Growing My Social Capital

Social Capital

I contacted a man named Scott Green. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from The University of Scranton. Scott has worked in the marketing department of companies such as Hulu and Microsoft. I feel Scott will be my market expert, because he can provide me with information to help connect me with the demographic of my target market. Scott can also help me gain recognition through acquiring sponsors and advertising. I went to school and played hockey with Scott in New Jersey. I reached out to him through the application, LinkedIn. I sent a message and asked Scott for any insight and knowledge he may have from a marketing stand point. We have not talked in a while, but he was eager and willing to help me in any way. He provided me with companies to help build my base whom charge on a cost per click or cost per action basis. Scott is an old friend and all he wants to do is share any knowledge he can. From Scotts response I have great confidence to believe he can help get my application in the face of my target market.

I contacted James L. and he has experience with computer science and technologies. He is Java certified. He has a knack for new technology and dealing with technical issues. He can work his way around a computer in ways I have not previously seen. James can help my application run with consistency. James will play the role of supply expert. I worked with James for a couple of years a while back. During that time, he has shared with me his passion for computer science. I have complete trust in his technical abilities. I contacted James through Facebook and brought him in on my concept. He was intrigued and willing to help in any way necessary. He will be willing to troubleshoot for me and ensure my application does not succumb to technical difficulties. He will do this for me for a fee of course. But for now James understands I am in the process of putting my team together. Having James on my team will provide me and the users with a smooth experience. Through word of mouth my application will pick up steam.

I contacted a guy named Aldo. Aldo computer science at Miami-Dade College. Aldo started his own technology consulting firm and now works for PopCode as a software developer. Aldo will fill my domain expert position of my social capital. Aldo has experience in web application development and has worked in the industry for over seven years. I meet Aldo through my communication with James. They are both computer experts and understand web design. I contacted Aldo through Facebook and I provided him with parts of my idea napkin. The only favor he did for me was responding and accepting my request to communicate. I feel confident I can rely on Aldo to help develop and bring my idea napkin to life in the future. As of right now there is no expectation, but if I do go through my idea Aldo will expect to be paid for his expertise and time. Aldo has many years of experience and having him with James would make for a great work environment. Also he is still young and will understand my target audience. So he will develop an application to fit their needs and expectations.

Reflection:

I have been to a few networking events and job fairs before and I at first they are awkward. Taking part in this exercise and practicing “targeted networking” I feel more confident communicating with someone I already know what I want to talk with them about. Now I feel I should do research and find how peoples skill set can match with mine and my ideas. I may even go to specific networking events and connect with people there for a specific position.  When I have been to networking events before I try and make it a point to hand out as many business cards as possible. I try and get a basic idea of someone, but I do not get into the details much, because of the idea I want to meet as many people as possible, which might not be the right approach.