Forming An Opportunity Belief

My main belief would be that an opportunity does exist in terms of how JUULing is utilized in our country, specifically in the state of Florida. The aspect of JUULing or vaping is widely perceived as a millennial need, considering its most common amongst teenagers and young adults. The need to vape is simply an addiction one may develop as soon as one tries to use the vape or e-cigarette. This particular need is relatively new because the JUUL was a recently developed product. Essentially, a plethora of people who indulge in tobacco use or smoking typically used regular cigarettes until the development of the JUUL/vape. In terms of what people are doing to meet this need now, they purchase these vapes and JUUL products from gas stations and local vape shops in order to satisfy their smoking needs. Despite the various reports on the health risks and negative downsides to vaping, a majority of American citizens (especially teens) are continuing to vape due to their unbreakable addiction. I would propose to find a more safe alternative to JUULing, otherwise those individuals will undoubtedly suffer lung issues and other health problems in the foreseeable future. At this point, I believe that there is a fifty percent chance that this opportunity exists because vapes contain plenty of health related risks, so people would certainly be interested in an alternative to the electronic cigarettes in order to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Ultimately, I'm somewhat certain that there could be a product created to enable people to smoke while lowering the risk of health problems. 

Interview #1: Roommate (John)

1. Question: "Do you indulge in vaping? If yes, how often do you vape?"

            Answer: "Yes, I do indulge in vaping. I vape on a daily basis because I find it relaxing and soothing."

      2) Question: "Are you aware of the major    health risks that are associated with vaping?" 

          Answer: "Yes, I am aware of the major health risks associated with vaping but still choose to vape regardless."

      3) Question: "How long ago did you notice that vaping started to become a notable issue?"

          Answer: "I would say roughly 2 years ago."

       4) Question: "Do you ever happen to think about the impacts of vaping on an individual's overall health and well-being? If yes, how often?"

           Answer: "Of course I think about the impacts of vaping on people's health every now and then, but I think I'm too addicted to stop myself from vaping."

       5) Question: "Would you be open to addressing your need for vaping by using an alternative product to vaping that's healthier?"

           Answer: "Yes! I would absolutely be open to using a healthier vaping product!"

        6) Question: "How satisfied are you with this solution?"

            Answer: "I would be extremely satisfied with your proposed solution because I want to continue vaping."

My Reflection: based on my interview with my roommate, John seems like he's incredibly enthusiastic regarding the possibility of a new vaping product that's healthier and safer. I learned that some people are actually already looking for healthier alternatives to vaping. I was surprised by how excited John seemed in regards to a healthy vaping product being available someday. 

Interview #2: Male Friend (Ryan)

1. Question: "Do you indulge in vaping? If yes, how often do you vape?"

Answer: "No, I have never vaped and I probably never will in my life."

      2) Question: "Are you aware of the major    health risks that are associated with vaping?"

          Answer: "Yes, the health risks are what concerns me about vaping and it's why I choose to avoid it." 

      3) Question: "How long ago did you notice that vaping started to become a notable issue?"

          Answer: "My guess would be around one to two years ago."

       4) Question: "Do you ever happen to think about the impacts of vaping on an individual's overall health and well-being? If yes, how often?"

           Answer: "Yep, I always think about those health risks whenever I am offered the opportunity to vape or am exposed to it around friends or in a public setting."

       5) Question: "Would you be open to addressing your need for vaping by using an alternative product to vaping that's healthier?"

           Answer: "No, I would not even consider using any alternatives even if they are proven to be healthy and risk free." 

        6) Question: "How satisfied are you with this solution?"

            Answer: "I am not satisfied at all with that solution."

My Reflection: based on my interview with my male friend, I noticed that Ryan is completely on the anti vaping side. He won't accept any alternatives to vaping, despite my hypothetical alternative being significantly safer and healthier. I am certainly somewhat shocked that Ryan isn't open to the idea of a healthy vape product, but I learned that you won't be able to satisfy those who absolutely despise the concept of vaping. 

Interview #3: Female Friend (Claire)

1. Question: "Do you indulge in vaping? If yes, how often do you vape?"

Answer: "Yep, I vape very often. I would say on a daily basis most definitely."

      2) Question: "Are you aware of the major    health risks that are associated with vaping?"

          Answer: "Yeah I know that there are health issues that are caused by vaping but I don't think I'll stop vaping anytime soon."

      3) Question: "How long ago did you notice that vaping started to become a notable issue?" 

          Answer: "I think about 2 years ago probably."

       4) Question: "Do you ever happen to think about the impacts of vaping on an individual's overall health and well-being? If yes, how often?"

           Answer: "Honestly, I only think about the risks on occasions. I neglect them most of the time because I'm so obsessed with vaping that I do it every single day."

       5) Question: "Would you be open to addressing your need for vaping by using an alternative product to vaping that's healthier?"

           Answer: "I would definitely be open to a vape that's much healthier."

        6) Question: "How satisfied are you with this solution?"

            Answer: "I would be very satisfied to be honest with you."

My Reflection: based on my interview with my female friend, Claire looks as if she is optimistic about a healthier alternative to vaping. I learned that my opportunity has the potential to satisfy a significant number of individuals who consistently indulge in vaping. I was definitely surprised by how quickly Claire accepted and embraced my opportunity in an enthusiastic manner.  

My Summary: I strongly feel that my opportunity has potential and stands at a 50% chance of possible success. Essentially, I do believe that my new opportunity is more accurate than when I initially started. The individuals who I have interviewed had conflicting thoughts regarding the topic of vaping, but they would certainly be open to a healthier alternative to vaping. Although there will be a select few who will oppose vaping in its entirety, thus being completely opposed to any alternatives altogether. Ultimately, I believe that entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based on customer feedback to a large extent. Essentially, customer opinion should be highly valued because they are the ones who dictate the overall market for the products. Therefore, if the majority of the customers are not satisfied with vaping alternatives, then entrepreneurs should not explore any alternatives due to a potentially small buyer base.