Week 3: Identifying Local Opportunities

Article 1: Homelessness

Title: Harsh treatment towards homeless sadly nothing new in Florida

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=1519C3C9E1778910&p_docnum=6&p_queryname=2

The article discusses the problem of homelessness throughout Florida, and the harsh treatment toward homeless people. It is actually illegal in Florida to feed a homeless person, and is prosecuted as a criminal offense. In short, it discusses the public perception and legal consequences of feeding the homeless.

The problem is homelessness. This is something that we have all experienced first hand. Unfortunately, not everyone is privileged enough to have a roof over their head, so some people have to live on the streets.

It is a problem for everyone because not only could you potentially be living on the streets if economic conditions were bad enough, but it is human nature to have a heart and feel bad for the people who got there. They may be collecting governmental assistance, which you are contributing to in part, so I feel like it impacts everyone in some way. The actual homeless people and government who created these ordinances have the most direct roles, but to some degree, it affects us all.

Article 2: Shopping Local

Title: Shopping from smaller and home-based businesses this holiday season

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=133AE4E76B21FA18&p_docnum=3&p_queryname=5

The article discusses shopping local as an alternative to department stores and megastores, to support your local economy. It also has a more unique selection of items and helps to fund your local community.

The problem presented is shopping from local businesses instead of larger chain retail stores. Funding the local economy is becoming increasingly important, and it is a great opportunity to encourage local spending to keep money circulating throughout ones own community.

This is a problem for small business owners who have to compete with larger chains. There prices are often a lot lower, so many local establishments are closing because they can no longer compete.

Article 3: Social media

Title: How to benefit from social media

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=138309C3F24F49A8&p_docnum=2&p_queryname=6

The article discusses the use of social media as an asset for an individual or business. Creating a bond and relationship with potential customers, marketing and branding your company name, and personalizing your image are among many of the benefits.

The problem is keeping up with technological advances and ensuring your business is up to date with major trends. Social media is a major craze right now, and is a great way to communicate with others if used effectively.

Those who do not use social media or use it ineffectively have the problem. As a current trend, it is important to maximize the potential of businesses. It is important to take advantage of social media and use it as a tool for branding and marketing.

Article 4: Special Education

Title: Be positive about their future

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13A6F689A4946140&p_docnum=2&p_queryname=10

This article talks about the importance of special education and ESE curriculum in schools. It also discusses the significance of remaining positive and how to cope with special needs children.

The opportunity here is bettering special needs programs and education. In addition, it is educating the public and outreach on how they can help.

The portion of the public that is uneducated about special needs has the problem. It is essential that people take the time to educate themselves and don’t judge what they don’t understand.

Article 5: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Title: Live Green: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13424EF8B87D97F8&p_docnum=2&p_queryname=12

This article gives conservation tips on how to do your part in eliminating some personal waste. Each tip helps to save the environment and helps your budget to save money in the process.

The problem presented is environmental conservation and lessening our environmental footprint. It is important because we have a limited number of resources and need to help save the planet for future generations to come.

Again, this is an issue for everyone because we can all help to contribute and lessen our impact on the world for future generations. By using the tips in the article, every individual can contribute in some way to make small changes that all add up over time.

Week 3: Reading Reflection (Chapter 2)

1). The biggest surprise to me was how detailed the author was about the “dark side of entrepreneurship”. Many people may tell you it’s challenging and stressful, but don’t often go into detail as to why. By mentioning the financial, career, social, and psychic risk, entrepreneurial stress is actually defined in a way that is relatable.

2). Nothing in particular was confusing, although I wish the author would have gone into a little more detail about the four types of morally questionable acts because that was a new concept to me. I thought it was an interesting way to separate out morally questionable acts and the table was effective in showing the direct effect and examples of each type. Because it was a new way to classify these, I wish there were even more details because I found it interesting.

3). Why focus so much on ethics? I agree it is essential to become successful through morally and ethically responsible actions, but I would ask why there is such a push to have pages and pages on ethical responsibility and leadership. I would also ask how did you came up with the characteristics attributed to entrepreneurs? I would agree with those listed, but how were these criteria defined.

4). I disagree with a few parts of the entrepreneurial ego section. I think that although many entrepreneurs have a strong desire for control, they are also extremely adaptable because they are in such an unstable environment that they have to be flexible. Another part of that section states that there is a sense of distrust. While that is true in many cases, I also think that many entrepreneurs rely on each other in many instances because they share many similar struggles. They don’t necessarily trust everyone, but they use their connections and networks with others to remain successful.

Week 3: Very Short Interview Number 1

I interviewed Tim Jansen, who was my boss for three years in Tallahassee, FL. He is a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor who opened his own law firm almost 20 years ago. He is best known for his work with high profile clients, especially Florida State athletes, including Jameis Winston. He and his partner own Jansen and Davis, P.A. where they handle criminal defense cases in Leon and the surrounding counties. With hundreds of trials and hearings to his name, he has obtained numerous acquittals in both state and federal courts. He is an entrepreneur because not only did he start his own business, but he was one of the first attorneys to specialize in an area of law and only take cases relating to his expertise.

1). What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

“I would say it is the pursuit of your on dreams on your own terms. It is setting your own rules and defining a standard that you want to hold yourself accountable to.”

Working as an extern, intern, runner, and legal assistant, I served many roles within the firm and had the privilege of seeing him interact in many different environments. His name is known throughout the nation as one of the nation’s top criminal defense attorney’s because he set his own standard of what he believed an attorney could be.

2). What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur? 

“Obviously I knew it wouldn’t be easy starting my own form, but I wish there were people who taught more of the people skills and less of the business side. You constantly hear that business skills can be developed, but the human interaction and personality dynamic are essential to develop and train before getting thrown in to your own practice.”

3). What advice would you give to anyone that is looking to become an entrepreneur?

“Just as you learned working with me, I would say to surround yourself with people who push you, and to never settle. If I were content with where I started, there would have been no growth and no Jansen and Davis law firm. There has to be an underlying passion, but ultimately if you want it bad enough, you create your own success.”

I look up to him both personally and professionally. He is a great boss and family friend. I learned that his passion ultimately motivates him and he thrives on success. It was a unique experience to ask my boss such personal questions, and I feel like I have a better insight as to how he got to where he is today.