as well.