Growing My Social Capital

1) Who they are and what their background is.

Daniel Carrion, Systems Engineer II, Top Tech Systems

Daniel worked for Toptech Systems as a Systems Engineer II.  He traveled to different cities and countries setting up fuel delivery systems for fuel repositories/depots and worked in a highly technical capacity for them.

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.  Domain Expert.  Daniel knows the ins and outs of fuel delivery and how it pertains to the different suppliers that are located regionally throughout the country. 

3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.  I've known Daniel for over 10 years. 

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation?  Daniel has always been a great friend and he's helped me move two times which indicates he's an awesome person as that's how you know who your real friends are; when it's moving day and who's actually shown up. 

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?  He'll be able to let me know what, if any, concerns I should have dealing with a particular vendor for fuel delivery services. 

1) Who they are and what their background is.  Don Strenk, Strenk Management Consulting

Don has over 35 years in oil refinery and convenience store industry.  He's worked for BP and ARCO in a high level managerial capacity in both technical, operations and retail sales with great success. 

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.  Market Expert.  Don will be able to assist with purchasing an existing gas station and the valuation of the business which is a service his consulting firm provides. 

3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.  Found online  and communicated via email. 

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation?  No favor or return expectation as simple email communication regarding my theoretical/school project concept was all that was involved. 

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?  Theoretically, if I were to launch a business such as this, it would behoove me to consult with an expert that can guide and assist with the navigational aspects of ensuring we implement a successful and sustainable business concept/model.

1) Who they are and what their background is.  Chris Richard, Coca-Cola, Route Sales Representative

Chris worked for Coca-Cola as a Route Sales Representative serving mostly convenience store/gas station locations and ensuring all product marketing, advertising and displays were correctly displayed and setup at all locations on his given route. 

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.  Supplier.  Chris is an expert on the retail operations and supplier side for convenience stores that sell/offer Coca-Cola. 

3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.  I've known Chris for a few years. 

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation?  No favor or return expectation.  As a person I know and have interacted with, a few questions pertaining to their time of employment with Coca-Cola was easily imparted and he was very forthcoming and helpful. 

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?  His expertise with the branding and marketing aspects of the convenience store business would prove invaluable to my new and fledgling venture. 

Reflection

How will this experience shape how you participate in any future networking events?

I think I'll be more comfortable asking folks what they do for a living as an ice breaker and utilize this to be more engaging and affable when attending parties or functions where I may not know everyone. 

Did this experience differ from your networking experiences in the past? How?

This experience did differ in the sense that I had to dig a little deeper into my network of acquaintances and friends but it all worked out in the end.