About Means Assessment
ENTR 606
Means Assessment Exercise Template
Using the template below, assess the means that you have available to you to begin building a minimally viable new product, service, process, or organization. You can simply cut and paste the table below.
There is no predetermined maximum length for your submission. In order to meet expectations (a grade of 80 or greater), you should have inventory in every category (12 boxes in total). Be clear and succinct in your inventory, focusing on items that might help you to build a minimally viable product in this course.
Important note: for the purposes of this exercise, do not include your financial means.
| Who I Am | Inventory | What I Know | Inventory | Whom I Know | Inventory |
| Tastes, values, and preferences | Insurance producer dedicated to protecting families and local businesses across multiple states (MD, VA, DC, DE, & PA) Practical; safety‑first; reliability over novelty; clear diagnostics and repeatable procedures. | Prior knowledge, skills, and education | Trade/mechanic skills; USAF electrician training Associate Degree in Mechanical and Electrical Technology, Master Degree Information Technology; Master certificate in Homeland Security,
Licensed in multiple states as Insurance Producer |
Social media (e.g., LinkedIn) | Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Yelp, Instagram, Family, IT colleagues; insurance contacts; military/veteran networks; local trade professionals. |
| Identities | Mechanic; retired USAF electrician; State Farm Insurance producer; IT professional (MS); homeland security‑trained practitioner. | Knowledge and skills from your job | Risk assessment; client needs analysis; customer segmentation; claims processes; regulatory/compliance awareness; sales and relationship management. | Classmates and alumni(ae) | classmates; MBA alumni advisors for business modeling, marketing, and operations. |
| Passions | Fixing and improving mechanical and electrical systems; helping people solve problems; building resilient processes and systems. | Knowledge and skills from your life | Diagnostics; troubleshooting mechanical/electrical systems; fabrication; use of hand/power tools; preventive maintenance planning. | Serendipitous encounters | Long‑time customers and community members for pilots; contacts from military service and veteran groups; makerspace or community college instructors. |
| Hobbies and interests | Traveling, working out, DIY repairs; cars engine/vehicle maintenance; staying active, riding bicycle | Informal knowledge and skills | Clear technical communication for non‑technical customers; on‑the‑spot problem solving; sourcing parts; low‑cost prototyping; basic project coordination. | Strangers in your life | Local parts suppliers; salvage yard operators; independent fabricators; auto shop owners; online maker and repair forums (Reddit, specialty groups). |
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