Google Gold

1) A discussion of your general approach and strategy to search engine optimiation (SEO). What were some of the activities you did for each blog post to pursue SEO? 

To be honest, this was not something I actively pursued while creating my blog. I was so focused on my take away from the assignment and developing my business idea that I did not incorporate a large focus to SEO. This would be a HUGE detriment to the success of my business. In fact as a consumer, I always client the first five provided links as I feel it's a representation to the quality of the business.

2) What were your keywords. How did you select those keywords? Did you change or refine your keywords through the semester?

I used some keywords to identify my post to that blog but I don't feel I've devoted enough of a focus to making sure my blog is in the top 10 at least. I find this to be one of my biggest mistakes as I let the task at hand overrun my focus of promotion.

3) How did you use social media to enhance your SEO efforts? What your your surprises or general impression of using social media to improve your blog's profile? Was social media generally receptive of your blog, or did it get ignored?

I didn't really use social media to promote my blog. I find that people, sadly enough, don't want to use social networking to gain educational knowledge. When I post discussions, I rarely get feedback or conversations. It's kind of sad that our generation doesn't participate more in these conversations.

4) What was your most "viral" post? In other words, which post obtained the most traffic? Why do you think?

I would have to say that the beginning posts introducing myself and my husband were very popular as well as the development of my business idea. I got a lot of really great feedback from my peers.

5) Finally, did you make it to the first page of Google results for your keywords? If not, what page of results did you make it to?

I did not make it to the first page of Google results. In fact, I had a very hard time using other keywords besides the obvious to locate my blog. This was a true ah ha moment as I quickly saw how fast my business can be lost in the world of Google.

Week 13 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?  

Adjusted book value. I'm in finance and deal with business cash flow and financials and have never heard this term. I also found it interesting that it's used given the downside of inaccurate evaluations for the incomplete inclusion of assets.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you. 

I didn't find this sections in this chapter confusing.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

 1. What are some helpful ways to save money in the start up/ownership change process?

 2. Do you think it's necessary to review 3 years of business financials to prove profitability?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How? 

I would disagree with the author's analysis and breakdown of the total costs to start a business.    While, most of these expenses are common and will most likely be an expense, businesses are changing. E-businesses are popular and would avoid costs like rent, insurance on buildings, property taxes, etc.

Very Short Interview, Part 2

From where you stand now, what is your impression of that initial interview?
I still feel really good about this interview. Tom built a well respected company from the group up and it's something he's really proud of. He was a little apprehensive about my initial interview so I think the entry level questions were appropriate without being too aggressive.


I was not able to record due to the fact that Tom's business is located on the west coast. He is in the process of transitioning the business to the east coast of FL but he still travels back and fourth to complete his business but he was kind enough to complete his interview via e-mail.


Second, visit the entrepreneur again. The three questions you ask this time are entirely up to you.
1. How has the business changed since we spoke last?
Tom explained that he's grown the business and moved it's base to the east coast. They've changed ownership which has affected his portion. He is still a partner in this but it's limited to two instead of the three which leaves more responsibility financial, operationally, and ethically. Overall, he's still very happy with the transitions the business has made.


2. In hindsight, what would you do differently?
"I would start the company on my own and exclude the partnership. It can be difficult incorporating so many different personalities and personal endeavors. I would be able to focus on my individual goals."


3. What's your long term goal for the business?
Tom explained that this is something he wanted to do well in. He wanted to be able to retire to a comfortable life while knowing that he's built something that'll be around. Tom's company is still making over a million dollars a year in revenue and growing. He's still very much enjoying what he does and actually runs a few smaller companies as well.


Third, after the interview, try to gather some sense of how far you have come in this class. In your post, discuss your comfort level in talking about entrepreneurship in this interview now, compared to three months ago. Did the entrepreneur convey a sense that they thought you had progressed in your journey?
Before this course started, starting my own business was something my husband and I considered. To be honest, consideration is as far as we've ever gotten. This course has truly given me a lot to think about. I've gotten a lot of really good feedback and I think the biggest take away was seeing all the great ideas my fellow students have. It reminds me of all the entrepreneurs out there looking to chase a dream, just like me and just how competitive the business world is. I've come to appreciate just how valuable another person's feedback is. Even some of my closest friends were able to provide insight I had never thought of. I've never looked at them as resources before but I've certainly changed my view.

Celebrating Failure

1) Tell us about a time this past semester that you failed -- whether in this class, or outside of this class. Don't spare any details! It'd be even better if there was something you tried several times this semester, and failed each time. 
I found myself to have failed at really stepping outside of my comfort zone. I noticed early on that this course would require me talking to a lot of strangers and conducting many interviews. I talk to people all day so this seemed simple enough. Once it came time to finding these people and recording our interaction, I felt uncomfortable and abandoned ship.


2) Tell us what you learned from it.  
I learned that we never grow in our comfort zone. I finally started my interviews at the end and I found that people really did have great feedback to give. If it choose to pursue my entrepreneurial adventure, I will certainly utilize this tool to develop the business.


3) Reflect, in general, on what you think about failure. Failure is hard, isn't it? It's embarrassing, sure, but it also means that we have to change something about ourselves. Talk about how you handle failure (emotionally, behaviorally).
I don't handle failure well. I guess it's always had this stigma about it that you've done something wrong or you weren't good enough to get it done. It truly takes a lot of understanding to gain a greater appreciation for what it means to fail. I'm coming to appreciate my failures in the perspective it offers. How can we truly become better and stronger people without failure?


Finally, talk about how this class has changed your perspective on failure -- are you more likely to take a risk now than you were four months ago? 
This course absolutely has taught be to appreciate failure. We've been asked to step out of our comfort zone, provide constructive criticism and evolve. I've really enjoyed this course because it really made me think out of my little bubble. As students, we spend all night memorizing textbooks and retaining little to knowledge to use in the real world. I've really enjoyed this experience and I think it's made me a strong student, employee, leader and person.

My Exit Strategy

1) Identify the exit strategy you plan to make. Do you intend to sell your business in the next 5 years for a large return? Do you intend to stay with the business for several decades and retire? Do you intend to protect the venture as a family business, and pass it down to your children?
If this business venture were to come to fruition, it's certainly something I would love to pass it down and absolutely keep it family owned.


2) Why have you selected this particular exit strategy?
 I think there's something really special about knowing you've built something from nothing. To know you can be successful in one of the most influential countries in the world is to be admired. That's not something I would want to lose.


3) How do you think your exit strategy has influenced the other decisions you've made in your concept? For instance, has it influenced how you have identified an opportunity? Has it influenced your growth intentions or how you plan to acquire and use resources?
Looking back at my concept development and my exit strategy now, I really don't think I was thinking of this long standing growth. To be honest, my first thought was, what will make money and what's always in demand? When I analyze how I would want to 'exit' I see that it's my intention to have something to hold on to. I may have approached my concept differently if I thought of that going into it.

What's Next

Existing Market
Personal Financial Services 

Interview Questions: "What should we be doing that we aren't planning to do?" 

"What's your feedback on my ideas of what customers might want next?"

Financial Services #1: Alana

Financial Services #2: Brian

Financial Services #3: Dana

In two to three paragraphs, describe what makes the most sense for your venture in terms of growing in your existing market.
I received a lot of really good feedback. My first thought was to incorporate good service partners. These service partners would be people like investment advisors, attorneys, etc. Some of the feedback I got was the affordability for college or younger students. I also received feedback that it would be useful to be sure I was able to retain clients. What would stop them from using my services once and never returning? 

Overall, the thought process behind my business plan was that I'm helping people build a stronger financial future. I'm working for them and not for the big banks. Sometimes, I think people assume you're looking out for the company you work for instead of looking out for them. With me taking that out of the equation, I think I'm giving clients the opportunity to trust that the sole purpose of my service is to help them become stronger financially, which carries over to many different aspects within their life. Maybe after some growth in the business, I can move to obtaining licensing to discuss both retail and investments.

New Market
Custom Jewelry Designs 


"How do you think your business might be help to meet customers like yourself?"

"What changes should I make to be successful?"

Custom Personal Jewelry #1: Falon 

Reflect, in two to three paragraphs, on what you learned about this new market. What surprised you the most? Were any of your expectations/assumptions correct? Does this new market, on second thought, appear to be as attractive as your existing market? 

I had two additional interviews who gave feedback but were not comfortable being recorded.

I got some feedback that they really enjoyed the personal customization offered on the jewelry business. Seeing as how we are mobile and we're offering to come to the clients, some suggested incorporating things like Skype and social networking. 

I think what surprised me the most is how difficult it is to get into this market. What is going to separate us from our competitors? I found it difficult to come up with  a concept to separate us in the market. 
I think overall, I'm still really enticed by this idea because this business incorporates my husband's professional experience. I think what sets us apart is his attention to detail. When you find someone who truly cares about your jewelry as much as you do, you're likely to be loyal. I think my concern is getting the business up and running and getting our name out there to start that book of business.

Week 12 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 
The details explained in the lack of strategic planning. One of the problems experience was time scarcity. When you think of an entrepreneur, you certainly wouldn't think time would be a scarcity. However, this course and text has helped clarify a lot of my misunderstandings about that.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
 The Entrepreneurial Strategy Matrix: Independent Variables. I had a difficult time understand the concept behind this visual comparison.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?
 Do you think most organizations fail due to a lack of development and execution failure on strategic planning?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?
I find the author difficult to follow at times so it's difficult at times to truly understand if I agree with the reasoning or not.