6A

Economic Trends 

The Housing Market is Struggling

a.              Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2019/06/05/major-economic-trends-all-downbeat/#3931441f13fe

b.              The opportunity I am planning to exploit is housing being too expensive, as the article points out essentially a recession. I believe an opportunity exists because I have commonly heard and seen Millennials complain they cannot afford a house and therefore rent apartments instead. 

c.              The ideal customer would be Millennials aged 25-35 because they are the ones looking for houses, not college students. 

d.              It is not necessarily easy because to build a house or to buy land can be expensive. However, it is manageable with proper investors. Overall, this is a harder opportunity to exploit. 

e.              Why: I have heard all around me and seen on social media Millennials cannot afford housing. I am myself a millennial and stress about this issue as well. On a financial and emotional level is why I see this as an opportunity. 

Steel Industry is Hurting 

a.              Source: https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/18/energy/us-steel-lowers-outlook/index.html

b.              The article shows there is less demand for steel. This is resulting in prices falling for the industry. The opportunity would be to either a. Enter the market with a new metal similar to steel or b. Buy the steel in bulk and create a the main components in technology. 

c.              Depending on the which path I would go down would determine the customer. If path a, the investors would be most interested. Investors are pulling away from the steel industry which is harming the steel stock. If path b, any of the technology companies.

d.              This would be difficult to exploit because I personally do not have large access to a metal that is similar to steel. However, for countries that do, could easily do so if their economic plans and policies are properly made. 

e.              Why: Through my International Business course, GEB 3373, I have seen how large the metal company is. With the potential fall of steel, there is still going to be a demand for metal because we use it in our daily lives. For example, door knobs, cars, microwaves, our technology etc. 

Social/Regulatory Trends 

To regulate the driving companies such as Lyft and Uber on who is allowed to drive, further restrictions 

a.              Source: https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/17/tech/lyft-hit-by-five-more-sexual-assault-cases/index.html

b.              I think this is an opportunity because continually both local and national news revealed drivers of these types of companies have killed, sexually assaulted, or raped their clients. It has become a large issue, and there are not many regulations on these companies. 

c.              The customer I am trying to reach is those who use Uber or Lyft. These clients should feel safe using driving companies without fear of being killed, sexually assaulted, or raped. If a bill passed regulating Lyft and Uber on topics like who can drive, in-depth background checks, providing more information to the clients, hopefully they will use the services more. 

d.              I think this opportunity is relatively easy to accomplish. It will have to pass through the government. However, with how frequent these issues are happening, I believe the government will pass it because it is about their citizens’ safety. 

e.              Why: I myself have experienced sexual violence and after seeing these news stories, it does worry me to hop into a random Uber or Lyft. Additionally, I have seen stories just around my university about it, so this opportunity hits close to home. 

Those trying to help the Bahamas can’t because of the limited access to those affected

a.              Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/03/world/americas/bahamas-hurricane-dorian.html

b.              Opportunity: Lots of volunteers, doctors, humanitarian aids want to help but cannot because Dorian destroyed access to locations where people need help. The opportunity is to build roads and access to these locations 

c.              The ideal customers would be non-profits, governments, or the affected countries trying to help the damage and people impacted. 

d.              With the proper equipment and connections this is a possibility. However, it is still challenging because there is distance from the USA and the Bahamas. Therefore, the materials and capital would have to be shipped over. 

e.              Why: I am in humanitarian assistance classes. I have seen how much it can destroy a country or village when the necessary supplies cannot be delivered to those impacted because of the lack of access, for whatever the reason. People die because of lack of access.