Identifying Local Opportunities

Opportunity 1:

·      Article: Friendships require more than Facebook and FaceTime

·      Description: Even though there are numerous social media platforms used to keep in touch with the lives of others, they don’t necessarily “connect” us with others. Being friends on Facebook or liking photos on Instagram does not make for authentic friendships. There is not an app that truly connects, nurtures, or maintains relationships.

·      Problem: No app that sustains friendships between people.

·      Whose problem: All people who are too busy, faraway, etc. to maintain friendships/relationships with important people in their lives.

Opportunity 2:

·      Article: Influence marketing: the new cost of entry

·      Description: Brands must now turn to influencers to market their products and services instead of traditional ads. Influencers have large social media followings and their followers trust in them for advice and recommendations.

·      Problem: Brands must find influencers that align with their products/services, maintain positive relationships with these influencers, and rely on them to share authentic views on a brands product.

·      Whose problem: Brands and marketers.

Opportunity 3:

·      Article: College eating tips for avoiding the dreaded freshman 15

·      Description: College freshmen experience a shift in decision-making when they go to college. They no longer have their parents controlling their everyday life, so they gain independence for themselves. With the change in independence, it’s easy for freshmen to make unhealthy decisions for themselves, especially when it comes to their diet. They’re on the go constantly and are always coping with the stress of assignments and exams. The so-called “Freshman 15” refers to the pounds that freshman students gain during the first year of college. Having a responsible lifestyle can easily counteract the freshman 15. Exercising, buying nutritious snacks, and cooking for themselves are ways for freshmen to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

·      Problem: Unhealthy eating habits of new college students cause them to gain weight.

·      Whose problem: College students.

Opportunity 4:

·      Article: Miami Rental Prices May Have Already Begun to Drop

·      Description: With the increased supply of residences in Miami, rental prices will soon decrease. Developers are also turning to renting properties out instead of selling.  Property owners cannot charge the top margin for their rentals in the future, which in turn will make them operate at a loss.

·      Problem: Developers and residential owners are experiencing a loss of return on investment.

·      Whose problem: Developers and property owners.

Opportunity 5:

·      Article: Miami Beach king tides flush human waste into bay, study finds

·      Description: Miami pumps that discard floodwater into Biscayne Bay have been dumping human and dog waste as well. This is becoming a major concern for the future because floods will just be increasing as sea levels keep rising. Educating businesses on pollution causes and upgrading sewage pipelines will help Miami be more aware and hopefully decrease the amount of waste in the water. Additionally, Miami needs to advise its community on the city’s pollution. This pollution is not only negative for the Miami residents; it is also detrimental to the environment.

·      Problem: Polluted waters in Biscayne Bay.

·      Whose problem: Miami community and Biscayne Bay.