23A-Your Venture's Unfair Advantage

1. Global Experiences: V- This is valuable because I can make important connections and understand global marketplaces. R- This is rare because I am the only person who possesses these exact experiences. I- Extremely hard to copy because nobody has walked in my shoes. N- Only building close relationships with important people around the world can substitute for the experiences. 
2. Relationships with people in my church: V- This is valuable because I can learn a lot by this group of people and find connections. R- This is rare because not everyone has a place where they can feel free and gain help from other people. I- This is hard to copy by others because not everyone shares the same religion and in this case denomination. N- The only substitutes are joining associations and build good relationships with people that you can trust.
3. Cousin: V- This is valuable because he is part of my social capital and is willing help me out whenever I need it. R- Only I have that exact family member. I- This is hard to copy because only my cousin has his set of skills and experiences. N- There are no substitutes for my cousin. 
4. Communication skills: V- This is valuable because I can use this to build relationships and promote my product. R- This is rare because many people lack sufficient communication skills which could really harm their product placement. I- This is hard to copy because it is built by experiences and learning. N- Nothing can completely replace good relationship skills.
5. Being a Finance Major: V- Valuable because I can use my knowledge in this field to help out with my venture's finances. R- Not everyone is a finance major. I- Hard to copy because it requires to take multiple difficult classes and do well in them. N- Reading and learning about finance can be a reasonable alternative. 
6. Work Ethic: V- This is valuable because having a strong work ethic is one of the most important traits regarding doing pretty much anything effectively and efficiently. R- This is rare because some people lack strong work ethic which derails them from achieving their full potential. I- This is almost impossible to copy because it is something that a someone is born with or really worked on mentally. N- There cannot be a straight substitute for a hard work ethic but some other attributes can yield similar benefits like knowledge on the concept.
7. Empathy: V- This is very important when dealing with customers, business partners, suppliers, and employees. R- This is somewhat rare because some people do not have the ability to always be empathetic and they allow minor speed bumps bother them. I- This can be copied by trying to put your relationships before yourself. N- A substitute that yields similar benefits can be by providing exceptional service.  
8. Financial Stability: V- This is valuable because being financially stable can make way for risk taking which is an important measure when developing a new product. R- There are people out there that struggle to build upon ideas due to the fact that they simply cannot afford to. I- Qualifying to take out a bank loan. N- Having important relationships that can invest in your ideas. 
9. Social Media: V- Being present on social media is valuable to make connections and promote product. R- This is not very rare but some people do not know how to use social media properly. I- This can be copied by learning how important companies use social media for communication and product placement. N- A substitute can be using the telephone, tv, or newspaper to market. 
10. Good With Technology: V- This is valuable to have because technology is growing at an alarming rate. R- This is rare because many people have modern technology but do not know how to use it to its full capacity. I- It is hard to copy by others because it requires learning about the certain devices and how to use them. N- A substitute that can yield similar benefits is hiring IT personnel. 

I think the most important resource is having a strong work ethic. I believe that having a strong work ethic is the backbone of doing anything. 

22A-Elevator Pitch No. 3

I received positive feedback on the way I improved on my second pitch. This was regarding my tone, posture, and attire. I believe that I greatly improved on my second pitch and therefore made some small tweaks and adjustments on this pitch to make it seem more professional. I also changed my location because on the second pitch there was a few outside noises that could be distracting to some. The pitch is posted down below, so enjoy again!!

20A-Growing Your Social Capital

1. I decided to contact my cousin who is a software engineer. He's from Chicago and he studied at Northwestern University. He is considered a domain expert in my industry since he has knowledge of building apps and he has built a couple himself. Since my application requires an app he is the right person to contact. I asked my father for his phone number and I texted him links to my elevator pitch so he can watch. He thought my idea was really interesting and if I would need any help he would help offer it to me. He also gave me a couple of important tips regarding starting an app up and how to get it well known. Including him into my network would be very beneficial in exploiting my opportunity because of his knowledge and experience in the field of software engineering. He is willing to help me by offering me some ideas of how to pursue this application. 
2. My friend's brother works for ADT Security, which is a system that ensures safety for homes and businesses regarding break-ins. I decided to talk to him because he sells to people who are in need of an advanced safety measure. Since he also does B2B transactions, he gave me some tips to reach potential buyers. Therefore, he is considered to be a market expert in my industry. I talked to him when I decided to hang out with him and my friend. He showed me how he organized his customers and how he branched out to reach more people in the market. He also went through his personal selling processes in which he showed me multiple important steps in securing a sale with a buyer. Having this person in my network will really help me exploit my opportunity because he has experience and a given insight of potential markets. He says that he also provides services to small businesses which are part of my target segment. Having connection to him will help ensure that I can reach the right people effectively and efficiently.
3. I decided to contact a person who supplies safety software for mac computers. He sells software programs that detect and clean viruses and other malware. I would consider this person to be supplier category because he supplies and sells programs to businesses and basic consumers. I found this person by simply calling the phone number of my mac cleaning program and asking a couple questions. The man was nice and had time to talk and give me a couple of tips of how to sell applications like this. He says that the most important part of selling is too make good relationships with your customers and plan out an affective way to gain buyer attention. He says that a good personal selling approach is the reason that he is able to sell to many customers. By giving me this advice he provided me with some important tips regarding how to supply my product. If I can contact this person again, I believe he would be able to help me and give me a couple of more tips. 

This experience helped me because I learned how to build connections and relationships with people who can potentially assist me in launching my product. In the future, I feel that I am better equipped to meet up with people and communicate my product idea. This experience differed from others because I was looking and talking to people that have specific knowledge in the three different domains in my industry. Learning more about these domains from a first hand view can greatly benefit me and my business. 

21A-Reading Reflection No.2

The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users, Guy Kawasaki

1. The general theme of this book is to help build a marketing presence through connectivity and the use of social media. It goes through multiple social media platforms and explains how to successfully market a product through each of those. This book also made the argument that social media is one of the most important metrics for reaching potential customers. It is a great book for people who need to build social capital in their business.
2. This book really did enhance what I was learning in this class because I got an insight of how to connect with potential consumers, other businesses, and current customers. I chose this book because it really relates to the product I am offering and the market segment for which I am offering to. Since my segment involves young adults, social media is a perfect way to connect, learn, and market. It really helps me get my product out there so people will gain awareness.
3. I believe a cool assignment relating to the book I read would involve making a social media account on a site and and try to market a product in mind. For example, on Facebook a student can create a page that pertains to their business idea and product. This can involve pictures, information about the product, and other links.
4. The aha moment of the book relates to the part where Kawasaki talks about how to reach more people and gain more followers. I learned that I need to be bolder and engage with integrity more often on social media to gain more followers. I also need to share valuable content frequently and up to date regarding my promotions or my product to keep my followers updated.

19A-Idea Napkin No.2

1. Hello future customers, my name is Theodore Pappas and I am fully capable of launching a product that will dramatically change people's lives. Using a set of unique abilities that stem from learning experiences, I am able to really interest a wide array of markets. I have exceptional communication skills which will allow me to really show my product off. I also think outside of the box and put myself in the place of the consumers. I first ask myself, "How will this product benefit my life".  I am also very cultured and also keen to making relationships with potential buyers from anywhere in the world. I see this business changing my life because I know that I will provide many cost savings and benefits to many people who are at risk with cyber threats. Seeing my product change people's lives for the better is my ultimate goal that I seek to accomplish. 
2. I will be offering a product in the form of an app that is a platform for detecting and neutralizing potential cyber threats.  This app will connect small businesses and consumers like never before. This app has two sides to it, the buyer and the seller side. The seller side is where small businesses set up accounts to like to any consumers. Therefore, if a consumer is making a transaction, the app will directly link to a threat sensing device. The buyer side, is where consumers are given the option to link their transaction accounts to the app and get matched with a database of all small businesses that they have gotten service from. The app will detect threats and notify both sides if potential threats are lurking. If they are notified right away, both sides will take specific measures to ensure the safety of the transaction. Thus, my goal is to prevent fraud, stolen data, assets, and other information. 
3. My product will be offered to a large market but directed toward young adults who are still learning how to manage their assets and/or businesses. These young adults also love to make online transactions rather than buying/selling from brick and mortar stores themselves. Limiting the risk will also yield greater rewards for small businesses.
4. This product is extremely valuable because risk of losing important assets is greatly diminished. People will invest into an app like this because the benefits are extreme. Some benefits include: more small business revenue, greater safety in transactions, assists in account/transaction management for young adults, and HUGE cost savings for both sides. 
5. I believe that I have a unique way that I can locate and relate with my target segment. Since I am placed in the same shoes, I can really see into the minds of my consumers. This can really help me because I am willing to crowdsource ideas that can help with my plan. Since the consumer base should be my best friend it is important to build relationships and take feedback. 

-I believe that all these elements fit together better than before because they have been assisted and tweaked by feedback. The flow of the whole napkin is also significantly better and so is the features and benefits of the product itself. Therefore, with continues feedback and practice, I believe that this idea can reach miraculous measures in the technological world we live in today. 

Part 2:

1. One point was to try and narrow my target segment because the segment I listed before was way too broad. Therefore, I worked to find a segment that would need to use my product more than anyone. That is how I came up with young adults who shop/sell in small business platforms. 
2. Another point was about the competition that I would face and if there are other similar products like this. I have discovered that no product will link consumers and businesses together through one non costly app that both spectrums can get. Therefore, in my napkin I got more specific on the product use and how unique it is. 

16A –What’s Your Secret Sauce?

5 ways my human capital is unique:

1. I believe that I am an exceptional leader and by that I mean that I lead for the benefit of the whole team.
2. I am very cultured and that helps me communicate and build relationships with everyone around the world. 
3. I am detailed oriented and thrive to get objectives done in a timely fashion with the most quality of work. 
4. I have strong values regarding faith that helps me survive in an oscillating environment and not get too stressed out about it. 
5. I have very strong will power and I'm willing to take risks to benefit the greater good. 

The key take away from this video is that my good friend says that I have the ability to be above average in everything. Meaning I have will power to achieve great things. 

The key take away from this video is that my good friend says I have exceptional leadership skills. Meaning that he is aware that I am a great leader and look for success for the team.

My sister gives an array of characteristics that I have and are unique. Including the ability to connect and relate to different people.

My mother says I have a unique problem solving ability that is very impressive. This means that I tend to think outside the box when dealing with situations.

My father claims that my interest in cultures and my travel experience is very unique. This can help me relate with people all around the world. 

REFLECTION: I see myself in a very similar way as others see me. This is because I tend to show my strengths around people and they get to witness what I can provide. I do not see many differences in how I assess myself compared to what people think about me. I believe this is a good thing because I have capitalized in portraying how unique I am. I believe my list above is just fine and it does not need any further corrections due to the fact that all those statements are what people also see in me. 

17A – Elevator Pitch No. 2

I believe I received proper constructive feedback regarding my last pitch. Upon reviewing my last pitch I really did discover areas in which I needed to improve on. Not only did I change my attire but I changed the location where I was video taped. I feel as if I needed some more light in my pitch which greatly assists in conveying my message. This time I left behind some of the shenanigans I did on my first clip and tried to make this one more about the customers and the product that I will be pitching to them. I also decided to have somebody video tape me so I can be looking at a person while doing the pitch. I believe that this pitch was a step forward in my journey to having a great pitch. So enjoy!!!!!!

18A – Create a Customer Avatar

"Young man interested in online shopping"










My prototypical customer is a young adult who makes frequent online payments supporting small businesses. My customer likes to go to watch a band play at a local bar, has a couple of tattoos, and likes to dress well everywhere he goes. He drives a new silver Honda Civic. His favorite TV show is Game of Thrones, which him and his girlfriend watch together on Sundays. He does not have any children but would be willing to have one in the future with his girlfriend. He likes to go bowling with his friends on the weekends and likes to drink light pilsner beers. He used to work out at the gym but then he realized he didn't have much time to do it anymore. He's traveled a lot and visited many countries. My customer is around 26 and they feel as if they were around 26. He is also really invested in the latest technological trends and would occasionally play a role-playing video game on his PS4.

Some similarities I have to this customer is that my favorite show is Game of Thrones, I love to travel, and I used to go bowling a lot with friends. I think the fact that I have some things in common with this customer is a coincidence because I am developing a product that I hope will also benefit myself and that I too can use.

15A – Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

Interviews:

1. My uncle is a small business owner and I decided to interview him. He has an unmet need that involves him incurring financial risk due to cyber threats lurking around. I asked him, what methods of cyber security does he have and he says he has a system that is pretty costly and he would prefer one that is cheaper. He also states that he'd prefer one that has high quality of risk protection. He believes that the bundle of those two would provide him a perfect system. He claims that he tends to buy stuff online rather than in a store and he also has a website in which he sells his products. He knows that it is more risky to do that, but it gives him more business. Therefore he tends to finance his purchases rather than using cash up front. He tends to buy from other businesses to support his own and these are goods like raw materials and safety measures. He believes that for a purchase to be considered good, the quality of its utility must be greater than its cost.  
2. Family friend from church. This person is a frequent online buyer and supports small businesses. She claims that as a customer she prefers businesses that have the safest security measures. Therefore, safety is the top priority over price. She claims searching online can have many risks especially if money is transacted on an unsafe sight, even though the site may seem safe enough. I gave her my business idea and she said that it would most definitely help her in her decisions as a customer as well as giving small businesses more business. Since she usually pays on an account, it is slightly threatened with every purchase even with the fact that those accounts have secure measures themselves. When being asked what would make the purchase a good decision, she responded, "The benefits must outweigh the costs". 
3. My barber. My barber works for a small barber shop business and he claims that many people have started to purchase through credit cards since many people do not carry cash that much. This had led him to purchase a small system to scan cards. He also says that due to the fact that all these people are doing transactions through accounts, he has to be accountable for the risk it can have. As a likely investor in a new transaction base, he says he looks online for the cheapest alternatives. He says that since he cannot afford many measures, his top priority is the price of the system. To him a purchase would be considered good if it didn't cost to much to do a basic function, even though risk is more present in that scenario. 

Conclusion: 

Upon interviewing three people that are in my business segment, I have gained some very interesting information regarding their purchase behavior. I believe that my product can assist all three of the interviewees in their perspective buyer behaviors. What I found similar between all three interviews was that they all purchase online through account most of the time. This buyer behavior is useful in my scenario because my product is made for transactions like that. 

14A – Halfway Reflection

1.  In order to keep up with this course and its requirements, I made sure to set time apart throughout the week to watch the lectures and do the assignments. It is important to watch the videos because you will not be able to pass the "Cupcakes" which are quizzes that are based directly out of the lectures. I you are able put some time into this course you would do exceptionally well. I also was determined to challenge and learn more about myself and my ability in this course thus far. 
2. There was a point that really struck me and that was when I forgot to send the URLs of an assignment after I did it. I realized that I lost credit for that week's assignment the day after. However, after all that, I told myself that I would become an top of all the future assignments and quizzes and that I would try to get the maximum points out of all of them. I have developed a tenacious attitude after that happened and I have not lost points on anything since. 

Some Tips:

• Be able to see this class as one that helps shape your thoughts and abilities.
• Have a mindset of which you view the assignments as one of your top priorities in this and do not do them on the last day they are due.
• Watch the lectures because they have valuable information that can be used to assist you on the assignments and quizzes.