CUSTOMER INTERVIEWS
Hypothesis: This is what you and your faculty mentor thought before the interviews. (Note: Each week, the hypothesis will change as you address subsequent parts of the business plan; as a preview, see the upcoming topics and assignments for modules four through nine).
Experiment: What questions will you ask the interviewee to test your hypothesis?
Results:What did you learn from the interviews?
Iterations: What are you going to do next? For example, stay the course with your plan, continue with more interviews to test the same hypotheses, pursue other customer segments/change the hypothesis, or pivot and move to a new product/service.
Interviewees: Include a list and description of your interviewees.
This Customer Interview assignment should address questions 1-5 immediately above. These will be valuableto your developing the chapter on the Market Opportunity.For questions on this assignment, please email your faculty mentor.
Running Head: CUSTOMER INTERVIEW 1
CUSTOMER INTERVIEWS 2
Customer Interviews
Rahshaun Smith
ENES672
9-27-20
Customer Interviews
Interviewees
Kennedy Francis a player
Joseph Smith a coach
Linda Peterson a member of the Athletic Footwear Association
Roy Dickson a journalist
Elena Gibson regional director in charge of sports
Hypothesis
The customers who were to benefit as a result of our initial hypothesis were found to be the players, fans, coaches, and other relevant stakeholders. The technology that was already existing failed to address the problems therefore we had to come up with new technological ideas that would adequately suit the industry needs. This is because customers were not satisfied with how technology was being used in this industry.
Experiment
1. Do you think technology has been incorporated to the fullest in the sports industry?
The majority of the people interviewed said that technology had not been used to the fullest and a big gap was still there and it needed to be filled.
2. Are you fully satisfied with the kind of technological services you get from the existing networks?
This had mixed responses as some of them were satisfied while others were not satisfied, some felt the existing networks didnt broadcast everything concerning the players while others said that the networks gave more than enough content to their viewers.
3. What kind of recommendation can you make to ensure every player has a chance of utilizing his talent effectively?
From what I acquired during the interview all the interviews suggested that technology be used in identifying the talent of individuals at an early age, and in this case, we would use virtual reality during scouting for players.
4. How has the sports associations helped in ensuring the sports industry is up to date with the current technology?
Linda Peterson and Elena Gibson said that they had developed programs which ensured that quality assurance was conducted to vet whether the technology being used is up to the industry standards. On the other hand, Kennedy Francis, Roy Dickson, and Joseph Smith said that the sports association didnt take any real measures to ensure the current technology is used, they were more concerned about holding their positions during election time and pleasing those who would help them become re-elected.
5. Is there any company that has tried in addressing the problems found in the sports industry?
TBSB network addressed some of the problems this industry was facing, they also said ESPN addressed some parts of the problem and left out some part.
6. How well is sports broadcaster in the available sports network?
The available sports network didnt broadcast everything especially off the pitch and this was one of the gaps which was present at that time, others said that the available networks did a very good job in keeping sports fans informed about their favorite players and they were able to create a mutual connection between each other.
Results
Based on the various opinions got from the interview I conducted I was able to know the most appropriate of addressing the problem this industry was facing, I needed to find a way in which I could create a connection between what the players needed and what the fans wanted and by doing so I would be able to come up with a technology that would satisfy both parties. The sports association was also adamant of admitting that they were not taking serious actions in ensuring that the industry fully embraced technology in its daily processes.
Iteration
I am going to take the initiative of coming up with a solution to this problems that I have identified so that the customers could enjoy the services offered by the sports industry in the full package. I would identify the specific problems that were there then come up with specific solutions which could solve those problems. TBSB Network: The Next Way to Enjoy Sports
In an era where social media and entertainment technology rule, it is important for industries to integrate with the times. Whether it be fashion, music, or in this casesportspeople nowadays prefer to have their daily dose of action best served hot! Technology has enabled industries to do so. Through the latest news updates and broadcasting dimensions, the sports industry in particular has broadened the access that audience members have to their favorite teams, players, and sport. Just as technology evolves with the times, I feel it is important for industries to do the same.
High performing sports are part of Americas past time. Whether one grew up playing recreationally or was graced an opportunity to perform at an upper level, sports has had some impact on the lives of millions. Considering where this admiration for any particular sport came from, it is expected to have happened at an early age. According to the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, the Athletic Footwear Association, an USA Today Survey, and Michigan State in 2013, roughly 35 million kids sign up each season to participate in a sport. While kiddie soccer may not be the most interesting of segments, this data does raise the question as to why high-performing athletes are not broadcasted at earlier stages in their sports careers. Considerably, that [college] would be the phase where professional athletes are segmented from the amateurs. Should they not be broadcasted as well?
Next level entertainment is under way. TBSB Network offers viewing opportunities for lovers of D1-D3 sports, particularly American football. The NCAA is a billion-dollar industry, enabling ordinary young adults to become extraordinary legends in their own athletic right. People from all over the world tune in to watch the NCAA championship and March Madness, but these events are not nearly enough of a fix for football [and basketball] lovers. TBSB sees opportunity in this industry decay, and thus, an app that fixates the right material was created.
From physical distance for family & friends, to time zone dilemmas, it was hard for people to catch my latest tackle if they were not one of the 81,500 fans in the stands. (Mind you, tickets would resell for thousands of dollars and parking was nearly impossible!). The people who were always front row at my little league games where it all started were now lucky if they could catch a glimpse of a play during the years where my football performance mattered the most.
Growing up around and befriending other athletes like myself, it was great to see my friends achieving the very dreams we shared as kids. Some of my best friends are pursuing their careers at the next level, and though I know they are well performing athletes, it would have been great to be able to see them play virtually. The delay was always that our games would occur at the same time. My time on the road when traveling to games was extensive, and I & others like myself would have been extremely amused to see our peers play-by-play. All because we play the sport, does not mean we do not like to see others play it as well.
There are other networks in this industry that highlight college sports and players, but lets acknowledge what they lack. To begin, their highlights are not nearly enough of what actually goes on off screen. Similar to the NFL, D1-D3 athletes train immensely. Many of us come from humble beginnings and inspirational upbringings that make our story more unique. Unless it is draft season, these stories are not brought to light. This disables the possibility for fans to build more interpersonal connections with their favorite player, and for college players alike to lack the chance to show our personal, normal side.
Another disadvantage that these other networks have is that they tend to only show powerful plays. Overtime occurrences, major game-changing plays, and other newsworthy events are what is typically shown after a college football-filled Saturdayand only on Saturdays. However, replays of entire games, as well as other segments relating to the teams and their players, are not portrayed. This creates a massive delay in information for college football lovers, as well as an untapped market that can potential attract billions.
Contrary to broadcasts from ESPN, TBSB offers the latest in college interviews, team updates, games, and any & all other behind-the-scene opportunities. Again, the objective of the app is to maintain a high-level interaction between fans, friends, family, and football players. The TBSB Network would specialize in these interpersonal connections with news updates, live streaming opportunities, and message board features. Through these application features, user connectivity is promoted and practiced.
Fan favoritism is also an element that TBSB plans to promote. During my time at Clemson, there were endless fans, automobiles, and businesses painted our school colors: orange and purple. Inspired by this, users of the application will be able to customize their background/theme to their liking! Daily raffles and weekly mega-raffles will be administered by these teams, giving users a chance to win various prizes and promoting use of the app.
D2 and D3 schools often rely on individual data updates for scores, player stats, and other team information. With D1 and NFL teams, their information is fact-checked and regulated for the most accurate updates. TBSB understands how lower-level divisions may be at risk for data miscalculation, and therefore, information ca only be updated by those with authority over the games [head coaches, referees, and league administrators]. For extra assurance, information will be cross-checked via browsing software with other sources of data [i.e. Twitter, blogs] so that if any potential discrepancies are identified, they can be flagged and investigated.
The audience range for this particular application is massive. Alma-maters & alumni, family & friends, scouts, agents, and many more! Football fans do not fall under the same category of age, race, or ability. TBSB understands that and aims to make the app accessible for all users. From clear & concise new user tutorials, to friendly virus-free add-ons, TBSB Network members can control and customize their usage to their liking!
Most importantly, the application will be interactive, even when inactive. Considering that fan favoritism factor, the app will flash with different colors [of course to the users liking if enabled] that will signify a new sports update on ones favorite team or player. This feature differentiates from ESPN and other sports networks, with their single [and boring] color. The flash feature will attract usage & further exemplify the fast happening news that TBSB is able to provide!
With these features and several more underway, the TBSB is forecasted to be a great success to the sports industry and technology market. The creative approach to intuitive navigation and robust features will grasp the users attention, and the love and passion that we all share for football will lock them in as TBSB member for life!
