Domain Expert:
Philip Rashan is an expert in computer coding and programming. When provided with an idea he has the technical prowess to make it a reality. I met Philip online about six months ago through an online card game tournament. We have continued to collaborate on small projects and shoot ideas to each other ever since. I have shared my idea with him and I know he would be willing to work on it with me.
Market Expert:
Katherine Lawler is an avid reader and marketing major. She has participated in numerous book clubs and other venues that would expose her to my target demographic. I have known her for about a year and we have recently established a solid working relationship, and as of last week we are already collaborating on another project. I believe that Ms. Lawler could keep me in contact with my target demographic, grounding my idea and providing valuable and accurate feedback.
Supplier:
Matthew Roberts is also an expert in computer coding and programming, but has inside connections as far as server hosting services are concerned. Robert's father is in hosting services, and through this connection perhaps I could secure a cost advantage over competitors.
Reflection:
While I think this experience was certainly valuable, I do not think it will influence my method of networking in the future. Sure, it is important to seek out connections in relevant fields, but at the same time you never know what might be relevant in the future. I think trying to specifically make connections in those areas that are immediately useful is not the way to go, rather you should foster and grow as many long term connections as you can, Who knows, your friend from that one business class ten years ago might be the key to getting your foot in the door somewhere in the future.
While I can understand where you are going with your view on networking, I feel that the more people you know the better. What if one of these people you talked is useful now but not in a few months? Would you just dump them? If you do and you need there help a few years down the road do you think they might be hesitant to help? In my opinion, make as many friendships as you can as long as the other person can bring some kind of value to your business and help make it successful.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty interesting how you met all of these people in very different ways and now they all have the potential to help you with your product. I agree with what you said, that you never know what might be relevant in the future. I think that's why it is so important to network as much as possible because you never know what a person has to offer you when you first meet them. You should check out my blog, theyact.blogspot.com.
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