Identifying Local Opportunities
Journal: The Hernando Sun
The Five Opportunities
1. Politics has Become More Important than Doing a Job Well - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00022
Description of story:
People often read online reviews before going to a restaurant, staying at a hotel, or buying a product. These reviews are easy to access and are written by actual consumers. People may also base their decisions on what to buy on celebrity endorsements. For example, someone may buy nail polish sponsored by Rihanna simply because this product was advertised by their favorite celebrity.
Description of problem:
Online reviews do not necessarily portray the actual quality of the restaurant, hotel, or product in question. Maybe the review was left by someone with different preferences and tastes. Maybe a spiteful person wrote a hateful review for a personal reason. Also, a celebrity endorsement does not make a product worth buying. This product may be made of cheap materials or not work as described. Overall, these reviews and endorsements overshadow the actual quality of the product or service being offered. Maybe a restaurant that serves terrible food receives still receives due to a celebrity sponsor.
Who has the problem?
Small, local businesses may face this problem. These establishments cannot afford famous sponsors. Also, small businesses receive fewer reviews than larger businesses or chains. Therefore, a negative review would stand out more to possible consumers.
2. Three Buses Looking for Tender Love and Care - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00020
Description of story:
The buses used by the Boys and Girls Club in Brooksville need to be repaired. This nonprofit organization offers troubled children a safe haven. These buses are used to provide transportation to field trips and various classes.
Description of problem:
The repairs are expensive and cannot be covered by the current budget. Without these buses, the Boys and Girls Club cannot go on excursions.
Who has the problem?
The members of the club have this problem. Since the children in this club often come from low-income or troubled households, the field trips and classes offered by the club are important for their mental health and well-being.
3. 56 Dogs and 23 Cats up for Adoption - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00020
Description of story:
The We Care for Paws Foundation was shut down, and the animals being fostered here were seized by the local sheriff’s office. The animals are now being cared for by volunteers who are in need of funds to continue caring for the animals.
Description of problem:
The 56 dogs and 23 cats that were being cared for by this foundation are now in the hands of volunteers. These volunteers are asking for donations in order to afford supplies, such as dog food. The program is struggling financially, and the volunteers are trying to get these animals adopted as soon as possible.
Who has the problem?
The original owners of the animals may not be able to retrieve their cats and dogs due to the sudden notice. These animals may be adopted by different owners. If these animals are not adopted, there may not be enough donated money to continue caring for them.
4. Opiate Effects on the Ones You Love - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00003
Description of story:
Opiate use is growing in the United States. This article describes a personal story about growing up with an addicted mother.
Description of problem:
Opiate use does not only affect the user. This person’s friends and family members are also impacted by the problem. In this case, the author was neglected as a child. He lived without electricity or running water for a certain period of time because his caretaker would not pay the utility bill.
Who has the problem?
The immediate family members of those who struggle with opiate use, especially children.
5. Brooksville to Disband Police Department - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00012
Description of story:
Due to a deficit in the city budget, the Brooksville Police Department was shut down. The city council voted to close the department, despite opposition from residents.
Description of problem:
Brooksville no longer has a city-wide police department. The majority of people who worked in this apartment will now lose their jobs.
Who has the problem?
The former employees of the police department and their families are affected by this problem.
The Five Opportunities
1. Politics has Become More Important than Doing a Job Well - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00022
Description of story:
People often read online reviews before going to a restaurant, staying at a hotel, or buying a product. These reviews are easy to access and are written by actual consumers. People may also base their decisions on what to buy on celebrity endorsements. For example, someone may buy nail polish sponsored by Rihanna simply because this product was advertised by their favorite celebrity.
Description of problem:
Online reviews do not necessarily portray the actual quality of the restaurant, hotel, or product in question. Maybe the review was left by someone with different preferences and tastes. Maybe a spiteful person wrote a hateful review for a personal reason. Also, a celebrity endorsement does not make a product worth buying. This product may be made of cheap materials or not work as described. Overall, these reviews and endorsements overshadow the actual quality of the product or service being offered. Maybe a restaurant that serves terrible food receives still receives due to a celebrity sponsor.
Who has the problem?
Small, local businesses may face this problem. These establishments cannot afford famous sponsors. Also, small businesses receive fewer reviews than larger businesses or chains. Therefore, a negative review would stand out more to possible consumers.
2. Three Buses Looking for Tender Love and Care - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00020
Description of story:
The buses used by the Boys and Girls Club in Brooksville need to be repaired. This nonprofit organization offers troubled children a safe haven. These buses are used to provide transportation to field trips and various classes.
Description of problem:
The repairs are expensive and cannot be covered by the current budget. Without these buses, the Boys and Girls Club cannot go on excursions.
Who has the problem?
The members of the club have this problem. Since the children in this club often come from low-income or troubled households, the field trips and classes offered by the club are important for their mental health and well-being.
3. 56 Dogs and 23 Cats up for Adoption - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00020
Description of story:
The We Care for Paws Foundation was shut down, and the animals being fostered here were seized by the local sheriff’s office. The animals are now being cared for by volunteers who are in need of funds to continue caring for the animals.
Description of problem:
The 56 dogs and 23 cats that were being cared for by this foundation are now in the hands of volunteers. These volunteers are asking for donations in order to afford supplies, such as dog food. The program is struggling financially, and the volunteers are trying to get these animals adopted as soon as possible.
Who has the problem?
The original owners of the animals may not be able to retrieve their cats and dogs due to the sudden notice. These animals may be adopted by different owners. If these animals are not adopted, there may not be enough donated money to continue caring for them.
4. Opiate Effects on the Ones You Love - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00003
Description of story:
Opiate use is growing in the United States. This article describes a personal story about growing up with an addicted mother.
Description of problem:
Opiate use does not only affect the user. This person’s friends and family members are also impacted by the problem. In this case, the author was neglected as a child. He lived without electricity or running water for a certain period of time because his caretaker would not pay the utility bill.
Who has the problem?
The immediate family members of those who struggle with opiate use, especially children.
5. Brooksville to Disband Police Department - http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00062474/00012
Description of story:
Due to a deficit in the city budget, the Brooksville Police Department was shut down. The city council voted to close the department, despite opposition from residents.
Description of problem:
Brooksville no longer has a city-wide police department. The majority of people who worked in this apartment will now lose their jobs.
Who has the problem?
The former employees of the police department and their families are affected by this problem.
Do you think you own personal interests or experiences help to shape the local opportunities selected? I know I picked a couple that were having a significant impact on my own life. I wonder how much of our selection was base on a subconscious thought that came to fruition once we saw it in print? There are loads are articles every day in every paper, but why did we all select the ones we did? It’s fascinating and probably provides great insight into the unmet needs we would like to fulfill by creating a business, service or product. Would you consider creating something to meet any of the opportunities you identified?
ReplyDeleteHey Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI thought the local opportunities that you identified were very insightful and different than mine. This might be because we used different local newspapers to find our opportunities. This can show how our different local communities have different needs and opportunities than others. I also think your third opportunity about the dogs and cats is very interesting and could be used as a great opportunity.
Hey Ashley,
ReplyDeleteJust want to start out by saying well done with the performance of this assignment, it flows well and is nicely formatted. Not to mention, you completed all of the requirements. Aside from that, I am a fan of the opportunities you decided to cover throughout all of these local areas as they were all very interesting. I must applaud you for posting the link for the adoption page, it grants a real opportunity for all of those animals to find a home.