11A

1) You. My name is Taylor Kogan. I'm a freshman Information Systems major at the University of Florida. I have been interested in Business since middle school, when I started a startup sports equipment company with my tennis coach. I became interested in the technology industry after interning for an app development company my senior year of high school. That being said, Information Systems is a perfect match for me. One day, I want to own my own tech startup company. But for now, this business of deodorant strips just exemplifies, and confirms, my passion for entrepreneurship.

2) What are you offering to customers? I am meeting the unmet customers through the idea of portable, dissolvable, deodorant strips. The packaging is going to be similar to the Listerine mouthwash strips, so the concept of putting them on is the same. This way, people will not show up smelling bad to events, especially in South Florida. I am offering the deodorant strips so people can take it on the go, and not have to carry gym bags or toiletry bags everywhere they go. 

3) Who are you offering it to? I am offering this product to athletes, college students in warm climates, anyone who engages in physical activity, or anyone who lives in warm climates. All of these customers are prone to sweating due to the physical movement or the weather they live in.

4) Why do they care? People care because they don't like being sweaty or smelling poorly. Many of the people I interviewed were self conscious of their body odor and the deodorant strips would solve that problem. Additionally, some are lazy and don't like carrying a toiletry bag everywhere they go; the strips could fit on the back of a phone wallet and are much more portable. 

5) What are your core competencies? What sets me apart from the competition is that there are no competitors. Although travel sized products exist, none exist with the same portability and ease as mine. 

I believe that all of these elements work together. Many of the customers I am offering this product to are students, and having something so cheap and easy will definitely be successful. Going to school in Gainesville, the outreach and advertising of the product will not be difficult in a climate as such. Overall, the product has high potential for success. 

10A

9A

My opportunity is a portable, dissolvable pack of deodorant strips to prevent body odor and sweating. After many complaints to/from my peers, I found a niche in the market for an invention as such. 

Interview 1: I interviewed a peer in my sorority from South Florida. She loves the idea of portable deodorant strips, but doesn’t find a dire need for them. She falls directly in the boundary for this opportunity because she has lived in warm climates for her whole life. However, she is a UF business major so all of her classes are online. That being said, she doesn’t travel far from our house, and thus, doesn’t sweat much, and doesn’t need them. 

Interview 2: I interviewed another peer from my sorority from South Florida. She had this need of deodorant strips in the past, but recently got botox for her underarms to prevent sweating and body odor. She no longer needs the dissolvable deodorant strips, but thinks that would have been an amazing thing to have before she had the botox done. 

Interview 3: I then spoke with a friend from New York City. She definitely doesn’t have the same need, as the climate in New York is drastically different than the one in Florida. Thus, it would be nice to have the strips, but she said that they would be a waste to live in a climate that cold. She loved the idea for her summers in Florida, but she doesn’t have the same need. 

Interview 4: I later talked to my friend in the School of Musical Theater at UF. She sings and is always in the studio recording songs. That being said, she is never outside and her classes are always early in the morning and end late at night. Since she is never outside and is always inside singing, she doesn’t need the deodorant strips, but would still like to have them.  

Interview 5: Finally, I interviewed a boy in my Finance class. He has class far from where he lives and usually gets sweaty upon his arrival to class. He doesn’t get that insecure or uncomfortable, but still would like to have them. His need isn’t the same as everyone else’s, but this opportunity is something he would still like. 

Conclusion: Although everyone wears deodorant, there are certain people that fall outside the boundary of the need: those that spend a lot of time indoors, live in cold climates, or don’t participate in a lot of physical activity. There are different needs for this opportunity. For example, some people are insecure with sweating, some sweat too much, some are insecure with their body odor, and more. However, as a whole, a lot of people have this need. The underlying cause of the outsiders needs is the same as the insiders, but due to the climate and activity situation, not everyone holds the same need for the strips. 

Inside the Boundary	Outside the boundary
Those who live in warm climates and spend time outdoors or participate in a lot of physical activity	Those who don’t participate in physical activity and those who live in colder climates
The need is for a way to combat sweating and body odor; for example, when students walk to class and arrive sweaty	The need is not for people that don’t sweat easily or don’t walk much, or go outside often
The need exists because people feel uncomfortable when they get sweaty and smelly	Some people don’t sweat much and don’t have to worry about this issue

8A

As mentioned in previous assignments, my product is about using dissolvable, portable deodorant strips to prevent sweating and smelling bad in public. 

Although they make travel sized deodorant, the strips are more realistic. If you are walking to the gym but don’t want to bring a bag the strips would fit on the back of your room. This product is based on Listerine strips: they make travel sized mouthwash but no one brings those on the go. 

That being said, the strips would come in a case as the mouthwash strips are packaged. There would be different scents, different strengths, and more. The card holders that most have on the back of their phones can easily hold the strips, making them easy to hold, but more importantly, unnoticeable. With this product, people can walk freely around campus without having to carry a bag of toiletries, but more importantly, without having to worry about sweating or smelling poorly! 

7A

1) My opportunity is dissolvable, portable deodorant strips! After always arriving to places sweaty, I thought these would greatly ease my stress. 

2) 

• The who: anyone who lives in warm climates
• The what: Deodorant not being easily applicable/portable
• The why: Heat and humidity combined make people sweaty and insecure upon their arrival. 

3) 

• Testing the who: After having complained about the sweat issue with multiple people, I have come to the conclusion that many people have this need, not just the prototypical “who” (college students in Gainesville).
• Testing the what: The boundaries of this need aren’t limited per say, but not everyone wants to carry travel sized toiletries with them everywhere they go. 
• Testing the why: Mostly everyone perceives this need in the same way. However, some have slight differences in what happens when they get sweaty: some feel uncomfortable, nauseous, insecure, etc. 

4) Interview 1: I interviewed 3 college girls and 2 college boys to get a mixed opinion on the dissolvable, portable deodorant strips. The first girl I interviewed was a freshman. She loved the idea of the strips and thought it would be perfect for her, since she is very active and works out a lot. She often doesn’t have time to completely change and ends up sweating in class as a result of her workout. That being said, she was very excited to hear that a solution was proposed. 

Interview 2: The second girl I interviewed is a sophomore Accounting major. At UF, many of the business classes are online, so that being said, she doesn’t have to walk far for class. However, she still maintains a relatively active lifestyle, and feels uncomfortable showing up to events sweaty. She also very much is looking forward to this product. 

Interview 3: The final girl I interviewed is another sophomore, who is on the Pre-Med track. That being said, she walks to SHANDS often, and always walks in to the cold hospital sweating. The extreme change in temperature can’t be good for her, so her face lit up when I mentioned the strips. 

Interview 4: Next, I interviewed a sophomore boy, who runs stadiums every day. He is always on the go and told me that he wishes Gainesville weren’t so hot all the time, because he feels like he smells after he works out and doesn’t want to carry a big bag across campus just for deodorant. Overall, he also cannot wait for the dissolvable strips. 

Interview 5: Finally, I interviewed another sophomore boy. His reasons matched the other interviewees, and cannot believe no one thought of this idea before. In fact, he said he would start looking out for “bugs” to compose a solution as such. 

5) Given the interviews, I didn’t find any new information. I found even more confirmation that a lot of people are in need of a product like this. If it were to get sold, I don’t think finding the market would be difficult. Although the intent of the product was for students in Gainesville, the limits are far beyond that. 

6A

https://ig.ft.com/sites/numbers/economies/us/

Opportunity #1 Economic

1. I found this graph on the Financial Times’s website, a digital database for economic news.
   
2. This information suggests that an opportunity exists because it paves the way for a new lifestyle. The unemployment rate going down allows people to live a new life of employment, thus a new standard of living, therefore an opportunity for new items to spend money on that wouldn’t have been bought previously.
   
3. The prototypical customer for this opportunity is anyone who was previously unemployed, and is now employed, and contributing to the trend.
   
4. This opportunity is relatively easy to exploit, because the drop in unemployment is proven to stimulate the economy. More people are working and therefore more stimulation.
   

I saw this opportunity because my dad and brother have always motivated to pay attention to market trends, and I was also enrolled in macroeconomics last year, so the subject intrigues me. 

https://ig.ft.com/sites/numbers/economies/us/

Opportunity #2 Economic 

1. I found this graph of the trade weighted value of the dollar on the Financial Times database for economic trends.
   
2. This information suggests that an opportunity might exist because it shows that the U.S. should trade more with other countries since it’s dollar value is getting stronger.
   
3. The prototypical customer is any company considering going international, or any companies that are currently international.
   
4. This opportunity is easy to exploit because the U.S. already trades a great amount. Trading is such an easy way to exploit this advantage.
   

I saw this opportunity because I loved taking Macroeconomics and am very interested in International Business. Additionally, in my Management class, I am learning a lot about free trade and globalization, so this subject is very interesting to me. 

https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/11678-meat-industry-seeks-ways-to-keep-up-with-customers

Opportunity #3 

1. I found this article on the Food Business News Website about how the meat industry is changing.
   
2. The information suggests that an opportunity exists because it’s saying how more and more people in the new generations are more inclined to order “hormone-free, grass-fed meat”. Thus, this leaves plenty of room for opportunity in the livestock industry.
   
3. The prototypical customer for this opportunity is any livestock farmers or FDA regulators.
   
4. This opportunity isn’t the easiest to exploit, because it would require a change of a huge industry in America, but it is doable eventually and would encourage healthier eating in the country.
   

I saw this opportunity because as much as I love eating steak, I love being healthy and I love animals, so I always prefer grass-fed to normal meat. 

https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/14337-study-links-plant-heavy-diets-to-lower-heart-disease-risk

Opportunity #4

1. I found this article again through the Food Business News website. It talks about the benefits of plant heavy diets, and the shift of modern food trends to mimic it.
   
2. The article provides room for opportunity because it’s saying how plant heavy diets are linked to cardiovascular health and lower heart disease risk. Thus, more restaurants can start serving plant based foods, and take advantage of their knowledge of the trend.
   
3. The prototypical customer is any healthy eater, anyone concerned with cardiovascular health, or any future plant heavy restaurant owner.
   
4. It is very easy to exploit. All it would require would be a simple change in menus or dietary habits.
   

This opportunity was clear to me because I love eating healthy, and my family and I are very into food trends relating to health.  

5A

Opportunity #1

I found an opportunity through the Miami Herald article, “Where do the Happiest Americans live? Definitely not in Florida, new survey says”. 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=september%202019&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/175D9E0D77928448

This article talks about a survey conducted on the happiest states in the U.S., and although Florida’s warm weather may convince otherwise, it was one of the ones at the bottom of the list. Florida’s unemployment, community, and environment were all factors in Florida’s low rank. The article talked about how the volunteer rate among Floridians is incredibly low, and that it is no shock that it was ranked so low. 

The problem presented in the story is that Florida’s sense of community is very low. The low employment and low job satisfaction greatly contribute to the rank of Florida. 

The residents of Florida don’t consider this a major issue, mainly because they don’t consider it, but it does affect them. This problem provides opportunity for a solution, to make the residents of Florida happier, and rank Florida higher. This would include encouraging more volunteering, and a better workplace atmosphere to increase job satisfaction. 

Opportunity #2

I found another opportunity through the Miami Herald article, “Residents evacuated after crane collapses onto apartment complex in North Miami Beach”. 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=september%202019&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/175D95254D3856A0

In this article, a crane collapsed onto an apartment complex on 169th street in North Miami Beach. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the building is currently partially evacuated. 

The problem presented in the story is that the crane fell on the building. This shows an opportunity for a better construction method.  

The people of Miami Beach are affected by this problem because these are their living conditions. In the future, construction should be taken more seriously, and the people living in buildings should all be aware of evacuation plans. 

Opportunity #3 

Another article is “A Pollo Tropical and 2 Aventura Mall Restaurants Fail Inspection”. 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=september%202019&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/175D9E0D64BC4C00

In this story, the author lists the restaurants that got shut down after regulation. They include popular ones like Pollo Tropical and Bol. 

The problem presented in this story is that a lot of restaurants have been shut down due to health regulations such as flies in the kitchen, roaches in the kitchen, and employees not washing their hands. 

The restaurants and their employees are affected by this problem. The employees are now out of work and the owners are losing money. This just proves that restaurants need to have a better system in place to keep their place clean and up to standards and regulations. 

Opportunity #4

The other article is, “Key West raises parking fees at two popular tourist spots”. 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=september%202019&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/175DA9D41C6D7B28

The gist of the story is that Mallory Square has raised their parking fees. Mallory Square is a very popular tourist spot, and both the residents and the tourists were very upset to hear this. 

The problem presented in this article is that the parking fees are high now, and the tourists are upset. This would lead to less tourism in the area, and less profit for Key West. 

The people affected by this problem include the residents of Key West, the tourists to Mallory Square, and the government of Key West who actually profit from the increase in price. 

Opportunity #5 

Finally, the last article “Cops say Lee County man punched a dog three times. He now faces animal cruelty charges” 

https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=september%202019&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/175DA9D46B4E5D60

After a video was posted of a man abusing his dog, the abuser was arrested and charged with a third degree felony. The Sheriff in town said he would not stand for acts as such, and hopes others get the message with this arrest. 

The problem presented in this article is that animal abuse is still a pressing issue. It’s heartbreaking that this is still a problem, but hopefully, the more abusers getting charged, the more change will happen. 

The abuser himself is directly affected, but this affects all animals and abusers. It sends a message to all abusers to stop the cruelty, and it would hopefully help future animals. Hopefully, this shows opportunity for more laws in place to punish animal abusers. 

4A

1) Walking to class in gainesville is very hot and sweaty, and it isn’t always convenient to carry deodorant with you wherever you go. That being said, there is an opportunity for something that can either make deodorant easy to carry, or to prevent kids in gainesville from sweating so much. 

2) After having complained about how sweaty I get from walking to class, I have come across an unmet need: a travel sized dissolvable deodorant! I talked to a few people venting about how annoying it is to live in gainesville and walk far to class, and found that carrying deodorant on you was inconvenient. Just like Listerine makes mouthwash strips because mouthwash is not realistic to carry around, I think dissolvable deodorant strips would make a great business. I am 90% sure that this opportunity exists, as college students in Florida, Gainesville especially, are constantly at battle with this issue. 

3) The prototypical customer for dissolvable deodorant strips is any student that goes to school in warm weather, especially Gainesville. 

4) I interviewed Juliana Balladares, a sophomore college student at the University of Florida. 

What is the exact nature of the need? Julie lives off campus and is constantly walking; she always complains about how sweaty she is and how she always needs to reapply deodorant every time she reaches her destination. 

When do they become aware of the need? Julie becomes aware of the need every time she arrives at her classes, and every time she comes home to her house. 

How long have they had the need? Julie has had this need for a long time, but it had never been this much of an issue until this semester, when she lived off campus. 

When did they first become aware of the need? Julie first became aware of this need when she walked to an interview very sweaty, and didn’t bring deodorant with her resume.  

How are they currently addressing their need? Julie is currently carrying deodorant around her all the time, but is getting very annoyed with the inconvenience. 

How satisfied are they with this solution? Julie is super happy with the idea of portable dissolvable deodorant, as her current situation is very unsatisfactory. 

I interviewed Arielle Fritz, a student at the University of Florida

What is the exact nature of the need? Arielle told me that sometimes when she goes out, her deodorant wears off (despite the 24 hour promise) and she thinks she smells. That being said, if she had the strips, it would be more convenient and make her more relaxed when she goes out. 

When do they become aware of the need? She becomes aware once she feels sweaty and realizes she smells. 

How long have they had the need? She has had the need since puberty, but didn’t realize how much she needed this particular dissolvable deodorant until she came to Gainesville in the summer. 

When did they first become aware of the need? She first became aware during puberty. 

How are they currently addressing their need? She is attempting to address this need through her 24 hour deodorant. 

How satisfied are they with this solution? She is tired of using the 24 hour deodorant that doesn’t work, and thus, is very excited at the idea of dissolvable portable deodorant strips. 

I interviewed Lauren Leshefsky, another student at the University of Florida. 

What is the exact nature of the need? Lauren told me she doesn’t want to smell while she walks.

When do they become aware of the need? She becomes aware whenever she realizes she smells. 

How long have they had the need? She says she can’t remember when it started, but it has been an unmet need for a long time. SHe thinks it started after puberty, which was a common answer among the interviewees.  

When did they first become aware of the need? She first became aware of it when she got to class on her first day of going to school in Florida sweating, since she is not from the state. 

How are they currently addressing their need? Lauren said she is constantly putting on deodorant to combat the smell. 

How satisfied are they with this solution? She thinks an on the go dissolvable deodorant is a great solution, and she would love to be one of the first to try it out. 

5) I learned that there are a lot of people in need of something of this nature. The most surprising thing I learned was how much of a problem this is and how no one came up with this simple solution before. Although people may have different reasons for wanting this product, they all have similar needs. 

6) Repeat twice more steps 3, 4, and 5. Please be explicit with each step in your blog post.

7) How much of your original opportunity is still there? The entirety of the original opportunity is there. The feedback of those I interviewed did not change the need, in fact, it only proved how necessary this was. 

Do you believe that your new opportunity is more accurate than when you started? I don’t think the accuracy of my new opportunity changed because there wasn’t any new development to the idea. 

How much do you think entrepreneurs should 'adapt' their opportunities based on customer feedback? (In other words, is there a trade-off between adapting and staying firm?) I think entrepreneurs should definitely adapt their opportunities based on customer feedback because the success of their opportunity is based on the customers. Therefore, entrepreneurs should adapt.