What About Me
I am Cheyenne Maury; a UF Business Management student with an extreme passion in the automotive industry. I've always been interested in anything involving how a car works and is produced, and I've often been able to help people on the spot with car troubles.
What I'm Offering
I've come up with a mobile app for general vehicle maintenance. The app would have a bank of data on vehicles' maintenance schedules, current recalls, and forums on common problems other owners have experienced. An addition to this would be a wireless transmitter plugged into the cars' OBD (on-board diagnostics) port, which would be able to instantly read an engine code when a check engine light appears and allow a user to immediately know what;s wrong with the vehicle. Another possibility for the app is to be able to network with maintenance service providers such as Jiffy Lube or Discount Tire to be able to schedule appointments through the app, and be able to send a car's data to the service provider.
Who Would Use it and Why
This is mainly directed to anyone who owns a car that doesn't have a large amount of background knowledge on the car they own. It would be particularly useful for new car owners and those who don't have time to keep up on maintenance. This app would make the process of keeping a car in good running condition much easier, and make dealing with any problems much less of a headache than what most people are used to.
I really think that these ability will be able to come together as a business with some dedication. Developing the app iteslf will be the hardest part, along with getting cooperation from maintenance companies. Finding the information to put into the apps data bank will be relatively easy, and my own personal experience in the UF Business school will allow me to network with others to coach me in managing a business.
What Sets Me Apart
I have access to a small local company that creates mobile apps for Andriod and OSX operating systems that has already had great success. I also have a large amount of background knowledge on many vehicles, and personally know a handful of certified mechanics in the area.I really think that these ability will be able to come together as a business with some dedication. Developing the app iteslf will be the hardest part, along with getting cooperation from maintenance companies. Finding the information to put into the apps data bank will be relatively easy, and my own personal experience in the UF Business school will allow me to network with others to coach me in managing a business.
Feedback Memo
- This idea would be more appealing to younger generations of car owners
- Would be able to be backed by many maintenance companies
- This may already be in place in newer car models
- Easily targets those uninformed on cars
- Would be difficult to advertise to older audiences (over 40)
It is great that you are using your love and knowledge of cars and inspiring a possible business out of it. You also seem to have laid down the groundwork for starting it up if you choose to do so, like the connections you have with the company that makes apps and contacts with other car mechanics and people in that particular industry. I see this as an advantage on your part, and connections and contacts from experts would be something I need to do for my business service/product. I wonder though if this sort of product/service is not already out though. This seems like something that could already be available, or at the very least it is available on the internet as a website and only needs to be expanded into becoming an app too. My advice is to make sure that your app is set apart from the competitors and offers distinct advantages that your competitors lack. Good job on this. Here's my post: http://entintheair.blogspot.com/2016/03/idea-napkin-no-2.html
ReplyDeleteHi Cheyenne, I really enjoyed your idea. This is a service that I could really benefit from. I have trouble understanding my maintenance needs and I often pay for more than I need. I drive older vehicles and sometimes they suggest repairs that will far exceed the life of my vehicle. This is a service that is unique and could benefit most people. I think you could do really well with this and I hope you succeed. It looks like you have the ability to implement and expedite your vision. I look forward to reading your future work.
ReplyDeleteCheyenne,
ReplyDeleteI love your idea! I don't want to speak for the rest of the female gender, but I know that an app like this would be a godsend for myself and my friends. Although others make a good point that someone could easily Google their problem, or there might be an app like this that already exists, I feel like the need is still there, especially if you market it better than what already exists. Here is the link to my blog if you want to check it out http://kwandersen.blogspot.com/2016/03/idea-napkin-no-2.html
Cheyenne,
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, it was interesting to see how your interest in cars translated into your idea. With that being said, I really like your idea! I don't have my car here in Gainesville, but if I did, I would so purchase and use your app. I don't understand car stuff very well, but if I had your app that did things for me, I would probably be much more safe. Additionally, I would say that all of your points piece together very well. My idea has nothing to do with cars, but you can check it out here if you want: http://cassidymckbusiness.blogspot.com/2016/03/idea-napkin-no-2.html
Overall, awesome post with lots of good information. I can really tell you took the time to think about every aspect of your business concept.