Linnea's Blog

Market expert:  1.) I interviewed someone in my sorority who holds a leadership position in the club Green Greeks on campus. I chose this person to fill the market expert slot because although they aren't similarly targeting the same people I am to sell a product, they know a lot about this market and group of customers because they target them to join their club. It promotes environmentally friendly practices and discusses ways to fight climate change. I contacted her through the phone and she told me more about what she knows about the types of people I want to target with my product. Based on how environmentally-friendly my product is, she said people would definitely be interested and curious to know more about how it works. I would need to be prepared to answer more questions about that because the market, or at least club members, would definitely fact check me.  Domain expert: I emailed someone from Hummingbird Straws about the kinds of reusable, eco-friendly straw...

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 Linnea Lindeman. After talking to people that were close to me and going over feedback, my strengths are definitely my communication skills with others, my love for teamwork and collaboration, and my empathy. I think that based on my experiences through family troubles and my friendships, I have learned how to be empathetic and compassionate towards all other people. I feel emotions strong and heavily, which can be difficult sometimes but also helps me gain a strong sense of passion for things and gain motivation. Even if this business did not become the focal point of my life, I would still feel happy knowing that I am bettering the lives of others and making it easier. I still do want to go to law school but being able...

The link to the pitch: https://youtu.be/tNj5AQmk9ZU One of the main pieces of feedback I received was that I could make it less obvious I was referencing notes, so I tried to bring my reference sheet closer to my camera this time. I was actually surprised last time with the positive feedback I got because I wasn’t sure if my pitch was on the right track at all! The feedback telling me to keep an upbeat attitude, not look at my notes too much, and incorporate facts into my pitch was all very helpful. I kept all this is in mind when recording my next one.

Using the avatar creating website, I created an avatar that represented my ideal customer based on the segment I identified. Here she is!!  https://mybluerobot.com/wp-content/plugins/svg-avatars-generator/data/temp-avatars/svgA9206260406832343.png When I think about the typical customer that would be interested in buying a plastic-straw alternative made of sea kelp that is functional AND good for the environment, I picture a young woman who is already actively involved in choosing eco-friendly options. She drives a hybrid car that does not emit many toxic chemicals into the environment. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, gardening, spending time with friends, and going out to eat at ethical and delicious restaurants. She follows the schedule of a normal college student or young professional but adds things to her agenda that help her fight climate change. She loves succulents and sea turtles. She is definitely more liberal, supporting policies that fight climate change, and m...

1)  Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique.  What is it about you, exactly, that makes you different? Write this up in a detailed list.  Open-mindedness : I always have an open mind when approaching situations and brainstorming. I think this is special because it allows me to never let myself settle on an idea when there could be improvement, and also helps with avoiding conflict with others. Keeping an open mind means I can be flexible and open to change, like in a situation where someone is pitching an idea change.  Communication : I love talking to people whether they are old friends or strangers, and am good at engaging in interesting communications. I don't tend to get nervous around new people which helps make new connections. Organizational skills: It is easy for a lot of people to get unorganized, but I love filling out my planner daily with what I have to do each month, week, day, etc. to best keep track of t...

Summaries from the Interviews : All of the people I interviewed said the same thing mattered most to them if picking an alternative: the quality. Because the whole issue with paper straws in the first place is if they work sufficiently and don't fall over halfway through the drink, all of them cared most about just having a functional straw be an option for them again. The first person I interviewed also added that the degree to which the straw is helpful for the environment does not really matter to them, even though that is entirely the point of the straw ban in the first place. They simply just want a straw they can use for the whole duration of their drink that they don't have to go out of their way for. My other interviewees also added that they would not want to pay much extra for a straw alternative; it should be supplied to them for free like a normal straw. From this, I realize that price is something that supplier like restaurants, cafes, etc. would care about mo...