20 A Growing Your Social Circle

1) The first person I met who is a domain expert is a guy named Steve. Steve is especially well versed in e-commerce, a field that I'd love to be more knowledgable of, and I found him through mutual friends. We sat down and talked, and he showed me what he was working on (a Shopify store among other things) and I asked him what it took to run an online store. He taught me all about it and then we parted ways. He said whenever I want to start up my own store, just give him a call and he'd help walk me through it. By keeping this guy in my network, he will help create a skill that could increase my capabilities in the market.

2) The second person I met was a older man, around 30, named Mark, who runs a store selling eco-friendly bulk foods. He's a family friend and I sat down to talk to him about his drive in the market. He told me about why he got into eco-friendly business, and how I could do so too. He taught me that it's actually a less-expensive alternative then everybody makes it out to be, if done correctly. In the future, I will keep up to date with him, as he and I have generally alike target audiences, and he will be able to help outline changes in their consumption patterns.

3) Finally, I talked to my dad's friend Dave, a guy who does packaging for other businesses. He said his jobs a little complicated but overall most links are sold through online methods. He pretty much outlined my how he did his business, and what I would have to expect with a sustainable packaging endeavor. Many businesses would go with regular packaging out of convenience, but was sure with the sudden upturn in sustainability, we could make it happen. Dave is good to keep because he's a valuable insight in the long-time business.

Overall, targeting networking is strange, but it works, because people with like minded ideas often have like minded interests as well. I got along with all three of these people, because of my ability to connect and ask meaningful questions. I would definitely do this again to get more insight into how to network and find more business.

19 A Second Shot at Idea Napkin 2

1) My name is Nick Baldino, a sophomore marketing student at UF. Personally I'm someone with a drive to work hard and be successful, so with an accompaniment of skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, writing and many others, I believe I can be someone who can make big changes on this Earth. I love nature, surfing and the gifts that the Earth gives us, so I aspire to be an ethical businessman, someone that makes money but with intentions on helping our Earth stay healthy. I want to create a business that can give back to the environment, or at the very least, make little to no impact on our Earth.

2) What I'm offering is an online service to other businesses. We know that the world is changing, and more people are demanding companies to slow down their waste consumption and create alternatives to single-use plastics. Our company is your solution. We have low-cost compostable packaging that is usable to package all products big or small.

3) We're offering this service to any business wanting to make a change in their environmental footprint. More so, we're offering an extremely eco-friendly and low cost packaging plan that is less wasteful and costly than our competitors. The companies that we're selling to are small businesses, generally 40-50 employees, who are exporting a notable product that needs packaging. Most of these businesses will be selling from their online stores, making it easier for us to package their products and ship them out.

4) As this world's view of businesses change, from prioritizing "lower cost" to now wanting "eco-friendly service", businesses must change too in order to survive. By not linking with our business, you'll be left behind in the old world of lowest cost, no matter the impact. But if you choose to implement compostable packaging, you'll gain reputation as an eco-friendly brand, along with attracting more sustainable customers.

5) What sets us apart is that we have 2 goals: one, to lower our impact on the environment by offering a sustainable solution to wasteful packaging, and two, help businesses limit their plastic waste by providing a low cost alternative to their current packaging. Other companies like us are either secretly hurting the earth or the business; however, we are focused on accomplishing both.

I believe in this idea napkin, I did a better job knitting together what my mission was for the brand, and how to accomplish it throughout it's run. Last time I gave very small details about the business, but I feel this time I showcased what it was, why it mattered and why a business should get involved with us. Overall, I think it's possible to make this business a reality, if given a little more planning or product testing.

For the feedback, I feel like I implemented it into this idea napkin. It mostly talked about how sustainable costs often drop (like with electric cars), so I implemented how we could make it low cost.

18 A Customer Avatar

My customer avatar for bulk food stores is about 22, fresh out of school with an abundance of knowledge. Because of their phone usage, they're very informed about the issues that plague our society, and most scared about issues like plastic pollution, sustainability and climate change. They know politicians like Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren have taken note of these issues, so it's likely they'll fall into this category. Furthermore, a lot of these customers will be women, as a large majority of women do grocery shopping, as well as care deeply about these issues, when compared with their male counterparts. Their insight into these issues also sink into their purchases, like a eco-friendly car and other small changes. Hobbies they enjoy are hiking, being outside and even attending local political rallies. Overall, this customer is involved, passionate and environmentally conscious.

I believe I have some aspects coinciding with this market. I'm not entirely in their "boat" when it comes to involvement and political parties, but I do care deeply about the environment, and my outdoorsy hobbies make me want to take a stand and make it healthier. That may be one reason I chose this idea and want this idea to become a reality.

17 A Elevator pitch 2

https://youtu.be/P84PUOj5x2M 

Overall I think this elevator pitch went a lot better. I tried to be more personable and driven, but also clear with my idea. Last time I wasn't as open, didn't talk as clearly and rushed my idea. This time I slowed down, made good executive presence and delivered my idea from beginning to end.

16 A Secret Sauce

My Human Capital Traits

1. I think I am an extremely creative human. My mind is always humming with things to do, start or create. I love to do creative activities and just think outside the box. I feel like this is a skill that's necessary in any career or aspect of life. 
2. I believe I have really good work ethic. I've been working since the age of 12 at my parents restaurant, and ever since I have developed a pride in everything I work on. I feel like it's a reflection of myself, so when I work on things I'm passionate (or not passionate) about, I make sure I do the best I can.
3. I'm extremely persistent. When I want something, I get it, and when I don't get it, I try harder to get it. I don't give up easily, and better yet, I rarely get discouraged. If I do, I reset for a second, and then go at the problem with even more vigor. 
4. I'm enthusiastic. Everybody that is friends or works with me lets me know that they love my optimism. I try to always bring a light-heartedness to everything I do, and it's refreshing when you meet somebody that is passionate about succeeding, and yet very happy at the same time.
5. I love to write. I enjoy writing about my experiences, life, and just stories in general. I want to write more, to strengthen this skill and create things that people enjoy.

What other people said about my Human Capital:

1. I interviewed my dad first. He told me if one thing were to stand apart about me, it would be my work hard, play hard mentality. He said he loves that I work so hard and yet still have time to do the things I'm passionate about. He stated that if you keep that skill throughout your life, you'll be golden. Furthermore, he also said that my ability to love is contagious. He said that whenever I walk in, I light up the room with my love and enthusiasm for everything.

This was very insightful to me, especially from my dad, who is one of my role models. This advice will help me guide my future towards my skills and emotions.

1. Next I interviewed my mom. She told me she always loves to see me, because my humor and personality are extremely enticing to be around. She said she misses when I leave, because a certain enthusiasm is out of her life for a bit. She also told me (as she was my manager for a while) that my ability to work hard will greatly assist me in this world.

My mom is full of wisdom, so this is helpful. She can see more emotional aspects of me.

1. After, I interviewed my brother. He said that my ability to talk to other people, strangers or friends, is very useful. He said that I can talk to anyone and make them feel welcomed, and my ability to make friends so quickly is admirable. He also stated that whenever I'm in a room, I can always lighten the mood and make people feel warm and invited.

My brother rarely gives me compliments, so in this instance, it must mean that this skill is very good and prevalent. Definitely something I can work on.

1. I also interviewed my sister. She told me that my creativity is unmatched. She kept saying that I always have the craziest ideas, dreams, anecdotes and everything in-between. She also said that my persistence makes for a good combination with my creativity, and that anything I set my mind on will be somewhat of a success. She said that I may not be the smartest guy in the room, but my enthusiasm, social skills and creative nature make up for it in bounds.

My sister is one of the smartest people I know. She told me that my creativity and persistence is key, so I will definitely take that to heart.

1. Finally, I interviewed a good friend of mine. He said that we've been friends for so long because of my ability to be nice and always try to lighten up the mood. He said that I fit all the parts of a good friend, whether that being the class clown, or someone who wants to hear you and help you feel emotionally fulfilled. He said my spirit overall is just fun to be around.

My good friend has known me for so long, so it's helpful to see why we've been friends for so long. It also helps me understand how to keep making meaningful connections.

Analysis

When I think of what others think of me,  I usually think of my skills- whether that be my creativity, writing or speaking skills. However, after analyzing what my family and friends said, I have to admit that most people love and are attracted to me because of my personality. As a nice, funny and enthusiastic guy, I tend to be the center of attention and love to make people feel good. I always noticed that I did that, but I never thought people enjoyed and valued it as much as they do. If I could make corrections to my first list, I would move some items around, so people knew how valuable my enthusiasm and spirit is to have around, not just my skills.

15 A Buyer Behavior #2

Last Buyer Behavior assignment, I interviewed potential customers how they felt about buying at bulk grocery stores, in order to reduce waste and cost less money. There were open to the idea- but this week, I will tell them the alternatives and see what they choose. The four options I will be asking about are buying at a regular grocery store (Walmart, Publix), buying groceries online (through Amazon or Publix online), buying at a bulk food store, or buying bulk foods online.

1) I interviewed a girl in one of my classes (19), as she does her own grocery shopping. When given the options, she first chose regular grocery shopping, but also said she be open to buying bulk food at a store. When asked why, she told me two reasons. One, she knew exactly what she wanted, and where to get it a Publix. And two, she said the convenience of having a Publix so close to her makes her other options seem unreasonable (she doesn't want to go far). After, I told her why bulk food stores should make more sense- better for the environment and altogether, cheaper. She recognized these and liked them, but unless a bulk food store was close to her like Publix was, she wouldn't go 15 minutes out of her way to shop there. However, she did say when she thinks back on her purchases, she wishes she could be more eco-conscious and shop at somewhere like a bulk food store consistently.

2) I interviewed a passerby in Turlington that I thought fit my target audience (female, 22). I asked about the four options, and she told me she was passionate about the environment. She said even if a bulk food store was 10 minutes farther than a Publix, she would go there. She also said, however, that she would much rather have a bulk food store closer to where she lived than 10-15 minutes farther then her nearest regular grocery store. She then continued to talk about why she'd pick a bulk store- less costly and better for the environment- that causes her to frequent those stores.

3) Finally, I interviewed a girl I frequently work out with (21). I asked her what option she would choose. She said she usually does Publix, but if online was viable, she would take that route. I asked why, and she said it would save her a lot of time that she could be using studying. Then I asked, if there was an online option for regular stores and bulk stores, what would she choose? She told me that if bulk was cheaper, then definitely bulk. She would also be happy supporting the environment as well.

Analysis
Overall, I think I learned valuable information in this assessment. Bulk food stores seem like a perfect business to me, but after talking with some people, there is some alternative competition. To make a bulk food store that can outperform its competition (like Publix) is hard, but doable. First, you would have to find locations extremely close to people who would buy there, as convenience was number 1 in the issues I observed. You would also have to make sure to advertise cheap items, and finally create a definitive online way to buy that could outwork other online stores. Overall, if you could do these things, I think you would have a profitable bulk food store.

13 A Reading Reflection 1

For my reflection I read "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson. I was surprised to learn so much about, debatably, one of the greatest and most influential entrepreneurs of our time.

1)

• What surprised me the most about Steve Jobs was his ability to get things done. After looking at what he's accomplished, the list is so incredibly large that it makes you gasp. He founded his own company, which he started in his garage, and built it into an empire. Then he was kicked out of his company, went and helped found Pixar, another billion dollar company, which afterwards he went back to Apple and created even more innovative and groundbreaking products. 
• I most admire Steve Job's creativity. He was such a free spirit, and the reason nowadays that Apple isn't thinking "as differently" then they were is because they lost their shining star. 
• I least admire Steve Job's reluctance of family. He had a family but was so encapsulated with his projects that he spent little time with them. I personally feel like if I was an entrepreneur, family would have to be one of my most important aspects.
• Steve Jobs encountered tons of adversity. He was born an orphan (didn't know his biological family), then he was an outcast at school, only interested in playing with computers. Later on he started a company with nothing (major adversity) only to later get kicked from it. He may be one of the most gritty people of all time.

2) Steve Jobs was lucky in that he had three main, awesome competencies that are essential for entrepreneurship. One was his ability to learn (things he was passionate about). He understood computers on a deep level, and when talking about them, knew exactly how they worked and was always learning about them. Second was his creativity, his ability to drive away from the norm and develop new things that he knew were groundbreaking. And third was his ability to lead and inspire. No way would he have so many people by his side if he didn't inspire them everyday with the mission of Apple- to provide products that think differently.

3) One part of the reading is the beginning, where for a good section Steve was not a good school kid. I always thought that this was one of his key skills, but I guess it also outlines the fact that Steve was too smart for school- gravitating more towards his passions then what the institution wanted him to do.

4) First question: There are so many more entrepreneurs nowadays that think they'll make "the next big thing". Why do you think you were so successful, and what life skills should young entrepreneurs learn to replicate it? (I want to be a big entrepreneur and I think this would answer a lot of questions for me)

Second question: What does "thinking differently" mean to you? And how can more people do it? 

(This was Apple's big thing, so I'd like to see how he'd react to this question)

5) I think hard work to Steve Jobs wasn't a time frame. I think it was a mission. Hard work was whatever amount of work it took to make his dreams a reality. I think if I could work as hard as Steve at anything I'm passionate about, I could make it happen.

14 A Halfway Reflection

1) I think tenaciousness is a competency. Personally, I've always had a resilient nature, but after stepping into college and this class, you're definitely put to the test. I truly think that scheduling my time and working hard when you have the time are two key skills that need to be sharpened in college. By obtaining these behaviors, it's a lot easier to keep up with the coursework and not fall behind.

2) Especially for this class, a few weeks ago I forgot to turn in my assignments. It's a pretty terrible feeling, when you've worked hard on something and fumbled at the 1-yard line, metaphorically speaking. I did feel like giving up then. But everyone makes mistakes, because everyone is human. The difference in tenaciousness is whether or not you give up from then on. I could have given up, but instead, I made it a point to submit every assignment early from now on, and solved my past issue. It's all about making new solutions and learning from your mistakes quickly that adds to tenaciousness.

3)
First tip: build a good schedule. For this course, you need to know when assignments are due- don't wing it.

Second tip: start the assignments early. Sometimes the blogs take 30 minutes to an hour, but other times they can call for a lot of prior work that can take more than an hour. Make sure you know this so you're not surprised on the last day.

Third tip: push yourself. Make goals and strive for A's in all your classes. It will help you become a better and more tenacious person if you are setting goals for yourself.