20A – Growing Your Social Capital

Ashely, a clothing store manager. Ashely has worked as a manager for “Justice” for over 5 years. She also just so happens to be a serial subscription box subscriber. Ashely has been subscribed to Ipsy and Sephora subscription boxes since they were introduced many years ago. She has over the last few years subscribed to over 10 different subscription boxes, thus making her a domain expert in my industry. Ashely is a family friend, and I contact her through Facebook Messenger. I asked Ashely if she would be comfortable watching my elevator pitch and offering me any feedback. She watched my video and provided feedback, which was what I expected her to do. If I include her in my network, it helps my exploit my opportunity by helping me improve my box.

Alana Thompson, a reality television celebrity. Some of you know her as Honey Boo Boo. Alana Thompson offers her own subscription box., therefore this makes her an expert on my market. I found this person because I have watched her on reality television series for many years, and I contacted her via Instagram. I asked her if she would be willing to watch my elevator pitch in hopes that she would watch it and tell me what she thought of it. If she were to actually do these things, she might be able to provide me some feedback that helps me improve my product. She also might be willing to promote it if she likes it, which also gives me a larger network and promotion.

Clea, an independent consumer product seller for a very successful business. She fits into the slot of a person who would be an important supplier to my industry. She currently supplies her products in other subscription boxes. I found this person through mutual friends. I contact her via Facebook messenger, in hopes that she would watch my elevator pitch and provide feedback if she would potentially be interested in supplying her products in my boxes. If I include this person in my network, I get a supplier relationship with products my prototypical consumer would be interested in.  

Reflection: This experience opened up my eyes to how easy and simple networking can be. It also introduced me to how many pieces are needed in networking and who to look for. This definitely was different then my experiences in the past because I never networked looking for these types of people, besides maybe someone who is an expert in my industry.