ileenpasores

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Blog 6: June 1, 2024

Mastering the Art of the Pitch: Insights from Crafting Our Final Presentations

This week, our team set out to create our pitch deck for the final presentation. As we pored over the guidelines, we realized that crafting a compelling pitch goes beyond presenting facts and figures; it involves creating a narrative that deeply resonates with our audience and encapsulates the essence of our venture.

We mapped out the components—problem, solution, product, target market, traction, revenue model, competition, team, and ask—acknowledging the intricate interplay between each element. Every aspect needed to seamlessly support the overarching narrative, vividly illustrating the problem we aim to solve, our innovative solution, and the potential impact we can create.

The 10/20/30 rule—10 slides, no more than 20 words per slide, and a minimum 30-point font size—challenged us to distill our message to its most impactful form. This required ruthless prioritization, compelling us to pinpoint the core elements that truly convey the heart of our Fish Box solution and its value proposition.

We came to appreciate the significance of storytelling in entrepreneurship. It's not just about presenting dry facts and figures; it's about weaving a captivating narrative that connects emotionally with the audience, igniting their imagination, and inspiring belief in our vision.

Furthermore, we recognized that our pitch is not merely a one-way communication; it's a dialogue, an opportunity to engage our audience, address their concerns, and ultimately persuade them to invest—whether that investment is financial, intellectual, or simply their belief in our cause.

As we continue refining our pitch, we are reminded that this exercise is not just about securing funding or approval; it's about crystallizing our understanding of our venture, our goals, and our path forward. Crafting a compelling pitch is an invaluable exercise in self-reflection, forcing us to confront our assumptions, sharpen our focus, and emerge with a clearer, more cohesive vision for the future.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 5: May 25, 2024

Navigating the Path to Funding: Essential Insights from Milestone 4 for Fish Box Venture

This week, our team focused on the crucial task of securing funding for our Fish Box venture through Milestone 4. While examining financial projections and unit economics, we realized that successfully transforming our innovative idea into a scalable, sustainable business depends greatly on obtaining the right capital at the right time.

Our first-year financials showed a promising gross profit margin of 30%, but also pointed out the significant operating costs necessary to bring our product to market. Although our long-term projections are optimistic about growth and profitability, the upfront capital needed to launch operations is substantial.

Developing a comprehensive funding plan required balancing ambition with practicality. We identified the need to explore a strategic mix of funding sources, including bootstrapping, angel investors, venture capital, and potentially crowdfunding campaigns. Each option involves trade-offs, and we must carefully consider factors like control, dilution, and alignment of interests with potential investors.

A key insight was the necessity of meticulously planning our capital roadmap, ensuring it aligns with projected milestones and growth stages. Securing the right funding at the right time could determine whether we experience sustained growth or face stagnation or failure.

Additionally, we recognized that investors will evaluate not only our financial projections but also our ability to execute, adapt, and innovate. Crafting a compelling narrative around our vision, market opportunity, and competitive advantages will be essential in attracting the right partners and funding sources.

Overall, this milestone highlighted the integral connection between financial planning and strategic decision-making in our entrepreneurial journey. As we move forward, we must view funding not merely as a means to an end but as a vital component of our overall strategy, one that demands careful navigation and a deep understanding of the risk-reward landscape.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 4: May 17, 2024

Navigating Milestone 3: Financial Planning and Market Strategy for Fish Box

This week focused on Milestone 3, where we explored the financial and market entry elements of our Fish Box project. It was a reality check on the numbers and strategies required to turn our innovative concept into a sustainable business.

Creating our financial plans and forecasts for the next five years was enlightening. It required us to thoroughly evaluate all costs, including manufacturing, materials, marketing, and distribution. Balancing our ambitious goals with realistic revenue projections was delicate, emphasizing the importance of careful financial planning and risk management.

Developing an effective go-to-market strategy was equally essential. Our branding video and Facebook page aimed to clearly communicate the Fish Box's unique value to our target market of fishermen and fish vendors. Simplifying our complex product into an understandable and relatable message was challenging but crucial for building brand awareness and establishing a strong market presence.

In summary, this milestone highlighted the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. It’s not just about having a great product idea; it’s about having a detailed, well-planned strategy to achieve commercial success. The financial and marketing aspects are just as vital as the technical ones, and they require the same level of diligence and strategic thinking.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 3: May 11, 2024

Strategic Planning and Lean Development: Insights from Milestone 2 for Fish Box

This week, our team tackled Milestone 2 for our Fish Box project, focusing on crucial elements such as competition analysis, the lean canvas model, plans for our minimum viable product (MVP), and strategies for MVP validation.

One major insight was the importance of thoroughly understanding the competitive landscape and clearly differentiating our value proposition. With numerous portable cooler options available, it’s essential to emphasize how our solar-powered, thermoelectric design uniquely addresses the specific needs of fishermen and fish vendors.

Creating our lean canvas was an enlightening process that helped us condense the core aspects of our business model onto a single page. This exercise required us to refine our customer segments, value propositions, channels, and revenue streams, highlighting the need for clarity and focus as we move forward.

Defining the MVP was both challenging and revealing. We needed to prioritize the essential features that could be quickly developed and tested, avoiding the temptation to perfect additional features too early. Effective MVP validation strategies will allow us to gather rapid user feedback, enabling us to iterate and pivot as necessary.

Overall, this milestone highlighted the significant strategic thinking and lean approach required to successfully launch a new product. Continuously evaluating our assumptions against real-world data will be crucial for making our Fish Box a sustainable solution that genuinely enhances the cold chain in the fishing industry.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 2: May 3, 2024

Fresh Ideas: How Our Fish Box Project is Making Waves in the Fishing Industry

This week, our team had a chance to present our Fish Box project's first milestone. It's a cool idea to help fishermen and fish sellers keep their catch fresh for longer. While we were putting together our presentation, we learned some important stuff.

First off, we realized that it's super important to explain why we're doing this project. It's not just about talking about our product; we need to show why it matters. We talked about how much food gets wasted because fish go bad too quickly, and how fishermen lose money because of that. Plus, we showed how it hurts the environment when fish spoil and have to be thrown away. Explaining all this made our presentation more interesting and made people understand why our project is important.

Secondly, we figured out that talking to the people who will actually use our product is really, really important. So, we went and talked to fishermen, fish sellers, and people who buy fish. It was really cool because we got to learn a lot about what they need and what they want. And when we shared what we learned with other people, it showed them that there are lots of folks who would use our product if we made it.

Looking ahead, we're excited to make our presentation even better. We'll keep working on explaining our project in a really clear way. And we'll make sure we have lots of information to show that our idea is a good one. We hope that by doing this, we can get even more people excited about helping us make the fishing industry better.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 1: April 25, 2024

Balancing Storytelling and Technical Detail in Entrepreneurship

This week, our team had the chance to present our Fish Box project pitch to a group of experts. While they liked our fresh approach to tackling food waste and pollution in fishing, their feedback emphasized something we often forget – the importance of storytelling.

They pointed out that our presentation, although informative, lacked the gripping narrative and lively delivery needed to really grab attention. We came off as too formal and rigid, missing the opportunity to inject the passion and excitement that could make our idea truly stick.

As tech enthusiasts, we tend to dive deep into the technicalities of our products, sometimes overlooking the fact that we're not just selling a solution, but a vision. We need to vividly illustrate the problem we're solving, the impact we aim for, and the journey ahead, all while showcasing our personalities and genuine enthusiasm.

Furthermore, their suggestion to include product architecture in our next presentation reminded us of the importance of balancing the big picture with the nitty-gritty details. While storytelling is crucial, we must also provide solid technical information to demonstrate our credibility and the feasibility of our venture.

Moving forward, our team is committed to incorporating these insights. We'll focus on crafting a more captivating and visually stimulating pitch, one that truly reflects the passion driving our project while also delivering the necessary technical information. Because successful entrepreneurship isn't just about having a brilliant idea – it's about conveying that idea in a way that inspires and engages our audience.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 6: March 22, 2024

Learning from others: Listening to different voices

When we were developing our eco-friendly cooler project, we spoke to 30 potential users: fishermen, retailers and consumers. We want to make sure our ideas are good, but I learned a lot from these conversations.

I spoke to the fishermen. Although they had little money, they still cared about nature. They knew that using Styrofoam was bad for the environment, but it wasn’t cheap and there weren’t many other options. If we could make our green refrigerators affordable, they liked it. This made me want more. Vendors also had stories to tell. They liked the idea of ​​keeping food fresh longer, but didn’t want it to be too expensive. I realized that being eco-friendly shouldn’t be just for the rich. It should work for everyone, without making life difficult.

It was eye-opening for me to hear from the people who buy our refrigerators. Prices weren’t the only thing they cared about. They asked for decent wages, nutritious food and support from their communities. I learned that sustainability means considering everything, not just technology.

As I study to become an engineer, I know it is important to keep an open mind. I want to use my skills to create products that are helpful to people and affordable to everyone. It’s not just about being smart; It is also about being kind and understanding. Real progress happens when we work together and care for each other and the planet.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 5: March 16, 2024

Building innovation with purpose through the fabric of value discourse

When our Technopreneurship team was working on the value proposition for our eco-friendly portable refrigeration system, the "Cooler Crew," I took a surprising yet profound approach to profit, gain and pain points which customers experience in describing my product. The helpful the work that began, gave me a deeper understanding of the driving force as an engineer.

The contrast between the environmental impact of Styrofoam boxes and the economic hardship faced by small-town fishermen due to contaminated fish revealed the true cost of unsustainable methods to humanity and resources a exposure of the environment It was a way to meet basic requirements through new climate-related media.

This made me realize how technology has the potential to be a tool to make a huge positive impact if the solutions are purpose-driven Naturally, I have always valued social responsibility and sustainability in the abstract in. But then that abstract idea felt real because of this practical exercise of communicating the real costs, benefits and associated prices to marginalized stakeholders like fishermen.

During that intense period, when I was designing effects trails, it became clear to me that this was the kind of engineering work I loved. My mission is to create eco-friendly products that are informed by a comprehensive understanding of social and environmental conditions I am excited to learn more about how to continue my technical education by pursuing courses in Development Engineering, Life Cycle Analysis and Green Design. This event encouraged my desire to work on purposeful innovations that promote planetary restoration.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 4: March 9, 2024

Progress and Consultation in Our Journey for Sustainable Fishing Solutions

In our ongoing endeavor to develop portable thermoelectric iceboxes, this week marked a significant milestone as we presented our progress report and sought consultation from our teacher. As we navigated through the intricate landscape of sustainable solutions for small-scale fishermen, the invaluable feedback we received illuminated the path forward, highlighting the importance of further engagement with key stakeholders.

The consultation session served as a pivotal moment for reflection and refinement, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by fishermen, fish sellers, and customers. Our teacher's insights shed light on areas where our approach could be strengthened, emphasizing the critical role of direct engagement through interviews to glean deeper insights into the needs and preferences of our target demographic.

Armed with renewed clarity and purpose, we are committed to intensifying our efforts in conducting interviews with fishermen, fish sellers, and customers. These interactions are not only instrumental in validating our hypotheses but also in co-creating solutions that resonate with the lived experiences and aspirations of those we seek to serve.

As we embark on this next phase of our journey, our focus remains steadfast on fostering meaningful connections and fostering a sense of shared ownership among all stakeholders. Through active listening, empathy, and collaboration, we aspire to coalesce diverse perspectives into a coherent narrative that informs the development of innovative and sustainable solutions for the fishing community.

In closing, the progress report and consultation session have served as catalysts for renewed momentum and purpose in our quest to develop portable thermoelectric iceboxes. With each interview, we inch closer to our shared vision of empowering small-scale fishermen and fostering environmental stewardship within the fishing industry. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, resilience, and collective action, guided by the unwavering commitment to effect positive change in the world.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 3: March 3, 2024

Empowering Fisheries, A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration in Technopreneurship (Game 3 Insights)

In our recent group activity called Game 3, we worked together to imagine a better future. We focused on helping small fishermen who struggle to keep their catch fresh because they lack affordable refrigeration. We came up with the idea of solar-powered iceboxes that could help preserve fish without harming the environment with styrofoam.

During our activity, we talked to fishermen, fish sellers, and customers to understand their needs better. We found out that many fishermen lose money because their fish spoil quickly, and they need better ways to keep them fresh. Our interviews helped us see the importance of making our iceboxes bigger and stronger to hold more fish.

From our discussions, we learned that keeping fish fresh is just one part of the problem. We also need to make sure the fish stay cold from the moment they're caught until they're sold. Talking to fish sellers showed us that they could be important partners in spreading the word about our solution to customers.

Looking back on our activity, we see that we need to keep listening to the people we're trying to help. We also need to work together closely to make sure our ideas become real solutions. Our goal is to keep improving and finding ways to make life better for fishermen and everyone involved in the fishing industry

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 2: February 24, 2024

Sustainable Agriculture Insights and a Second Technopreneurship Group Experience

In our recent Technopreneurship group activity, called Game 2, our focus was on sustainable agriculture, a critical aspect of global development. We engaged in discussions centered around how technology could revolutionize farming practices to make them more environmentally friendly. Exploring concepts like vertical farming, which minimizes water and land usage while maximizing crop yield, we delved into the potential of sensors and robotics to optimize agricultural processes, thereby reducing their ecological footprint.

Throughout our discussions, we applied the 7Ps framework to dissect various dimensions of sustainable farming, such as product, price, and process. This structured approach enabled us to ask pertinent questions and gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities within the realm of sustainable agriculture. Additionally, we participated in the enlightening "Blind Side" exercise, which prompted us to identify what we knew and what we didn't know about sustainable agriculture, highlighting areas for further exploration and learning.

Reflecting on our collective experience, we recognized the pivotal role of technology in driving sustainable agricultural practices forward. However, we also acknowledged the inherent complexity of the field and the ongoing need for exploration and innovation. As we move forward, our group aims to foster even greater collaboration and exchange of ideas, recognizing that through continuous learning and inquiry, we can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable agriculture.

In conclusion, our journey through Game 2 underscores the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and experiential learning in addressing pressing global challenges. By leveraging technology and embracing a spirit of inquiry, we aspire to unlock new possibilities in sustainable agriculture, paving the way for a more resilient and equitable future for all.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A

[ileenpasores]

Blog 1: February 18, 2024

Insights from our lesson, group activity, and the personality test we take during our subject ES 302:

In our recent group activity, we delved into the intricacies of addressing global challenges through innovative problem-solving. Assigned with presenting ES 302 Game 1, our team embarked on a journey to explore the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to our community, specifically within the realm of Mechanical Engineering.

Our brainstorming sessions led us to focus on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, honing in on the pervasive issue of "Excessive Plastic Waste Generation." This problem struck a chord with our team, reflecting a shared concern for our environment and a recognition of our capacity to effect change within our field. As we navigated through discussions and debates, it became evident that addressing such complex challenges requires a multifaceted approach. We recognized the importance of regulatory frameworks, consumer education, sustainable business practices, and collaborative endeavors in fostering responsible consumption and production patterns within our local community.

Moreover, our journey took an introspective turn as we ventured into understanding our individual personalities through the Myers & Briggs Personality Test. For me, being classified as an INFJ-T shed light on my intrinsic motivations and strengths. The emphasis on introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgment resonated deeply, fueling my commitment to seek purposeful endeavors in both personal and professional spheres. As Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe eloquently stated, "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being." This sentiment encapsulates our collective aspiration to empower ourselves and others to reach our full potential, both as technopreneurs and as agents of positive change in our communities.

Reflecting on this course, I am invigorated by the challenges ahead and the opportunities for growth and collaboration that lie before us. While the path may seem daunting, the synergy of our diverse perspectives and the shared commitment to crafting global solutions imbues me with a sense of purpose and unity. As we continue our journey, fueled by creativity and determination, I am reminded that our endeavors transcend the confines of the classroom, resonating with the broader narrative of global sustainability and progress. Together, we are not just students; we are catalysts for change, weaving our stories into the fabric of a better world.

Ileen M. Pasores - BSME 3A