Growing your social capital
1.
Domain expert
Marry Ann Haistings
Marry Ann is currently employ at the division of
blind services in the state of FL. She is a senior rehabilitation specialist,
and mostly works with young professionals who aspire to be successful.
I found Marry Ann because she is my current blind
services councilor, so, to contact her, I just called her office.
The nature of the exchange I have with Marry Ann
is, she will give me advise, and in return I give her a great review on her
client yearly evaluation.
Including Marry Ann in my network will enhance my
ability to exploit an opportunity because she has already penetrated the
"industry" that I am trying to enter. She will be able to give me a
substantial amount of advice, and connect me because of her 10 plus years of
experience.
2.
Supplier
Jose Cintron
Jose is an acquaintance of mine that I met through
some mutual friends. Jose is a blind entrepreneur, and he has multiple online
businesses.
Jose will be used as a supplier for my business, he
is a professional blind individual, and his achievements and experiences can be
used to help out the blind professionals this business will be created for.
Since Jose is an acquaintance of mine, I just hit
him up on face book, and he said he would be glad to help out!
Jose has a huge network of blind professional, so
he will provide key note speakers for our focused group, and in return he will
get paid.
Including Jose will be crucial to exploiting an
opportunity in this field, because of his entrapennuar mentality, and his
network of blind professionals.
3.
Market expert
Felepe Fenirove
Felipe is a young professional who is very good
with technology, and he is very good with evaluating markets, specifically the
needs of blind individuals. He is known as someone who is always referring
people to the correct products and services that they need.
I also know Felipe through a mutual friend. The
products and services for "blind markets" is very small, so as a
result it is very easy to know the individuals that are a part of it especially
if you are blind.
Felipe agreed to help me channel my services to the
specific market I chose, and in return I will be responsible to help him learn
better English speaking skills since he is a first generation Cuban American.
Felipe will enhance my ability to exploit an
opportunity because he is very seasoned in the ability to identify and exploit
a specific market. He is also able to attract the young professional market
that I am looking to attract.
Reflection
In the past, networking has always come about
through networking events. I have never found myself having to contact specific
individuals to network with them. This experience has definitely changed my
outlook on networking for the better. This assignment taught me that if I want
something I have to stick my neck out there and go get it.
Austin
ReplyDeleteExcellent work with this assignment. It was a new experience for me too. Like you I have only ever gone to networking events. This assignment was so beneficial becuase it forced us to get out there and make connections ourselves. I think the contacts you have made are going to be very beneficial for you in up and coming events in life. Mary Ann sounds like someone you should stay in contact with. It sounds like she is doing something similar to what you are trying to do.
Well said Austin! As you stated, when you want something, you have to stick your neck out to get it. I often tell myself that reaching the heights of success means doing the things most others are unwilling to do. Reaching out to strangers can be one of those things. Reading your post has also given me a metaphorical kick in the butt towards developing my network.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great Austin. All these people seem radically important in the furthering of your entrepreneurship and Im glad you have such great individuals to seek guidance with. Its so important to have folks that have done great things around you. They can be there for support and for advice when things get a little confusing or rough. You opportunity is awesome and I know you can do it. You seem to have a great plan put together and excellent ideas on how to implement those steps. Keep it going man keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete