Byung Choi's Blog

Cognitive Surplus  by   Clay Shirky 1. The general argument of Shirky's book is that Cognitive surplus around the world is so big, even a small change in behavior can result in a whole lot of big consequences. Basically, Shirky's overall message is that the world would become more of a better place if individuals around the world can devote their spare time and power to do something worthwhile. 2. To be honest, I had a hard time making a bridge between the idea and this course. I hashed over how cognitive surplus can help me better my entrepreneurship. But I realized that the book talks about the potentials of all the wasted or leisure time of individuals and this potential can create something valuable over time if time is well spent. As an entrepreneur, time is a very valuable commodity to your business and it made me realize if I manage my time more wisely, I can contribute more to the business. 3. There was an interesting study conducted by Shirky; I want ...

2. I only got one feedback for my second pitch and I got a positive one. The viewer appreciated that I talked about my own experience showing how relatable I am to potential customers. Also, the viewer said that talking about the price of the service was important as other pitches did not have. 3. Since I only got one positive feedback, I didn't have to change in the content of my pitch, however, I practiced several times to improve my presentation and attitude. I wanted to be as confident as I could and I want viewers to feel my positive attitude and confidence. So this time, I gave my very best to get out of my comfort zone to push myself to be very confident. I want to look and sound like I know what I'm doing and I have confidence in my business.

Person No.1                 Kimber has experience of running a photography company for more than 3 years. She does shooting as a photographer and her husband operates the business. Thus, she is my domain expert. When I moved to Gainesville, I was looking for any open photographer position, so I started to make cold calls to studios around Gainesville. When Kimber and I started talking, we clicked instantly. She never thought about having an assistant photographer, but with the growing business of hers, she wanted to consider hiring me. In the end, I didn't end up working for her but she wanted to meet in person over dinner and help me network with other photographers and business in town. She was kind enough to take me to a local networking event and introduced me around to several business owners. Since I was new to the town, getting to know someone like Kimber who has shot here for the last two years and now has a fairly strong clientele ...

1. Who you are:   I'm an artist, even at a young age, I displayed a natural talent for drawing and art in general, combined with my love for the outdoors it wasn't long before I took interest in nature photography, running around with my dads old Nikon film camera, taking pictures of any animal I could find. Fast forward to the present, although my passion started so long ago I'd only consider calling myself a photographer for about the last 10 years, 3 of which I've worked professionally. 3 years ago I started working for a wedding and portrait studio, since then I've photographed close to 100 weddings, hundreds of family portraits, headshots, corporate events, products and much more. Along with the invaluable experience it gave me behind the lens, it also gave me real-world knowledge of how a studio functions, client interaction, order procession, marketing, and much more.  2. What are you offering to customers?: I'm offering a general photography service ...

https://youtu.be/-XatOuzADoM 2. One of the comments I received that meant most to me is that one of my group members said he/she liked how comfortable I am in the video. That showed my confidence and assurance in my presentation for my audience. I truly appreciated this comment because I usually get nervous when it comes to public speaking but I feel that I'm slowing overcoming the issue. 3. One of the other feedback that I appreciate is that he/she was being honest about the running time of my pitch which took longer than 90 seconds. So this time, I made sure that I get to the point sooner rather than later and I tried to stick to the time limit. I cut out some parts of my speech to do so, but I'm concerned if I didn't get my points across clearly to my audience because of that.

The customer segment I choose to use is girls in their mid to late 20's attending college, who are about to graduate. They are at a very exciting time in their life, after working very hard to finish school and move on to the next stage in life. It's not only important to them, but to all their friends and family as well. Photos of this time in their life would be special to everyone, and most wish to entrust this task to a professional, someone who can really showcase the emotion that surrounds them and their friends at that moment as vivid as they remember it, years later looking at those moments on film can bring back all the memories they made in that town, and in that school. Here are some more details about my clients. Probably driving a hand-me-down car from mom and dad, Subaru, Honda Accord or CRV, hobbies include running, art, dance, swim, coffee, memes and reading. Grew up with supportive parents and high aspirations for the future, and always involved...

a) A lot of clients usually are not confident about taking photos. Before the sessions, they are ususally apprehensive about how their shoot will go down. In this case, I can help clients feel at ease and confidently direct them in a way that they can have fun.  b) I know how to utilize the environment so I can direct clients to the most photogenic environment, so their photos have a quality natural setting.  c) More than 3 years of experience in photography industry, I have exellence in technical proficiency and I know how to utilize all my photography equippment.  d) I don't pursue good customer service, I pursue exceptional service that goes above and beyond. I want to make my clients happy at the end of the day and I want them to feel wow at the final result. I've gained years of experience in customer service.  e) I belive I have what it takes to perform well under pressure. During high pressured event such as wedding, where a lot is at stake. Keeping a...

Based on the interview, I was able to get a grasp of the buying patterns for my potential customers. Unsurprisingly, price and quality were two of the important deciding factors for all the interviewees. Also one interviewer mentioned that the relationship with the photographers and the studio is equally important as well. It's important to have a photographer who is good with kids, who makes them comfortable. So, for the reccuring photoshoot in the year after, they know exactly where to go. One interviewer said, even if they find a photographer with an attractive price, if the quality of photo suffers, they wouldn't even consider using the service. One interviewee said every photographers have different styles when it comes to shooting and editting, and if the final results doesn't reflect her style, then she wouldn't use the same photographer again. That's why looking at the portfolio of the photographer you want to work with is important. Instantly, you can see w...