Business INCubator - Unit 1 Reflection

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Ideation & Team Formation

Problem Ideation

To begin, Problem Ideation was brainstorming early in the semester with our classmates before forming our teams. Most of this brainstorming was from using Bug Me Lists to come up with potential product ideas. Some obstacles that were faced were competitors who had already come up with the idea. Another was not having an idea that was feasible to move forward with. However, the largest obstacle was not having enough of a market of individuals who would actually buy the product.

Storytelling and Elevator Pitch

Storytelling and Elevator Pitches were very beneficial in learning how to effectively communicate in terms of consistency when speaking. Also, memorizing what to say is not always necessary when speaking about yourself and your own strengths. A factor I need to work on with my presentation skills is practicing over and over.

Skills & Team Building

A strategy I used to form my team was finding individuals who had skills I did not have and who would bring out the expertise I had while maintaining trust in one another. I also paid attention to how individuals communicated when it came to their elevator pitches. Our team has a wide variety of skill sets which heavily impacts our excellent team dynamic. My teammates, Gavin Esler, Kailani Zhang, Scott Boscarino, and I quickly connected and currently use our strengths to help one another. After making our teams, our class had a 'Mentor Match Day', where we worked together to present our team to potential mentors. We were then paired with two mentors, James Connell and Michael Connell. My effective interpersonal communication skills, marketing skills, and graphic design help my team, along with organization and getting our work done on time. My teammates help me and our team by using their abilities in technology, 3D printing and designing, finance, and leadership skills.

Customer Discovery & Problem Validation

Product Ideas & Issues

As of right now, my team and I have two main focuses for our ideas. For both, our ideal customers are adults and families. For our first idea is a water bottle that limits messes with condensation but provides ice and your drink to stay cold. Our group sent out a survey that has over two hundred responses so far. Another idea we have is creating a bed for small dogs that supports anxiety and limits distractions for car-traveling and families. We know our problems are "we" problems because we sent out surveys and gained responses in favor of the idea.