At the age of 15 years old, Catherine Cook and her older brother Dave were looking through a high-school yearbook, something that most students have done with family and friends once or twice. This common, innocent event sparked something innovative inside of Catherine and Dave. Seeing all the students of similar ages yet different backgrounds made them think about taking a yearbook online. From this idea, they created MyYearbook.com, a social-networking site in which young people are able to meet and interact with other young people.
The Cooks have also made another website, Zenhex.com. This website specializes in online quizzes created by and for students. The Cook’s business’s originated in New Jersey and they have taken pride in maintaining a small town feel, especially at such a young age. However, when their company grew, investors insisted on the Cook’s moving their headquarters to New York City, in which they declined. Staying true to their humble demeanor, Catherine and Dave Cook keep their success in terms of finances on the down low, but a MyYearbook.com investor claims their chunk is north of a million dollars.
The second idea concerning the making of online quizzes by and for students reminds me of Quizlet. Many students use it for this purpose, so it is smart that these two would take something which is already possible and make that the sole purpose of a new platform similarly to how Instagram saw the success of Facebook and its ability to share pictures and made that the sole intent of its platform.
I also have a sibling that I shared a yearbook with. Unfortunately for us, we were unable to be in the same are and get pictures together or to meet any of her friends. This idea of MyYearbook is a great idea because it allows people that might never have been able to talk or know each other, connect. In a school with around 600 people, it is challenging for people to meet and connect with anyone but the people that are in their class. Also, the second idea is great for improving grades, and making studying easier and fun! Though this idea is already being used in Quizlet, it was still a great idea!
I think that creating a yearbook online was a smart idea. Social media is a big part of society and I think they utilized it in a great way. Interacting with classmates online is a good way to connect with others. I also like how they thought of another website. This reveals that entrepreneurs are always thinking of new ideas they can pursue.