1. Domain Expert: I spoke to a man (his name is Yoram) who built an app in Guatemala targeting high profile individuals that need high security. I was able to get in contact with him through WhatsApp. Starting up an app, especially a dating app (which is a hard source of making profits) is going to be complicated. So I was happy to hear that he personally hired an outside company that helped with the process. Because this company speaks Spanish, there is a language barrier, but it is a start in the right direction.
2. Expert in my market: I spoke to a local farmer named Jen, who I would say is an expert in all things vegan. She works at a local farm in Gainesville so I spoke to her in person at the farm (I don’t want to disclose any private information since she works there.) She was very nice and professional. She helped start up a community supported agriculture (CSA) program and targets about the same people I would, and she gave me information on how she started advertising locally (mainly through social media) . She seems like she would be a great contact down the line.
3. Supplier: I spoke to a technical analyst from my dads job Kodak, his name is Joan. It was quite difficult finding or thinking of a “supplier”, so I thought of someone that could lead me into the right direction regarding starting up an app. He told me that it would be very costly to hire an outside company, and it would be difficult to build a professional app, so to start researching how to build an app or start saving up. It wasn’t a shock, but it definitely made me realize that its going to be difficult.
Reflection: This assignment wasn’t easy, especially approaching professional individuals to listen to their background, and ask what they think about my business idea. This was completely different because they were all older people and were happy to help, but it was still a challenge thinking up questions I wanted to ask. All in all, I think all three of the people I spoke to were and are going to be helpful. I’m happy I started up these conversations early on.
Ariel, I understand your frustration, especially with the difficulties of creating an app. The advice you got from your supplier was very similar to what I heard from all three people I spoke with. Many think it is just a click of a button or some coding, but apps are actually much more complicated than we realize. I think you made very unique connections, they aren't exactly who you'd expect to network with for this type of thing, but still offered really meaningful and helpful information!
ReplyDeleteHey Ariel,
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree that this assignment wasn't the easiest. You really do have to think about your business and who can help you in each area. I think you did an awesome job and gained some good insight. You're absolutely right, starting these conversations early on is a plus because you now have some direction and guidance in pursuing your app further.
I think creating an app can be one of the most difficult of startup ideas due to its costs and expertise. However, by speaking to people in the industry or those doing something similar, you an learn and help your own path by networking. I think it was really useful as well to learn and network from others as it offers meaningful information.
ReplyDelete