Week 15 Reading Reflection

1. I loved this reading. It showed that loans do not have to be large with huge interest rates to harm peoples credit and make it difficult to repay loans. SKS also shows that all humans have the ability to succeed regardless of the past.

2.  Everything was very strait forward and I understood it all.

3. I would ask how he began in his field of work and how he transformed it to what it was? and also how he feels about other loan services using higher interest rates and not loaning to harmed groups?

4. Again I loved this article and disagreed with nothing in it.

Experience Portfolio

Donovan Vazquez

donovanv305@ufl.edu

Education:

8/3/2016- Present        University of Florida

·      Bachelor’s Degree of Science

Major: Advertising

Work History:

2016 – Present            Founder of DON Enterprises

·      Interview Skills

·      Speaking to Online Community

·      Summarization of Business Plans

2013 – 2015               China Bistro Busser

·      Clean Tables

·      Bring Drinks

·      Assist Waiters

·      Clean and Prepare Restaurant

Summer 2015              Southern Parking Valet

·      Park Cars

·      Assist Residents and Guests

·      Carry Groceries and Bags

2012-2013                  Villa Dorada Administrative Assistant

·      File Papers

·      Help Administration

·    Coordinate Helpful Programs

Skills:

·      Fluent in English and Spanish

·      Highly Organized

·      Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Proficient

Certification:

·      Adobe Photoshop

·      Video Editing

·      Web Design

Final Reflection

1. Important Moments of ENT 3003
Highlights-

• This reflection itself is a huge highlight of the course, as I have been able to look through all my posts and see the progression I have made and all the skills I have developed
• My short interview with the entrepreneur gave me tons of insight and an image of aspiration to look at for the future

Lowlights-

• Staying on top of myself to complete the work fell through sometimes and the incomplete I received were low points, however it has helped me mature academically and be more proactive 
• The assignment "Free Money," even though I am very experienced and well versed in awkward situations this really tested my level of handling it, however not a low point as it made me better 

2. This question can happily be summed up in one answer; the short interview with an entrepreneur. I will remember this interview for a long time to come and I truly feel it taught me most about what it means to be an entrepreneur. Seeing and interacting with a rising entrepreneur allowed me to really grasp what is necessary in my life in order to be successful and have this entrepreneurial mindset. 

3. I definitely think I am much more of an entrepreneur than at the beginning of this course. My speech, idea generation, and general personality have become more oriented towards being an entrepreneur. I definitely think I have a long way to go before becoming an entrepreneur, however this class has given me huge strides towards becoming an entrepreneur. 

4. Always keep an open mind and remember knowledge is power, and failure is the best teacher. Many times in this course I fell behind and was not able to complete some assignments, checking Canvas everyday and doing assignments in advance when free time arises is the best way to do well. The number one thing to foster the entrepreneurial mindset is to always move forward and learn from ones mistakes. 

Elevator Pitch No.4

Hi, I'm Donovan Vazquez, with DON Enterprises. We've seen a huge need for washed and dried clothes, while not having to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer. Our company picks up old systems, applies them as a credit towards the newer more beneficial system, delivers, and installs the system to your location. I realized my last pitch, the company is an original full-service idea utilizing the lack of use in the amazing 2 in 1 invention. Other feedback crucial to my companies development were a price drop, as well as the necessity to focus heavily on customer service to yield the highest and happiest consumer base. I also wanted to focus on the values and key aspects, as an elevator pitch to executives would be a "foot in the door," ad they would later see the specifics anyway.

Venture Concept No.2

Opportunity:

    

DON Enterprises has noticed a need among current washer dryer owners, as well as potential first time owners of washers and dryers. These consumers need a more efficient way of having washed and dried clothes, without the current amount of effort laundry takes. The standard home or residence generally has a washer and a separate dryer from the washer, causing a transferring of clothes between cycles. The technology that once was present yielded only a way to have a separate washer and dryer, and people became accustomed to this norm, however better technology now exists. The market encompasses all areas in the United States and the rest of the world that already has the washer and dryer as a standard in homes, apartments, and large scale facilities, including all demographics and range of people. Customers currently satisfy the inefficient method by transporting clothes from washer and dryer between cycles, however our company feels that if customers were more aware of our services and product they would not be so loyal to the process. The opportunity present is huge and extremely lucrative. “The early bird gets the worm” is a cliché that is well suited for this situation as no other companies or stores have made the majority of the consumer base aware of the 2 in 1 washer dryer. The opportunity at hand is something my company wants to act fast on, as time goes on, the risk of not being first to consumers with our plan will take a large chunk of revenues away from us and into the hands of others.

Innovation:

In no way is our company trying to portray to consumers that we invented the already existing 2 in 1 washer dryer. Our company is capitalizing on the under-usage of this wonderful device by educating and helping consumers with the switch. Our company comes to homes and places of business, and determines one of two things; do you already have a washer and dryer system? Or are you a first time owner? Both options receive the utmost care from our company, as we want the consumers to spend less time on laundry and more time on the things that actually matter to them. If the consumer has a preexisting system(s), we will come to their residence or business, educate them on the new system and services and remove the old system. Now, both types of consumers receive the same service, we deliver, install, and maintain the system 24 hours 7 days a week.  Our service for both types of consumers will cost $2000. We can make this possible by crediting the old system we retain towards the removal and transportation.

Venture Concept:

Our companies services will solve the opportunity at hand for two reasons; the more efficient 2 in 1 washer dryer will remove the need to transport clothes, and our companies marketing of this under used product will make a large amount of unaware consumers discover the wonderful invention. Customers will most definitely switch to our services and product, very easily I might add as well. The offering of efficiency we give to customers is irreplaceable in their day for more valued ventures. Not only will the efficiency of the new system make them want to switch, our company, rooted in customer service, will make customers not need to lift a finger other than dialing our number. Soon enough with new technology the phone call will be effortless too! We will also give old systems to the less fortunate, further emphasizing the reason for customers to use our company, while also helping out others in need. Our company is in the extremely rare position of having virtually zero competition, the closest thing being a customer making themselves aware of the system, purchasing from a store, and maintaining the new system themselves. Yes this could be done by customers, however our no effort process with reasonable pricing, as well as the nature of stores to push two separated systems on customers, give us the advantage. Packaging, price points, distribution, customer support, and the customer experience are the absolute most important aspects of our business. The third reason our customers will choose us is our customer first mindset and continually growing business, as we grow and become larger the services and customer service will increase and become more efficient. We plan to make our company culture all about the customer, because at the end of the day, that’s who gives money to us. Aside from administration and myself, our company has a very important structure of business and jobs. Our maintenance men will be on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, again to put the customer first, while also making money with inconvenience fees (10pm-6am.) We will have, likewise, a 24 hour 7 days a week call staff to receive customer complaints and issues and handle them with the utmost care and sincerity, as if it was the employee’s own system. Finally, our delivery and installation staff, which must look at each consumer case by case in order to assure the best service for each individual customer.

      1.     Our secret sauce, as stated above, is the basis of our company in customer service and making them always happy. This is irreplaceable as it boosts world of mouth and company image, as well as retains a strong customer base.

      The next innovation for our company is inventing an automated clothes folder to go inside of our machines, in order to further make the process effortless and customers happier. Our goal is to have customers make a one time stop to their system with dirty clothes and a one time pick up of washed, dried, and folded clothes ready for storage or to wear immediately.

      Should this company actually launch I see me and the company going very far and being very successful. I would work tirelessly day in and day out to create the best possible service and efficiency, resulting in 5 years to be the premier name in laundry services. I would love to create businesses that thrive, sell, and move to another issue in society and I think this business will help me do that.

      2. Most of the feedback I received was that my idea and service were excellent, but one key issue with my company I needed to address. The price of $3000 was way to expensive for the services and product, considering the loss of time in transferring clothes in the old system is less valuable than $3000. I lowered the price to $2000 by cutting costs in the maintenance area, as the well made products only need repair based on human error. Changing my concept in this one area, while sticking to my idea for the rest is important as I will grow my customer base and company's value, while not losing the image established. 

                     

     

        

Week 14 Reading Reflection

1. I was surprised by the simplicity of the article, and that they chalked up success to having fun and staying positive. Even though these are important, I feel that they are not necessarily the keys to success.

2. I was confused by what I said above, that the simplicity the author stated of having a successful company based on just having fun and staying positive. Again, I do not get why the author, who wrote well thought out plans.

3. My first question would obviously be what other keys the author has to being successful?
The best tips to establishing one's name in the entrepreneurial world?

4. Again, one thing I didn't agree with were the keys that the author said made Southwest Airlines so profitable and successful.

Going for Google Gold

1. My general approach or strategy to search engine optimization was targeting the basic structure and method that search engines utilize. Search engines use keywords and the number of hits, then listing the results in order of hits. Using this knowledge, I figured two things; using uncommon words would boost my chances of appearing, and the more common idea that having a sought after page would also increase my chances. I would use uncommon words, and try to keep my blog as good as material as I could write, in order to draw in more viewers.

2. My keywords were "2 in 1" "washer-dryer" and "DON Enterprises." I researched Google for the commonality of these various words and found that they were not often used and had a low amount of hits. I began using some words, like "washer" and "dryer" separately and "all in one," instead of "2 in 1." Over the year, I have changed and altered my words to be less common. The one thing that remained unchanged was my effort to make a grabbing and amazing business plan to draw hits.

3. Social media is crucial in creating a more popular blog. I turned to a large Facebook group I am apart of to check out my blog and give me tips and support. Not only did the page in turn get more views and hits, but social media is a great platform to improve an idea and blog like this.

4. My most viral post was the Elevator Pitch No. 1. I believe this was because this was my first video posted on the blog, and videos receive more traffic than simply text in today's world. The video was also linked through YouTube, and the dual media form of the post I think added to the traffic.

5. None of my keywords made it to the first page of Google, and it took me to about until page 20 based on DON Enterprises.

Very Short Interview Part 2

1. I sadly did not complete the first interview, however now completing this one I see the importance of this assignment in furthering the entrepreneurial mind. I was excited and nervous to see the reactions and answers to my questions.

2. My 3 questions besides name and business were; Number key for entrepreneurship aspect of business? Number one way to grow consumer base and expand business? Where do you see the business in 5 years?

3. Throughout the entire year in this class I feel I have grown especially when it comes to talking to people and their businesses. Many of the awkward and nerve racking situations that occur are a lot easier now and many people, including Sam see that for me now. Even though I have always done well in these situations, I have gotten a lot better.

Week 13 Reflection

1. The biggest surprise was the extensiveness of the due dilligence form. I did not think that many facets went into business.
2. I understood everything, however I was very surprised at the extensiveness of the amount of detail and aspects of business included in the synopsis.
3. I would ask what other facet the author would include in the various evaluations of bussiness, and what negatives in list form would the author evaluate the business on?
4. I would agree with everything the author wrote, and don't feel that they wrong about anything written and enjoyed reading the material.

Celebrating Failure

1. There is one thing this semester I have failed constantly, waking up early. Regardless of my alarms, the activity of the day, or help from friends, I just cannot wake up. I have tried time and time again, to no avail I do not wake up.

2. I learned two things from this expericnce; one, not everything in life can or will be accomplished, and two, some of the simplest tasks will be the most challenging. 

3. Failure is tough to overcome, especially when first encountered. Failure makes one feel inadequate and successive failure makes people quit. The consistent failure causes human beings to believe the task is impossible and makes them mentally block themselves from the goal. I realized l, much like Edison's quote, failure is not the impossibility of a task, but various routes of a task that is not desired. Once I grasped the concept that failure is my friend and a crucial part of practice, I was able to work on waking up and move closer to my target time everyday. Accepting one's inadequacies is important in making a stride towards success, as seeing how you are wrong helps correct to be right. The simple task of waking up early has helped me not fear any challenges ahead, as failure in life is guaranteed and using failure to ones advantage is essential in moving toward in life.

Venture Concept No.1

DON Enterprises

Opportunity:

   

DON Enterprises has noticed a need among current washer dryer owners, as well as potential first time owners of washers and dryers. These consumers need a more efficient way of having washed and dried clothes, without the current amount of effort laundry takes. The standard home or residence generally has a washer and a separate dryer from the washer, causing a transferring of clothes between cycles. The technology that once was present yielded only a way to have a separate washer and dryer, and people became accustomed to this norm, however better technology now exists. The market encompasses all areas in the United States and the rest of the world that already has the washer and dryer as a standard in homes, apartments, and large scale facilities, including all demographics and range of people. Customers currently satisfy the inefficient method by transporting clothes from washer and dryer between cycles, however our company feels that if customers were more aware of our services and product they would not be so loyal to the process. The opportunity present is huge and extremely lucrative. “The early bird gets the worm” is a cliché that is well suited for this situation as no other companies or stores have made the majority of the consumer base aware of the 2 in 1 washer dryer. The opportunity at hand is something my company wants to act fast on, as time goes on, the risk of not being first to consumers with our plan will take a large chunk of revenues away from us and into the hands of others.

Innovation:

In no way is our company trying to portray to consumers that we invented the already existing 2 in 1 washer dryer. Our company is capitalizing on the under-usage of this wonderful device by educating and helping consumers with the switch. Our company comes to homes and places of business, and determines one of two things; do you already have a washer and dryer system? Or are you a first time owner? Both options receive the utmost care from our company, as we want the consumers to spend less time on laundry and more time on the things that actually matter to them. If the consumer has a preexisting system(s), we will come to their residence or business, educate them on the new system and services and remove the old system. Now, both types of consumers receive the same service, we deliver, install, and maintain the system 24 hours 7 days a week.  Our service for both types of consumers will cost $3000. We can make this possible by crediting the old system we retain towards the removal and transportation.

Venture Concept:

Our companies services will solve the opportunity at hand for two reasons; the more efficient 2 in 1 washer dryer will remove the need to transport clothes, and our companies marketing of this under used product will make a large amount of unaware consumers discover the wonderful invention. Customers will most definitely switch to our services and product, very easily I might add as well. The offering of efficiency we give to customers is irreplaceable in their day for more valued ventures. Not only will the efficiency of the new system make them want to switch, our company, rooted in customer service, will make customers not need to lift a finger other than dialing our number. Soon enough with new technology the phone call will be effortless too! We will also give old systems to the less fortunate, further emphasizing the reason for customers to use our company, while also helping out others in need. Our company is in the extremely rare position of having virtually zero competition, the closest thing being a customer making themselves aware of the system, purchasing from a store, and maintaining the new system themselves. Yes this could be done by customers, however our no effort process with reasonable pricing, as well as the nature of stores to push two separated systems on customers, give us the advantage. Packaging, price points, distribution, customer support, and the customer experience are the absolute most important aspects of our business. The third reason our customers will choose us is our customer first mindset and continually growing business, as we grow and become larger the services and customer service will increase and become more efficient. We plan to make our company culture all about the customer, because at the end of the day, that’s who gives money to us. Aside from administration and myself, our company has a very important structure of business and jobs. Our maintenance men will be on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, again to put the customer first, while also making money with inconvenience fees (10pm-6am.) We will have, likewise, a 24 hour 7 days a week call staff to receive customer complaints and issues and handle them with the utmost care and sincerity, as if it was the employee’s own system. Finally, our delivery and installation staff, which must look at each consumer case by case in order to assure the best service for each individual customer.

      1.     Our secret sauce, as stated above, is the basis of our company in customer service and making them always happy. This is irreplaceable as it boosts world of mouth and company image, as well as retains a strong customer base.

      2.     The next innovation for our company is inventing an automated clothes folder to go inside of our machines, in order to further make the process effortless and customers happier. Our goal is to have customers make a one time stop to their system with dirty clothes and a one time pick up of washed, dried, and folded clothes ready for storage or to wear immediately.

      3.     Should this company actually launch I see me and the company going very far and being very successful. I would work tirelessly day in and day out to create the best possible service and efficiency, resulting in 5 years to be the premier name in laundry services. I would love to create businesses that thrive, sell, and move to another issue in society and I think this business will help me do that