Sunday, March 25, 2012

Final Post

To make my frozen yogurt shop on Marshall Street a reality, I would need the business and technology skills in order to carry it out. My entrepreneurial idea has branched out from a simple idea to a detailed business plan. From inspiration back home to here now in Syracuse, I realize that carrying out a business requires up-to-date knowledge in today's field of advanced technology. Skills in information technology will help my frozen yogurt business stay organized, prevent theft, and reach out to the public. 
When the yogurt shop is initiated, I will create Microsoft Excel files in order to keep track of what I have, what I need, and how I will pay for it. I will have several documents to help me keep track of accounting. Then I will create and design pages on popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and such to draw in customers. Using special Adobe software will help me achieve the overall look and design for marketing and advertising purposes. 
Internet access is also an important aspect of how I plan to organize and keep track of my business information. Based on my past experience with Mac OS, I feel like my comfort with the operating system will save me the time and trouble from learning a new one. Cloud computing is spreading fast around the internet world that it will make it easy for me to access my information from anywhere, anytime whether its on my desktop, laptop, or phone. Using the similar operating system on different devices will help me stay on top of my business no matter where I am.
At the same time, it takes a lot of time and patience into making sure my information is safe. In order to initiate my business, I will need to secure my name from a bad reputation. Keeping track of what I post online can have serious consequences, because ultimately any potential investors can stop me from carrying out my business, or customers can dig up dirt on me if they plan on suing me. In addition, securing my devices' operating systems can prevent me from hackers who wish to steal or threaten my business.   
In summation, the technology and internet world is versatile, which can benefit any small business even if its a frozen yogurt shop on Marshall Street in Syracuse, New York. Communication among individuals is growing via internet, which can be both beneficial and harmful.It all depends on how you use that technology to carry it out. Taking the smallest things into consideration when it comes to  technology can make a difference in the long run. Preparation and technological skills will help me achieve my goal in starting this frozen yogurt business :)



Saturday, March 10, 2012

Incorporating Computer Security

Entrepreneurial Idea Overview: 
Basically creating a self-serve frozen yogurt shop on Marshall Street: 12 different flavors (flavors will change every week or so), 70 toppings to choose from, and all at a reasonable price at $0.44 per ounce. It will provide non-dairy flavors, holiday specialities, and a variety of different toppings. A great addition to Marshall Street :)


Lecture Post:
I plan on using the Mac OS X operating system, because there's seems to be a lesser risk of encountering malware. But hey, I don't know, maybe someone will come up with something in the future. It is true that when all computers in a network run the same operating system; upon exploiting one, one can exploit them all. Just for security reasons, I will take extra precaution in protecting my information from theft, hackers, malware, etc. 
One step I will take in securing my information is through mass USB storage and cloud computing, which allows centralized data storage to be accessed through a network. This can pose risks to those who can access my information through the network, but it's better than storing all the information on my computer into one small area for storage. 
It is important to take precaution on how you're protecting your computer from malware. Malware can come in different forms such as viruses, worms, trojan horses, and rootkits. Another protective step is to installing anti-virus software to detect potential threats. Securing your information in multiple storage capacities and installing malware protection software are wise steps into securing your computer.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Incorporating Operating Systems

Entrepreneurial Idea Overview: 
Basically creating a self-serve frozen yogurt shop on Marshall Street: 12 different flavors (flavors will change every week or so), 70 toppings to choose from, and all at a reasonable price at $0.44 per ounce. It will provide non-dairy flavors, holiday specialities, and a variety of different toppings. A great addition to Marshall Street :)


Lecture Post:
On the subject of operating systems, there are just a few to choose from. Some people suggest that Windows operating systems are leaned more towards business/entrepreneurial subjects. But because I recently adapted to using Apple products, I have gotten used to the Mac OS X Lion. I will use this type of stand-alone operating system in order to organize and carry out my business. I also have an IPhone and IPad, which both use a similar operating system. 
I really like this operating system because of its built-in apps, backup utility, built-in video networking, multitasking function, and Windows shared connection. These built-in functions allow me to do numerous things at the same time, and without having to use any additional devices. By using these Apple products with the iCloud app, it will be easier for me to organize my information through either my personal computer, desktop, IPhone, or iPad. 
Using Apple's Mac OS X operating system will help me operate my business smoothly, since I'm already familiar with it. I really like their products and hope it will benefit me in my frozen yogurt shop :)

Monday, February 27, 2012

Blogger Review

Professional Blogger URL: http://www.copyblogger.com/


Copyblogger was founded in 2006 by Brian Clark. Brian is CEO of Copyblogger Media, a serial entrepreneur, and a recovering attorney. The blog provides blogging tips to help businesses succeed in their websites. Copyblogger is about helping businesses get traffic, attract links, increase subscribers, grow revenue and profits. Copyblogger gives tips on how to make business websites look appealing, professional, and gain followers.  Copyblogger is visually appealing and straightforward. It is very easy to follow, and allows web designers to gain helpful tips in order to attract consumers. Most of the blog posts are numbered in steps with straightforward comments. This is quick and easy for followers to read, and effective for followers. 

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Incorporating Cloud Computing & Photoshop

Entrepreneurial Idea Overview: 
Basically creating a self-serve frozen yogurt shop on Marshall Street: 12 different flavors (flavors will change every week or so), 70 toppings to choose from, and all at a reasonable price at $0.44 per ounce. It will provide non-dairy flavors, holiday specialities, and a variety of different toppings. A great addition to Marshall Street :)

Lecture Post:

Cloud computing is efficient and convenient, especially for the restaurant business. Cloud computing would allow me to access information anywhere at anytime. If the Frozen Orange continues to be a huge success, there will be no doubt in branching the business out to other college campus areas. Cloud computing will allow me to distribute and access information to other branches of the business. This will benefit me in saving and sending information without the frustration of where it's located.
Another technological use for my frozen yogurt shop is by using Photoshop. Photoshop will allow me to upgrade photos taken of the shop's interior and exterior. I will then post the upgraded pictures on social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter in order to attract customers around the Syracuse area. I would also use these pictures on display on the interior walls of the shop.
Cloud computing and Photoshop are two different technological advantages to my frozen yogurt business on Marshall Street. They will help me quickly access information and attract consumers at the same time. 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Competitive Analysis

Entrepreneurial Idea Overview: 
Basically creating a self-serve frozen yogurt shop on Marshall Street: 12 different flavors (flavors will change every week or so), 70 toppings to choose from, and all at a reasonable price at $0.44 per ounce. It will provide non-dairy flavors, holiday specialities, and a variety of different toppings. A great addition to Marshall Street :)

Competitor #1:  http://www.orderrolypoly.com/code/menu/items.asp?CategoryID=36
Roly Poly serves frozen yogurt at their store, but it only comes in one flavor in four different sizes. It's a nice addition to the menu, but it lacks variety for the customer. Whereas my store will serve a variety of yogurt flavors and toppings for the customer's choosing. Roly Poly also has a set price on their yogurt, whereas my shop allows the customer to pay for the amount of yogurt they choose.


Competitor #2: http://syracuse.insomniacookies.com//index.php?route=product/categories
Another store that serves frozen yogurt is Insomnia Cookies. Likewise, they only serve one flavor in only two different sizes: pint and quart. This limits the customer from choosing from a variety of flavors, toppings, and sizes they want.  

Roly Poly and Insomnia Cookies have frozen yogurt on their menus, but only offer the same original tart flavor in set sizes. These are the only big competitors I have selling frozen yogurt. My shop is different because it has a variety of frozen yogurt flavors, toppings, and best of all, it allows the customer to choose how much they want in a serving.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Incorporating Computer Forensics

Entrepreneurial Idea Overview: 
Basically creating a self-serve frozen yogurt shop on Marshall Street: 12 different flavors (flavors will change every week or so), 70 toppings to choose from, and all at a reasonable price at $0.44 per ounce. It will provide non-dairy flavors, holiday specialities, and a variety of different toppings. A great addition to Marshall Street :) 


Lecture:
Pertaining to my self-serve frozen yogurt shop "The Frozen Orange", I need to be very careful on how I handle my assets. Knowing I will handle everything on my own computer, I will carry a laptop full of my personal information, and a desktop for my business information. I will need to make sure that I don't mix up my personal information with my business one. Just in case hackers won't pull up personal information on me in a crisis scenario.
I will most likely apply for a loan in order to start this business, so I will need to check up on my credit score in order to qualify for a loan. Banks use credit scores to determine who qualifies for a loan, at what interest rate, and what credit limits. They also use credit scores to determine which customers are likely to bring in the most revenue. Banks aren't the only ones who use credit score on their consumers. Mobile phone companies, insurance companies, landlords, and government departments employ the same techniques. So in order to make the most of my business, I need to keep track of my credit score.
Taking precaution on my computer and credit score will help me and my business. It will put me at a lesser risk of hacking or bad credit score. From this, I will take precaution with my computer when starting my frozen yogurt business.