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Showing posts from June, 2023

Week 18 - Final Pitching

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Pitching our startup idea was a intimidating  task, especially for an introvert like me who isn't fond of socializing and has a fear of public speaking. Despite the challenges, I embraced the opportunity and pushed myself to prepare. However, on the day of the pitch, my nervousness overwhelmed me. Fortunately, our team was the 9th presenter, allowing me some additional time to prepare. Witnessing the previous teams deliver their pitches flawlessly only heightened my anxiety, making me doubt my own abilities. But as our turn approached, I gathered my confidence and put my trust in myself and a higher power. Although I stumbled a few times during the presentation, it was a humbling and embarrassing experience.  As the panelists provided feedback and raised questions, it became apparent that our startup idea had some obstacles to overcome. We knew continuing the journey wouldn't be easy. With that, our pitch deck came to an end.  Despite feeling some resentment towards my gr...

Week 17 - Pitch Deck and Consultation

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Our team, The Gamechangers, acknowledges that not consulting with our instructor was a significant oversight on our part, and we deeply regret this mistake. Despite having a well-prepared presentation and a 1-minute demo, we failed to approach our instructor for a consultation session. One possible reason for this oversight was the indecision within our team regarding who would pitch our startup idea, as the consultation typically includes a 5-minute pitch. Personally, I felt reluctant to take on this responsibility, considering that I already single-handedly made our final pitch deck, including designing the presentation and developing the prototype and demo. Moreover, I had already pitched during the midterm pitch deck. I don't mean to sound boastful, but should I at least deserve to take a break? No matter what my excuse is, it doesn't change the fact that we didn't consult our pitch deck to our instructor. The following pictures are contents of our pitch deck: Travel ti...

Week 16 - Presentation of Updated Outputs and Deliverables

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Following the advice we received, we have made necessary revisions to our Minimum Viable Product's 3-step process, specifically addressing the "Book a Ride," "Track the Rider," and "Complete the Ride" labels. We have taken the feedback into account and made the required adjustments to ensure improved clarity and usability within our product. After reevaluating our Market Size, we have updated it with more accurate and factual data. While we were unable to find the exact population of commuters in Cagayan de Oro city as our Total Available Market, we employed a different approach. By considering the population of commuters in the Philippines as a whole, we calculated the relevant figures, including the Serviceable Available Market and the Serviceable Obtainable Market. This method allowed us to derive meaningful estimates despite the absence of specific data for our target city. In order to enhance the clarity and visual organization of our Business Mod...

Week 15 - Intellectual Property and Fundraising and Pitch Deck Contents

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Intellectual Property Introduction What exactly is intellectual property? Well, it's all about those creations of the human mind that have value. Think inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Basically, it's stuff that you can own, sell, or license. But hey, with great power comes great responsibility, right? That's why intellectual property needs protection from theft and unauthorized use. The Importance of Protecting Intellectual Property Now, you might be wondering, why bother protecting intellectual property? Well, it's all about striking a balance between the innovators' interests and the public's interests. When IP is protected, both parties can benefit. The public gets to use and enjoy the innovations, products, or services, while the inventors get to profit from their hard work. It's a win-win situation! Types of Intellectual Property Rights There are different types of intellectual property righ...

Week 14 - Digital Marketing

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Introduction First things first, let's talk about some eye-opening data on digital marketing. Did you know that Filipinos are among the top social media users in the world? We spend at least six to eight hours each day scrolling through our favorite social platforms. However, despite this impressive engagement, we are lagging behind in terms of personal branding. Only 7% of Filipinos have started their own Facebook pages, whereas other countries have a higher percentage of individuals with public profiles. Now, let me ask you a question. If you were in need of heart surgery, which surgeon would you trust more? The one with a social media page showcasing successful surgeries and satisfied patients, or the one with no digital presence at all? I bet you'd choose the surgeon who actively engages with their audience and shares their expertise online. It's a matter of trust and credibility. We trust what we see, and that's why personal branding plays a crucial role in digital...

Week 13 - Traction Channels and Metrics

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Introduction Traction is the key that transforms your startup from a mere theory into a thriving reality. The success of  startups hinges on understanding whether the solution truly addresses the problem at hand. And mere words won't suffice; we need solid proof to present to investors. Whether you're in the early stages, seeking idea validation through interviews and tests, or further along with real usage or revenue figures, showcasing your product-market fit is crucial. Balancing Traction and Product Development Traction and product development deserve equal attention, splitting your startup's focus right down the middle. This is the 50% rule: dedicate 50% of your time to product development and the remaining 50% to traction. It's all about striking a balance. However, common mistake made by most startups is neglecting traction while focusing solely on product development. Choosing Effective Traction Channels But where should you direct your efforts for maximum impac...

Week 12 - The Entrepreneur's Journey and Business Model Canvas

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 The Entrepreneur's Journey Introduction Being an entrepreneur is like being the president of your own destiny. It's a title that carries weight and responsibility, but it also presents a world of opportunities and growth. Whether you start as a nobody or take on any other role, it's all part of the process that molds you into the competitive and capable individual. Brainstorming Business Ideas There are steps you can take to pave your way to success. Start by brainstorming business ideas. Keep your eyes and ears open, and inspiration will strike. However, don't forget that starting a business requires a specific skill set. So, be prepared to invest in training programs and immerse yourself in educational opportunities that can enhance your entrepreneurial skills. Building a Strong Team Building a strong team is vital for the success of your business. Surround yourself with talented individuals who share your vision and complement your skills. Delegate tasks and empower...

Week 11 - Revenue Model

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Introduction In a nutshell, a revenue model is the strategy a startup uses to generate cash. It's all about how you take money from your customers' pockets and put it into your own. Simple, right? So, when someone asks about your business model, they're essentially asking how your startup makes money. It's different from pricing, so let's not get confused there. Pricing vs. Revenue Model Let's clarify the difference between pricing and revenue models. Pricing is all about how much you charge for your product or service, including any discounts or tactics you use. On the other hand, a revenue model is the bigger picture—it's the overall strategy for generating cash. Remember, pricing is just a part of your revenue model. Let's Explore Some Examples Now that we understand the basics, let's dive into a few examples. Direct sales is a revenue model where you sell products directly to customers. Think of an e-commerce platform where you recently made a pu...

Week 10 - Creating Competitive Advantage

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Introduction Creating a competitive advantage is vital when you're building your startup pitch deck. It is crucial to understand that a successful business requires more than just a great idea. You need to identify and develop a competitive advantage that sets you apart from the rest. So, what exactly is a competitive advantage? Well, think of it as that unique aspect of your startup that propels you ahead of your competitors and allows you to capture a larger market share. It could be your distinctive product or service, an exceptional customer experience, or even a lower cost structure. Anything that differentiates you from others in the industry. Startup Strategy Let's begin by talking about startup strategy. Having a solid plan is the foundation for success. When you strategize, you carefully consider your ideas and evaluate their market viability. This helps ensure that your startup is on the right track to achieving its goals. Remember, a clear vision and mission are esse...