1.) One person must be a domain expert in your industry
In this section, I chose my friend's dad, Chip, who is an Project Manager for Ajax, a building construction company in Tallahassee. Given his profession, I presented him with my opportunity of building a pedestrian bridge across Museum Road to see if it seemed feasible. He quickly notified me of how expensive a project like this would cost which startled me, but after taking more time to analyze he liked my idea. As he is just a project manager, he would not actually be the person responsible for physically constructing something like this, but would rather have the contacts to contract engineers to design this.
2.) One person must be an expert on your market
For this person, I decided to choose my friend Shane who is a 5th year Civil Engineering student here at the University of Florida. Shane has had to travel down Museum Road very many times during his tenure as a student here, so he is very familiar with the area as well as understanding what is good for the flow of traffic on campus. He also told me that he could see the project being very costly, but overall thought it was a great solution to clearing up the mayhem that occurs on this road.
3.) One person must be an important supplier to your industry
For this person, I decided to choose my friend Libby's dad who works for Columbia Forest Products. I am not sure that this pedestrian bridge would be constructed using wood, but I figured it would be good to bring up my idea given that I could get many other resources from him as a supplier. He quickly assured me that there would be lots of materials required to build this bridge, so it would be costly to construct.
Results: This experience has changed my perception on networking because it made me realize how different pieces need to all fit together. My networking experiences while trying to get somewhere were different than before because of how I had already done a lot more planning for this pedestrian bridge idea than for what I would do to get ready for something else.
Hi Travis,
ReplyDeleteI really like your expert and your supplier. It is great that you found an expert who is not only very skilled in the civil engineering industry, but who is also a student who has gone through all of the scenarios where this bridge is necessary. I also like how you found a supplier with a good network of other suppliers who could contribute to your bridge. Some of this bridge could definitely be made from wood, but I believe that most of it will need to be strong concrete to endure the crazy Florida weather we experience.
Hi Travis! I encourage you to keep networking with people about your business idea and keep on getting insight about things are done. Networking can do you wonders if done correctly. You never know what people will do for you in the future and networking can be your key to success. Keep on networking and who knows what it will do for you.
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