Back to the Grind

I'm back after a long hiatus. More to Follow

Facebook Poll results

My poll results and they have spurred me to newer heights. 93% of the respondents feel very dissatisfied with their book situation. So my next move is to set up surveys at both Mt.Sac and CalPoly pomona. I will have to do a little bit of research, but I hope to have a beta version ready to launch by the second session of summer. The next step is setting up the surveys and talk to a coder/ check out hosting services on the net. Also will have to see if there are similar services out there. Till next time- peace.

Step 1 Facebook Poll

I am now in the beginning stages of setting up the business. I want to measure the effectiveness of Facebook polls. So come April 30th or 31st, I will set up a poll asking CalPoly students how difficult it is for them to sell or buy textbooks. I figure this would be a good starting point. If i get any favorable responses, then I will set up a survey booth near the library, might have to get permission from the Student Office, etc. Also need to make an appointment with the Dean of the Business School, see if he will let me set up any surveys in his classes. After this, I will need to start looking for a partner. Results will be shown at conclusion of survey.

A new twist

Ive been busy for a bit but a new idea has sprung into my brain. Walking around campus Ive noticed a lot of people complaining about how books are expensive and hoe they get hardly any money for their books. So i plan on opening an online marketplace for the easy transition of the books from one student to another. A step further would be to facilitate the flow of goods and information from one student to another. A college craigslist of sorts. Local event organizers could use this site to promote their events. An idea in the works but a blueprint will emerge soon.

Step 1 - Brainstorming

Okay, the first step in any entrepreneurial effort is to see how marketable or commercially viable the idea is. So the trick for me is to finalize my idea. Since it is a business, my interest would be to get college students involved financially in the local businesses. From an informal scouting of the neighborhood, I noticed most of the businesses were corporate giants such as Starbucks, The Coffee Bean, Rubio's etc. Along with these businesses are local boutiques shops such as one that sells antiques. It will take a bit more research on my part to determine my 'TARGET' market, i.e. which businesses will actually benefit through my idea. Here are the factors i am looking for in an ideal client:

1. Relatively recently established - 2 years or sooner would be best.
2. Proximity to school - should not be farther than a 2 mile radius with the school as the center.
3. Flexible Management - management in place who are both competent and willing to take risks.
4. Product of the Business - This would be the main requirement of an eligible client in that their product is something college students need. An example is a cell phone store or a local textbook and stationery store.

A foray into the world of entrepreneurship

This is the first foray of mine into an organized business setup. The outline of my plan is to get college students more involved in their local businesses. My first mission is to see how knowledgeable college students are of the businesses surrounding them. My first college of choice is Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA. A listing of the businesses will follow soon. To test the waters so to speak, I will be setting up a survey with the School of Business at Mt. SAc. More will follow on my results. Bye for now.