The Twenty Percent

1) I interview a yoga instructor that several years opened his first Bikram yoga studio in Miami. Thanks to the incredible success the studio had, he recently was even able to expand in size. Practically doubled the size of the studio! Their target customers are individuals looking for an intense workout without too much stress on their joints. The demographic ranges from all races and ages. Children as young as 5 as well as senior as old as 80 occasionally participate in the intense 90 minutes classes. Customers are middle class to rich. They find their customers through special promotions on Groupon/Living Social and through word of mouth.

2) The customers I found all felt as though their needs were met. The only suggestion they had were to lower prices slightly. But in the end, prices did not bother them enough because they had continued to go for several years. I interviewed a college student who said she felt comfortable with the prices especially since they were thoughtful enough to make a student discount to all student within an age range and ID. The other two I interview were middle age women: one a high school teacher and another a lawyer. So as indicated, one middle class and one rich.

3) It appears that the entrepreneur adequately understands his customers problems. A large amount of his customers are customers that have been returning to him for several years now, myself included(5 years). He forms a great connection with his customers that even if other studios were to open in the area, those customers will still stand by him.


* I unfortunately could not record anyone because the entrepreneur did not want any customers to feel uncomfortable considering 99% of the people are shirtless or with a sports bra and short shorts. Sessions are in 105 degrees heated room.

Week 8 Reading Reflection

• The biggest surprise for me with this reading was the incredibly large amount of ways a startup company can attain money. So many more options than just a bank loan.

• I found the part of the angels quite confusing. I don't quite understand how one could get an Angel or work to become one.

• What is the best way to go out and speak/find an Angel investor? What is the best and most ideal way to get money for a startup company?

• I did not find myself disagreeing with the author at any point. It was an overall very interesting reading.

Half-way Reflection

1) Tenaciousness is a skill. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

A behavior I developed is to always remind myself that by not doing the assignment, I am only cheating myself. Im skimping on a potential learning assignment that could help me in the future. Not to mention, I'll regret it in a few months when I see my grades and think on how silly it was for me to miss the assignments.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

Recently this semester I found myself very close to giving up and just switching my major or even taking taking some time off school. Thinking of my parents pulled me through. The thought of letting them down reminded me why I am in school. I'm here to move forward and make a better life for my family so how could I not complete what I came here to do? I feel like every day that passes I become more tenacious. For one, because I've spent too much time on this to give up, and two, because every day I'm a little closer to seeing the finish line. 

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?

• Try to learn from every opportunity.
• Don't be lazy because you'll just end up having more work to do with less time.
• Remember your grades are in your hands. It's all dependent on you whether you want to fail or not.