Amanda (Domain Expert): Amanda manages a pet resort in the next
county over and the resort has similar services to what I am proposing. In the
past, she has managed many other facilities such as kennels. Amanda fully
understands what it is that the owners are looking for in a boarding facility
and she delivers. I have provided my Idea Napkin to Amanda for her review and
opinion. I know Amanda from the vet’s office my dogs used to go to. Having her in my networks will help me
understand more of my clientele needs.
Kevin (Market Expert): Kevin is the owner of the pet resort that my
dogs go to and the resort that my business is modeled after. He operates a
facility here in Florida and also in Wisconsin. He recently sold his Florida location
and is looking to open up another in the same area. I personally know him as he
was a client with my firm and my dogs have gone to his facility for 3+ years. I
have help Kevin in the past with finding the perfect property to open a second Florida
facility. He would most likely give me advice/pointers to help me start my business
and mentor me during the process. Kevin is an expert in the market as he knows
which areas to target and which clientele to market to.
Mel (Supplier): Mel works for a successful boarding facility (that
kennels pets) and she is in charge of marketing. This facility has opened 2 or
3 locations within my surrounding area. Mel is very knowledgeable on how to
target customers and the best locations for facilities in out area. She would
be a great person to have in my network because of her knowledge in consumer marketing
and targeting in this market. I have reached out to her to discuss my proposed
plans and understand more about why her facility does boarding only to better
market my services.
Reflection: This experience has
been great for getting to know other professionals in my area. I really enjoy networking
as it allows me to communicate with others. Even though I can be introverted at
times, I do enjoy carrying on conversations with new people. This experience was
a little different as I was asking these professionals to review my business
idea/plan. Most networking events I have been a part of are just discussing
issues in the community/how to fix them and limited pitching of one’s business.
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that this experience of increasing our social capital will help us all in the long run not only with our business opportunities but also with our professional careers as we enter the workforce following graduation from UF. I had a very enjoyable experience talking with the people I chose to network with. They provided so much invaluable advice about the business world in the food industry that I don't think I could have gotten from anywhere else. I hope this experience was as beneficial for you as it was for me.