Assignment 4A- Forming an Opportunity

I believe that the second amendment is very important and needed in our country. However there is an unmet need for an emotional/mental stability test that verifies if someone is eligible to purchase a firearm or not. I think society as a whole has this need because even if you are not at the age of 21 to purchase a gun you would hope people that do obtain one are qualified to have one.  This is a need that has always been present, but recently has become more pressing after many tragic incidents. There are currently background checks and two ways regarding mental illness that a person can be blocked from buying a gun: if they are committed to a mental hospital or if a court or government body declares that person mentally incompetent. But with my idea it would be almost a test of questions that evaluate applicant’s mental state and intentions. With each question your specific answer will be evaluated with a certain number (0-5 for instance). If one were to score above a certain score that would be taken into consideration when deciding to either approve or not approve someone’s request to purchase a gun. At this point I’m 80% sure this opportunity exists.

#1 Nineteen-year-old female on campus student

Are you worried that someone that may be mentally unstable can obtain a gun?

“Yes I am.”

Do you believe that a new way to test someone’s mental stability in order to see if they qualify for a firearm is a need?

“Yes, definitely, especially with todays world. “

How long have you ben aware that this is a need?

“The past few years, with all of these shootings that have been occurring.”

When is it that you are aware of this need?

“I don’t think about it daily, but when it comes up on the news it is brought to my attention and also when I am in large public places I worry sometimes.”

When did you first become aware that a new system of evaluating was needed?

“I think after the Sandy Hook shooting I knew something wasn’t right.”

Is there a current way that you feel this need is being addressed? Are you satisfied with this?

“I don’t really feel like there is a solution right now that is helping, and I am not satisfied with this.”

Reflect: I learned that much of this younger generation sees this as a large opportunity and want a solution. I wasn’t really surprised because much of the younger generation is more scared of the possibility of someone mentally unstable obtaining a gun and them getting hurt directly by it.  

#2 Female in her mid-fourties, mother of 4

Are you worried that someone that may be mentally unstable can obtain a gun?

“I believe background checks flag certain mental problems. But of course there’s always that chance that someone that shouldn’t have a gun can get one whether it’s legally or illegally.”

Do you believe that a new way to test someone’s mental stability in order to see if they qualify for a firearm is a need?

“I think to an extent but I believe they are trying to do that now to improve the current system.”

How long have you ben aware that this is a need?

“Since the occurring shootings on the news.”

When is it that you are aware of this need?

“I know anything could happen but I don’t worry because my husband is a cop and carries so I feel protected. I don’t want to live my life in fear, so instead I just stay aware of my surroundings.”

When did you first become aware that a new system of evaluating was needed?

“After the Douglass shootings when 17 people died.”

Is there a current way that you feel this need is being addressed? Are you satisfied with this?

“My husband owns a firearm and supply store and many times background checks have come up flagging certain customers for mental reasons leading them to not being approved and allowing us to know to not sell to them. So current background tests do pick up some mental relations. For now I am satisfied with this.”

Reflect: I learned that a protypical customer that is in this age group seems to know more specifics about this opportunity. They are aware of current background checks that try to include some form of mental stability. I was surprised that for now she is satisfied with how the background checks flag certain individuals that have a mental record or have been placed in institutions, it made me aware of how protypical customers for this need can range.

#3 Male in mid-twenties

Are you worried that someone that may be mentally unstable can obtain a gun?

“Yes, yes I am.”

Do you believe that a new way to test someone’s mental stability in order to see if they qualify for a firearm is a need?

“Yes, but I feel like that would be really hard to do since some people can act out destructively from different stressful life experiences.”

How long have you ben aware that this is a need?

“For about 2 years now.”

When is it that you are aware of this need?

“I guess I’m always thinking about it because I’m always aware of my surroundings when I’m out in public.”

When did you first become aware that a new system of evaluating was needed?

“After the Sandy Hook shooting”

Is there a current way that you feel this need is being addressed? Are you satisfied with this?

“Yes, I think they are doing it somewhat through background checks. Much of the problems that are occurring are because of the people who have the guns not because of guns themselves, so I would like for there to be an improvement from what we have now in who can and cannot get a gun.”

Reflect: I learned that this opportunity is seen as a need ever since the tragic events. Some people are scared while others are not, however they are all very aware of their surroundings. I found it interesting how for this customer in particular he would like a solution that makes it harder for people to get a gun, but without categorizing guns as the problem.

Summarize: Much of my original opportunity is still there because although there are some ways to identify if someone is mentally unstable it needs to be improved and people want it to be. I believe my opportunity is more accurate than when I started because by interviewing different people from different groups within society you could see how some people are satisfied with current establishments, while others aren’t satisfied and want something additional for this unmet need. I think entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities by a lot based on customer feedback because it’s them who we are trying to help. It’s our purpose to find solutions for their unmet needs.  Even if you modify an idea for the public, you are still able to maintain the core basis of your own personal ideas and values of the opportunity.