Venture Concept No. 1

Opportunity

My opportunity would be for service employees in the Central Florida area. From there I would like to start the opportunity in all the major cities in Florida, with plans to work into the entire state of Florida if the opportunity is a success. That would include employees that work for a restaurant, hotel, resort, bar, nightclub, lounge or any business that requires an employee to provide service to a customer. Yes, it would be open to all service employees, though some employees might not find the need for the opportunity that I am providing. The opportunity is for those potential employees to have a voice when it comes to wages and fair employment acts. Such as being wrongfully disciplined or discharged from a position without merit. Also, the opportunity will provide benefits to the clients, such as health and life insurance as well as vacation and sick time off paid.  The changes in the work environment for this opportunity is that the employees will be more at ease working because of the backing they will receive if they make a small mistake at work and find themselves unduly disciplined and/or discharged for such a minor offense. There is not a service of this caliber currently in the state of Florida. I believe if this opportunity were a success that the clients would be very faithful to it and stay with the opportunity for the length of their working career. (in the service industry) This opportunity would be very large as there are thousands of service employees within the state of Florida, being that Florida is one of the largest states for tourism and catering to others. The window for this opportunity will always be open as there is always a need for helping others.

Innovation

My business will be a great benefit to service employees. It is to Unionize the service industry. It will give them some backing when it comes to disputes with an employer as well as making sure that the employees are treated fairly with fair compensation and benefits for the position they are in. This will ensure the clients that they have a voice and do not need to walk on pins and needles (so to speak) while working which in turn will help them to concentrate on the job at hand. They will know that if for any reason they are disciplined or discharged for a minor offense that they will have someone to turn to for help and that help can go to the employer and come to an understanding that could possibly turn the events around and benefit both the employer and the employee. The cost of the Union would be fair and even across the board. No one person would have to pay more than any other. To start with there would be an initial fee to join the Union of $100. Then each client would pay a maintenance fee each month of $35.

Venture Concept

They would care because the state of Florida is a “Right-to-work” state. Which means that one can be fired or released for any reason what so ever. As a Union employee one would have protection from such actions. The service would provide leverage for the employee to stand up to the employer and demand a valid reason or force the employer to reinstate the employee. Employees want fair wages and benefits. I believe many of the service employees would want this type of service to themselves. Getting them to sign up might be a little difficult at first because of the fear of retaliation from the employers. The employers are not going to like the idea that they can no longer have the right to discipline an employee any way they see fit. They will lose some of their control over employees and will not like the change. Change is always scary to people, especially corporations that see it as a direct blow to their working culture and business. No one like others to tell them how to operate their business. The roles in this type of opportunity would change with the business itself. As the business grew so would the roles such as new management for new areas.

My greatest resource is that there is nothing like this in the state of Florida, where an employee can get backing and actually get some type of leverage to help them. There are other organizations out there, but nothing with any backbone. I believe this business plan fits together well. The only flaw I could see coming up would be that the employees are reluctant to join for fear of retaliation from an employer. Hopefully, they will understand that this is what the service to intended to do away with “Fear” of an employer. The employers will also be against it as it will ultimately set them back financially as well as take some of the power away from them. All in all, the concept is good. (there will always be the fear that comes with going against an employer, especially in this state) I see this venture going statewide and then possibly into other states, especially the right-to-work states where there is no protection for service employees. First along the east coast and then towards the west coast to incorporate the entire nation where this type of opportunity would be of use. This would be the first of many ventures for me. Once this opportunity was started and running on its own, I would venture into more profitable opportunities that I could make a greater financial downfall then this one. This first opportunity is a non-for-profit venture. This would be a perfect starting point for me in that it would not require a whole lot of risk, but the payoff (in particle terms) would be huge. I would be able to learn some very valuable lesson in starting and running this type of venture as my first one. This class is very awesome.  

Week 11 Reading Reflection

I really enjoyed reading about Corning’s rise to a global innovation company and what it has done to contribute to the world's innovations in glass as well as other applications for industrial and commercial processes and technology. I expected no less from a “Harvard Business Review” article.

I was a little confused about the part on “Crowd Sourcing”. I have read a little about the new ways of brainstorming within the internet. I think it is a great opportunity for some applications, but not all. For example: What if you put an idea out for crowdsourcing and then it was stolen by some other person. How would you be able to defend that it was your idea initially?

I would ask for more information about crowdsourcing. I know that is not what the premises of the article is. But I am very interested in learning more about it.

I appreciated the entire article. I for one would never try to discredit an author unless I knew, with certainty, that they were incorrect in their research and writings.

Amazon Whisperer

My revenue drivers would be more service employees signing up for inclusion in the Union I have started. It is pretty straight forward.

I would have to say that the clients would want more and more benefits.

More benefits would greatly enhance the clients experience within the Union. The more benefits offered, the more clients would be willing to sign up.

So since this is a service – based business, I went to Amazon and searched “Union” and some apparel popped up with insignia on it. So I am going with apparel for my next best product.

Customers consider it to be of good quality and good appeal. The only complaints were that some of the customers were sent the wrong item. (team)

I would include my own design to the hoody and make it available in many different colors and fits. Also I would make it available in a ¾ zipper as well as a full zipper.

It is the only thing I can think of that was on Amazon in my search.

My Unfair Advantage

1. My work ethic.
2. My knowledge in the industry.
3. My knowledge and experience in the business world.
4. Entrepreneurship (ENT 3003)
5. Fernando - Business Expert
6. Mary – Market Expert
7. Fred – Supplier
8. New organization
9. Fellowship among clients
10. Relief in knowing that you have somewhere to turn in case of trouble at work.

1. I am a very hard worker and accomplish items I sent my mind too.
2. I have worked in the service industry for several years now and have a fairly good idea of what is needed to start and run a Union.
3. I have many years of management experience and will be able to jump right in and start and run a Union.
4. This class (and schooling) has taught me a lot about how to be tenacity and the will to make things happen, even if I don’t feel it is necessary.
5. Fernando would be a huge asset in running my Union.
6. Mary would be a huge asset in marketing my Union.
7. Fred could help me recruit management for my Union.
8. There is nothing like the Union I want to start in the state of Florida.
9. Once service employees are in the Union they will see that it is all about them and their benefits to be in it.
10. The clients will feel at ease knowing that there will always be somewhere to go and get help in case of a separation or disagreement within their workplace.

My greatest resource is that there is nothing like this in the state of Florida, where an employee can get backing and actually get some type of leverage to help them. There are other organizations out there, but nothing with any backbone.

Week 10 Reading Reflection

This chapter had no surprises for me, it was like reading a refresher course for the finance classes I took a few semesters back. I really like this part of a business, though.

I find math and numbers intriguing and like how they function together to give picture of a business’s overall success/failure.

I would ask the author for a few more of the equations and explanations of the equations that a business owner would use in their statements that are used to balance the books.

To reiterate I like this part of the book, nothing I reads seemed out of place.

Growing My Social Capital

Fernando - Asst. Business Manager – Local Union 606

Business Expert – Has had years of experience with unionization and understands what it takes to run a union.

I googled Unions in the Orlando Area. This particular Union is in Melbourne. I called and asked to talk to a manager and was connected to Fernando. Only wanted to give his first name.

We talked about the need for a Union in the service industry and he explained to me that there is a sort of a movement in this area called “Fight For 15”, I tried contacting this movement with no response.

This person can give me some good advice on what to do and what not to do while setting up the Union.

Mary Garcia – CFO – Organize Now

Market Expert – Has years of union experience (though they are not an actual union) and helps with the marketing of the organization.

Googled Union in the Orlando area. Was connected to Mary as she was the only management in the office this particular day. Which was good for me in that I don’t think I would have been able to talk with her.

She explained to me the nature of the organization and a little about what they do to market to potential clients and other organizations. Also, how they collaborate with the AFL – CIO.

She can give me advice on running a Union and, in particular, the finance side of it.

Fred – Training Coordinator – IATSE, Orlando

Supplier – He trains other to be more productive in a Union and ways in which to cover themselves in any situation.

Google – He is a trainer, would be able to supply trained management for the Union,

Sees that there is a need for a Union in the service Industry and would support such a Union. He also explained to me about how they go about setting up political campaigns to get support for their organization.

He would be a great adviser and be able to guide me to the right people and organizations for support in the process of getting started.

Though I networked over the telephone, I found it to a huge source of contacting people that could help me with expertise in my venture. Yes, this did differ because usually when I network I do it in person, talking on the phone did have certain drawbacks in that I was unable to make personal contact with the person and also being unable to look them in the eye.

My Secret Sauce

My Secret Sauce

The five ways that make me unique are:

1. I grew up on a farm and had to do chores ( hard chores) from a very early age on the small farm at the house. At age 8, I started working on the large farm on the hill. Daily work included moving sprinklers, hauling hay, milking cows. I really appreciated my parents instilling this work ethic into me that keeps driving me today.

2. I will do whatever it takes to complete an assignment or task that I have set my mind too.

3. I have always been able to do my best at an task/job that has been my responsibility yo complete.

4. I have learned to remain calm in a crisis and think clearly when under pressure.

5. I believe that I am a good person and treat all others as equals and fairly.

Interviews:

https://soundcloud.com/dallinus/interview-001-m4a/s-C2GL

This person has known me most of my life and sees that I do what I say I will do. She looks up to me and knows that I am dependable and trustworthy. She also appreciates that I take an interest in her children's lives.

https://soundcloud.com/dallinus/interview-002-m4a/s-pzYxP

This person also looks up to my persistence to do what I set my mind too. She feels that I am accomplishing a lot at an older age. She is happy for me and wishes me luck.

https://soundcloud.com/dallinus/interview-003-m4a/s-lPgF9

This person (though he talks to me as a third person) see that I set goals and do whatever it takes to reach that goal. He also appreciates that I do what I say I will do. And he finds me dependable and trustworthy.

https://soundcloud.com/dallinus/interview-004-m4a/s-Z853e

This is my 82-year-old stepmother. I find this quite funny. Had to include it.

https://soundcloud.com/dallinus/interview-005-m4a/s-hykQj

This is my niece. Did not have much to say other than she is proud that I am in school and trying to improve my life. She looks up to me, which I like.

https://soundcloud.com/dallinus/interview-006-m4a/s-z9Dtp

This person sees that I work hard for what I want. Again, is proud that I have returned to school to improve my life. He looks up to me as well.

I have the advantage of more years that most and am very cognitive of myself and my attributes. (human capital) All the people I interviewed see me as I see myself. This is because I live my life externally as I am inwardly. I mirror my soul.

Idea Napkin No. 2

Idea Napkin No. 2

Week 9

I am an entrepreneur. I have started and successfully operated several businesses. I plan on working in the executive offices of a large and prosperous corporation. The business I have conceptually planned will be of great benefit to service employees of the Orlando, Central Florida, and eventually Florida area. Unfortunately, this will not have any impact on my life as I will be moving on to graduate school and will not be able to work it into a valid business.

My business will be a great benefit to service employees. It is to Unionize the service industry. It will give them some backing when it comes to disputes with an employer as well as making sure that the employees are treated fairly with fair compensation and benefits for the position they are in. (The first point I took from the feedback was that I did not mention that this is an idea to form a Union)

The service will be offered to all service employees in the Orlando area. If the service does well, it will be offered to service employees in the state of Florida.

They would care because the state of Florida is a “Right-to-work” state. Which means that one can be fired or released for any reason what so ever. As a Union employee one would have protection from such actions. The service would provide leverage for the employee to stand up to the employer and demand a valid reason or force the employer to reinstate the employee. Employees want fair wages and benefits. (The second item I took from the feedback was to present the information in a way that the service employees would be able to see the benefits of joining a Union) (Third, to convince the employees that they would be protected from their employees invalidated actions)

This is a service that is not available to the service industry in Florida. This would be the only service provider in the state. The Unionization of service employees would give them a voice and protection from adverse actions of an employer. (The fourth and fifth items I took from the feedback was letting the employees know of the benefits they would be getting and also that they would not be alone in this as I would gather numerous other employees to join before starting the Union)

I believe this business plan fits together well. The only flaw I could see coming up would be that the employees are reluctant to join for fear of retaliation from an employer. Hopefully, they will understand that this is what the service to intended to do away with “Fear” of an employer. The employers will also be against it as it will ultimately set them back financially as well as take some of the power away from them. All in all, the concept is good. (there will always be the fear that comes with going against an employer, especially in this state)