Portmanteau: Floaki

Floaki

noun: A combination of the words "float" and "croakie" (the sunglasses attachment). Describes product that acts as a flotation device for glasses dropped into the water. 

As I first used the word around my friends, they were a bit confused. Once I explained to them the product I had thought of and what service it performed, they all agreed the name worked with the product. 

I started using the word commonly, whether I was explaining what I did that day or what I was doing, I would always say I was working on my Floaki project. After a day or two I started using it more often and sometimes got on my friends' nerves doing so. Waiting for some time to pass before starting again, one of my roommates used the word jokingly when watching tv. Joking or not, the fact that he used the word without my command meant I had succeeded in a small way. 

Because of this exercise, the word Floaki has been in my mind a lot more than usual. My friends and roommates have continued to use the word in passing, but rarely is the product part any conversations we have. 

Halfway Reflection

The past two months have been a lot different than I expected for this class. The material is a lot like what I thought I would learn, but the assignments were much different than expected. I found myself talking to strangers much more often and constantly looking at situations and trying to find the opportunity within. 

These assignments constantly put you in an uncomfortable situation, but pushing through the nerves makes you realize that it's really not as difficult as you think. Trust me, though, I'm not saying I enjoy it. I've needed to stay determined to get tasks done. I felt like giving up on a week of posts when I was out of town but was able to overcome my negativity and complete the assignments. I wouldn't say that I've developed determination because I've always been that way. 

If I could offer advice to a new student taking this course, I would say to work ahead when possible. If your ever stressed for time and haven't completed a task, try and make it a goal to accomplish. Working towards set goals seems to help me instead of viewing the assignments as a checklist. Finally, I would say be open to new ways of thinking because this course shows you more effective ways to do so.

Reading Reflection #1

Andrew Carnegie 

What surprised me the most? 

Reading about his childhood and what he came from was very intriguing to me. I don't think when he was growing up in Scotland that he had any relevant clue of how his life would turn out, but I guess that's the same case for most of us. 

What did I most admire? 

I most admire his spirit for philanthropy. Coming from a poor family, Carnegie wanted to provide chances for people who were like him growing up. At the end of the day he gave up most of his fortune for the betterment of others in an effort to help society improve. 

What did I least admire? 

I least admired how he treated many of his workers, but many people think it is due to his life growing up. The end game for Carnegie always seemed to be philanthropic, but his ways of getting there were sometimes harsh. Anyone who achieves that financial position would've had to pissed someone off along in the process, so I'm not surprised in reports of how he treated some people negatively. You can't fight the fact, though, of how much he provided for people who couldn't provide themselves. 

Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? What did they do about it? 

Andrew Carnegie faced much adversity in his upbringing as a Scottish immigrant in the United States. For his first job he worked as a bobbin boy in Pittsburg. He worked his way into the railroad business and used his resources to promote him self rapidly through the company. His mind was geared towards exploiting opportunity, which is just what he did when moving to America. 

What competencies did I notice in the entrepreneur? 

After reading about Carnegie's life and his endeavors, I discovered his constant go-getter attitude. He was never satisfied with the status quo and only wanted to increase his influence on the world. His commitment to philanthropy was rivaled by none. 

What part of the reading was confusing? 

I found it confusing how Carnegie interacted with people and treated his employees but also gave back so much of his fortune to society. It was hard to understand how someone was so eager to accumulate wealth but just as eager to give it all away. 

If you were able to ask two questions, what would you ask? 

If you could go back and change your employee policies, would you and how so? 

In your opinion, what do you think made you as successful as you were and do you think it can be done by anyone with the right approach? 

How might have Andrew Carnegie view hard work? 

I think he has a grasp on every angle of hard work, whether it's using his brain to make decisions or manual labor, Carnegie has seen both ends of the spectrum. I believe he would define it as any task that requires extreme determination to overcome it. I share this opinion because I've had grueling challenges in life, both physical and mental, I wouldn't say one chore was harder work than the other. 

Idea Napkin #1

Idea Napkin #1

In an effort to more accurately define my product, Floaki, I must identify the "who" and "what" my product is geared towards. This post will consist of who I am as an entrepreneur and what characteristics separate my product from others in the market. 

YOU...

In order to understand and develop marketing strategies and the best way to sell the product, I need to realize my best strengths as an entrepreneur. I am a strong leader and have always taken direction when given a challenge. I know how to communicate with people and feel that I can have a genuine conversation with most everyone I meet. I've had experience in making clients lower prices for construction products as well as cutting deals with expensive fishing equipment. I have experience in overcoming adversity as I was always told I wouldn't be able to make the football team at Florida. Rather than listening, it drove me to work harder and eventually making the roster. I feel that any entrepreneur must have this attitude in that there will inevitably be negative feedback or "haters" everywhere in life. 

What are you offering to customers? 

This product will take away the hassle of wearing croakies as well as their ugly look. Conveniently placed on the earpiece of the sunglasses, Floaki is much more hidden and out of site than any croakies, offering a fashionable alternative that provides security for your glasses. 

Once dropped in water, the product won't trigger. But, once the glasses sink below 2 feet, the Floaki takes effect. A small flotation device is released, allowing the glasses to rise back to the surface. 

Who are you offering it to? 

I believe this product can help anyone who is around the water. Whether it be salt or fresh, nothing is stopping your $200 glasses from sinking out of site. I think the unmet need resides mostly with fishermen and recreational boaters. 

Why do they care?  

After speaking to numerous fishermen and being one myself, I share the frustration of losing a nice pair of sunglasses to the ocean or lake. If a product will save both added headaches and bank accounts I believe people will buy Floaki. 

What are your core competencies? 

I feel that the subtleness of the product is what sets it apart from other products. Top of the line sunglasses are meant to be fashionable while at the same time no one ever wants to lose a pair. Floaki is able to provide the security people like without hurting the look of the glasses. 

Conclusion: 

When evaluating these elements I think they fit together rather well. The unmet need is definitely there but a sufficient product hasn't come out to exploit it. I know that discovering this need out of my own necessity means there are other customers out there, and after speaking with various fishing guides and power boaters it confirmed the unmet need. Even though there is opportunity here, I know I would need help in getting the product made and developed.