Ayla Adams | Entrepreneurship | University of Florida

The feedback I received on my last elevator pitch was extremely positive. I had edited and revised my second speech from the first speech and thus, my peer agreed that it had improved significantly. I was able to effectively illustrate my app and its uses. I would say that this speech was almost fully memorized and that I was much more confident and fluid in this third try. Without even trying, I had already remembered the key points I’d made in previous speeches, and learned the key points I wanted to reiterate within the speech. I stood in a space that gets a lot of light in my apartment because I felt that the lighting was a bit dimmer in my previous pitch. This time I tried reiterating my points just a couple more times than in my previous pitches. I feel this reiteration really clarifies the use of my app and the number of people it could prove useful too. I hope this final pitch I was able to get the uses of my app out effectively and professionally.

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book? I chose to read The Art of Social Media by Guy Kawasaki. The general theme of this book was to give tips and tricks for one to grow their business through the use of social media. I chose this book because I am extremely interested in the many affects social media has on society. I believe social media is our greatest influencer and many modern marketing techniques are used through various social media apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003? This book helped me to clarify just how important knowing your targeted audience is. When one is well aware and knows their targeted audience well, it is easy to market to them through social media. I am now able to recognize that many of the brands I follow on social media have a cult following because of how they listen and know their customers. 3) If you had to design an exercise for ...

I’ve contacted a family friend who has worked on developing apps. I would consider them to be a domain expert as they have created multiple apps before. My brother gave me their phone number and I called them. They told me that they could get me into contact with their colleagues to ask questions about app development and the various components of coding apps. Although initially, I was under the assumption that app development was a rather simple thing, the programmer I spoke with described to me the true intricacies of making an app. In order to effectively develop a working app, a team is usually required in order to make sure all design and functionality aspects of the app are good to go. The second person I came into contact with is a small grocery store owner in Montreal, Quebec. The mission of their store is to provide ecologically conscious and organic products to consumers, boycotting large corporate food markets that are not as strict with ingredient standards. The owner descr...

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life? My name is Ayla Adams. I am a junior transfer student who has just begun my first semester as a Business Administration major at the University of Florida. I have an undeniable passion for sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives in our increasingly wasteful world. I would describe my key skills to be my logical pattern of thinking and my desire for continuous learning. If I were to start this business, I would fully commit my time and attention to it. I believe it is imperative that people strive to reduce and reuse in order to save the planet for generations to come. This idea means a lot to me because many families are unaware of how harmful everyday products can be. If starting this business means more families can live happier and healt...

My first elevator pitch received two comments from my peers. The most useful piece of constructive criticism received was that my tone changed when speaking about my personal idea, and the statistics stated behind them. This change in tone was reflected because I was trying to remember the correct statistics I’d researched prior to the pitch. The positive feedback I received was about my body language and how I spoke with my hands. This is lucky for me because I tend to use my hands when I am nervous. Another positive comment was about how I stress important points to play up their significance. This time around I’d like to correct the tonal issue my peers had mentioned that I had in my prior speech. Based on the feedback given, I’ve kept a professional and confident tone the entire way through this elevator pitch. I’ve also added a few key points to show how versatile and useful my app can be for everyone who enjoys shopping in-store. I also recorded in a brighter space to ensure I...

My prototypical customer is someone who is conscious of the products they use and its effects on the planet. More stereotypically, someone who may be considered a “tree hugger” or environmentalist. They would most likely drive a Prius or Subaru with roof rack, and a wealthier customer would probably drive a Tesla. They would probably vote for someone who has acknowledged climate change as an urgent crisis such as Bernie Sanders. Normally their political stances align with that of progressives because their main concerns are social justice and environmental issues. They’re the type of person who shops at sustainable yet fashionable stores like Patagonia and Reformation. If parents, they have their children in progressive schools like Montessori's. They’re fond of the outdoors and exploring farm to table restaurants. They’re in their mid-twenties to late thirties. My customer is a health conscious person who strives to shop locally and support small businesses. They understand th...

1. I believe I have a strong sense of ambition . I believe that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. I have a strong sense of self-worth and set extremely high standards for myself in every area of my life. I can confidently say that I believe ambition is my number one quality. 2. Integrity is something I try to instill in every decision I make. I believe in applying core values to my words and actions. I hold myself to extremely high standards because I apply my values and core morals all decisions in my life. 3. I am an extremely responsible person. Not only in my academic life but also in my work and personal life. I believe in always being reliable and keeping commitments made in every area of my life. 4. I like to think that I’m a genuine and authentic person. I try to make decisions independent of anyone else's and to always remain true to myself and those who are close to me. I believe in being truthful and transparent as to how I feel with all people in my life. 5. I ...