heyitsKianDave

Good Day! Welcome to my Blog. I am Kian Dave Segovia, a student nurse from Central Mindanao University. A follow would mean a lot. Thank you! 💙

[heyitskiandave]

Fourth is the Last: The Beginning of an End

Upon embarking this journey towards being an entrepreneur, it was always a constant battle between understanding the needs of the people and having the sufficient resources to be able to compensate to these needs the people wants. As an aspirant, one must realize the responsibility an entrepreneur plays in the society which is not being a contributor to the local economy, but also a responder to the pleads of the people.

While approaching the Final Pitching, a series of emotions had surge within us, which mainly includes excitement and anxiety simultaneously. Upon reviewing the comments with our initial pitching and proposal, it was a great reminder for us that we still have a lot to work on. Some of the comments were directed to our finances should be broken down properly, how much profit we should set as a goal to attain within the end of every month, how the product should be advertised, and lastly, how to ensure that the advertisement means that were to be used are to be effective especially in the long run for the business.

With thorough reflection and understanding of these words coming from the panellists, the group once again huddled together and recalibrated new ideas up to the board. Moving on, we talked about what we need to change, improve, and remove in the initial plan for the start-up business. To begin with the final planning of the start-up, the team decided to meet up and assign each one with tasks so that the minimum amount of time for improvisation is attained.

To further elaborate the decided plan, the team had concluded to continue with the variety of foods that were to be provided, the means of the product would be produced, the ingredients that are to be used, and the key resources/partners involved within the start-up. The things that were improved would include the delivery methods that are to be utilized (which is instead of delivering it via walking, we would be using a bicycle to be able to deliver around the campus), the price of the product in generating greater income (where instead of Php 25.00, the price would be set to Php 30.00 to compensate proper ratio of profit to capital), the scope of the business (where instead of covering only the CMU-CON and University Hospital, but also for nearby colleges to cover larger population for possible customers) and the advertisement means (which is to include physical verbal advertisement and not only limited to posters and flyers, and online/ social media). These are the hypothesis definitions that the group has deduced upon total consideration of the deliberation with the panellists.

To test the hypothesis that were raised, the Final Pitching had been looked upon, the team had prepared their intellect, their materials, and their wit to answer the questions possibly thrown by the panellists. At a glance, the product may seem overly used but little do they know they are about to witness something that the university needs; an answer to a problem that each of one overlooks. Here, we presented the totality of our product, from target areas and ingredients to be used to the finances and expenses that are to be taken. Upon assessment, the panellists were thrilled and gave us the validation we need. In this way, hypothesis testing, in its own means, was approved and attained.

With the options that were in the line for the team as well as the decisions that had come along with these options, the team was able to break it down to what the start-up business was meant to be. Each of the team members were very glad and contented with how it all came about. By hearing the pleas and opinions of each, we are able to sum it up to a collective whole. We know, in some little way, we are able to leave something to the panellists and co-aspiring entrepreneurs which is to really be vigilant in looking out for problems, and responsive to those alarming ones especially those who could have a significant effect in the long run. With all of these, the team has finally envisioned to entirety of the business through laying out all the possible options, and picking out the best ones.  

Furthermore, this is not the end. We still had one task to go. This task was the finishing touch to what we’ve worked for in GEE-16, although could be a disguised beginning for an opportunity for us if we are all willing to partake. Upon deciding the theme and overall outcome of the video that we would like to present for our product promotion, we had come back to our roots, where the start-up all began, thus we decided to come up with a heart-warming, mouth-watering, and reality-reflecting video in doing our final project. Here, we showcase our product, its ingredients, its benefits, and its allocation in the university. It shows how our product could play a big role in the university and its people. The complete concept of the video was agreed fairly by the team thus executed was well and properly.  

While the conclusion of our GEE-16 journey almost comes to a close, I have come to realize the true essence of what entrepreneurship really means. It’s not just all about the business nor having a money generator but it is a commitment of a craft made for the benefit and betterment of the community. It is a calling to improvise ideas, provide products, and guide aspirants to become one the future. This is the main reason why deliberation is very vital; to be able to hear the thoughts of the experts and to be able to reflect on what they think needs to be done. Together, consequently, with our passion and drive, a successful business is not far from reach rather it is within the tip of the finger. A dream is never impossible once we put hard work and determination. One just got to believe that he or she is capable of anything, even in the world of entrepreneurs.

[heyitskiandave]

Road to Proposal: Where It All Began

The road to coming up with an entrepreneurial venture is not an easy road to take. It needs a series of customer validation, hypothesis definition, and testing to be able to come up with a final decision in doing what’s best for the team and what’s in trend for the customers. Truly, there is a big sacrifice up ahead for the team as we continue to embark the journey of being an entrepreneur. A whole new world awaits, maybe filled with ups and downs, but undoubtedly, it will teach us great lessons along the way.

These made me go back to my own team and how we got our idea on “Dahon-Dahon Lang”. To give a bit of a background of what our start-up is all about. “Dahon-Dahon Lang” is a product-centered business catering to students and staff of the CMU-College of Nursing, University Hospital, and other nearby colleges within the area. It offers a variety of budget-friendly food wrapped in banana leaves for those who are time-restricted and preoccupied most of the time. The idea itself of building up this business took a long way before its actual commencement but undeniably, it was the path that each of the team members of the team was willing to take.

 Initially, before we come up with the idea, we asked some of the problems that each of the students experience within the university, mainly the nursing students of the CMU-CON. They mentioned a bunch of problems relating to the maintenance of their white uniforms and shoes, transportation means, unprecedented hot weather, etc. but most of them really highlighted the lack of food sources within the area since as per our own experience, the closest food source during lunch time within the CMU-CON is the university market which is about more than a kilometre away from where the nursing students are.

Even though we extracted already some relevant data in choosing our proposed venture, we did some extra validation via surveys and interviews to really ensure that we could properly piggyback our business idea and really provide what is needed for the nursing students of the university. Here, we asked different nursing students to answer a series of questions which are both open-ended and close-ended. An example of a close-ended question which we’ve asked is that “Do you think food is a major problem experienced by students and staff within the CMU-CON and University Hospital?”. A range of 1 to 4 is given for them to choose where 1 denotes Strongly Agree, 2 denotes Agree, 3 denotes Disagree, and 4 denotes Strongly Disagree. For this question alone, an average of 3.9 was tallied. While on the other hand, an example of an open-ended question our team asked was “How do you think we can solve the problem of food within the CMU-CON and University Hospital?”. These are just some of the areas of interest our team asked to extract specific and significant data in choosing and deciding for our team’s business.  

After boiling it down to one problem, then the team had thought of different possible solutions for the chosen problem. This is when the hypothesis definition has started. Solutions that were suggested include providing a food-transportation server, food-generating source, food-delivery service, etc. where each was reconsidered in reference to the budget of the team, the feasibility of the project, and the income that could be generated for each one. With this, an interview again was conducted to the possible customers of the business, where most of them had answered food-generating source with reasons of “I don’t want to pay for delivery fees”, “food providers would give immediate food rather than waiting for minutes for delivery services to arrive”, and “I could get a clearer picture of the food to choose rather than just viewing photos of it online”.

After obtaining all the answers, Most, if not all, of the students suggested that a food-producing business be around close or even within aforementioned area. With all of these, the team decided to hear and follow the pleads of the feasible customers which is to be an entrepreneurial venture catered to providing budget-friendly food to the people within the area of the CMU-CON and University Hospital. With these, the team listed down all the options possibly needed to make the idea plausible for the customers, which includes the food that would be available, the means the food would be accessed and available to the customers, the area where the food will be stored for student’s easier access, and how the the food would be advertised to ensure its attraction to the students and staff within the area.

  Moreover, the options were then narrowed down before the actual proposal of the business. Foods made available are decided by the preferences of the customers via online surveys and local drop boxes to ensure high demand and strong customer relationship. Food would be stored in a nearby boarding house of our team member, where food is steamed to provide high-quality, heated food for the customers delight to eat. Food can be bought or requested via online means, phone call, and/or direct physical contact with the team members.  Lastly, food would be advertised online via social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and physically through posters and flyers. With that being said, the whole business plan was achieved and thus is ready for proposal.

Consequently, after being able to formulate the general needs of the entrepreneurial venture, I have reflected all of the lessons acquired along the journey and also with the lecture series that I attended last November 23, 2022. It made me realize the role that entrepreneurs play in the society which is not only to generate income but also to provide alternative and direct solutions for the problems experienced by the members of a specific community. Also, it reminded me that in creating a business, it isn’t always rainbows and butterflies but also has some dark times with it; only an entrepreneur with high dedication, perseverance, and drive is subjected to success in the entrepreneurial world. Lastly, with the words spoken by Engr. Bronson Mabulay and Mr. Arnel Arreglado, I have learned that anyone can be an entrepreneur. As long as you are driven and passionate enough to pursue your craft, in no time, you are able to be a successful entrepreneur in the future.

Undeniably, the journey I’ve had with GEE-16: The Entrepreneurial Mind will truly be unforgettable not just with the experience but also with the lessons I have inquired. It enabled me to build relationships with my group and with my customers; it allowed me to value teamwork and partnership in answering the timely and relevant problems in the community. It gave me light in understanding the importance of listening and transforming what was heard to actions that would answer all the cries and pleads of the people. With that being said, in the future, I know I would be able to promote a business of my own and be able to look back at this time, where I was just once a student learning about business and venture unaware of what the future holds for me in the business world.

[heyitskiandave]

Speak and Listen: Hypothesize and Conclude

Blog #2: Interviewing Potential Customers

Creating an entrepreneurial venture could be a high risk but could also be a high reward. The thing is, there is no guarantee that all the hard work, the money spent, and the effort taken will pay off. As an entrepreneur, we need to be diligent and well-aware of what is happening around us; the trends, the demands, and the needs of the people. People, who are also considered our customers, are vital to our business’s venture. Thus, interviews and surveys were taken into account in the business of our very own.

          To start off, just yesterday, I had my training for the Palaro Men’s Volleyball. From 8 am to 12 pm, it was all sweats as I played under the heat of the sun. But suddenly around 1 pm, heavy rain started to fall, thus, forcing us to stop our game and take shed on the grandstand. Upon sitting on the bleachers, I took advantage of the time to interview someone from our college. Then, I saw a classmate of my teammate and asked for her time for the interview.

To kick things off, I started with an introduction of myself, where I’m from, and the purpose of the interview. Then, I asked for her name, age, and current year level. I asked if I could record the session and she said yes. Her name was Cherry Flores Misolis, a 22-year-old 4th year nursing student of CMU. Then, I started with my first question, “What are the non-academic problems you’ve experienced so far in the College of Nursing (CON)?”. I, then translated her answer which is,  “The non-academic problems I’ve experienced in the CON is the lack of food and medical supplies facilities, mud splashes on my uniform during rainy days, and the lengthy distance from my boarding house to the CON. My main problem out of three is the lack of food and medical supplies facilities.”

Then I followed it up with the next question “As a nursing student, how has this problem affected your academic performance?”. She answered, “Having the lack of food and medical facilities has totally affected me and my academic performance. Considering the time I spent on travelling to the market, buying food consumes too much time thus, lessening the time I should rather spend in my studies.” I immediately asked the third question which was “What do you think could help solve this problem?” and then I received an answer which is “A college-based canteen or a food provider within the college or department can be a great help in addressing this problem since instead of going to the market or other eateries to eat food, I’ll be able to stay in the CON and enjoy my meal without even worrying about my time management for my lunch and studies.”

After relaying this questions, I started laying out possible options and answers to her predicament and then she agreed. I asked the fourth question which is “Do you think a food-centred entrepreneurial venture would help address your concern? How?”. She replied, “Yes, returning back to the problem, a food-centred entrepreneurial venture could just be the solution to this problem. By providing us with a near, accessible, and budget-friendly food provider, I wouldn’t have to worry about the time, effort, and money spent during my lunch time. Most importantly, I am able to give more time to my studies.“

After receiving the answer, I explained more about the business that I am proposing, she then grinned and showed her agreement. Upon finishing my explanation I then asked for her suggestions on our proposed business which is “What would be your suggestion or recommendations on our business?”.  Her answer was “If I were to suggest and recommend something for your business, I would say versatility and affordability. Versatility, by means of providing a wide range of dishes to choose from and affordability which is by considering the budget of customers in making a price.” After finishing the interview, I acknowledged her answers and time spent on the interview. I made sure to ask if I could disclose her identity and then she agreed. I thanked and showed her my deepest gratitude by taking her down stairs. I extracted, listened, and translated all of her answers which are reflected by those mentioned above.

After the interview with one of my seniors, me and my teammates agreed to go home instead, it was much of a hassle and waste of time to wait for the rain to stop since it shows no sign of stopping. Upon finalizing the decision, I, together with some of my teammates, walked to the market, grabbed a snack, and then went home. While waiting for the bus to come, I remembered that I have a neighbour who is also a nursing student of CMU. I then messaged her, and asked for an interview in her house in the late evening. She replied and told me that she is okay with it. I replied with appreciation and asked for an update thereafter.

Upon arriving home, I took a quick bath and asked her if she is available during the present time. She said yes and I immediately walked my way to her house. She welcomed me and told me to find comfort on their front porch where we will be performing the interview. After that, I waited for her to settle down and then introduced myself to my interviewee. I asked for her name, age, and year level. Her name is Aubrey Alvarado, a 20-year-old 3rd year nursing student of Central Mindanao University. After we have set ourselves completely in our respective places, we then started with the interview. Questions that have been asked with this interviewee are similar with the past one.

I started with the first question which is concerned with the problems experienced by our interviewee. She replied “I have experienced no source for food during lunchtime, difficulty in transportation, hot weather, and lack of printing and photocopying services. Out of the aforementioned problems, the one that caused me much problem is the absence of a food source especially during lunchtime.” Then I asked her about how it affected her academic performance. She said “This problem of mine affected my academic performance in a way that hunger always overpowers my focus at the same time, kills time which should’ve been spent in studying for my lessons. It serves as roots to other problem such as spending money on fare, having to experience the scorching heat of the sun upon walking to the market, and poor time management for studies”. She then highlighted some of her personal experiences about spending too much time in looking for food and eating her lunch.

Then I followed up with the third question which is about the possible solutions she could think of to solve her problem. She then proposed, “Having a cafeteria near or within the college will be a great solution to this problem. Yet since there is no budget for that, a food seller or department-based food delivery service provider would also be an effective remedy to the problem.” I then started talking about our business like the previous interviewee then continued by asking her the following question which is about how a food-centred entrepreneurial venture could help solve this problem of hers “Yes, by providing accessible food within the college, I wouldn’t have to worry about spending money on fare, having to walk to the market, and walking under the heat of the sun. Also, I can manage my time and give more of it in my studies.” I continued with my explanation with our proposed business and what it offers. She smiled and told me that it was a great proposal as it could help students like her with their problem on food discrepancy within the college.

After giving her a clean, concrete, and complete discussion about our business, as our final question, I asked for her suggestions and recommendations on how to improve our business and make sure that it compensates the demands of its customers. She answered “Food should always be clean, consistent, and within the budget of the nursing students. As nursing student, we know that we have infinite requirements especially during our duties, thus the entrepreneurs under this business should reconsider an affordable price for their customers.” After completing the interview, I thanked her and her mom for their time. I asked if I could disclose her identity and she said yes. I make sure to leave no scraps within her home and left properly with showing of deep gratitude. I then went home and started interpreting the answers of my interviewees.

After discussing with my group mates the individual answers of our interviewee, we have come to a conclusion that our proposed business answers the needs of the CON students when it comes to food service within the college. It doesn’t only solve the problems of food but also the problems of time, effort, and money as it saves time and effort by providing an of quality budget-friendly product to the people easily accessible by its customers. Also, it shows that it could possibly be a unique product since it is diverse and provides a wide range of food to choose from. The food is also environmentally advantageous as it uses biodegradable and recyclable ingredients and materials in its manufacturing and packaging. Truly, our product, as of the moment, is something to look out for as it is well-appreciated and acknowledged by the interviewees interviewed.

Regarding this, the decision that has been made by the team is that we should have a variety of dishes to sell and not only rely on one. Chosen dishes would be easy-to-cook as well as be 100% edible which means bony excesses should not be present within each product. Also, we should make sure that the ingredients that we would be using in our product would be affordable and of quality at the same time. The options include both well-known and local stores which would be reconsidered in obtaining our needed materials. On this note, we would compromise with the chosen store then choose the one with the best offer to make sure that product is within our budget not only for us but also for our customers. This is a must-check aspect simply because the price of the product can cause a big impact on the rundown of our business in the future.

Throughout the interviews, I learned that it is really vital to listen to the demands of the public since they will be a great contributing and determining factor if your proposed business would be a huge success and failure. It taught me that the entrepreneurial world, to be able to sell, you should not only use your mouth to advertise or sell you product but also to use your ears to listen to what the people need and want. Being an entrepreneur requires not only having the accurate knowledge but also exuding a personality that provides, communicates, and responds to what the people may say and doing what is must for them since at the end of the day, they will be your greatest motivator to achieving greater and even your biggest advocate in promoting your business in the future. 

[heyitskiandave]

The First Touch to Entrepreneurship

The word “Entrepreneurship” lies quietly at the corner of my ears. Its mere definition is what enables me to grasp the meaning of the word itself. Yet as years go by, its definition becomes more concrete and vague at the same time, making the possibilities even wider. Some may view it as an opportunity, some as a blessing, but I view it as an avenue; an avenue for change, development, and mainly success. Listening to the introduction of the lesson brings me to the good old days when I once dreamt of being a renowned entrepreneur myself. Time is of essence and I believe my time will come if God abides to my will.

            Business, entrepreneurs, income, and taxations are just some terms that may be familiar to all of us. The art of the economic world revolves on these words making the flow of finances more efficient as people exercise trends in adaptation and development as generations go by. Faced by a series of challenges and hardships, the way to success in the business path is way narrower than a hole of the needle but once entered, sews you to greatness and triumph. One that can never be un-knit or undone. By simple understanding, the thought itself is easy but the process that has to be overcome is a new set of hindrances that may make or break you in the long run.

            Going back to the beginning of the lesson, definitions were out, both general and personal. Each one had the platform to share their opinions and insights on the word itself. This just goes to show that descriptions may vary and that one has his or her own subjective view and take on it. This section of the discussion made me realize that our own unique mind is of great essence in leading us to greater heights in this venture. One may be persuaded to believe another’s view or one may persuade others to believe theirs. Nonetheless, both brings benefits with a fine share of risks and possible troublesome.

            Another great takeaway that I have gotten was to always take failures as learning grounds and as turning points on your entrepreneurial journey. One must learn to accept criticism and embrace them for the betterment of the business and benefit of the public of demand. To be an entrepreneur, one must be selfless and must learn to view the societal ventures in the lens and the perspective of the people, not one’s own. Once exhibited, it gives room for more opportunities to come not only for the creator but all the people who benefits from the innovative creation.

            I also incorporated the reality of inconsistency. There is no straight line in the entrepreneurial world, it’s either you go up or go down. One goes up if he or she nurtures his craft and develops it more to higher levels while it goes down, if problems are neglected and enhancement is not given of importance. This area of interest of the entrepreneur reflects his or her passion and drive in the path he or she took. The whole situation of the company or business is a sole reflection of the owner’s view of what he or she started. As a future entrepreneur, I have come to a point where I know that to become successful is not just attained by having complete knowledge and skills but also needs a little touch of a positive attitude and the most appropriate approach in becoming a successful nurse and entrepreneur in the future.

            Moreover, as we continue to prosper in the digital world, one must learn how to utilize the platform for the good of the students. One of these includes having to adapt to online classes especially during the peak of the global crisis. Another would be to widen advertisement and endorsement to engage, invite, and connect with customers. The strategy of using things to your advantage will eventually help you propel higher.

            Now, let’s turn our focus to the introduction proper. Being an entrepreneur encompasses having not only a creative mind but also a mind that innovates and responds to the needs of the people in the population he or she belongs in. No matter what type of business an aspiring entrepreneur wants to explore in, a goal should be set in mind and that goal should be in continuum, meaning that development, change, and adaptation is to be considered at certain points of time. A great entrepreneur is also a great listener; someone who listens to the needs of the community while thinking beyond the box and creating a product unlike any other.

            Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, and Amazon are just some of the most famous brands we have during these day and time but let us not forget that these brands were once small earners, not known, and most importantly, proponents to failure. These brands had shown resiliency and determination to bring their brand to where it is right now; in the spotlight and unshadowed by its competitors. Considering they were just new emerging brands in the field of what we call “technopreneurship”, they totally sailed and triumph all the way to the top.

            A quote that was stated by Ken Singer had changed my perspective towards start-up, business, and entrepreneurship. It says that “a start-up is an act of rebellion”. It is rebellion, in a way that it deviates from what already exists and is used by the majority. It rebels to the traditional businesses we once knew but also benefits us by exploring the edges of the things that were yet to be discovered. Each one of us has our own mind who thinks distinctively and uniquely among others. The thought itself of our own mind enables us to separate ourselves from the pack since I truly believe that the subject itself is subjective and the acquisition of knowledge solely depends on how one integrates and understands the lessons.

            Being an entrepreneur, one must learn to take opportunities to their own advantage. As they say, opportunities only knock once so once we have it, we should grab it. But as for me, we create our own opportunities, we create our own destinies, and we create our own future. Our businesses and our own future depend on us and are considered to be a pure reflection of what we have done in the past and in the present. So as early as know, one must realize their true purpose especially in the field of entrepreneurship to activate not only their passion for business but for gauging a way to a brighter and better future not just only for themselves but also for their families and loved ones. 

            In conclusion, as young as I am, I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is for anyone who puts their heart and mind into it. You don’t have to be rich nor famous to be one, you just need to have a goal in mind which can enable you to create a platform to achieve it for yourself. Entrepreneurship doesn’t choose you, we choose entrepreneurship and that decision of ours solely depends on us, whether we think it is our calling or not. One can be a nurse, a mother, a single parent, a teenager and be an entrepreneur.  One must only realize their full potential and utilize that realization to creating ventures for the betterment of our community. An entrepreneur is someone who not only earns but is someone who also contributes to the growth and development of the economy, in local, national, and even global.