1. Among all the posting I made during this semester, the one that I least like is the first one because I didn't submit the link on Canvas and 3 points were lost. My favorite postings are the venture concept assignments, they provide a chance for me to express my thoughts on running my own business.
2. The most informative experience of this course is the reading part, the book selection is great. So far I've read more five books from both lists. I could never forget the experience of recording my elevator pitch, it was extremely challenging for me.
3. Although I still don't think I'm an entrepreneur yet, I think I'm moving closer to building an entrepreneurial mindset.
4. I would recommend them to try to develop time management skills within the first several weeks of the course. In order to perform best in this class, they definitely need to make sure that they watch class videos and get assignments done ahead of time. In order to foster the mindset, they need to be keen observers of small aspects of their lives.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Venture Concept No. 2
Opportunity –
Who have the need: people who want to ensure their efficiency of working by controlling the use of cellphone.
The nature of the need: The need of performance of working that will lead to good performance and potential for promotion etc.
- What are the forces or changes in the environment creating this opportunity?
People are more and more concerned about their cellphone usage and its impact to their own lives.
- How is this market defined geographically and demographically?
The product is intended to be purchased by people of all professions around the world who are concerned about their cellphone usage.
- How are customers currently satisfying this need? And how loyal are they to whatever they use now?
There aren’t much approaches to solve this need. Cellphone manufacturers are integrating features informing users about their cellphone usage. In terms of hardware, there aren’t many of such products with comprehensive user-friendly functionality.
- How big is this opportunity?
I think this opportunity really has potential since nearly everyone has a cellphone now. And people are increasingly concerned about cellphone usage.
- How long will the “window of opportunity” be open?
Until similar product is being available for purchase.
Innovation –
My product is a comprehensive solution for helping cellphone users avoiding distractions form their cellphones. This product doesn’t only simply locks up the phone, it also includes safety and convenience features. Simply locking up a phone will sometimes cause danger in extreme conditions. So, safety is the priority of this product. This product features a spring-loaded eject mechanism that will enable user to get the access to the phone in a fraction of a second. Secondly, convenience is critical since phone is also a productivity tool, this product provides users with basic functions of the cellphone such as phone call and voice mail. The built-in Bluetooth high definition speaker and noise cancelling microphone with high signal to noise ratio will ensure crystal-clear sound during the phone call. This product comes in two designs, streamlined and modular. The streamlined design is suitable for being a aesthetic stand-alone system while the modular design is more suitable for being used in professional environment. Modular design allows for Thunderbolt 3 addons like docking station, multi in one card reader, portable SSD, and hard drive mobile rack. The modular design takes productivity to a whole new level. The prices of the products will be $65 for the streamlined design and $85 for the modular design with addons priced between $45 to $350.
Venture concept –
- What are the reasons to think customers would switch to this new product? How hard will it be to get them to switch?
This product has essential features tailored productivity without having any redundant one. How hard it is for them to switch actually depends on how competitive the new competitors are since nobody is selling such product.
- Who are the competitors? What are their possible weaknesses or vulnerabilities?
Competitors will be companies who sell vault-like cellphone lock up devices. Their product only lock up the phone.
- What role does packaging, your price points, distribution, customer support, the customer experience or the business location play (if any) in defining your business concept?
The price should hit the sweet spot of the market since it is not a necessity, packaging shouldn’t be too extravagant because of the product’s cost, customer support doesn’t need to be robust since the product has very few moving parts and software is embedded.
- How would you organize a “business” to support the ongoing production of your new product, service, or process? How many employees? What roles are in the venture?
This business needs about 5-10 people to operate. Warehousing and shipping will be outsourced to Amazon and other retailers. 1-2 employees would be the developing team for new products and improvements on current ones. Another 1 -2 employees would be the customer service team and 2-4 employees would be responsible for contacting with suppliers, OEM manufacturer, and retailers.
2. For the last one, I've received relatively positive feedback.
3. I mainly made change in the innovation section to add more detail to it.
2. For the last one, I've received relatively positive feedback.
3. I mainly made change in the innovation section to add more detail to it.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Reading Reflection No. 3
For the third reading, I have read Chris Anderson's The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More.
1)
This book introduces the theory of the "long tail". The "long tail" stands for the largely forgotten niche markets in contrast to "fat head" which means the most popular markets. When "long tail" products are properly marketed, the combination of a variety of such products can be as popular as those that belong to the "fat head".
2)
I think the theory of the "long tail" is essentially about the optimization of the arrangement of the sources. Entrepreneurship itself is about maximizing the effect the limited source could produce.
3)
The exercise would be creating a social media account for the business and try to market with it.
4)
I'm surprised that this book's contents contain about 80% of unuseful information or over-interpretation of extremely simple ideas. Even this also applies to the Pareto Principle XD.
1)
This book introduces the theory of the "long tail". The "long tail" stands for the largely forgotten niche markets in contrast to "fat head" which means the most popular markets. When "long tail" products are properly marketed, the combination of a variety of such products can be as popular as those that belong to the "fat head".
2)
I think the theory of the "long tail" is essentially about the optimization of the arrangement of the sources. Entrepreneurship itself is about maximizing the effect the limited source could produce.
3)
The exercise would be creating a social media account for the business and try to market with it.
4)
I'm surprised that this book's contents contain about 80% of unuseful information or over-interpretation of extremely simple ideas. Even this also applies to the Pareto Principle XD.
Your Exit Strategy
1)If I ever had a chance to grow my business large enough and exit the entrepreneurship process, I would protect the venture as a family business.
2)
By keeping the venture as a family business, my children will have more options after graduation from college. They can decide between keep running the business or selling it.
3)
It didn't influence my concept of the venture at all. The concepts and strategies of the venture mainly focus on developing products capable of performing its job and sell well in the target market.
Celebrating Failure
1）
I got a zero on a math exam because of poor time management and lack of self-discipline. About a month ago, my third math exam of the semester was right in the corner. However, I procrastinated a lot until the day before the exam. The test consisted of seven sections of the chapter so I assumed that I would review for the first four sections on the day before the exam and the last three on the day of the exam since the exam was at 5:10pm. After reviewing the first four sections, I realized that I also was supposed to go to a party with my friends. I went to the party and planned on only drinking a little, but things didn't work out as I imagined, I overestimated my self-discipline. I woke up at around 2:30 on the next day and had a severe hangover, missing that exam and getting a zero were guaranteed.
2)
From this experience, I learned to start doing things as early as I can. Instead of depending on short-time memory, making a well-made plan is more important.
3)
Luckily, I had a chance of taking a make-up exam that replaces my lowest score. I eventually managed to study for the make-up exam and get an A on it. At first, I was extremely regretted because I could have saved the chance of the make-up exam to improve my grade rather than replacing an unnecessary zero. But now I think this is a very valuable experience for me because it made me realize my shortcomings at virtually no cost.
I got a zero on a math exam because of poor time management and lack of self-discipline. About a month ago, my third math exam of the semester was right in the corner. However, I procrastinated a lot until the day before the exam. The test consisted of seven sections of the chapter so I assumed that I would review for the first four sections on the day before the exam and the last three on the day of the exam since the exam was at 5:10pm. After reviewing the first four sections, I realized that I also was supposed to go to a party with my friends. I went to the party and planned on only drinking a little, but things didn't work out as I imagined, I overestimated my self-discipline. I woke up at around 2:30 on the next day and had a severe hangover, missing that exam and getting a zero were guaranteed.
2)
From this experience, I learned to start doing things as early as I can. Instead of depending on short-time memory, making a well-made plan is more important.
3)
Luckily, I had a chance of taking a make-up exam that replaces my lowest score. I eventually managed to study for the make-up exam and get an A on it. At first, I was extremely regretted because I could have saved the chance of the make-up exam to improve my grade rather than replacing an unnecessary zero. But now I think this is a very valuable experience for me because it made me realize my shortcomings at virtually no cost.
Friday, November 15, 2019
What’s Next?
Existing market:
1)
The next step for my venture is to accurately market the product to the right group of people
2)
The first person I interviewed told me that the next step would be to gather more information from experts from industry.
The second person I interviewed thought the next step would be to improve the design and code for stable firmware.
The third person I interviewed agreed with my opinion.
3)
The current stage of my venture is very primitive, there is no stable product nor prototype yet. Aesthetics of the designs still have a long way to go.
In terms of marketing, I still need an efficient way of marketing my product since it is limited by budget regardless that the market size is massive.
After the interview, I have changed my next step to improving the design and firmware.
New market:
1) The primary projected market for this product is B2C, I would also like to how this product will perform in the B2B market.
2)
The modular model of my product is able to be a good productivity tool. It has the ability to expand using Thunderbolt 3 addons. Companies could buy the addons that fit their workflow the best.
3)
The first interviewee is a photographer, he told me that such modular products have increasingly popular. He told me an extended warranty program would be a good addition.
The second interviewee is an interior designer, he stated that such a modular design would keep tables organized without sacrificing practicality. He noted that he would buy in bulk for his company if a discount can be offered.
4)
From studying this new market, I have found that marketing a product in a new market is not as hard as I have imagined. As long as correct decisions are made and product features adjusted to fit the market's needs, it is possible to excel in a new market.
This new market is just as attractive as my current one. With business buyers, products can be sold quickly and more people will be exposed to my product and will more likely to purchase a personal user orientated one for themselves to use at home.
Venture Concept No. 1
Opportunity
–
Who
have the need: people who want to ensure their efficiency of working by controlling
the use of cellphone.
The
nature of the need: The need of performance of working that will lead to good
performance and potential for promotion etc.
-
What are the forces or changes in the
environment creating this opportunity?
People are more and
more concerned about their cellphone usage and its impact to their own lives.
-
How is this market defined geographically
and demographically?
The product
is intended to be purchased by people of all professions around the world who
are concerned about their cellphone usage.
-
How are customers currently satisfying
this need? And how loyal are they to
whatever they use now?
There aren’t
much approaches to solve this need. Cellphone manufacturers are integrating features
informing users about their cellphone usage. In terms of hardware, there aren’t
many of such products with comprehensive user-friendly functionality.
-
How big is this opportunity?
I think
this opportunity really has potential since nearly everyone has a cellphone
now. And people are increasingly concerned about cellphone usage.
-
How long will the “window of opportunity”
be open?
Until similar
product is being available for purchase.
Innovation –
My product is a comprehensive solution for helping
cellphone users avoiding distractions form their cellphones. This product doesn’t
only simply locks up the phone, it also includes safety and convenience features.
Simply locking up a phone will sometimes cause danger in extreme conditions. So,
safety is the priority of this product. This product features a spring-loaded
eject mechanism that will enable user to get the access to the phone in a
fraction of a second. Secondly, convenience is critical since phone is also a
productivity tool, this product provides users with basic functions of the cellphone
such as phone call and voice mail. The built-in Bluetooth high definition speaker
and noise cancelling microphone with high signal to noise ratio will ensure crystal-clear
sound during the phone call. This product comes in two designs, streamlined and
modular. The streamlined design is suitable for being a aesthetic stand-alone
system while the modular design is more suitable for being used in professional
environment. Modular design allows for Thunderbolt 3 addons like docking
station, multi in one card reader, portable SSD, and hard drive mobile rack. The
modular design takes productivity to a whole new level. The prices of the
products will be $65 for the streamlined design and $85 for the modular design
with addons priced between $45 to $350.
Venture concept –
-
What are the reasons to think customers
would switch to this new product? How
hard will it be to get them to switch?
This product has essential features tailored productivity
without having any redundant one. How hard it is for them to switch actually depends
on how competitive the new competitors are since nobody is selling such
product.
-
Who are the competitors? What are their possible weaknesses or
vulnerabilities?
Competitors will be companies who sell vault-like cellphone
lock up devices. Their product only lock up the phone.
-
What role does packaging, your price
points, distribution, customer support, the customer experience or the business
location play (if any) in defining your business concept?
The price should hit the sweet spot of the market
since it is not a necessity, packaging shouldn’t be too extravagant because of
the product’s cost, customer support doesn’t need to be robust since the product
has very few moving parts and software is embedded.
-
How would you organize a “business” to
support the ongoing production of your new product, service, or process? How
many employees? What roles are in the venture?
This business needs about 5-10 people to operate. Warehousing
and shipping will be outsourced to Amazon and other retailers. 1-2 employees
would be the developing team for new products and improvements on current ones.
Another 1 -2 employees would be the customer service team and 2-4 employees
would be responsible for contacting with suppliers, OEM manufacturer, and
retailers.
Your Venture’s Unfair Advantage
1. connection with an OEM manufacturer of consumer electronics.
valuable: very valuable
rare: moderately rare
inimitable: virtually yes
non-substitutable: neutral
2. a half-finished design of the actual product
valuable: no
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
3. connection with a marketing expert
valuable: very valuable
rare: moderately rare
inimitable: not so much
non-substitutable: no
4. connection with an R&D expert
valuable: very valuable
rare: moderately rare
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: not so much
5. Dassault SolidWorks skills
valuable: no
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
6. about 25% finished (glitchy) firmware of the logic board
valuable: no
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
7. previous experience in mechanical engineering
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
8. programming skills
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
9. analysis from previous exercises
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
10. fundings from my parents
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
I think my top resource is the connection with an OEM manufacturer of consumer electronics because it is crucial for my product design to get manufactured.
valuable: very valuable
rare: moderately rare
inimitable: virtually yes
non-substitutable: neutral
2. a half-finished design of the actual product
valuable: no
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
3. connection with a marketing expert
valuable: very valuable
rare: moderately rare
inimitable: not so much
non-substitutable: no
4. connection with an R&D expert
valuable: very valuable
rare: moderately rare
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: not so much
5. Dassault SolidWorks skills
valuable: no
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
6. about 25% finished (glitchy) firmware of the logic board
valuable: no
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
7. previous experience in mechanical engineering
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
8. programming skills
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
9. analysis from previous exercises
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
10. fundings from my parents
valuable: yes
rare: no
inimitable: no
non-substitutable: no
I think my top resource is the connection with an OEM manufacturer of consumer electronics because it is crucial for my product design to get manufactured.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Elevator Pitch No. 3
video link: https://youtu.be/NVztNYJ9JVo
Before filming this pitch, I thought it could have a huge improvement over my last one. As a matter of fact, although now I feel more comfortable making the pitch, I still have a long way to go. I'm still kind of afraid of being in front of a camera. Even though I feel very comfortable speaking English as my second language in person, for each pitch I recorded, I still feel kind of nervous when speaking, so language is also another difficulty I need to overcome.
Before filming this pitch, I thought it could have a huge improvement over my last one. As a matter of fact, although now I feel more comfortable making the pitch, I still have a long way to go. I'm still kind of afraid of being in front of a camera. Even though I feel very comfortable speaking English as my second language in person, for each pitch I recorded, I still feel kind of nervous when speaking, so language is also another difficulty I need to overcome.
Reading Reflection No. 2
reading:
- Makers: The New Industrial Revolution, Chris Anderson
1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?
This book is about the prediction of how the current technological trend will make the world different in the future.
2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
The importance of the supply chain noted in the book and the idea of collaborating connect the content of the class I have learned so far.
3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
If I had a chance to design an exercise for this class based on this book, that exercise is going to involve prototyping of the product.
4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?
Since this is Chris Anderson's book, I expected it to be innovative and a bit surprising. However, this book is far more surprising than I thought. The part most surprised me is that Anderson saw the trend of making one's own highly customized product with open-sourced design and codes, and 3d-printing technology. 3d-printing is definitely one of the technologies with most potential in the future.
Friday, November 1, 2019
Growing Your Social Capital
The domain expert in my industry is Dr. Zhang from Shenzhen, China. He is an expert in consumer electronics manufacturing. He has held multiple research, develops, and managerial positions at companies including Philips and Lenovo. I'll be able to make the design of my product more user-friendly with his help.
The expert on my market is Mr. Li from Shenzhen, China. He has over fifteen years of experience in marketing in the B2C market. He was the vice president of marketing at one of the major cellphone manufacturers in China. With Mr. Li's help, I'll be able to make my product more appealing to potential customers.
The important supplier of my business is Mr. Chen from Suzhou, China. Originally being a real estate developing company owner, with his earnings on the real estate industry, he now has investments in the manufacturing industry as well. His company owns two manufacturing facilities that produce consumer electronics under contracts with his company's OEM and ODM partners. Mr. Chen's company will enable me to source components for my product and get them produced.
Dr. Zhang is a friend of my father's and Mr. Chen is a friend of my mother's. So I have known them for a few years. Over the video phonecall, I showed my elevator pitch and idea napkin. But they weren't as impressed by my idea as I thought. Dr. Zhang had also introduced to Mr. Li, a former co-worker of his.
The expert on my market is Mr. Li from Shenzhen, China. He has over fifteen years of experience in marketing in the B2C market. He was the vice president of marketing at one of the major cellphone manufacturers in China. With Mr. Li's help, I'll be able to make my product more appealing to potential customers.
The important supplier of my business is Mr. Chen from Suzhou, China. Originally being a real estate developing company owner, with his earnings on the real estate industry, he now has investments in the manufacturing industry as well. His company owns two manufacturing facilities that produce consumer electronics under contracts with his company's OEM and ODM partners. Mr. Chen's company will enable me to source components for my product and get them produced.
Dr. Zhang is a friend of my father's and Mr. Chen is a friend of my mother's. So I have known them for a few years. Over the video phonecall, I showed my elevator pitch and idea napkin. But they weren't as impressed by my idea as I thought. Dr. Zhang had also introduced to Mr. Li, a former co-worker of his.
Idea Napkin No. 2
1. In my opinion, I'm a very versatile person. In addition to my programming skills related to my major, I also have skills in 3d modeling software such as Dassault SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor. My aspiration for my product is my personal experiences of getting obsessed with my cellphone and tablet. With my skills in programming and 3D modeling, I can prototype my product by myself.
2. I'm offering a comprehensive and flexible solution to cellphone users who don't want to get distracted by their handheld devices while they are working.
3. The projected buyers of my products are any professionals who work in the office or from home and are concerned about their time spent on their cellphones or tablets.
4. For them, more focused means increased efficiency that leads to good performances which could let them outperform others.
5. The flexibility my solution provides makes my product competitive. Users can lock up their cellphones with essential functions (eg. phonecall, message) enabled while being locked up. In an emergency when the user needs to get access to the cellphone instantly, the spring-loaded release mechanism will release the cellphone.
I think these aspects fit together reasonably well. The only concern I have on this product is if it is too expensive to produce.
2. I'm offering a comprehensive and flexible solution to cellphone users who don't want to get distracted by their handheld devices while they are working.
3. The projected buyers of my products are any professionals who work in the office or from home and are concerned about their time spent on their cellphones or tablets.
4. For them, more focused means increased efficiency that leads to good performances which could let them outperform others.
5. The flexibility my solution provides makes my product competitive. Users can lock up their cellphones with essential functions (eg. phonecall, message) enabled while being locked up. In an emergency when the user needs to get access to the cellphone instantly, the spring-loaded release mechanism will release the cellphone.
I think these aspects fit together reasonably well. The only concern I have on this product is if it is too expensive to produce.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Create a Customer Avatar
My customer avatar will be a male white-collar worker in his early thirties who works at an internet company in the San Francisco Bay Area.
His hobbies will be road cycling, social networks, and mobile games.
Although performing well on his job, he thinks social networks and mobile gaming consumed too much of his time.
He has a silver hybrid hatchback and a black hardtop convertible.
He has just married and plans on having children in the next few years.
His wife works from home as a software developer.
I have some aspects similar to him, such as hobbies. I also want to get a job at an internet company after graduating. This similarity is not a coincidence in my opinion. I would definitely categorize myself within the market segment I have set, many aspects of this avatar are also what I would expect from my own life in the next decade or two.
His hobbies will be road cycling, social networks, and mobile games.
Although performing well on his job, he thinks social networks and mobile gaming consumed too much of his time.
He has a silver hybrid hatchback and a black hardtop convertible.
He has just married and plans on having children in the next few years.
His wife works from home as a software developer.
I have some aspects similar to him, such as hobbies. I also want to get a job at an internet company after graduating. This similarity is not a coincidence in my opinion. I would definitely categorize myself within the market segment I have set, many aspects of this avatar are also what I would expect from my own life in the next decade or two.
Friday, October 18, 2019
What’s Your Secret Sauce?
In my mind, my biggest advantage is persistence. Although sometimes it more seems to be stubbornness, I enjoy every moment when I try my best to achieve my goal.
I'm also proud of my versatility, over the years, I have done a variety of things from playing classical saxophone to crafting parts for vintage pocket watches.
My curiosity helps me find new opportunities.
My experience of living in China, USA, and various central Asian countries
My repairing ability on a wide range of items extending from musical instruments to mechanical watches also enables me to discover their mechanisms.
I interviewed five people, they are:
Best friend of mine
Physics teacher from my high school
My parents
Saxophone instructor used to teach me
I asked each of them what are the abilities and qualities that make me unique. They told me that my boldness, creativity, kindness, persistence, and curiosity make me a bit different from others.
Overall, I see myself as a young college student with potential but still need efforts on being self-disciplinary. I definitely agree that I have such qualities and abilities, I think I should also work on making those abilities beneficial for my entire life.
I'm also proud of my versatility, over the years, I have done a variety of things from playing classical saxophone to crafting parts for vintage pocket watches.
My curiosity helps me find new opportunities.
My experience of living in China, USA, and various central Asian countries
My repairing ability on a wide range of items extending from musical instruments to mechanical watches also enables me to discover their mechanisms.
I interviewed five people, they are:
Best friend of mine
Physics teacher from my high school
My parents
Saxophone instructor used to teach me
I asked each of them what are the abilities and qualities that make me unique. They told me that my boldness, creativity, kindness, persistence, and curiosity make me a bit different from others.
Overall, I see myself as a young college student with potential but still need efforts on being self-disciplinary. I definitely agree that I have such qualities and abilities, I think I should also work on making those abilities beneficial for my entire life.
Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2
Since last Saturday, I have interviewed three interviewees who fit my segment:
A graduate student at UF.
A visiting scholar at UF.
A PhD student at UF.
Each interview took roughly 15 minutes.
The product is an enclosure that can temporarily lock up cellphones while still enabling users using the basic functionality of the phone.
All three of them have agreed that price does play an important role when they're planning on purchasing such a product. They have claimed that quality, especially for durability, would be the critical aspect of this product. Only the visiting scholar interviewee had high expectations on the styling of this product.
As for purchasing, all three of them would like to buy this product online. This result matched my prediction since buyers tend to be constantly on their cellphones. They all agreed that such products don't need financing options.
Although all of them claimed that functionality is the major factor of the post-purchase evaluation process.
Overall, from those interviews, I'm able to better envision the guidelines for the design of the product and marketing strategies I would take after the product is developed.
A graduate student at UF.
A visiting scholar at UF.
A PhD student at UF.
Each interview took roughly 15 minutes.
The product is an enclosure that can temporarily lock up cellphones while still enabling users using the basic functionality of the phone.
All three of them have agreed that price does play an important role when they're planning on purchasing such a product. They have claimed that quality, especially for durability, would be the critical aspect of this product. Only the visiting scholar interviewee had high expectations on the styling of this product.
As for purchasing, all three of them would like to buy this product online. This result matched my prediction since buyers tend to be constantly on their cellphones. They all agreed that such products don't need financing options.
Although all of them claimed that functionality is the major factor of the post-purchase evaluation process.
Overall, from those interviews, I'm able to better envision the guidelines for the design of the product and marketing strategies I would take after the product is developed.
Friday, October 11, 2019
13 - Reading Reflection No. 1
reading: Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson
1. I'm surprised that he had become a multi-millionaire at 25. I admire Steve Jobs' perfectionism the most and least admire some flaws in his personality such as quick temper. He had experienced failure of introducing his new computer Lisa to the market, he left the company after failure due to pressure from the company and established NeXT.
2. His perfectionism and passion.
3. Jobs' personality described in the book was controversial that his colleagues didn't agree on the author's point of view.
4. I can only do that with a time machine lol. I would ask how he would envision tech products in 2019. Secondly, I would ask him how he would prefer the styling of Apple products in 2019.
5. I would assume that his opinion on hard work was being passionate, and I totally agree with this opinion.
1. I'm surprised that he had become a multi-millionaire at 25. I admire Steve Jobs' perfectionism the most and least admire some flaws in his personality such as quick temper. He had experienced failure of introducing his new computer Lisa to the market, he left the company after failure due to pressure from the company and established NeXT.
2. His perfectionism and passion.
3. Jobs' personality described in the book was controversial that his colleagues didn't agree on the author's point of view.
4. I can only do that with a time machine lol. I would ask how he would envision tech products in 2019. Secondly, I would ask him how he would prefer the styling of Apple products in 2019.
5. I would assume that his opinion on hard work was being passionate, and I totally agree with this opinion.
14 - Halfway Reflection
1. In order to keep up with the progress of the class, I have changed my dynamics for studying a lot. The first skill I have developed after enrolled in the class is keen observation. I used to not care so much about things surrounding me, ever since the first assignment, I've realized the importance of perpetually observing and started practicing it. The second skill I have developed is the skill of making a concise and accurate conclusion. This skill is crucial for summarizing the experience I've had during the process of interviews.
2. I felt like dropping the class right at the moment seeing the topic of the first assignment. I thought it was way too intense for me since I'm more interested in mathematics and programming. I overcame this difficulty by encouraging myself to develop a new skill set. I have gradually built a tenacious attitude as the course continues. The experiences of being rewarded by making little achievements on each assignment have helped me build a tenacious attitude.
3. I would definitely suggest them to be optimistic and ready for some challenges.
2. I felt like dropping the class right at the moment seeing the topic of the first assignment. I thought it was way too intense for me since I'm more interested in mathematics and programming. I overcame this difficulty by encouraging myself to develop a new skill set. I have gradually built a tenacious attitude as the course continues. The experiences of being rewarded by making little achievements on each assignment have helped me build a tenacious attitude.
3. I would definitely suggest them to be optimistic and ready for some challenges.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
12A
I set the segment as adults under 35 who work in an office or at home.
I've interviewed three interviewees:
A lecturer at a university (female, 31)
A mechanical engineer (male, 31)
A music arranger (male, 33)
All three of the interviewees would like to have a try of my product when a prototype is available. They also have demands for aesthetics to certain extents, they wanted the product to blend into other items on their desk. Their budget range between 85-150 U.S dollars for a fully equipped variant. They have stated that they have at least experienced frustration for wasting time on cellphones and tablets while they thought they were supposed to be working.
From the interview, I found out that all of them wanted Bluetooth speakers and wireless chargers to be a standard offering. The music arranger I interviewed wouldn't like to pay for the eject mechanism. The mechanical engineer wanted the products to have a modular design with options such as a modular USB hub so that it could be more configurable.
From the interview, I found out that all of them wanted Bluetooth speakers and wireless chargers to be a standard offering. The music arranger I interviewed wouldn't like to pay for the eject mechanism. The mechanical engineer wanted the products to have a modular design with options such as a modular USB hub so that it could be more configurable.
My conclusion is that my product could have multiple trim levels like cars. The product also needs to be aesthetic.
11A
1. So far, I have tried various "unrelated" things from cycling to classical saxophone and have given up very few. Whenever I develop a new hobby, my interest would soon turn from the hobby itself into the mechanisms behind those items that I need for those hobbies. Thus, my passion for "making things" have built upon the basis of my other hobbies. I'm currently working on the CAD designs of my product for blocking out distractions from handheld devices. I definitely wouldn't take this business as a career since I envision my future working as a computer scientist. However, the product related to this idea is also what I need in order to be a more efficient, organized person.
2. I'm offering a feature-rich solution, especially for cellphone users. This solution will keep cellphone enclosed for a certain period of time when a person tries to concentrate while allowing users to pick up important phone calls and charge their phones.
3. Intended buyers are people who desire to be efficient and concentrated while working.
4. They need a physical barrier between themselves and the cellphone. But they also need access to the fundamental functions of cellphones when working.
5. This product requires very little self-discipline since it is a physical enclosure with a time lock.
With a built-in wireless charger and Bluetooth speaker, the essential functions of a phone can be accessed whenever needed.
A spring-loaded emergency eject mechanism allows users to retract the phone within a fraction of a second.
2. I'm offering a feature-rich solution, especially for cellphone users. This solution will keep cellphone enclosed for a certain period of time when a person tries to concentrate while allowing users to pick up important phone calls and charge their phones.
3. Intended buyers are people who desire to be efficient and concentrated while working.
4. They need a physical barrier between themselves and the cellphone. But they also need access to the fundamental functions of cellphones when working.
5. This product requires very little self-discipline since it is a physical enclosure with a time lock.
With a built-in wireless charger and Bluetooth speaker, the essential functions of a phone can be accessed whenever needed.
A spring-loaded emergency eject mechanism allows users to retract the phone within a fraction of a second.
Friday, September 27, 2019
9A
*I changed the focus on this project into a device that can lock up distractions (such as a cellphone) to help people to focus on their work. Previous contents will be adjusted to fit that topic.
I have interviewed five interviewees, they have different occupations and their ages vary.
A postdoctoral researcher from Central South University of China, 31.
A bus driver from Changhua County, Taiwan, 47.
An International Business major graduate student at UF, 22.
A network engineer at telecommunication company executive, 49
A high school student, 17
From the interviews with them, I can conclude that they all have or are currently suffer from distractions while they are trying to focus on their work. Among those distractions, the keyword I heard the most was the cellphone. Although they have all agreed with my idea of creating a container to temporarily lock up their distractions, some of them said they didn't need or couldn't use it. The network engineer told me that he was supposed to pick up phone calls 24 hours a day. The high school student told me that he was able to get over distractions by himself.
From analyzing the interviews I have conducted, I have made following conclusions:
Who's in: people who want to increase their productivity by blocking themselves from distractions.
Who's not: People who need to get access to that distraction immediately due to
various reasons; people who are highly self-disciplined.
What the need is: Temptemperoraly keep people away from distractions.
What the need is not: creating new inconveniences.
Why the need exists: most people realize distractions can heavily decrease their productivity.
Alternative explanations: self-discipline, requirement from job.
I have interviewed five interviewees, they have different occupations and their ages vary.
A postdoctoral researcher from Central South University of China, 31.
A bus driver from Changhua County, Taiwan, 47.
An International Business major graduate student at UF, 22.
A network engineer at telecommunication company executive, 49
A high school student, 17
From the interviews with them, I can conclude that they all have or are currently suffer from distractions while they are trying to focus on their work. Among those distractions, the keyword I heard the most was the cellphone. Although they have all agreed with my idea of creating a container to temporarily lock up their distractions, some of them said they didn't need or couldn't use it. The network engineer told me that he was supposed to pick up phone calls 24 hours a day. The high school student told me that he was able to get over distractions by himself.
From analyzing the interviews I have conducted, I have made following conclusions:
Who's in: people who want to increase their productivity by blocking themselves from distractions.
Who's not: People who need to get access to that distraction immediately due to
various reasons; people who are highly self-disciplined.
What the need is: Temptemperoraly keep people away from distractions.
What the need is not: creating new inconveniences.
Why the need exists: most people realize distractions can heavily decrease their productivity.
Alternative explanations: self-discipline, requirement from job.
Friday, September 20, 2019
8A
I would like to create a vinyl record customizing service different than the current ones. I'm going to sell them in small batches, premium packages will also include the acetate master disc. Each production run will be "limited" by its nature. It will also be made in one of those western European countries, sounds "better" than other origins and it's also relatively cheap to produce vinyl records there. Marketing of such service is crucial because it's probably the least useful thing in the world. I think the most effective way is to get it marketed by influencers, making it a "trendy" thing without much effort or a sensible reason. Another strategy I came up with is advertising the service in the downtown of major metropolitan areas. Few seconds of advertisement will be fine, as long as it has an impact and makes people wonder what our product is and search online afterward.
7A
The opportunity I want to pursue is selling small-batch customized vinyl records
Intended customers are people who want their own vinyl records
Vinyl records have returned to the mainstream recently, and the sales will likely surpass that of CDs. However, unlike CD-Rs, vinyl records can only be made by professionals.
First customer: classical saxophonist
This classical saxophonist is a friend of mine, we used to buy vinyl classical saxophone albums by early classical saxophonists as a last resort solution while other formats weren't available. When I interviewed him, he didn't show any interest in this type of service because he regarded vinyl records as obsolete technology. He also noted that vinyl records require an intensive amount of cleaning in order to keep the clarity of sound and extra care while handling to keep them from cracking and scratching.
Second customer: vinyl records collector
This collector is in his mid-20s, isn't an audiophile, just likes the sound of being played out of a vinyl record. He showed the interest in making his own voice on a vinyl record. The cost he would like to pay for a pack of ten identical records and a copy of master is 1000-2500RMB ($145-$350).
Third customer: pub singer
This singer sells some pre-recorded CDs made by him upon request. Although he has not tried to get his songs on vinyl records, he has ordered hundreds of his own novels and poetry to get professionally printed. With this experience, he agreed with this idea. He said he would definitely order dozens of them and use them as gifts.
Fourth customer: my father
He is an audiophile who recently gave up buying CDs and is currently very satisfied with his newly-bought Hi-Res audio player that doesn't take any physical medium. He said that he prefers digital subscription of Hi-Res over any other format for music now. But he would like to buy some recorded with some vintage computer programs and games that were usually recorded on cassette tapes.
Fifth customer: a highschool student
He is the student of my saxophonist friend. He has always wanted his own record. But he told me that he couldn't afford to spend money on such things that will become a "white elephant" right after delivery.
With five interviews conducted, I realized that this business much harder than I imagined. However, there are still chances of getting this business working if I optimize the arrangement of different packages I offer.
Intended customers are people who want their own vinyl records
Vinyl records have returned to the mainstream recently, and the sales will likely surpass that of CDs. However, unlike CD-Rs, vinyl records can only be made by professionals.
First customer: classical saxophonist
This classical saxophonist is a friend of mine, we used to buy vinyl classical saxophone albums by early classical saxophonists as a last resort solution while other formats weren't available. When I interviewed him, he didn't show any interest in this type of service because he regarded vinyl records as obsolete technology. He also noted that vinyl records require an intensive amount of cleaning in order to keep the clarity of sound and extra care while handling to keep them from cracking and scratching.
Second customer: vinyl records collector
This collector is in his mid-20s, isn't an audiophile, just likes the sound of being played out of a vinyl record. He showed the interest in making his own voice on a vinyl record. The cost he would like to pay for a pack of ten identical records and a copy of master is 1000-2500RMB ($145-$350).
Third customer: pub singer
This singer sells some pre-recorded CDs made by him upon request. Although he has not tried to get his songs on vinyl records, he has ordered hundreds of his own novels and poetry to get professionally printed. With this experience, he agreed with this idea. He said he would definitely order dozens of them and use them as gifts.
Fourth customer: my father
He is an audiophile who recently gave up buying CDs and is currently very satisfied with his newly-bought Hi-Res audio player that doesn't take any physical medium. He said that he prefers digital subscription of Hi-Res over any other format for music now. But he would like to buy some recorded with some vintage computer programs and games that were usually recorded on cassette tapes.
Fifth customer: a highschool student
He is the student of my saxophonist friend. He has always wanted his own record. But he told me that he couldn't afford to spend money on such things that will become a "white elephant" right after delivery.
With five interviews conducted, I realized that this business much harder than I imagined. However, there are still chances of getting this business working if I optimize the arrangement of different packages I offer.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
6A
Opportunity 1:
The trade war between USA and China might make Vietnam the largest exporter electronics equipment.
I read it in the New York Times, The trade war topic had become popular since January of this year. Vietnam is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
(b) The production cost of electronics in China has become increasingly high over the years. The new generation of more educated workforce tends to neglect manufacturing as an option for a job. Vietnam is currently going through the process of urbanization, so manufacturing will provide farmers who left agriculture with more advanced and well-paying jobs while still keeping labor cost than that of China.
(c) Consumers from all around the world will be a potential customer.
(d) Starting an e-commerce company exporting Vietnam-made electronics to developed countries and importing premium goods in such a developing market with increased income could be profitable.
Opportunity 2:
Sales of vinyl records may surpass sales of CDs
According to RollingStone and CNBC, sales of vinyl records have increased dramatically since 2010; their average price has also gone from $4.8 to $28.4, yielding 490% of accumulative growth between 2007 and 2017.
(b) Since mid 2014, the time I had just arrived in the USA, I have noticed that many new albums would include an option for vinyl. Turntables had also made its way back to electronics stores and book stores despite that technology was nearly abandoned in favor of CD players and digital DJ mixers. More and more people around me, both in China and the US, started listening to vinyl records regardless that it would sound so much worse than CDs when being played on a budget turntable and will not sound any better than CDs at all when played on professional turntables.
(c) Potential consumers will likely be non-audiophiles under 50 who focus more on the format than the actual sound quality.
(d) This opportunity is rather easy to exploit since vinyl records are no rocket science and vinyl records are relatively inexpensive to produce （as low as 2000 euros per 1000 records). I think a service that can provide individuals with small-batch custom made vinyl records will be profitable. When the orders are accumulated, prices for mastering and producing will also be more negotiable.
Opportunity 3:
India became the second-largest cellphone producing country.
(a) Global Times, a Chinese newspaper, reported that India became the second-largest cellphone producing country.
(b) The cellphone industry in India mainly serves domestic markets and the market is saturating. So it might be easier to negotiate production contracts with non-major manufacturers for entry-level smartphones.
(c) Customers will mainly be population who can't afford currently available smartphones in third-world countries.
(d) Africa's smartphone penetration rate is only 33%, with more than 60% of the underdeveloped market, it can be profitable.
Opportunity 4:
Michigan stores were left with 14 days before flavored vape get banned.
(a) Michigan became the first state to outlaw flavored vaping products.
(b) Vaping product users will need new healthy entertainment to replace the harmful vaping habit.
(c) People who used to vape
(d) Promoting innovative and fun activities to guide them.
Michigan stores were left with 14 days before flavored vape get banned.
(a) Michigan became the first state to outlaw flavored vaping products.
(b) Vaping product users will need new healthy entertainment to replace the harmful vaping habit.
(c) People who used to vape
(d) Promoting innovative and fun activities to guide them.
Friday, September 13, 2019
5A
1. Florida’s Auditor General focuses on student data protectionhttps://www.gainesville.com/news/20190910/floridas-auditor-general-focuses-on-student-data-protection
Summary: For students at Florida public education system, their SSNs are at risk because too many education employees were given unnecessary access to students' Social Security Numbers. The state is now working on improving students' SSN security.
Problem: Florida students' SSNsare at risk of being stolen.
Who is affected: Students who attend institutions Florida public education system.
2. Vaping-Linked Lung Problems Surface In Floridahttps://health.wusf.usf.edu/post/vaping-linked-lung-problems-surface-florida#stream/0
Summary: vaping associated pulmonary injury has become epidemic in Florida recently, 450 patients from 33 states including were diagnosed with "VAPI" and five died. About a fourth of high school students in Florida reported they have used vaping devices.
Problem: Vaping has caused an epidemic disease nation-wide, and this is a common habit among teenagers in Florida.
Who is affected: Users of vaping devices
3. UF Preview prices broke state law. How are they fixing it?https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-preview-prices-broke-state-law-how-are-they-fixing/article_2daeae4c-d2b6-11e9-9c0c-9fca1017f082.html
Summary: the University of Florida was revealed to overcharge orientation fee for over a decade while limit law set the upper limit to be $35. Although there is a $35 option, the website of UF preview was not able to display that option clearly, causing students to overpay their orientation fee.
Problem: UF is overcharging orientation fee from incoming students.
Who is affected: Students at UF.
4. Miami Beach wants to limit traffic during big events, so it may double parking rateshttps://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article234949117.html
Summary: Commissioners of Miami Beach would conduct a vote on 11th increasing the parking rates up to $50 a day to reduce the occupancy of city-owned parking spaces during "high impact period". The second voting will likely be conducted on the 25th of September.
Problem: Parking costs in Miami Beach will be likely increased during certain events.
Who is affected: anyone who uses public parking lot while in Miami Beach.
5. Phone scammers posing as state’s top law enforcement officers, FDLE warns
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-ne-fdle-phone-scam-20190907-di54smkngjdlxjitfhpwrktibi-story.html
Summary: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement received reports that scammers were utilizing Caller-ID altering techniques to spoof phone numbers of law enforcement officers. Scammers change the caller-ID into publically known numbers such as law enforcement, toll-free numbers or local area code to make targets more likely to answer the phone.
Problem: Scammers are now spoofing numbers of state's top law enforcement officers.
Who is affected: Cellphone users in Florida and Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Summary: For students at Florida public education system, their SSNs are at risk because too many education employees were given unnecessary access to students' Social Security Numbers. The state is now working on improving students' SSN security.
Problem: Florida students' SSNsare at risk of being stolen.
Who is affected: Students who attend institutions Florida public education system.
2. Vaping-Linked Lung Problems Surface In Floridahttps://health.wusf.usf.edu/post/vaping-linked-lung-problems-surface-florida#stream/0
Summary: vaping associated pulmonary injury has become epidemic in Florida recently, 450 patients from 33 states including were diagnosed with "VAPI" and five died. About a fourth of high school students in Florida reported they have used vaping devices.
Problem: Vaping has caused an epidemic disease nation-wide, and this is a common habit among teenagers in Florida.
Who is affected: Users of vaping devices
3. UF Preview prices broke state law. How are they fixing it?https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-preview-prices-broke-state-law-how-are-they-fixing/article_2daeae4c-d2b6-11e9-9c0c-9fca1017f082.html
Summary: the University of Florida was revealed to overcharge orientation fee for over a decade while limit law set the upper limit to be $35. Although there is a $35 option, the website of UF preview was not able to display that option clearly, causing students to overpay their orientation fee.
Problem: UF is overcharging orientation fee from incoming students.
Who is affected: Students at UF.
4. Miami Beach wants to limit traffic during big events, so it may double parking rateshttps://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article234949117.html
Summary: Commissioners of Miami Beach would conduct a vote on 11th increasing the parking rates up to $50 a day to reduce the occupancy of city-owned parking spaces during "high impact period". The second voting will likely be conducted on the 25th of September.
Problem: Parking costs in Miami Beach will be likely increased during certain events.
Who is affected: anyone who uses public parking lot while in Miami Beach.
5. Phone scammers posing as state’s top law enforcement officers, FDLE warns
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-ne-fdle-phone-scam-20190907-di54smkngjdlxjitfhpwrktibi-story.html
Summary: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement received reports that scammers were utilizing Caller-ID altering techniques to spoof phone numbers of law enforcement officers. Scammers change the caller-ID into publically known numbers such as law enforcement, toll-free numbers or local area code to make targets more likely to answer the phone.
Problem: Scammers are now spoofing numbers of state's top law enforcement officers.
Who is affected: Cellphone users in Florida and Florida Department of Law Enforcement
x
Thursday, September 12, 2019
4A
I believe that the market for areca nut replacement exists because there is no such product exist in the market.
In southern Asian countries and southern provinces in China, chewing areca nuts is a widespread habit among people. As it has an energizing effect, areca nuts are very popular and are easily accessible. However, areca nut is carcinogen and major a major cause of oral cancer in Asia. Not only it causes cancer, but it also is highly addictive. Areca nut chewing is often accompanied by a smoking habit which makes it even more dangerous. It also causes public health issue because chewers spit out red-colored areca juice as they chew, this increases the risk of catching tuberculosis among the public, especially for developing countries. In some countries, streets are even constantly covered with dark-red stains.
I selected three potential customers, they are from Mainland China and Taiwan.
questions:
1. What is the exact nature of the need?
2. Do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
3. How long have they had the need?
4. When did they first become aware of their need? Why?
5. How are they currently addressing their need?
6. How satisfied are they with this solution?
Customer 1:
Choi, former areca nut chewer. A tourist bus driver from Changhua County, Taiwan
1. "The essential part of this need boils down to removing the areca nut chewing habit from the culture".
2 and 5. "I don't chew areca nuts anymore, but do I believe that this need exists as long as areca nuts are widely used by people from South Asia."
3. "Ever since a friend of mine had difficulties oping his mouth."
4. "I heard that areca nuts are carcinogens from the news over a decade ago."
6. "If I were still chewing areca nuts, I would definitely buy your products."
Customer 2:
Zhang, chews seasoned dry areca nuts (a specialty from Hunan) on a daily basis. A post-doctoral researcher from Changsha, Hunan Province
1. "The nature of this need is reducing the risk of oral cancer."
2. "I always think I need to quit chewing areca nuts, but it is an embedded part of our culture. About 30% of the population in Hunan, including primary school students, chew them and regard it as a tool of socializing."
3 and 4. "Ever since 2003, when areca nuts are classified as a carcinogen."
5. "I always want a replacement that is effective and widely-accepted."
6. "I will purchase such replacement if they are well-accepted and effective."
Customer 3:
Li, chews seasoned dry areca nuts on a daily basis, also sells pre-packaged areca nut products in his convenient store. A small business owner from Yi'ning, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
1. "Perhaps substituting areca nut with gum?"
2. "I don't think I need this, possibility of getting cancer is a vague thing. Smokers can live over a hundred years old. My father smokes a lot, and he is now 89."
3 and 4. "I don't have this need."
5. "I will stock up on them in my store if they ever become popular."
6. "I will not likely to use it."
Although I got mixed opinions from those reviews, I still believe such a market exists. Since the majority of the population of Asia are against chewing areca nuts and are aware that they are a carcinogen, limiting the use of areca nuts will be the trend in the future. More and more areca nut chewers will be exposed to the idea of quitting chewing areca nuts.
In southern Asian countries and southern provinces in China, chewing areca nuts is a widespread habit among people. As it has an energizing effect, areca nuts are very popular and are easily accessible. However, areca nut is carcinogen and major a major cause of oral cancer in Asia. Not only it causes cancer, but it also is highly addictive. Areca nut chewing is often accompanied by a smoking habit which makes it even more dangerous. It also causes public health issue because chewers spit out red-colored areca juice as they chew, this increases the risk of catching tuberculosis among the public, especially for developing countries. In some countries, streets are even constantly covered with dark-red stains.
I selected three potential customers, they are from Mainland China and Taiwan.
questions:
1. What is the exact nature of the need?
2. Do they experience their need all the time or only sometimes?
3. How long have they had the need?
4. When did they first become aware of their need? Why?
5. How are they currently addressing their need?
6. How satisfied are they with this solution?
Customer 1:
Choi, former areca nut chewer. A tourist bus driver from Changhua County, Taiwan
1. "The essential part of this need boils down to removing the areca nut chewing habit from the culture".
2 and 5. "I don't chew areca nuts anymore, but do I believe that this need exists as long as areca nuts are widely used by people from South Asia."
3. "Ever since a friend of mine had difficulties oping his mouth."
4. "I heard that areca nuts are carcinogens from the news over a decade ago."
6. "If I were still chewing areca nuts, I would definitely buy your products."
Customer 2:
Zhang, chews seasoned dry areca nuts (a specialty from Hunan) on a daily basis. A post-doctoral researcher from Changsha, Hunan Province
1. "The nature of this need is reducing the risk of oral cancer."
2. "I always think I need to quit chewing areca nuts, but it is an embedded part of our culture. About 30% of the population in Hunan, including primary school students, chew them and regard it as a tool of socializing."
3 and 4. "Ever since 2003, when areca nuts are classified as a carcinogen."
5. "I always want a replacement that is effective and widely-accepted."
6. "I will purchase such replacement if they are well-accepted and effective."
Customer 3:
Li, chews seasoned dry areca nuts on a daily basis, also sells pre-packaged areca nut products in his convenient store. A small business owner from Yi'ning, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
1. "Perhaps substituting areca nut with gum?"
2. "I don't think I need this, possibility of getting cancer is a vague thing. Smokers can live over a hundred years old. My father smokes a lot, and he is now 89."
3 and 4. "I don't have this need."
5. "I will stock up on them in my store if they ever become popular."
6. "I will not likely to use it."
Although I got mixed opinions from those reviews, I still believe such a market exists. Since the majority of the population of Asia are against chewing areca nuts and are aware that they are a carcinogen, limiting the use of areca nuts will be the trend in the future. More and more areca nut chewers will be exposed to the idea of quitting chewing areca nuts.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
3A – Your Entrepreneurship Story
In June 2019, I went on a trip to Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country, with founders of two large travel agencies in China, and several guests from tourism industry. The main objective of this trip is to find new opportunities for business growth from Kazakhstan's relatively underdeveloped tourism resources.
Travel agencies in China that focus on those popular routes have faced fierce competition these years. Since the industry has become less profitable, some travel agencies have started to dig tourism resources in neighboring countries and planned to extend their trips to these countries.
Kazakhstan is one of those countries. It's adjacent to Xinjiang, an autonomous region of China, and has some spectacular natural sceneries. In order to experience the details of the final product from a tourist's point of view, we have tried to enter Kazakhstan by train, bus, and air; we have tried out a variety of restaurants and hotels that are up to the standard; we have also visited all famous tourist attractions around Almaty. During our trip, Charyn Canyon National Park was the most impressive part for me. Partly because of natural scenery and mainly because of the vision of an entrepreneur, Mr. Tao. As a founder of a large travel agency and an airline, he had substantial experience in tourism industry. Although the scenery was stunning, he pointed out that natural scenery itself is not sufficient to attract Chinese tourists as the majority of Chinese tourists feel more comfortable visiting places with infrastructure and services like skywalks, convenient stores, paved road and stairs, aerial lifts, and helicopter rides. He then preliminarily envisioned a multi-phase investment plan to fund the infrastructure development of the national park. To my surprise, we also had a meeting with Consul General Zhang Wei at the Consulate General of China in Almaty, Zhang has introduced business environment in Greater Almaty Area and showed us several investment cases in other industries.
Overall, I feel that this trip has benefited me a lot, as it was a knowledge-abundant trip. While attending multiple of their decision-making processes, in conference room, during lunch, and even while we were on our way, I absorbed ideas and opinions from people with different backgrounds, professions, and experiences.
Travel agencies in China that focus on those popular routes have faced fierce competition these years. Since the industry has become less profitable, some travel agencies have started to dig tourism resources in neighboring countries and planned to extend their trips to these countries.
Kazakhstan is one of those countries. It's adjacent to Xinjiang, an autonomous region of China, and has some spectacular natural sceneries. In order to experience the details of the final product from a tourist's point of view, we have tried to enter Kazakhstan by train, bus, and air; we have tried out a variety of restaurants and hotels that are up to the standard; we have also visited all famous tourist attractions around Almaty. During our trip, Charyn Canyon National Park was the most impressive part for me. Partly because of natural scenery and mainly because of the vision of an entrepreneur, Mr. Tao. As a founder of a large travel agency and an airline, he had substantial experience in tourism industry. Although the scenery was stunning, he pointed out that natural scenery itself is not sufficient to attract Chinese tourists as the majority of Chinese tourists feel more comfortable visiting places with infrastructure and services like skywalks, convenient stores, paved road and stairs, aerial lifts, and helicopter rides. He then preliminarily envisioned a multi-phase investment plan to fund the infrastructure development of the national park. To my surprise, we also had a meeting with Consul General Zhang Wei at the Consulate General of China in Almaty, Zhang has introduced business environment in Greater Almaty Area and showed us several investment cases in other industries.
Overall, I feel that this trip has benefited me a lot, as it was a knowledge-abundant trip. While attending multiple of their decision-making processes, in conference room, during lunch, and even while we were on our way, I absorbed ideas and opinions from people with different backgrounds, professions, and experiences.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Bug list
1. It's hard to find the scoop of a jar of newly delivered whey protein powder. They are often stuck in the middle of the powder.
2. A lot of bathrooms are not equipped with mirror defoggers, making it hard to put on contacts lenses after bath.
3. Some fountain pen ink bottles are too deep for reaching the last 30% of ink. So I have to waste rest of it.
4. Credit cards should have some mechanism to hide expiration date and cvv code and display them when they are needed. Revealing exp date and cvv code will sometimes result in unauthorized use.
5. it's significantly harder to write on the thinner half of a thick notebook.
6. Rear seats on most two-door cars are not usable for adults at all. Leg rooms are extremely limited.
7. Middle seat of some cars are extremely uncomfortable.
8. Most laptops require pressing Fn key to activate F1-F12 keys, making alt+F4 a three-key combination.
9. Autofill feature of web browsers often breaks in when they are not needed.
10. There is not a standized position to place the Fn key on laptop keyboards.
11. A noticible amoun of printer ink is used to clean the printhead.
12. When replacing the ink cartridge of a inkjet printer, I noticed some ink is still some ink left in the cartridge.
13. Sleeve on Apple lightning cables are self-destructive no matter how careful I use it.
14. Even the finest fountain pen nibs from European manufacturers are too broad to write Chinese characters.
15. most paper currently sold are not compatible to funtain pens, bleeding makes the back side totally unusable.
16. Only few keyboards support the swap of caps lock key and control key, swapping those two keys makes the pinky less fatigued when using Emacs.
17. Most laptops are ditching optical drives although they are not totally outphased yet, some softwares are still using this format.
18. Carpet patterns on some stairs makes it confusing to go downstairs.
19. Some escalators don't have yellow strpe on the edge of steps, making it hard to decide where to stand.
20. Most cycling helmets and sunglasses are not designed to fit asian head shapes. I need a more rounded helmet instead of a more oval shaped one.
2. A lot of bathrooms are not equipped with mirror defoggers, making it hard to put on contacts lenses after bath.
3. Some fountain pen ink bottles are too deep for reaching the last 30% of ink. So I have to waste rest of it.
4. Credit cards should have some mechanism to hide expiration date and cvv code and display them when they are needed. Revealing exp date and cvv code will sometimes result in unauthorized use.
5. it's significantly harder to write on the thinner half of a thick notebook.
6. Rear seats on most two-door cars are not usable for adults at all. Leg rooms are extremely limited.
7. Middle seat of some cars are extremely uncomfortable.
8. Most laptops require pressing Fn key to activate F1-F12 keys, making alt+F4 a three-key combination.
9. Autofill feature of web browsers often breaks in when they are not needed.
10. There is not a standized position to place the Fn key on laptop keyboards.
11. A noticible amoun of printer ink is used to clean the printhead.
12. When replacing the ink cartridge of a inkjet printer, I noticed some ink is still some ink left in the cartridge.
13. Sleeve on Apple lightning cables are self-destructive no matter how careful I use it.
14. Even the finest fountain pen nibs from European manufacturers are too broad to write Chinese characters.
15. most paper currently sold are not compatible to funtain pens, bleeding makes the back side totally unusable.
16. Only few keyboards support the swap of caps lock key and control key, swapping those two keys makes the pinky less fatigued when using Emacs.
17. Most laptops are ditching optical drives although they are not totally outphased yet, some softwares are still using this format.
18. Carpet patterns on some stairs makes it confusing to go downstairs.
19. Some escalators don't have yellow strpe on the edge of steps, making it hard to decide where to stand.
20. Most cycling helmets and sunglasses are not designed to fit asian head shapes. I need a more rounded helmet instead of a more oval shaped one.
Monday, August 26, 2019
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