ENT 3003 Blog - Trenton Cimijotti

1) Read through your posts from this semester. Recall all of the experiences you've had along the way -- the highs, the lows -- the fun moments, and the moments of drudgery, and even the moments of dread. This class was all over the place for me. I would bounce between being really motivated to do the assignments well and not wanting to reach out to professional to complete research for my assignments. This would be seen in my interviews. One week I would be motivated and get a lot of research done and become vastly more knowledgeable about where to take my business concept. Other weeks I would less motivated and not take the interviews are serious as I probably should have. Therefore, learn less about the direction to take my business concept. 2) What sticks out to you as the most formative experience? The experience that you'll remember years later? What was your most joyous experience? What experience are you most proud of yourself for accomplishing? My proudest momen...

Green Computer (1) Opportunity The opportunity can be best described as the need for being able to trust a computer recycling program for a low fee. In specifically, the people who possess this need are people with computers that they want to recycle and care about the environment. However, the general public holds the need to be environmentally responsible for the price they pay. This creates another important need that the business model has to have. The service must be cheap. Currently, in the industry, there are plenty of cheap ways to get rid of your computer. Companies such as Best Buy already take computers and recycle them for free. However, programs similar to these have been reviewed and report on in negative ways. There have been reports that the computers that people wanted to recycle were being outsourced to third world countries and rural parts of China. At these places, the workers would take the valuable metals out of the computer but leave the rest of the computer in...

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck 1) What was the general theme or argument of the book? People are more likely to be successful with the growth mindset instead of the fixed mindset. The growth mindset is the perspective that people can always get better and no ability is “fixed”. The fixed mindset is the perspective that you are born with a certain set of skills and abilities that can not change or improve. 2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003? In ENT 3003 there is an emphasis to look at failure as a chance to improve your skills and learn how to act better in a similar situation. In this class, you are taught to not think that a failure is a sign to never take risks but as a chance to learn. This is the key element of the growth mindset. When we learn from our mistakes we can grow and become better at the things we want to accomplish. 3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on ...

I failed in this class when I set a goal to not procrastinate by watching all the lecture for the quiz and doing all the exercises a day before the deadline. However, many weeks I failed that personal goal and nights of stress followed as a result. Fortunately, after several weeks of that habit, I was learning more about myself and why I would end up procrastinating. I learned that I lack the motivation to do things unless I am stressed. Which means that I must set doing assignments as a high priority in my mind if I want to be motivated enough to do them early. I do not fear failure because I do understand that not everyone is perfect and nothing ever works out perfectly. The one thing I do not like about failure is how inconvenient it always seems to be. Failure seems to only reveal itself when we are striving for an enormous goal. Whether that is a big test that we wanted an A on but got an F or when we really want to get the job of our dreams but do not even get a call for an inte...

My exit strategy would be me leaving my business after possible a decade. I would only sell or establish a long-term contract with the government to ensure that this service stays running. If the business stays privatized for many years there is a chance that a new service could come along and steal clients away because I do not have a sustainable competitive advantage. If the government establishes this business as a universal way to recycle computers then many people would stay with this service regardless of the competition. My exit strategy has influenced other decisions I have made in my business concept. If I do want to sell my business or get a government contract, in this case, I must make sure that my market for this service is as large as possible. I do not want my service to only be able to address the needs of a select group of people. This would not allow for the service to grow into new markets.

I believe the next steps for the business would be to grow support in the existing market of people who are very concerned for the environment. Ashley claims she makes environmentally conscious purchases. Victoria believes that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility and tries to take part in environmental change as possible. Kelly is a firm believer in environmental protection and makes every effort to use products that are not harmful to the environment. All three of them answered the question “what should we do?” in the same way. The wanted the service to stay in the best interests of the environment and want a high-quality service. The feedback I received was most hopeful about the direction to take the product when growing it in the existing market. However, the individuals did mention that if I do want to grow in the existing market the service must stay high in quality. They want the service to be the best recycling service rather than the most environmentally ...

Green Computer (1) Opportunity The opportunity can be best described as the need for being able to trust a computer recycling program for a low fee. In specifically, the people who possess this need are people with computers that they want to recycle and care about the environment. However, the general public holds the need to be environmentally responsible for the price they pay. This creates another important need that the business model has to have. The service must be cheap. Currently, in the industry, there are plenty of cheap ways to get rid of your computer. Companies such as Best Buy already take computers and recycle them for free. However, programs similar to these have been reviewed and report on in negative ways. There have been reports that the computers that people wanted to recycle were being outsourced to third world countries and rural parts of China. At these places, the workers would take the valuable metals out of the computer but leave the rest of the computer i...

1. Determined- I am willing to put in the time and effort to make this business a success. 2. A computer to track orders. However, this is not as rare as almost everyone has this. 3. Perfectionist- I want everything in the business to run smoothly and will work tirelessly until it does. This is sadly not uncommon among people who decide to start a business. 4. Empathetic- I try to empathize with the people and situations around me. 5. A connection to a person who works for a recycling equipment company. This is rare for some businesses that are looking to start up in the recycling industry. This would also be valuable for anyone in the industry. However, this is something that some entering the industry could recreate. 6. A truck- This truck can be used to make pick up service a reality. The service is rare and valuable. 7. Accountability- I do not make empty promises. When I say I can do something I will do it. This is not rare at all but is valuable. 8. Open communication- I will ope...

2) A reflection on the feedback you received from your last pitch. Describe what stood out to you as important, what feedback surprised you the most, what feedback you think was outright wrong or silly or amazing and inciteful. My feedback was very positive. Someone commented on how I was able to make adjustments to my second pitch without viewing the feedback I received as insults which were nice to hear. In addition, I was asked to make a few sections of my pitch more concise. This was actually helpful because there was the new section I was hoping to add and this would make time for it. 3) What did you change, based on the feedback? What I changed is making a few moments in my pitch more concise. If the goal is to get the pitch down to a minute then I talk faster and shorten up what I am saying. This will help me bring it down 30 seconds to keep it at a minute. With that time I am losing I want to keep the main points in it that I want to stress. Also, I want to continue to give m...

Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman 1) What was the general theme or argument of the book? The general theme of this book is an in-depth look at human intuition. The book then proceeds to divide human intuition into two “systems”. The first system is called the “intuitive thinking” which is built on the “rule of thumb” mentality of thinking. There is system two which is the more rational side to solving problems and thinking. The book uses these two systems and looks at how they compare through different situations. 2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003? Thinking is a big part of all aspects of entrepreneurship and it is important in solving problems. ENT 3003 is designed to help each student learn how to solve problems and think in an entrepreneur way. This book goes into different ways of thinking and how they apply it to a different situation. This exactly what entrepreneurship is at a basic level. 3) If you...

Domain expert: I had a short meeting with the head of a small electronic recycling firm in my area. This person has a background of being in the recycling industry for many years. I found this person by googling local computer recycling firms in my area. I then called to set up a meeting they with them to discuss their business. I asked him about his business model and he was able to help me better mine when I showed him my napkin idea. I now have a more practical business concept after he looked at it. He did ask if that none of the information that he gave out about his business model be shared and I was happy to fulfill that request. Market expert: I met with the head of Public Works at my local Town Hall as they would have a large understanding of the recycling demand in my area. They have been in this position for multiple years and they have a complete overview of all recycling and garbage disposal controlled by the government. I met with her after emailing to interview her for ...

Meet Jim. Jim is 29 years old. However, ever since he went vegetarian he feels 21. He lives in the suburbs of Orlando and drives his white Prius into work every day, as he is concerned for the environment. He works for a small marketing firm making advertising materials for different small business. He enjoys this job because it gives him an outlet to be creative. This means that he has both computers for his personal life and his professional life. Outside of work his friends usually catch up with him at a coffee shop no one besides him has heard about. Beyond that, he does live with his long-term girlfriend. They currently do not have any children but the idea has been talked about a few times recently. Jim makes it a priority to watch or read a new source at least once a day. He thinks it is important to stay current on what is happening in the world. It particularly bothers him when he sees news of waste in the ocean and landfills overflowing. Just like Jim, I am concerne...

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life? I am Trenton Cimijotti and I am studying Marketing at the University of Florida. I am a problem solver in many ways. I look for problems and solutions in the world. I enjoy being observant and solving problems not just around me but around the world. This does not match well for sleep when I am also a subtle perfectionist. I can never be content with simply solving the problem. I believe the problem should be solved both most efficiently and effectively. I believe both those traits would spill over into my business concept. I believe I would give this business my complete attention if I were to start it. I would spend almost 24/7 looking at ways to improve everything from the day to day operations to the structure of the organization. 2) What ar...

The feedback I was given was very encouraging. Many people liked the uniqueness of my business plan. This gave me confidence in knowing that is not just myself that thinks this is a good idea worth exploring. In addition, they commented on my hand motions reflecting that I was genuinely enthusiastic about my plan. However, there was a suggestion to describe a little more about the revenue versus the expenditures. I made sure to add more details about that this time around. I was lucky enough to be given all great pieces of feedback that I can implement into my pitch that will make it improve. What I chose to change is add a section dedicated to explaining where revenue comes from and what the main expenditures are. To stay around the 90-second mark I had to shorten the attention grabber. I originally ask four questions but now I ask only three.

Five ways that I have human capital: Determination: When I have work to do I put in the time and effort to get it done. I do not allow myself to get distracted when I am doing my work. Accountable: When I am asked to do something I do it. I will not drop a commitment if I had already agreed to it. Honesty: If a friend asks for honest advice I will give it to them. I prefer not to lie because it would be disrespectful to the person I am lying to. Open to communication: When something needs to be talked about between someone and myself I am open to having that conversation. Ambitious: I constantly set high goals for myself. Then whenever I finish one goal I set another. I can never do something without a goal in mind. In this interview, my father goes into detail about what traits he sees in me that set me apart from everyone else. These traits were mostly seen while handling school project from high school. In this interview, my mom shares that she is proud of the way ...

Through my interviews, I was able to add on to the service to make better. My first interview was with Brandon. He gave me several ways that judge computer recycling programs. He said he focuses on the cost and location near his home. He also explained the time he used the service and the people who took his computer were very rude. Now he will never go back to that program. Codee was another person I interviewed. He mostly detailed his thought process after the last time he used a computer recycling program. He mentioned that he kept it out of his mind until thinking about threats to his personal information. He liked the convenience factor of the place he dropped off his old computer but realized he might have given up some of his privacy. Lastly, Giancarlo and I had a conversation about the need for more information about programs that will recycle your computer. He shared his story about when he dropped his computer off it was in a weird location he had never been to before. In add...

I have a few tips and insider information students taking next semester's class should know. Most importantly, this class is about the mindset not the mechanical aspects of entrepreneurship. That means the assignments will be to learn the way to think about the world. These assignments are not difficult. However, they will require you to put in the time. Good behaviors for this class are to do the assignments throughout the week. That is what I developed for all the weeks except for one. I had one moment that I felt like giving up. It was coming close to midnight and the assignments were not done yet. I was stressed thinking I had no chance of getting the assignments done. I could have easily just given up and not tried to get them done. Then I worked hard and got it all done just in time because I lucky did my interviews earlier in the week. However, through this stressful experience, I developed my hardworking attitude towards the class. Overall, I have three tips to help ...

Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson What surprised you the most? What surprised me the most was that Steve Jobs admitted that his biggest failure was not a professional one but a social one. He was disappointed in the way he handled accidentally getting his girlfriend at the time pregnant. This was most surprising to me because in the media Steve Jobs was always portrayed as a person absorbed with their work beyond anything else. What about the entrepreneur did you most admire? I admire that he saw opportunities that no one else could see and when he saw them he did everything in his power to get them done. He was known by his team as someone that had a distorted reality because of this trait. What about the entrepreneur did you least admire? I did not admire the fact he was an aggressive impression manager. He never micromanaged his teams but he did make his standards known by being aggressive. This aggression was on the verge of inappropriate in many instances. Did the entrepreneur e...

Choosing a segment: I chose a segment of young creative college students that will rely on computers for both school and their professional life. One was Kelly, a graphic design major at UF. Another was Jonah, who creates commercials online for organizations that want to throw events. Then lastly, I interviewed Melinda, who is certified in adobe photoshop and illustrator. Interview Details: Jonah, in particular, was concerned about the number of computers he would go through in a short time. He explained that he wants the best computers who have the capability to handle the software needed to make his commercials. Kelly mentioned that humans are responsible for the environment regardless of their profession. She hopes one-day computers are completely recyclable and are as easy as leaving the trash out. She also was concerned by the average cost of computers so it is natural to think that computer recycling is similarly expensive. Kelly definitely thought companies would want their comp...

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life? My name is Trenton Cimijotti. I am a Marketing major at UF. I enjoy problem-solving and working in teams. When I see a problem I automatically think of solutions and get annoyed when it is not solved. I always search for adventures. If I were to start this business concept it would play a huge role in my life. It would require my attention almost 24/7 from time spent spreading the word to actually managing the day to day operations. In addition, I always thought of myself as a subtle perfectionist. For example, whenever I work on projects I set incredibly high standards. I feel that with this business concept I would do the same. 2) What are you offering to customers? Describe the product or service (in other words, how you'll solve customer...

Who:  Through my interviews, I learned additional information about who would actually be seen as outside of my intended market. I interviewed 2 people who describe themselves as “environmentally conscious”. Surprisingly, both of them mentioned they would change the computer they would buy even if the computer did have a recycling program attached to it. Then a father who is budgeting to buy his son a computer for college. He brought up an interesting point saying it should be the individual's responsibility that a computer does get recycled in a proper way whatever way that may be. He wants computer recycling to be as effortless as possible. Another interviewee continued to mention the issue of the fee. He referenced how Best Buy has a nearly free program to recycle computers or more electronics. However, my last interviewee pointed out that if the fee was low enough he would make special arrangements to have their computers picked up and taken to a new recycling program. He d...

The opportunity: The disposal of old computers through a computer specific recycling program that ensures that no part of the intended recycled computer ends up in a third world country. Also, some computer recycling programs already exist. Computer recycling programs can either be found at a local retail store such as Best Buy or an electronic recycling center. These have been notable unreliable system and non-existent in rural areas. Many news stories have reported seeing e-waste (electronic waste) in poverty-stricken areas of China and undeveloped nations. When electronics are given to areas of poverty to take apart toxins end up in the soil or rivers because the methods being used to separate the valuable metals (burning or acid-bath techniques). In addition, there is a large amount of “sham recyclers”. These are companies that offer to take old computers and disassemble them for free. However, they end up selling the hard drives to people who want sensitive information. The servi...

Computer recycling program Opportunity: Majority of adults and children in America own a computer. Computers only have a limited lifespan before the owner decides to get rid of the computer. The Who: Everyone that has a computer they want to discard The What: They are having to get rid of their old computers The Why: Computers either break down or become obsolete causing the owners to get a newer computer to replace it. Testing the who: It is not just singular people who have this need. Companies that provide their employees with laptops need a way to dispose of these laptops. In addition, this could be anyone who owns a computer in or outside the United States. Schools who get money to provide students with laptops and desktops in their library. Testing the what: 73% of adult Americans own a computer. 93% of adult Americans have a cell phone. (www.pewinternet.org) However, when Americans upgrade there is usually a program that allows the owner of the phone to sell it bac...

Economic trend: Helping companies recruit high skilled workers to replace the baby boomers that are retiring within their company. http://www.sharonherald.com/news/local_news/critical-moment-for-companies-as-baby-boomers-retire/article_802c8ad2-620e-11e8-a5dc-83f3b24d6874.html There is a prediction that the rise in the number of nurses and nurse assistants needed will be over 10% by 2024. The two main industries affected by this worker shortage would be Retail companies and the Health clinics. It would be relatively difficult to exploit because many health clinics already have a designated recruiting team to attract prospects. I saw this opportunity because I thought about the way hospitals and non-traditional organizations recruit. These entities recruit in a way that is not similar to the way high-end companies such as Sony or Microsoft recruit. Economic trend: Financial assistant service for millennials   https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2018/5/31/1...