20A

Domain:

1. Who they are: Sexual assault therapist at CWC 
2. How is this person a "domain expert": she works with sexual assault patients. Additionally, she specializes in the field of therapy that helps people heal from their sexual violence by having an open discussion 
3. How I found her: Called CWC
4. Nature of exchange: She was excited to see me doing so well since I told her about my experience and is happy I am trying to make a change. She acknowledged the fact not everyone wants to see a therapist or can afford it (even though it is free on UF campus). Also, she loved the fact is a non-profit app. 
5. Exploiting: She could be a clear spokesperson advocating for this app. She is a therapist, and while ideally people would see her, not all do. Her support in this app is important because she is a trustworthy resource. 

Expert:

1. Who they are: Jessica, a 19 year old college student 
2. How this person is a "market expert": Since my product is rather unique, like I said in my other posts there really isn't any product on the market like it, I just choose to interview someone who would be in my target market 
3. How I found her: In a sorority, friend of a friend   
4. Nature of exchange: Our discussion was over coffee and relatively very chill. Jessica said sexual violence has happened to her and to a few of her friends have as well. She supported the idea. 
5. Exploiting: Jessica could help me provide good insight on what I should put on my app since the app is made for people like her. I want to make it an app they'll actually use. She could provide vital feedback and ideas for that.

Supplier:

1. Who they are: Doug, an engineer that develops apps  
2. How this person is a "supplier expert": He knows anything and everything there is to know about app development and what consumers want. His job is to code apps and know the markets so the apps are successful. 
3. How I found him: Family member of one of my friends 
4. Nature of exchange: First, he was excited I was expressing interest in app development. He  is proud of me for trying to make a difference. We discussed the logistics part of the app, developing, revenue etc.-the more business aspect of the company. 
5. Exploiting: He could advise me. His history with app development will allow me to create the best app possible with hopefully minimal bugs. He really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to code an app that consumers will enjoy. 

Reflect:
Networking scares me a bit, it is a bit intimidating. Hopefully this experience will encourage me to network more because especially in the business world, it is incredibly important. My previous network experiences have been through business schools and have been incredibly formal. This networking has been more on the casual side, which I liked more. 

19A

1. You: I am a senior majoring in Business Administration specializing in International Studies with a minor in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance. For a few years, it took me awhile to find where I am happy and a major I was happy with because it is more niche. I would never be happy doing a career in finance because I am driven to help people and the world. It is why I interned in London with a prestigious organization saving critically endangered gorillas in Africa. After college, I hope to join the Peace Corps and assisting countries with economic development. I want to shed a light of positivity and kindness. I really am a compassionate person who wants to see everyone and everything flourish. To be honest, I am not surprised I came up with the business idea that I did because I am driven to help others. Sexual violence is a cause I can relate to and can truly empathize with. I would want my mission to make sure this app is successful and everyone knows about it as mainstream as FaceBook.

2. What are you offering to customers: There is currently not an app where people can openly and safely discuss their sexual violence past or present. Sure there is FaceBook, InstaGram, and Tumblr, but there is not anything made specifically only for sexual violence. This app is for those who did not attend therapy for whatever reason it maybe- cost, stigma etc. but want to discuss their experiences.

3. Who are you offering it to: I addressed this in my avatar post that it is difficult for me to select a narrow segment I plan to direct my app towards. Therefore, this app is made for any race with any background because sexual violence does not discriminate. However, the thing all my consumers have in common is a history of being sexual violated. When I first launch this app, it will first be directed towards college students. Later on, I plan to expand to a larger market, but my ideal consumer would be in college.

4. Why do they care: My consumers care because sexual violence occurs every 92 seconds to someone, on UF campus alone- 1/5 students. It is such a wide spread issue. Yes, there are platforms like FaceBook and Instagram where they can openly discuss. This app is made only for those sexually violated. My consumers care about this app because sometimes some people choose not to go to therapy, or don't feel they can be open and honest about their feelings and experiences with people around them. This app is creates a community. It is easy to feel alone because the issues are not spoken about.

5. What are your core competencies: Like I stated above, people can discuss their experiences on social media platforms like FaceBook or Instagram, but those platforms are made for different audiences. There has yet to be a social media platform like mine. This app is truly one-of-a-kind and could impact so many lives because the issue is so widespread.


In my opinion, all these elements fit in well together. I believe this app is filling a whole in the market. I also believe this app could create a whole new market- one that focuses on mental health. The closest app I have seen that semi-relate to mental health is the meditation apps. However, all those apps do not have a social media aspect where people can be open. I believe all my elements work well together, especially on American college campuses. I do not think one is out of joint because there is a need and a huge market for an app like this.

Feedback memo:

• Originally, I was unsure how I would generate revenue from the app. My viewers said they were not fans of having ads on the app. Therefore, I took their feedback and decided to make the app non-profit with the funding from grants and donations. 
• Everyone were huge fans of promoting mental health! It was encouraging for me to see this. In this aspect, it really verified I am doing the right thing and have a good idea for an app. 

17A

https://youtu.be/02TUqVMHiog


Feedback/Reflection: One of the bigger comments I noticed was I was not describing my app as detailed as I should. I altered what I said for this elevator pitch to help give a better description of what my app is. Additionally, I gave the app a name- Speak to Heal. People felt my original felt personal and persuasive, so I attempted to keep the same emotions in this pitch. My apartment is not structured the best with mirrors everywhere, but in the original pitch people thought I was sitting when I wasn't. Therefore, I attempted to be more dynamic in my actions and have the camera further back. I think all the feedback is important and very valid to my elevator pitch. None of it really surprised me nor was it silly.

18A

My smartphone app is meant for anyone: any gender, any race, any age, any religion. However, my immediate market segment for this assignment is university students who experienced sexual violence before I broaden to a larger platform.

My ideal consumer is looking for a community where he or she can openly discuss their feelings and experiences with sexual violence. Ideally, this person is able to openly discuss what they are feeling. Since sexual violence can occur to anyone, I really do not want to segment past the overall college student. I am worried to be too specific because if I specify only females who go out more and drink or only males on sports teams that I would be taking help and healing away from those that need it. Sexual violence occurs in any setting, whether you have or have not been drinking, whether you are male of female, no matter the race. Sexual violence does not discriminate or segment and neither should this app. Yes, using college students is a broad segment but everyone deserves the right to discuss and open up. M consumer also is looking for a community where they fit in. As in, maybe they haven't discussed what happened much with people around them or a therapist.

Through my time in college I have encountered many people who have experienced sexual violence. One was at her place of work, another at a bar, mine was in a gym. Therefore, I cannot give a story or give a face to my ideal consumer. I believe this app is a special case to the assignment. I believe the main criteria my consumers meet is:

1. They have experienced sexual violence
2. They are a college student (18-22)
3. Are able to open up about their experiences

I have a lot in common with my avatars because I am a college student who has been sexual violated. I am one version of my consumer. The only difference is I have seen a therapist and openly discussed my experiences with people around me. However, I would look for a community like this even now.

16A

• Compassionate: Whether it is on a people level, on a world level, on an animal level, I truly empathize and care. It is a main reason why I plan on either joining the Peace Corps after I graduate or work at a non-profit. I am truly blessed in this world, and I want to help others around me as well. 
• Try to put myself out there: I would describe myself as outgoing. I am not afraid to take a risk or be adventurous. 
• Aware: I try to be aware of what is occurring in the world, whether it relates to me or not. I enjoy reading BBC and educating myself. I especially enjoy learning about crises (for example, financial and humanitarian).
• Forgiving: I have a very forgiving personality. I understand people make mistake because no one is perfect. However, I do understand the difference between letting someone walk all over me by being too forgiving versus forgiving someone who truly means it. 
• Loyal: I will go across oceans for those I care about. I think this compliments my compassionate personality trait. 

Questions: 

1. When you think of me, what is a personality trait or feeling that automatically pops into your head?
2. In your opinion, what is an area I appear to be knowledgeable about? Example answers could include: dogs, social movements, political news, how to make a great grilled cheese.
3. What is one of my strongest and weakest skills? (Skills are learned)
4. What is one of my strongest and weakest abilities? (Abilities are natural, not taught)
5. Would you define me as a vulnerable person? On an emotional level, how aware do you think I am with my emotions? Can I connect with people on an emotional level?
6. Please tell me a quick story of about me that highlights any of the above: knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or emotions.

https://soundcloud.com/meg-morey-169263265/1a-1

https://soundcloud.com/meg-morey-169263265/2a-1

https://soundcloud.com/meg-morey-169263265/3a-1

https://soundcloud.com/meg-morey-169263265/sets/4a-1

https://soundcloud.com/meg-morey-169263265/5a-1

https://soundcloud.com/meg-morey-169263265/6a-1

Conclusion: I spent a lot of time growing as a person and truly getting to know myself within the last 2 years. I do not believe my views on myself is all that different from what my friends and family said. My favorite weakness described was "structurally chaotic" in regards to being outgoing and doing crazy things but still being organized. Naturally there will be some differences. While I knew I could sympathize with people, I truly didn't understand how empathetic I am and how it truly impacts the people around me. I would say that is the key word that really stuck out during the interviews. My interviewees are close friends and family, I believe they are right about their views on me. I would not change anything on my list. Like I stated before, I spent a long time getting to know myself, my personality, what drives me and my list correlates with what they all said about me.

15A

Interview 1: This interviewee was a college student who reached out to me on FaceBook because I am very open about my experience and asked for help after she was assaulted and didn't know the steps to take. She says she is a big fan of not having to pay for the smartphone app. She continues to say while in hindsight $1.99 one time cost is not much on the app store, it motivates her less to purchase an app. Additionally, while I had no plans to have advertisements on the app, she highlighted the fact she hates when apps like InstaGram or FaceBook does. She provided the support in my thinking for the direction of the app. When asked which mattered most this interviewee said quality. She said if the platform is not functional then it is hurting its true purpose. I agreed with her because it is easier to create an app that serves its bare minimum service. For this app to really skyrocket and help people, the quality must be there.


Interview 2: This interviewee brought up an idea I didn't think of before. She thinks having the app also work as a website on a laptop would be great too. Sometimes it's easier and faster to type on a laptop than on a phone and therefore when you are going into detail about 'xyz', it would be nice if a laptop platform was offered as well. I agree with her, it would allow for a more Reddict/FaceBook vibe. This interviewee did not mention much about the price as my first did. When asked which mattered most this interviewee said style. She says appearance matters. She would rather use a clean, slick designed app than a copy and paste generic app. When I pressed further about what she meant by style she responded colors, scrolling, font type and size among other things.


Interview 3: This interviewee was interesting. She said it was a 40/60% split relating to what matters most to her. She said 40% for price because while $1.99 could be annoying, mental health is more important than something that costs less than a Starbucks drink. However, she did raise a point if the app did cost money, less people are more inclined to use it because that is how society is. She said 60% for style because looks matters. If an app is continually breaking down, is not fun, and is not attractive in its appearance, she probably would occasionally go on but not very frequently. Obviously as the creator, I would want people on my app a lot.


Purchasing: Since my app is a free app, run solely on donations and grants, there is not need for payment in order to use the app. The purchaser can access the app through the App Store offered on Apple and Android devices. (and hopefully though a website on a laptop as well).


Post-Purchase: Overall, quality matters most to my customers. It appears that the more often they use the app, the more successful the app is. For it to be labeled as good in the eyes of my consumers is the quality mainly has to be spot on. If the style and overall layout does not look good, they won't seem to want to use it- understandably.


Conclusion: I learned a new twist I can add into my company- adding a website to make it easier for some of my customers who would prefer to have it on a laptop rather than a phone. It was interested to see how each interviewee mentioned different areas discussed in class. However, coding an app will add additional time to provide a quality good app I pictured.

14A

1. My biggest tenacious behavior is having really good time management. This course has multiple assignments, sometimes due with readings or interviewing people, and if you are not on top of your work, it is easy to get behind. That is especially true with watching lectures. WATCH LECTURES! They really are informative and the Professor does his best to make it interesting and appealing to his students. A skill I had to develop was being able to open my mind more like an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs sees all the small issues in the world and can think of a solution. Once I was able to master that more the class blogs became easier to do.

2. A moment I felt defeated was scoring badly on my final for the last Business Law exam. I was originally on track to get an 'A' in the course. However, I did not do well on the final, which dropped my grade. What helped get me through was knowing I cannot change the past and should not dwell on it. On the bright side, he offered a nice curve and I ended up with a 'B+' in the course. Overall, I would say I developed a tenacious attitude within the last two months, more in my personal life rather than academically. The experiences that most contribute to this is knowing what and who is healthy for my mental state, and if they or it is not, remove it from my life.

3. First, do not join a GroupMe. GroupMe has caused troubles, and you do not want to get in the mess of it. To grow as a person, I think it is important to do things, like assignments, on your own. It builds character and challenges your mind. Second, learn time management skills. Frequently this class has many assignments, some longer than others, on certain days. You need to have good time management skills in order to complete the assignments. This helps with the tenacious mindset because one you are done with an assignment, you are done. Just sit down and do the lecture or blogs fully. Third, ask questions if you are confused. It is okay to not know. Part of the tenacious attitude is being determined to do something. If you are confused about something like a blog, do not go into it blindly, ask questions on what he wants or means. To gain a better understanding is benefitting you!

                                    

13A

I read "CoCo Chanel: an Intimate Life" by Lisa Chaney

1.
What surprised you the most? I never knew just how awful her childhood was. Most people do not come from the Kardashian-like upbringing, but hers is a true story of rising to the top from the absolute bottom.
What did you admire most? Her drive and ambition to be successful- no matter the cost
What did you least admire? Her pride, while sometimes a good thing, she altered her childhood and refused to write in French because she did not know how to write proper French. Pride can hold people back.
How she encountered adversity and failure? She went from living essentially at a nunnery where her father abandoned her, took skills the orphanage gave her like sewing, and began working in shops. Coco could have easily been a panhandler on the street or sold food like her street vendor father, but instead she used the abandonment and adversity to her advantage.

2.
Competencies I noticed: Coco has the ability to have anyone levitate to her, men and women. She has this energy that draws people in. Whether it be the men at the cabaret or drawing customers into her small boutiques, Coco always had a way to attract people to her and what she was selling. It is as if her personality was a marketer, I believe she could sell anything.

3.
Confusing:
For me, while I understand I also don't to why she hid or altered her childhood. She is the true underdog story. Often times she would contradict herself throughout her life about what occurred during her childhood. I think a backstory is important to who we are in our adult lives. I am most confused about how when it came to inspiration she would use her painful past, but when put in the spotlight would alter the facts. I just do not understand why she could not be authentic.

4.
Question 1: What drew you to fashion? Coco out of nowhere, at least in my book, just joined a hat shop and from there went into more fashion. But what ultimately drew her to fashion? I am interested in what triggered the passion to make wearable art.
Question 2: If you were not a fashion designer, where would you see yourself working? Coco at a young adult age was surrounded by fashion and accessories. I am curious if Coco was not in fashion, where would she work. Would she be a street vendor? A nun?

5. I believed Coco loved hard work. She knew she earned the respect she was given. Coco worked so hard and pushed past her limits that sometimes it affected her relationships, but she was willing to give it all up in order to be successful and rich. I do not share the same opinion as Coco. I think having people you can rely on is important because money does not equal happiness. Additionally, sometimes the higher you are in a social pyramid, the more fake people you are surrounded by who may not always have your best interests at heart.

12A

gment: My segment is college students who have experienced some form of sexual violence in their life.

Interviews: (minimal details due to the sensitive material)

·      A 21 year old that experienced an assault

·      A 20 year old who took a semester off previously after the attack

·      A 21 year old that experienced sexual violence in a relationship

Awareness:

1.     This person had no interest in seeing a therapist. She does not regret not seeing a therapist. Her reasoning is because she wants to talk to people her own age, not an older individual. She said sometimes it is nice to have people who can relate on a generational issue-which is where I find the awareness. For example, having an assault by someone you met on Tinder or at an event such as a fraternity event.

2.     This interviewee is the only one out of the three people I interviewed that actually received therapy. However, she said she does have this need because her therapist is not always there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She mentioned often having emotional triggers (mainly from post traumatic stress disorder) later at night, like 2 AM, and that in times like this it would be nice to talk to someone who understands, even if the person is not a licensed therapist.

3.     This person has continually felt the need because she feels ashamed when friends do not understand that her boyfriend raped her. It was hard for her to cope, and she felt as if she could not be open with her friends. Her need is being able to connect to people that had similar experiences and feel a little bit less lonely in the world.

Report: All my interviewees found they needed this app for different reasons whether it is generational understanding, late night emotional support, or certain kinds of sexual violence experiences, all three people had a specific need. The need really depends on very personal reasons.

Conclusions: My segment is aware of their issues and how sexual violence has impacted their emotional wellbeing. Each brought up different triggers. My first, fear of a licensed therapist not understanding; the second, worried about middle of the night mental break down; and the third, not being able to openly discuss with her friends over what she experienced without being made fun of. This segment is clear: College students are struggling with their sexual violence experiences in one share or another.

11A

You: I am a 21 year old college student at the University of Florida. I am extroverted and can easily market to people. In the past 3 years, I have had 3 internships across different sectors and a retail position. I am inspired to work in the non-profit industry. I specifically would like to work in cleaning the oceans and waterways up. My passion for non-profits is what brought me to my business idea: a smartphone app that allows sexual violence survivors to freely speak about their experiences, feelings, and healing journeys. I want those who cannot afford therapy or do not want to go to therapy to still heal. I would like to be the face of the company and advocate for these survivors. I am a survivor myself, so I believe I can play a good representative.

What are you offering to customers: A community where they can openly speak about being survivors of sexual violence. Currently there is no community where these victims can speak about their feelings, experiences, and healing journeys as I stated above. Besides going to therapy, there is no real safe space for survivors to discuss.

Who are you offering it to: My demographic will first target college students. I would like to be inclusive as possible because males and females can both be attacked. At the University of Florida alone, 1 in 5 students are violated. As the company progresses, I would like to expand it to the whole world. Every 92 seconds someone is violated in the United States. The market is there, and the need is not being met. All my customers share some form of sexual violence occurring to them.

Why do they care: Originally I planned on generating revenue based off of advertisements like FaceBook does. However, after reading comments from my previous blog posts, I believe it’s best to remain a non-profit app. People can donate if they choose. Additionally, the company can receive grants for funding. I know this is not the conventional company for this class, but I think being different is special.

What are your core competencies: There really is no app like this one on the market. While someone can post about their assault on FaceBook or Instagram, there is no community dedicated to sexual violence survivors. This community is dedicated to open feelings, many social media outlets often is fake.

In conclusion: These elements absolutely fit together. It is so clear there is a market for this app. While I will admit it is unconventional not to charge and to rely on donations and grants, it feels morally right to me. Everyone deserves a right to good mental health. My company stands on its values over profit.