Spencer Riley, Market Expert
He grew up fishing and surfing in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce, FL. I believe him to be the market expert for me because he recently opened a tackle shop in town. I've known Spencer throughout high school and know his knowledge is unmatched in our area. I ran into his younger brother a few days ago and was able to get his information.
After speaking with him at the new tackle shop he cut me a deal on some shirts if I wore them around town. He also gave me his thoughts about the product I have been working on. Including Spencer in my network enhances my ability to exploit opportunity because he has the local knowledge of a market I know as well, but no longer live in. Having his trust and insight in that area could be helpful down the road.
Billy Ninesling, Supplier
Billy grew up fishing in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, FL and works at large tackle shop in Stuart, FL called White's Tackle. I keep in touch with him every couple of weeks and we always try to fish together when we can. He fits the supplier slot because he deals with customers on a daily basis. He sees what products people like, don't like, and hears why.
We were recently texting each other and I asked about meeting some of his coworkers/owners down in Stuart when I got the chance. He gladly said he would, only that I had to fish with him before doing so. Having a long time friend like Billy who is in the fishing supply industry reaches a network I'll always want to be a part of.
Eric Davis, Domain Expert
Eric owned outdoor outfitting store, The Backcountry, and now works as saltwater fishing guide from Melbourne all the way to Key West. He fits the slot of domain expert because he has the utmost experience in the retail side of the market as well as the most experience fishing in all areas of Florida. I was able to contact him over Facebook after seeing some pictures of fish he had recently caught.
Once I broke the ice, I began talking about current events going on with the algae in south Florida and the tarpon run off of Vero Beach. Being a long time friend of my dad, Eric needed nothing in return to offer me advice and insight on any aspect he can. Having him in my network introduces information I would have previously never known.
Reflect
Having experience in the same field these people are in was a huge aid in networking. Being able to strike up a conversation about something someone is interested in is the easiest way to begin. It differed in my past experience because I knew the three people beforehand, but I found that being as genuine as possible got me the most trust and response.
I'll try and use these same strategies that proved effective in the future. With chances being low that I'll know the people prior, I'll need to become as comfortable as possible speaking to total strangers.
Hi Anderson,
ReplyDeleteGood job on your social capital assignment. It is nice to know that you already have people that you know in the field of your interest. I believe having close people or people that you know from family members can help solidify your network. But I also believe that having other people that you do not know beforehand is also important to have within your network. Here is the link to my post: http://yessiblogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/growing-my-social-capital.html
Hi Anderson!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your growing your social capital assignment. It seems like you had the opportunity to speak to some really great and relevant people to your product. I think its funny that Spencer Riley was already offering you a deal on shirts! These seems like great people to network with and I would definitely keep in touch with them. Good luck!
My link: http://mysummerentblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/growing-my-social-capital.html
DeleteAnderson,
ReplyDeleteI believe you made three great contacts that can really help you understand your customer segment. The sport fisherman I think would be your biggest customer segment. Additionally, in the summer you can exploit the beach patrons who enjoy the water while wearing their sunglasses. Also the recreational and professional surfers, jet skiers, paddle boarders, etc. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to complete this assignment so I do not have a link to share.
Hey Anderson,
ReplyDeleteThe people that you chose for your social capital all sound very experienced and great choices in helping you develop you idea. Being that networking is such a huge part of getting a business started, it is definitely helpful to know people. Having connections will really aid in getting where you want to be.
Hi Anderson,
ReplyDeleteYou made some good contacts: someone who knows the market well, someone who knows the products well, and someone that runs the same type of retail fishing supplier business that you want to start. Great network! You have a really great start with these contacts and I wish you luck.
Angie
http://mynewbloggerblog10.blogspot.com/2016/07/idea-napkin-no-2.html
Hey Anderson, I think you did a great job finding crucial people to help you with growing your social network. Building relationships like these are invaluable and can help give you further connections down further in time if need be. It awesome that these people all work in the same field as you and have different experience to lend to you. Their knowledge will help you build a great product.
ReplyDeleteHi Anderson,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job finding contacts! It is extremely lucky for your to have known these people beforehand. That just means that the people in your social group are already experts in your field. I would recommend reaching out to people outside of your friend groups as well. They will give you the unbiased criticism that every product needs to be successful.
Hey Anderson,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you found some great contacts! It's so nice to talk to people about stuff that you're both interested in. Your domain expert sounds like he has an awesome job by the way. I would love to be something like a saltwater fishing guide. I don't think I could ever actually do it because I am terrible at fishing, but I think it would still be pretty sweet. It is good that you're working on your networking for the industry you want to be in. Here is my blog: jaredpape.blogspot.com
Anderson,
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you already know some of these contacts on a more personal level. Having that connection and being able to talk business while out with them fishing is a big positive. Since they all have experience in their fields perhaps they could mention your idea to other people in their field to spread the word.