Reflection

Reflection back on the past is considered by many to be the final process after completing a task, as a way of understanding and learning from that past experience.  This is indeed true now that we have the ability to have experienced different situations, the ways that they were dealt with, and the eventual outcome from the decisions that were made.  In order to gain the most from the reflection back, looking at only a few of the aspects would never achieve the full benefit of this.  One must be able to understand that from the very beginning of the experience all the way to the very end, all contributes to the overall lessons that can be learnt from the process.

Taking a step back from the chaos of the current situation we can split the experience from the Genesis Program into potentially three different major areas.  These areas are namely:

1) Teamwork
2) Product conception
3) Relevant market/Marketing

Looking at each one of these, one has the ability to analyse and obtain the lessons that can be learnt.

1).  Teamwork forms the main part of any type of group work. A team needs to be able to get on in a civilized manner even when there may be disagreements, one still needs to be able to work as an effective team member for the overall success of the task that is at hand.  Some might say that a completely diverse team is what is needed, whereas others might say that a team of similar people wold do better.  Everyone has their own choice to make as to the opinion that they choose.  We definitely found that a diverse team, although possibly pron to more arguments is better in the long run.  Diversity within a group allows for more ideas to be brought to the surface that would otherwise not be thought of with a similarly minded team.  The idea of one team member is questioned and researched during group meetings to evaluate as to whether or not it is worth looking at a deeper range.  The diversity overall strengthens the group in such a way that a group that started out at six members can still achieve the same amount of work as a group of four.  This was a real test of team work to see if everyone was willing to adapt to the changes and grow with them, or crumble at the first or second stressful situation.  No matter how hard the work is to achieve, with good teamwork it can be done.

2).  Deciding on what type of product is needed to solve a problem is an important step, as no product, then no business.  The question is what can be made that will solve a current problem in society.  This may be harder than one thinks as we have adapted ways of doing things so unless there is a direct problem that you can see, it will take a fair bit of work to find.  Once the problem has been found, it is a simple case of deciding on how the problem can be solved.  This is where the product can come in and fix the problem.  The solution can be anything from trying to solve a major problem, or creating a platform in order to help advance the abilities of another.  Either way, a form of problem is being solved and addressed.

3).  Having a great team and an awesome product is great, but it will not progress any further unless there is a market that is wanting the item.  This is where the market research and marketing abilities come into play.  The market has been created from the need that people have for a solution, and the solution has been created by the team in term of the product.  Last part of this is being able to convince people that the product that you have will be able to solve their problem.  This is determined by the ability of the marketing that is used to promote the product.  Trying to market something directly to someone needs to be quick and effective in order to capture their attention and not waste their time.  Certain products do not fit every demographic of people, and this is where the market research is brought in.  With the market research, we wanted to see if there was actually a demand for the product, and the various demographic areas that were out new target market.  As it turned out, there was indeed a market for the product when asking future customers.  This was good news!  Unfortunately, a lesson that we learnt was that this product was not one that people wanted to admittedly buy in the open, and even when given the opportunity, they really liked the idea but didn't feel that they were willing to spend money on it.  This was a major lesson that we learnt from the marketing and sales part.  People are more drawn to gadgets and products that can set them apart from their friends.  Allow them the ability to set a new trend among their own circles.

From all of this, although not a direct financial success with regards to the business, it was not a complete waste as we gained an extremely large amount of experience, possibly more than we would have in three years of work.  Yes at times many of us wanted to give up and walk away, but walking away would not have allowed for the great and vast  investment of experience and knowledge.  Would anyone regret doing the year, maybe, but in my opinion, it was a life changing experience and adventure.