Napkin Idea 2 Week#9

You. 

·         I am a mother of six and a grandmother of 7. I grew up in the foster care system as a victim of abuse. Moreover, I have a friend who has a daughter who has been missing for over 15 years. Armed with those traits, I make a great advocate for neglected, abused and abandoned (or abducted) children.

·         On behalf of Florida’s most vulnerable children, I am also a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in the State of Florida. In other states, this volunteer position requires a licensed attorney, however, in Florida GAL are volunteers and professional across the state.

·         My goal is to be the voice of the child. A missing and exploited child needs someone to stand for them. Not only does the child the immediate impact of a voice, but they need a positive path to a better future. I hope to leave a legacy of making a different in the life of a child. Never leaving a child missing means that we value each child and will not give up on them.

What are you offering to customers? 

·         The Guardian ad Litem program deals with children within the system, or in homes where they need a voice. Beyond that, we have missing and exploited children who need our help. Moreover, beyond helping those that are missing, we must begin to make our children safer before this horror begins. In addition, most abducted children are taken by family members, so being able to be foresee custodial issues or other family dynamics that might lead to missing children is valuable in educating families, including children, or safety.

·         A non-profit program would that would include:

o   A child’s identification file that could easily be send to authorities the moment there is a realization of a missing child.

§  DNA

§  Current picture and other demographics

§  Fingerprints

§  Identifying marks

o   Prevention and safety training to local communities, schools, and parent associations for parents and other volunteers who would be important in the recovery of a missing child

o   Work with Amber Alert to send current pictures to every smartphone within range of cellphone towers near where the child disappeared. Also, work with them to ensure they have consistent updated pictures so as to be effective if used.

o   Classes in physical defense techniques to keep children safe from attack, abduction, and sexual assault.   

Who are you offering it to? 

·         Everyone. Child safety should be a national priority, and everyone can be a child safety champion. If you don’t have children, you can still be an advocate for the safety of children. Many people live their lives where they do not get involved, while others believe we are our brother’s keeper. People who have a deep sense of community and care for others makes a great partner in this endeavor.

·         Volunteers to help send child safety resources or in the event of an abduction, help find the child.

·         Businesses can donate in the support of materials used to help keep our children safe.

·         Local law enforcement can speak to children about “Stranger Danger” – although because this has not always worked because if the abductor is not a stranger, then the child is caught off guard. However, law enforcement officers need to be promoted as friends of the children so that they know to approach them if necessary.

Why do they care?

·         The notion of a stranger grabbing a child off the streets occupies a prominent place in popular fears.

·         The question to ask is: How much would a parent pay to save a child’s life?

What are your core competencies? 

·         Passion and commitment and the experience of being neglected, abused and abandoned. Moreover, my friend has been searching for her daughter for 15 years. Many good things come from tragedy, and the fear of a child being exploited or abducted is no different. This is not about making my first million, it is about leaving a legacy of taking care of our future.

·         I am fearless and passionate which makes it so I have no problem with approaching anyone to partner with us, nor am I afraid of hurting feeling why explaining to parents the risk of child abduction.

·         I differ from all others because I will have physical defense classes by a certified instructor that helps teach children how to defend themselves, at least long enough to get away.

Personally, I believe all of these elements fit together perfectly. I am about being proactive because once a child is abducted by a stranger, they are usually dead within the first 24-48 hours. By that time, it is too late. My concern is low-income families who have no money, nor anyone to advocate for them. In this situation, I would be asking for businesses to fund the program, or seeking a grant to enter the low income areas of the state and saturate it with the program.

Other programs are about finding children once they are missing, others are about teaching children how to be safe so they aren’t abducted. For me, I would incorporate both – as situations of abuse in the home can lead to other areas of the lack of child safety.

Feedback Memo

1)    I was asked if this would be a non-profit organization. I would imagine this would be, although I had not really thought that through. Of course, a non-profit is similar to a for-profit, just the goals are different. I have no desire to build wealth, but rather garner enough funds to further my cause.

2)    Funding for a non-profit could be anywhere from donations from businesses or the community, an angel investor, or selling items – in this case, the defense classes and other items to raise money for the cause.

3)    I was asked my talents that I did incorporate into this post. While never being abducted, I was raised in severe abusive situations and abandoned on several occasions. I also have a friend who has a missing child and this has made a huge impact on my life, as I had a child that was hit by a car and killed. Although not abducted, I understand the grief that comes with losing a child.

4)    Someone asked about having a radio transmitted card that the child would carry, however, I haven’t investigated this much, as I can’t imagine a child carrying anything (other than their smartphone) with them everywhere. From this question, however, I have been investigating a bracelet that would work the same way, although it wouldn’t be long before perpetrators or abductors would know what to look for. But it was a great idea that made me think of other ways to insure the safety of children.

5)    Everyone who gave me feedback told me it was a great idea which is very humbling. What this demonstrated to me is that people still care about others and would be supportive of the idea. 

Reading Reflection – Week #8

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?

·         Angel Investors – what a great name. I have never seen a classification of investors that are called ‘angel investors,’ and it was interesting to read about these people who might invest in a venture. Of course, I knew all types of people invested in businesses, but the name ‘angel’ has never been one I am familiar with in investing.

·         What was good to read about these angels is that they more than likely would be those who would invest in a start-up business – which would likely be what I personally would need.

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

·         All of it. Not that I don’t understand the content, but it is so convoluted and overwhelming, I would think many people wanting to venture out and start their own business might feel so confused and overwhelmed at all the avenues they might take, they would feel paralyzed and do nothing.

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

·         Based on the above response, I would have to ask the author, where do I begin? Of course that question would need to be asked if in fact, one was confused and overwhelmed by the information in the text. The information is great, but how do we put this information into practical use.

·         Along with that question, I guess I would ask how I would know if going into business was even a wise economic decision. Obviously, I don’t want to go into unnecessary debt if there was no payoff, and while some debt is reasonable, how do I know if my business could be one of these that could handle debt.

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

·         I don’t normally have anything to disagree on with the author, however, I have to say that his theory that Muslims are enraged and driven to terrorism due to the lack of economic opportunity does not resonate well with me. I believe there is a militant Islamic resentment at Western dominance, anti-imperialism exalted by revivalism. Personally, I believe that when Muslims in Europe or distinct, cohesive and bitter. I think they were not integrated well – much like what is happening on the U.S. today – and the immigrants were retentive to their ways. The U.S. was a melting pot as one point, however, today we are a salad bowl – all in the bowl but each a separate part. These young Muslims reject the majority status their parents acquiesced to, and today Europe has a nation of disconsolate Muslim offspring, who are citizens in name but not culturally or socially. I believe Muslim do not try to integrate, but want the host country to change to their cultures and social norms.

It is confusing how the first-generation immigrants kept their heads down and worked hard, so these second-generation children would be better off economically. Moreover, these same children are lured by suicidal ideology networked into their minds from thousands of miles away.

Although America has made her mistakes, I believe we were successful in finding a better balance between being integrated while remaining culturally distinct. Regardless of economics, if we don’t find a better way of living together, we will find ourselves in the biggest of all “clash of civilizations.” 

Halfway Reflection: Tenacity & Paying It Forward - Week #8

Tenaciousness is a skill. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

·         By the time they get to read this, however, I would be sure and tell the student to listen to their adviser and not take more classes than they suggest. I personally am extremely tenacious, however, I have had to juggle 3 intense and rigorous classes this semester. I read on another blog someone calling some of our posts/emails “silly.” I could not disagree more. After being in the workforce for an extremely long time, I see the value in each one of these exercises and wished I had more time to really work them as they should be. I would suggest that if you take this class that you embrace the assignments and the topics with great enthusiasm and complete each assignment. Otherwise, you will have to do as I have done and play catch-up on yellow dig. While yellow dig is a great alternative, it is not near the value as our assignments. Make a plan and stick to your plan – and as Stephen Covey says, being with the end in mind. None of these assignments are difficult, however, they take time – time that we have to divide among all our other life’s activities, including other classes.

Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

·         I am not a quitter, so if I ever feel like giving up I must be extremely frustrated. Nonetheless, I felt like quitting because, as mentioned above, I overloaded my schedule this semester. However, I refused to do it. My fear is I will not get the grade of which I am capable, but at this point all I can do is “keep flying the plane.” I am intrinsically motivated, so while I haven’t developed a more tenancious attitude, I have depended on that character trait to keep moving me forward. Back in the day, we called it grit, and I don’t know if I was taught it, or if it is one of my personality traits. I do know you can develop new habits that can overcome the lack of traits that would sabotage your success. For me, I clearly want to succeed. I do not want to spend my time and brain cells (at my age) on something for which I expect to fail. Failure truly is an option and I have chosen to win.

Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?

1.    Beat the Giant: I would say the first thing about fostering tenacity skills would be that there must be a paradigm shift. Instead of students just having an instructor dump knowledge into their brain, students must learn how to learn. That moves the student from a passive to an active role in their learning. As a child I heard the story of David and Goliath – a young boy battling, and defeating, the greatest, meanest giant in the land. For me, tenacity is about battling all the giants that threaten my success.

2.    Get outside your comfort zone: On occasion, I work out on my total gym. However, when I stop for a while I have to start all over again. It seems when I start looking a little better, and the reps get harder, I stop. I need to push harder and get past the wall in order to make the changes I want in my body and mind. So many people take the easy way out – getting outside your comfort zone will put you in an elite group of people who forged ahead when all others quit. Don’t just take the easy classes or do just enough to get by, stretch yourself, and challenge yourself to be the best.

3.    Sacrifice: Give up something that matters for something that matters more. I have 7 beautiful grandchildren and it kills me to have to tell them I cannot come visit. However, part of why I drive myself so hard to complete my degree at 62 years old, is to be an example of strength and tenacity for all of them to emulate. Education is extremely important to all of my family, and although I am missing out on precious moments, getting my degree is important to me. This takes time, dedication and willpower. You will be tempted to miss an assignment or a test – don’t do it. I promise it will be worth is all at the end of the journey. 

Reading Reflection Week #7

My biggest surprise in the reading was the need to use different segmentations for different purposes. As a consumer, I don’t necessarily sit around and wonder what type of segmentation goes into advertising vs. the development of new products. After reading the article, it does make sense that social scientists applied their modes of analysis to business problems, and how using attitudinal indicators similar to those elicited by personality tests, psychologists were able to carve our marketing segments based on shared worldview.  However, the article does demonstrate using the “Pepsi Generation” ad to show that this concept was good at brand reinforcement and positioning, but that it the drivers of commercial activity were the long held idea of purchasing history, product loyalty, and propensity to trade up.

One piece of information that I found a little confusing was how a company might find its way back to meaningful segmentation. The article states that one would need to gather data on emerging social, economic and technological trends that may alter purchasing and usage patterns. While this makes perfect economic sense, my confusion is how we know that these emerging patterns do occur, and what might happen if an economic event changed those patterns.

One question I would ask would be how one develops a Plan B, in the event all the planets don’t align correctly. Basically, if an economic event occurs, what is the alternate plan to remain competitive? Obviously, this question would be important for one to remain in the game. Next, I wonder how management knows when to revise their business model, if in fact, this is expedient? This question too is relevant because if we don’t changing with emerging consumer, how do we stay afloat.

Once again, I don’t find any errors in this article, however, I wonder if there are other sides of the conversation? Also, does this market segmentation give long-term advantage, or just a temporary commercial advantage? And, how would that be determined in advance.

Reading Reflection – Week#6

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? 

·         Not having the expertise of a start-up venture, I didn’t really have any expectations that were different than my reading. However, what I learned was that industry structure is what drives competition and profitability, not whether the industry produces a product or service, is emerging or mature, high tech or low tech, regulated or unregulated. Moreover, it is industry structure manifested in the competitive forces that sets the profitability. I had to digest this concept as I would not have been able to look that far down the road to understand this concept. I do feel it important to understand this before venturing out into a business. In fact, this article calls it a “healthy” industry structure and that it should be as much of a concern as the companies own position in the marketplace.

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

·         I think what is confusing is just how one would be how to determine the most salient force, as this article says it is not always obvious. The reading per se wasn’t confusing, but the concept on how one would attack the issues can certainly be mind-boggling.

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

·         I would ask the author how a small company can leverage themselves against the economies of scale that protect larger companies. I ask because a small mom and pop grocer could not compete with Wal-mart who is known to buy at reduced costs based on volume.

·         How would a small company deal with the power of buyers? We know, or we have all engaged in, shopping around only to come home and buy it cheaper online. How does one know when to focus on cost, and when to focus on value?

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

·         I would not have enough knowledge to suggest the author of a Harvard Business review article was wrong. However, I would say that seeing as this is such a vital part of success, the author may have listed other reference books or reading suggestions on where to find real-life help in the particular industry for which we might have questions. 

Napkin Idea #1 Week 6

This is Bethany. She is my friend's daughter and she has been missing for 15 years

A child is reported missing every 40 seconds in the U.S.

How can we help keep our children be safe?

I have an IDEA!

The National Center of Missing and Exploited Children™ recommends that every child have a readily available resource with a current color photo, along with personalized information that can be immediately used in the event that it is needed. 

IDs cards can be used to provide added safety measurement for any child 

Who could benefit from from having this valuable information? 

All of these groups working together to keep children safe, by having all the information readily available in the event a child goes missing.

• Parent/Child
• Law Enforcement
• Community

It Takes a Village: I am a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) - a court-appointed special advocate for neglected, abused and abandoned children, a mother of six and a grandmother of seven. 

I am dedicated to the prevention and recovery of missing, abused and exploited children.

Other logistical information about program

Up-to-date photo

Fingerprinting

DNA

Mobile app that would allow you to forward information to law enforcement

Safety training for kids/parents

Partner with community and organizations to fund programs so no child is left behind

Inner city support to make it safer for children

LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND

Reading Reflection Week #5

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? 

·         While I understand protecting trade secrets, I was reminded how important it is to beware of technology today – especially mobile devices. I have been in airports and other public venues where I hear all types of business conversations. I don’t actively listen, but I can see how trade secrets or other proprietary information could be stolen from mobile devices. It is extremely important when seeking to start your own business or if you have an innovative idea that you hope to launch.

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

·         Because I have been in Human Resources where labor laws, tax and business structure information is used and where patents infringements and copyrights is part of the HR education, I wasn’t confused by this chapter. However, I always am confused by our government (IRS) continually trying to strangle the life out of small businesses. I completely support honestly in business practices while using every available tax credit and deduction that is legally allowable. Small businesses are the engine of job growth in our economy, and we need to ensure that small businesses are poised to start, grow and create jobs.

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

·         First, I would ask the author how one would get their business off the ground without all the legal entanglements. For instance, an entrepreneur seems to me to be one that has an idea and wants to run with it before someone else figures it out – so how would one get it up and running or launched without having to worry with all the legal challenges.

·         My next question would be: What would be your advice on partnerships? I have a successful entrepreneur friend who said never have a partner. I am assuming he is saying it because of a bad experience, but do you have any advice on partnerships other than what you listed in the text. I am considering launching a company with a family member but would like some advice as to whether that is a good business decision.

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

·         Of course, not being an attorney, there isn’t much I could disagree with in the text regarding the legal challenges. As I look at all these legal challenges that entrepreneurs face, I would say that a great tool would be an Entrepreneur for Dummies book (oh, wait – there is one). This chapter clearly paints a picture of the need for an attorney while setting up your business.