As a graduate student in the UW Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program, I have been on a journey of personal growth, creative exploration, and experiential learning. In this monthly blog, I will be sharing my learnings, achievements, and reflections with you all.
- Talking to people to identify problems: Finding ideas for new products, services, and businesses by talking to people about what their challenges are. Identifying problems that people are facing is key to building solutions that matter.
- The importance of networks and knowledge: Who you know and what you know helps you identify a good opportunity that is worth pursuing. Building a strong network and deepening your knowledge can help you unlock new opportunities.
- Empathy and customer engagement: Focus on what you know. Empathize and engage with potential customers or users. Your business will not succeed if you do not understand your customer.
- The power of execution: Ideas are just ideas. It’s how you use them that counts. Execution is key to turning an idea into a successful venture.
- The DWI Framework: Is it doable? Is it worth it? Am I the right person to pursue it? The DWI Framework is a helpful tool for evaluating whether an idea is worth pursuing.
- Selling to people, not companies: You don’t sell to companies. You sell to people. Understanding and engaging with your target customers is essential to building a successful business. Know the people influencing the decision-making.
- Crafting a business pitch: Learn how to craft a business pitch in 60 seconds to effectively communicate your idea to potential investors, partners, and customers.
- A chapbook for a good cause: I produced and designed a chapbook called “Written By Strangers” with my colleague Yining as part of a “creativity under constraints” assignment. We raised $65 in just 2 hours and donated the money to College Possible, an organization that supports underrepresented students to earn a college degree and seek career opportunities.
- An app in one hour: In the ENTRE 563 class, we were tasked with building an app in one hour using Glide, a no-code app builder. I created an app that showcases my blogs and book reviews. Not entirely perfect or complete, because there was a time limit, but here’s what I made so far: https://unica-blog.glide.page/
When I entered the program, I was unsure about what to do because I had multiple ideas I wanted to pursue.?However, the most important thing I learned is to ensure that I don't waste time pursuing an idea that nobody wants or needs. Sometimes, it’s not about what I want, but what the majority desires. I learned about the process of identifying market opportunities and validating high-potential opportunities.
It’s important to ask yourself questions on whether your idea addresses a real need or desire. And how to create value (social, ecological, economic, etc.) or solve problems for other people based on what you know and who you know.
Thank you for reading and following my journey. I am excited to be part of the UW MSE program and cannot wait to see where this journey takes me next.
I hope this blog inspires you to pursue YOUR IDEAS or invest in your passions and higher education.
?? Marketing Growth Strategist ?? Financial Business Consultant ?? BIPOC Mentor ?? Foster School of Business ??
1 年Looking forward to seeing more of your learnings this year! It’s exciting to see your blogs ?? I wonder what next month’s learnings will be haha ??
Tech Media Strategist | Exec Thought Leadership
1 年This is so insightful, Unica! Thanks for sharing your learnings. Congrats on all you've accomplished so far and wishing you all the best for what's to come!
?? Helping business leaders unlock their digital potential by leveraging their Social Media ?? Social Impact Entrepreneur??
1 年Congrats on your newsletter blog, Unica! Your journey as a UW MSE graduate student is inspiring. I'm constantly amazed by the impact of higher education on personal growth and innovation. Keep sharing your insights and empowering others to pursue their ideas!