Thursday, January 31, 2019
8A - Solving the Problem
Based on the interviewing and researching I have been conducting on the sports agency market the past several weeks, I have come up with an in-depth solution to connect athletes with representation to benefit both parties. The opportunity presented is a lack of consistent communication between agents and athletes, as there is no current formal way to contact an agency or an athlete. Most players or companies reach out via social media or by referring by a friend. This platform would allow companies to register and put their contact information on the website, along with any other details about their company that they want. This will cost a fee but will give them access to many different features on the website. Athletes can also register their information, but it will be free to them. They can upload stats, pictures and videos and highlights to better market and advertise themselves to the agencies registered on the website. After both parties are registered, they can communicate on the website by reaching out to the opposite party. There will also be a pretty significant opportunity for outside sponsors to market on the platform, either by paying a fee to advertise their product/service or by teaming up with a company and sponsoring their page on the platform. Regardless there will be plenty of opportunities to profit from this website and this can be an incredibly helpful resource for athletes and agents attempting to improve their value and business.
7A - Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
1.) The opportunity that exists is a need for a transparent platform for communication among athletes and sports agents, managers and representatives. This website will serve as a liaison between these individuals and will allow for athletes and agents to better market themselves.
2.) The who: Sports agents and athletes
The what: There is no universal platform for the sports agent industry, where athletes and representatives can interact.
The why: This will make the process a lot easier when it comes to recruiting athletes to agencies and athletes trying to get their name out there in the sports world.
3.) Testing the who: It seems as though only athletes in "major sports" (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, etc.) are receiving agents. What about sports such as horseback riding? There are certain sports where individuals aren't represented by agents at all. This could be an area to improve on, and by having this platform these smaller sports may be able to start pitching to agents why they deserve to be represented.
Testing the what: Why does this idea matter to athletes and agents? How will this positively promote athletes to enable them to more easily acquire agents to represent them? Should agents really care about competing on a universally used platform instead of using their local resources as a competitive advantage?
Testing the why: How will this impact the athlete representation market? Would this actually benefit athletes being underrepresented and are having trouble reaching out to agencies? Do these agencies need this platform to recruit athletes, or it is useless for them?
4.) After conducting 5 different interviews with varying people in the sports industry, I stand behind my idea of a universal platform to connect athletes with agents. Based on the feedback I received, there is a clear need for this product, due to the inconsistencies in the market. The individuals interviewed agreed that there is also are completely untapped markets, such as esports and horse racing, that can use representatives to run athlete's and rider's campaigns and to help increase sponsorship interest. Even though the big money is being made in sports such as football and basketball, there is still plenty of profit to be made in different sports industries that attract hundreds of thousands of viewers. Based on the "who" aspect of the interview, it was revealed to me that I should be targeting teenagers who plan to go to college for athletics. These kids are the future of American sports and are the most capable of utilizing this technologically advanced platform. All 5 interviewers agreed that the most important and useful aspect of this potential website would be to help underrepresented athletes trying to play college sports and eventually get drafted by their respective professional league. One of the interviewers that I communicated with, a well-respected sports agent in the South Florida area, told me that he wasn't sure if the larger agencies would be on board with this. The larger agencies controlling the majority of the bigger name athletes and subsequently, most of the profits in the industry most likely don't need this platform to recruit their players. They already have advanced social media accounts, scouts in different areas across the country and the world, and have vast amounts of players reaching out to try and catch their attention. Unfortunately, I did not consider this factor at the time and this is a setback in the process, but means that the website would need to first need to recruit smaller name athletes and small agencies needing to get their name out there. Based on the "what" aspect of the interview, I learned that this platform will take lots of time to advance and attract large agencies and big-name athletes coming out of high school and college. Once the website and platform are established, however, it should still have a sizable impact on underrepresented athletes. This will give them an opportunity to upload stats, videos and any highlights that they feel are important to show to potentially interested agencies. It will give players from less talented areas a chance to prove why they stand out and can play at the next level. Based on the interviews I gave, it seems as though this platform would be more beneficial for the players and not the agents, but some smaller agencies will still be able to get started due to this platform. Based on the "why" factor, it is clear that athletes are in more need of this concept and would benefit more from it as a result.
5.) Based on the interviews and research conducted on this topic, I had recognized certain flaws in the platform and see the avenues to attack to successfully market to athletes and agencies. Large agencies and athletes won't need the website to promote themselves, but by reaching out to "middle of the pack" agencies and athletes, I can hopefully convince them that this platform can be incredibly helpful to their careers. I can also try and advertise this platform to other sports in an attempt to increase sponsorships in their sports.
2.) The who: Sports agents and athletes
The what: There is no universal platform for the sports agent industry, where athletes and representatives can interact.
The why: This will make the process a lot easier when it comes to recruiting athletes to agencies and athletes trying to get their name out there in the sports world.
3.) Testing the who: It seems as though only athletes in "major sports" (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, etc.) are receiving agents. What about sports such as horseback riding? There are certain sports where individuals aren't represented by agents at all. This could be an area to improve on, and by having this platform these smaller sports may be able to start pitching to agents why they deserve to be represented.
Testing the what: Why does this idea matter to athletes and agents? How will this positively promote athletes to enable them to more easily acquire agents to represent them? Should agents really care about competing on a universally used platform instead of using their local resources as a competitive advantage?
Testing the why: How will this impact the athlete representation market? Would this actually benefit athletes being underrepresented and are having trouble reaching out to agencies? Do these agencies need this platform to recruit athletes, or it is useless for them?
4.) After conducting 5 different interviews with varying people in the sports industry, I stand behind my idea of a universal platform to connect athletes with agents. Based on the feedback I received, there is a clear need for this product, due to the inconsistencies in the market. The individuals interviewed agreed that there is also are completely untapped markets, such as esports and horse racing, that can use representatives to run athlete's and rider's campaigns and to help increase sponsorship interest. Even though the big money is being made in sports such as football and basketball, there is still plenty of profit to be made in different sports industries that attract hundreds of thousands of viewers. Based on the "who" aspect of the interview, it was revealed to me that I should be targeting teenagers who plan to go to college for athletics. These kids are the future of American sports and are the most capable of utilizing this technologically advanced platform. All 5 interviewers agreed that the most important and useful aspect of this potential website would be to help underrepresented athletes trying to play college sports and eventually get drafted by their respective professional league. One of the interviewers that I communicated with, a well-respected sports agent in the South Florida area, told me that he wasn't sure if the larger agencies would be on board with this. The larger agencies controlling the majority of the bigger name athletes and subsequently, most of the profits in the industry most likely don't need this platform to recruit their players. They already have advanced social media accounts, scouts in different areas across the country and the world, and have vast amounts of players reaching out to try and catch their attention. Unfortunately, I did not consider this factor at the time and this is a setback in the process, but means that the website would need to first need to recruit smaller name athletes and small agencies needing to get their name out there. Based on the "what" aspect of the interview, I learned that this platform will take lots of time to advance and attract large agencies and big-name athletes coming out of high school and college. Once the website and platform are established, however, it should still have a sizable impact on underrepresented athletes. This will give them an opportunity to upload stats, videos and any highlights that they feel are important to show to potentially interested agencies. It will give players from less talented areas a chance to prove why they stand out and can play at the next level. Based on the interviews I gave, it seems as though this platform would be more beneficial for the players and not the agents, but some smaller agencies will still be able to get started due to this platform. Based on the "why" factor, it is clear that athletes are in more need of this concept and would benefit more from it as a result.
5.) Based on the interviews and research conducted on this topic, I had recognized certain flaws in the platform and see the avenues to attack to successfully market to athletes and agencies. Large agencies and athletes won't need the website to promote themselves, but by reaching out to "middle of the pack" agencies and athletes, I can hopefully convince them that this platform can be incredibly helpful to their careers. I can also try and advertise this platform to other sports in an attempt to increase sponsorships in their sports.
Friday, January 25, 2019
6A - Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends
Opportunity 1:
a.) https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/24/us-will-legalize-cannabis-in-2019-acreage-holdings-ceo-kevin-murphy.html
b.) Based on the increasing market for marijuana, it is prevalent that there is a clear opportunity to enter the marijuana industry and make significant money for yourself, and for the government. If marijuana is legalized, the government can tax the industry and make significant profits for the country as a result.
c.) The average customer will be any individual that wants marijuana in the United States. If marijuana is legalized (both nationally and in each state), there will begin to be farms and stores opening up countrywide to sell to those in need.
d.) The opportunity is extremely easy to exploit once it is legalized because there will be a huge market for the product once it is allowed. There are millions of people already consuming marijuana, and this number will exponentially increase once it is legalized.
I saw this opportunity at first when I went to Colorado to visit my uncle, who happens to have his own farm. He started explaining the mass need for marijuana around the country and how beneficial it could be as its own industry. This opened my eyes to the endless possibilities presented by this product.
Opportunity 2:
a.)https://sportshandle.com/2019-sports-betting-legalization-wave/
b.) Much like the first opportunity I discussed, the sports gambling industry is another market that will benefit consumers around the country as well as the US government. Sports gambling has existed for generations and has always been done illegally, so imagine how much bigger it would get once people are allowed to start doing it in the open. This will generate money for the government because the industry is taxable once legalized.
c.) Any sports fan who has interest in taking a rooting interest in the game will have access to gambling. This is a huge market and a great opportunity that will exist soon.
d.) Once legalized, this opportunity will be incredibly easy to exploit for both consumers and individuals looking to get involved in the industry.
Similarly to the last opportunity, when I traveled to the Bahamas and went to Atlantis and saw the amount of sports gambling, I was in shock. There was a sports bar full of people screaming at 15 different TVs, rooting for teams to win by certain amounts of points. It was clear that if gambling was legal in every state, millions of people in each state would get involved.
Opportunity 3:
a.)https://www.industryweek.com/talent/cincinnati-manufacturing-building-shared-economic-opportunity
b.) Based on the article, the program called coMADE exists to create job opportunities locally for residents living in those cities. This will help eliminate transportation costs for them and will create thousands of jobs for individuals.
c.) This economic opportunity has been created for people in the areas of coMADE. This program specifically targets people living in the area to help avoid transportation fees when they go to work and to help boost the local economy.
d.) This opportunity seems to be relatively easy if you live in the area, however, it will be much more difficult to try and expand the program and have it in various cities around the country.
After reading this article I was very interested in the coMADE program. I instantly saw how this will change the way that people can get to work and how it will impact the local economy of certain cities.
Opportunity 4:
a.)http://fortune.com/2019/01/08/allstate-ceo-cars-america/
b.) The information in this article clearly states that personal transportation is the future. Companies such as uber, lyft and other transportation firms will continue to grow in size and popularity.
c.) Any person working for these companies or other personal transportation companies will benefit from the increasing market. Individuals who need single rides, either from uber or lyft, are continuing to grow in number.
d.) The opportunity is easy to exploit as someone trying to work for these companies because it is very easy to do so. All it takes is registering yourself and having a license, so the market is going to be competitive and large.
Based on just the number of college students that utilize uber and lyft in Gainesville, it is clear that this article is spot on. This industry is going to keep growing at a rapid rate due to the number of people who need a single ride. Whether they live in a city that is hard to own a vehicle, are coming back drunk from the bars or are on vacation, there is plenty of use for these companies in the future.
a.) https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/24/us-will-legalize-cannabis-in-2019-acreage-holdings-ceo-kevin-murphy.html
b.) Based on the increasing market for marijuana, it is prevalent that there is a clear opportunity to enter the marijuana industry and make significant money for yourself, and for the government. If marijuana is legalized, the government can tax the industry and make significant profits for the country as a result.
c.) The average customer will be any individual that wants marijuana in the United States. If marijuana is legalized (both nationally and in each state), there will begin to be farms and stores opening up countrywide to sell to those in need.
d.) The opportunity is extremely easy to exploit once it is legalized because there will be a huge market for the product once it is allowed. There are millions of people already consuming marijuana, and this number will exponentially increase once it is legalized.
I saw this opportunity at first when I went to Colorado to visit my uncle, who happens to have his own farm. He started explaining the mass need for marijuana around the country and how beneficial it could be as its own industry. This opened my eyes to the endless possibilities presented by this product.
Opportunity 2:
a.)https://sportshandle.com/2019-sports-betting-legalization-wave/
b.) Much like the first opportunity I discussed, the sports gambling industry is another market that will benefit consumers around the country as well as the US government. Sports gambling has existed for generations and has always been done illegally, so imagine how much bigger it would get once people are allowed to start doing it in the open. This will generate money for the government because the industry is taxable once legalized.
c.) Any sports fan who has interest in taking a rooting interest in the game will have access to gambling. This is a huge market and a great opportunity that will exist soon.
d.) Once legalized, this opportunity will be incredibly easy to exploit for both consumers and individuals looking to get involved in the industry.
Similarly to the last opportunity, when I traveled to the Bahamas and went to Atlantis and saw the amount of sports gambling, I was in shock. There was a sports bar full of people screaming at 15 different TVs, rooting for teams to win by certain amounts of points. It was clear that if gambling was legal in every state, millions of people in each state would get involved.
Opportunity 3:
a.)https://www.industryweek.com/talent/cincinnati-manufacturing-building-shared-economic-opportunity
b.) Based on the article, the program called coMADE exists to create job opportunities locally for residents living in those cities. This will help eliminate transportation costs for them and will create thousands of jobs for individuals.
c.) This economic opportunity has been created for people in the areas of coMADE. This program specifically targets people living in the area to help avoid transportation fees when they go to work and to help boost the local economy.
d.) This opportunity seems to be relatively easy if you live in the area, however, it will be much more difficult to try and expand the program and have it in various cities around the country.
After reading this article I was very interested in the coMADE program. I instantly saw how this will change the way that people can get to work and how it will impact the local economy of certain cities.
Opportunity 4:
a.)http://fortune.com/2019/01/08/allstate-ceo-cars-america/
b.) The information in this article clearly states that personal transportation is the future. Companies such as uber, lyft and other transportation firms will continue to grow in size and popularity.
c.) Any person working for these companies or other personal transportation companies will benefit from the increasing market. Individuals who need single rides, either from uber or lyft, are continuing to grow in number.
d.) The opportunity is easy to exploit as someone trying to work for these companies because it is very easy to do so. All it takes is registering yourself and having a license, so the market is going to be competitive and large.
Based on just the number of college students that utilize uber and lyft in Gainesville, it is clear that this article is spot on. This industry is going to keep growing at a rapid rate due to the number of people who need a single ride. Whether they live in a city that is hard to own a vehicle, are coming back drunk from the bars or are on vacation, there is plenty of use for these companies in the future.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
5A - Identifying Local Opportunities
Opportunity 1:
- Walking? You're risking your life in Florida, the deadliest state for pedestrians
- https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0123%21January%2B23&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/17121EC98D74E2A0
- This article talks about how Florida is by far the most dangerous state in the world to walk around in. There are more pedestrian deaths in the state of Florida than there are anywhere else, including 9 of the 20 most dangerous cities. According to the article, this is primarly due to the age of residents in Florida and accidents and crashes that occur in poor neighborhoods.
- The problem presented in the story is clearly a miscommunication between pedestrians and drivers in the state of Florida. This has resulted in many accidents and deaths, due to a lack of knowledge of drivers law and unwritten rules. If driving tests were more difficult to pass and if there was more supervision when it comes to illegally crossing streets or walking at crosswalks before given the go ahead, there might be less risk for pedestrians in the state of Florida.
- The problem is held by drivers in the state of Florida, due to the lack of difficulty in getting and retaining a liscense. This problem needs to be fixed top down, starting with the government of Florida making is significantly more difficult to receive a liscense. Also, we need more regulation of jay walking in certain areas in the state.
Opportunity 2:
- Want to see the future of travel? Head to Overtown
- https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=business%20opportunity&fld-base-0=alltext&docref=news/1711CA6925806B08
- This article discusses how there is a summit held in Miami in which companies will compete to impress judges with original ways to book trips and vacations.
- The problem present in the article is that the current way of booking trips has certain flaws that can be solved. There is a clear opening for creativity and technology to improve the current status of this issue.
- The problem resides in hotels and websites that handle the bookings of travel plans and vacations, because there are some issues that arise when dealing with these things.
Opportunity 3:
Soccer | Inter Miami - Beckham's team is working out the logistics
- https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=1&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=business%20opportunity&fld-base-0=alltext&docref=news/1710011C08728D48
- This article is about the new Miami soccer team that is starting to round into shape, and how even though progress has been made, there is still a lot more to accomplish.
- The problem presented in the article is that there is significant progress left to be made by Miami FC, including setting up the soccer academy, scouting players around the world and filling out other positions in the organization.
- Miami FC, including the owner, board of directors and other staff already hired, have the problem. They are in need of everything in the previous bullet, and don't have that much time to proceed.
Opportunity 4:
- Even out at sea, the air on cruise ships may be dirtier than you think, study shows
- https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=problem&fld-base-0=alltext&docref=news/17127C11875A33C0
- According to this article, there are particles in the air in the open sea that are very unhealthy for vacationers on cruise lines. A study reveals that the level of pollution is much higher than they thought and it has resulted in higher levels of disease and sickness in individuals.
- The problem is that cruises are suppose to be a place of luxury and instead they are affecting the lives of vacationers. This issue will result in less cruise tickets being sold and more people taking other methods of vacation.
- The problem resides with the cruise lines that profit off of invididuals enjoying their cruises. Without selling out each cruise, these companies will struggle to bring in the revenue necessary to make profits.
Opportunity 5:
KEY WEST | SUNSCREENS - Concerns over coral reefs, skin cancer arise in debate on ban
- https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&page=3&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=problem&fld-base-0=alltext&docref=news/170FAD0640A76778
- There are certain sunscreens that are leading to the destruction of coral reefs as well as an increasing risk of skin cancer. According to this article, there are two specific ingrediants that have been linked to these occurances, and the research that has been conducted has been confirmed.
- The problem is that these sunscreen ingrediants are harming people as well as ocean life, which is a major concern for many scientists as well as individuals who have used these ingrediants.
- This issue affects two different people/groups. The first are the individuals at a higher risk of skin cancer due to the sunscreen. The other are the sunscreen companies that are selling products with these ingrediants because they are going to receive a worse reputation and will begin to lose business.
Friday, January 18, 2019
4A - Forming an Opportunity Belief
1.) I believe that there is a huge market being missed in the world of sports law. There is no standard platform for communication between sports agents and up and coming athletes at the high school, college and professional level. Agents currently reach out by either contacting athletes on social media, reaching out to them personally via phone or text, or gets connected through a mutual friend or athlete.
2.) The unmet need is that most agents are lacking strong marketing and advertising strategies to successfully recruit athletes, and most athletes are lacking a way to get their information out to various sports agency firms. The need is mutual between agents and athletes. The need derives from a combination of elements, including the improving, new technologies in society as well as the need for athletes to be represented by agents to successfully manage their money and make fair deals with teams and sponsors. This need has always been here (since the start of sports), however, is becoming more of an issue due to increasing technologies making the market even more competitive. Agents are currently reaching out to athletes as stated above, by social media, phone calls, and texts and other connections and athletes are currently reaching out in similar ways. I am about 75% sure that this opportunity exists today.
Prototypical customer #1 (athlete):
4.) What is the exact nature of the need?
-"So athletes can get help from agents to help themselves get into the pros to play sports."
When do they become aware of the need - that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
-"The need is experienced until we get our agents, then they help us from then on getting deals with teams."
How long have they had the need?
-"I have had the need since the start of college. That's when agents have been reaching out, and this idea you have would help give me and other athletes a list of agents that may want to represent us."
When did they first become aware of their need?
-"My parents raised me growing up to always think ahead, and they said if I really wanted to play the sport I loved one day I would need enough recognition to get an agent."
How are they currently addressing their need?
-"I got my agent by reaching out via social media. I found his agency Instagram account and sent clips to him and he reached back out to me."
How satisfied are they with this solution?
-"The current way is alright and it is every man for himself. However, the new approach you are suggesting could work and help some unnoticed athletes get bigger reputations and agents."
Prototypical customer #2 (agent):
4.) What is the exact nature of the need?
-"Agents need a way of capturing talent from athletes across the country and have trouble doing so depending on the location of certain athletes.
When do they become aware of the need - that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
-"This need exists today in the sports agency market, however, it is not absolutely necessary for agents to have. It seems more useful for athletes that are borderline future college and professional athletes."
How long have they had the need?
-"The need for agents has always existed for athletes, but this would help streamline the process."
When did they first become aware of their need?
-"I have known the need to market to athletes and athletes to market to agencies has always existed but has become much more important due to changes in technology."
How are they currently addressing their need?
-"We have agents who go and scout athletes, as well as doing plenty of research as to athletes in the area and the next 'up and coming stars'.
How satisfied are they with this solution?
-"I am satisfied with how the current process is because it places more pressure on the athletes rather than ourselves."
Prototypical customer #3 (agent):
4.) What is the exact nature of the need?
-"The need is for athletes to get name recognition and for agents to receive these athletes as clients and to market them and make them as much money as possible."
When do they become aware of the need - that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
-"This need is only experienced part of the time. As a small company, we can only have so many clients at one time, until we hire more representatives."
How long have they had the need?
-"This need has existed for as long as I can remember."
When did they first become aware of their need?
-"This isn't necessarily a need now, but over time it will become increasingly difficult for agents to keep track of all the videos and clips athletes want us to watch without having a platform like the one you proposed."
How are they currently addressing their need?
-"We are doing things the old fashioned way, by reaching out to athletes by phone, email and different social media."
How satisfied are they with this solution?
-"I would be very satisfied with this platform if it is finally completed. You would just need to get larger agencies and lots of athletes on board, which will be tough."
5.) What did you learn about your opportunity?
-I learned that this platform is definitely achievable and not already an established idea. With enough work and marketing, I might be able to design a platform that can allow athletes and agents to connect with ease.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about your opportunity?
-I learned that this opportunity is very possible and that the market would be huge if agencies actually get on board and decide to register their firms. Even though this seems like an uphill battle, having a way to connect athletes and agents would benefit the industry and allow for easier transactions.
7.) How much of your original opportunity is still there?
-The opportunity is very much still there, it will just require marketing to agents, athletes, and leagues (they might have to approve the platform).
Do you believe that your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started?
-I don't believe that my idea has necessarily changed at all. I just now understand that it will take a lot more work than previously expected.
How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback?
-I think it is very important for entrepreneurs to adapt to opportunities based on feedback. Feedback directly leads to improvement and gives entrepreneurs ideas as to how to fix their products to lead to more success.
2.) The unmet need is that most agents are lacking strong marketing and advertising strategies to successfully recruit athletes, and most athletes are lacking a way to get their information out to various sports agency firms. The need is mutual between agents and athletes. The need derives from a combination of elements, including the improving, new technologies in society as well as the need for athletes to be represented by agents to successfully manage their money and make fair deals with teams and sponsors. This need has always been here (since the start of sports), however, is becoming more of an issue due to increasing technologies making the market even more competitive. Agents are currently reaching out to athletes as stated above, by social media, phone calls, and texts and other connections and athletes are currently reaching out in similar ways. I am about 75% sure that this opportunity exists today.
Prototypical customer #1 (athlete):
4.) What is the exact nature of the need?
-"So athletes can get help from agents to help themselves get into the pros to play sports."
When do they become aware of the need - that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
-"The need is experienced until we get our agents, then they help us from then on getting deals with teams."
How long have they had the need?
-"I have had the need since the start of college. That's when agents have been reaching out, and this idea you have would help give me and other athletes a list of agents that may want to represent us."
When did they first become aware of their need?
-"My parents raised me growing up to always think ahead, and they said if I really wanted to play the sport I loved one day I would need enough recognition to get an agent."
How are they currently addressing their need?
-"I got my agent by reaching out via social media. I found his agency Instagram account and sent clips to him and he reached back out to me."
How satisfied are they with this solution?
-"The current way is alright and it is every man for himself. However, the new approach you are suggesting could work and help some unnoticed athletes get bigger reputations and agents."
Prototypical customer #2 (agent):
4.) What is the exact nature of the need?
-"Agents need a way of capturing talent from athletes across the country and have trouble doing so depending on the location of certain athletes.
When do they become aware of the need - that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
-"This need exists today in the sports agency market, however, it is not absolutely necessary for agents to have. It seems more useful for athletes that are borderline future college and professional athletes."
How long have they had the need?
-"The need for agents has always existed for athletes, but this would help streamline the process."
When did they first become aware of their need?
-"I have known the need to market to athletes and athletes to market to agencies has always existed but has become much more important due to changes in technology."
How are they currently addressing their need?
-"We have agents who go and scout athletes, as well as doing plenty of research as to athletes in the area and the next 'up and coming stars'.
How satisfied are they with this solution?
-"I am satisfied with how the current process is because it places more pressure on the athletes rather than ourselves."
Prototypical customer #3 (agent):
4.) What is the exact nature of the need?
-"The need is for athletes to get name recognition and for agents to receive these athletes as clients and to market them and make them as much money as possible."
When do they become aware of the need - that is, do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
-"This need is only experienced part of the time. As a small company, we can only have so many clients at one time, until we hire more representatives."
How long have they had the need?
-"This need has existed for as long as I can remember."
When did they first become aware of their need?
-"This isn't necessarily a need now, but over time it will become increasingly difficult for agents to keep track of all the videos and clips athletes want us to watch without having a platform like the one you proposed."
How are they currently addressing their need?
-"We are doing things the old fashioned way, by reaching out to athletes by phone, email and different social media."
How satisfied are they with this solution?
-"I would be very satisfied with this platform if it is finally completed. You would just need to get larger agencies and lots of athletes on board, which will be tough."
5.) What did you learn about your opportunity?
-I learned that this platform is definitely achievable and not already an established idea. With enough work and marketing, I might be able to design a platform that can allow athletes and agents to connect with ease.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about your opportunity?
-I learned that this opportunity is very possible and that the market would be huge if agencies actually get on board and decide to register their firms. Even though this seems like an uphill battle, having a way to connect athletes and agents would benefit the industry and allow for easier transactions.
7.) How much of your original opportunity is still there?
-The opportunity is very much still there, it will just require marketing to agents, athletes, and leagues (they might have to approve the platform).
Do you believe that your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started?
-I don't believe that my idea has necessarily changed at all. I just now understand that it will take a lot more work than previously expected.
How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback?
-I think it is very important for entrepreneurs to adapt to opportunities based on feedback. Feedback directly leads to improvement and gives entrepreneurs ideas as to how to fix their products to lead to more success.
3A - Your Entrepreneurship Story
Last year, two of my friends and I created a sports podcast. We called it "From Way Downtown" and created corresponding Instagram and Twitter accounts. This was a lot of work for us, as we had to brainstorm the type of microphone to buy, what website to stream the podcast from, and many other things. Overall, it was an entrepreneurial plan to try to share our passion for sports analysis and discussions with the world. The beginning phase of this project took about a month, and then we started recording trials until we made the perfect introduction to use for each podcast. We then chose a background sound for the intro and started brainstorming topics for the first podcast. It was a great experience and was very fun to create, considering it was about a topic I loved with some of my closest friends.
I enrolled in ENT 3003 to learn more about entrepreneurship and the steps necessary to create your own business. One day, I hope to own a business and be able to successfully market to individuals. Having extensive knowledge as to how to set up a business will directly impact my ability to sell to consumers. I am excited to learn the tools necessary to achieve my goals by taking ENT 3003 as well as other classes here at UF.
I enrolled in ENT 3003 to learn more about entrepreneurship and the steps necessary to create your own business. One day, I hope to own a business and be able to successfully market to individuals. Having extensive knowledge as to how to set up a business will directly impact my ability to sell to consumers. I am excited to learn the tools necessary to achieve my goals by taking ENT 3003 as well as other classes here at UF.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
2A Bug List
Things that bug me:
1.) My roommate sleeping in too late so I have to leave the light off until the afternoon.
-He does this because he stays up too late.
2.) My mom always reaches out to make sure I'm safe, even when I'm doing the simplest of things.
-This is a result of her having issues with stress and me being an excellent son.
3.) I dislike how there are so many classes at UF that are online in the business school.
-This is a direct result of the overpopulation at UF.
4.) I don't like when professors are unclear and don't properly explain assignments.
-This is most likely due to miscommunication between students' current knowledge and what the professor expects them to know.
5.) When the chipotle line is too long, it bothers me.
-Everybody loves chipotle.
6.) When my friends decide to sit on my bed and mess it up.
-They are uncomfortable and want to relax on my bed.
7.) When my parents nag me about appointments and other things I should do/make.
-This is due to their concern over my well being but is nonetheless annoying.
8.) It bugs me that it is so difficult to land internships in the sports field.
-This is due to the competitive market that currently exists.
9.) I am annoyed when my sisters sing too loud in long car rides.
-They love to sing, explaining why they do it so much.
10.) When the Wendy's by my house closes early, rather than staying open until the time they advertise.
-This is most likely due to the shortage of employees that they have.
11.) I don't like how some of my roommates treat the house I live in.
-They are either drunk or don't care about the consequences and payments that may follow.
12.) I dislike picky eaters because I only have so many places to go with them.
-They haven't tried different foods or have limited taste buds.
13.) I hate when people walk and stand in front of the television.
-They don't realize they are doing it or don't care about the fact that I'm watching tv.
14.) When Mcdonald's runs out of ingredients to make certain foods.
-This is primarily due to a shortage of ingredients or a lack of employees to make foods.
15.) Whenever my laundry finishes in the dryer and isn't dry.
-I either put in too many clothes or forgot to put on a certain setting.
16.) When the chef at my house creates an awful tasting dish.
-She either is experimenting with different foods or didn't cook it correctly.
17.) I attend dolphins games regularly and they always seem to disappoint me.
-They aren't talented enough to consistently win games or there is poor coaching.
18.) My parents usually try to give me a curfew when I'm home even though I'm an adult.
-This is primarily due to our dogs being very sensitive to noise and have the chance to wake my parents up when I get home.
19.) I always get annoyed at ball hogs playing basketball at the gym.
-They think they are more talented than they are and insist on having the basketball more than they should.
20.) Whenever my sisters decide to take stuff from my room to use and proceed to break it.
-They don't have the item they are taking, so they want to use it for something, but don't know how to use it properly.
Looking back on this assignment, I found it very difficult to think of "bugs". It is easy to look of one or two in the moment when they occur, however, thinking of many things that bother you was much harder. I have been raised to solve my problems and face them, so it was hard to come clean about tons of things that annoy me, while I do nothing to fix them.
1.) My roommate sleeping in too late so I have to leave the light off until the afternoon.
-He does this because he stays up too late.
2.) My mom always reaches out to make sure I'm safe, even when I'm doing the simplest of things.
-This is a result of her having issues with stress and me being an excellent son.
3.) I dislike how there are so many classes at UF that are online in the business school.
-This is a direct result of the overpopulation at UF.
4.) I don't like when professors are unclear and don't properly explain assignments.
-This is most likely due to miscommunication between students' current knowledge and what the professor expects them to know.
5.) When the chipotle line is too long, it bothers me.
-Everybody loves chipotle.
6.) When my friends decide to sit on my bed and mess it up.
-They are uncomfortable and want to relax on my bed.
7.) When my parents nag me about appointments and other things I should do/make.
-This is due to their concern over my well being but is nonetheless annoying.
8.) It bugs me that it is so difficult to land internships in the sports field.
-This is due to the competitive market that currently exists.
9.) I am annoyed when my sisters sing too loud in long car rides.
-They love to sing, explaining why they do it so much.
10.) When the Wendy's by my house closes early, rather than staying open until the time they advertise.
-This is most likely due to the shortage of employees that they have.
11.) I don't like how some of my roommates treat the house I live in.
-They are either drunk or don't care about the consequences and payments that may follow.
12.) I dislike picky eaters because I only have so many places to go with them.
-They haven't tried different foods or have limited taste buds.
13.) I hate when people walk and stand in front of the television.
-They don't realize they are doing it or don't care about the fact that I'm watching tv.
14.) When Mcdonald's runs out of ingredients to make certain foods.
-This is primarily due to a shortage of ingredients or a lack of employees to make foods.
15.) Whenever my laundry finishes in the dryer and isn't dry.
-I either put in too many clothes or forgot to put on a certain setting.
16.) When the chef at my house creates an awful tasting dish.
-She either is experimenting with different foods or didn't cook it correctly.
17.) I attend dolphins games regularly and they always seem to disappoint me.
-They aren't talented enough to consistently win games or there is poor coaching.
18.) My parents usually try to give me a curfew when I'm home even though I'm an adult.
-This is primarily due to our dogs being very sensitive to noise and have the chance to wake my parents up when I get home.
19.) I always get annoyed at ball hogs playing basketball at the gym.
-They think they are more talented than they are and insist on having the basketball more than they should.
20.) Whenever my sisters decide to take stuff from my room to use and proceed to break it.
-They don't have the item they are taking, so they want to use it for something, but don't know how to use it properly.
Looking back on this assignment, I found it very difficult to think of "bugs". It is easy to look of one or two in the moment when they occur, however, thinking of many things that bother you was much harder. I have been raised to solve my problems and face them, so it was hard to come clean about tons of things that annoy me, while I do nothing to fix them.
Monday, January 14, 2019
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