20A - Growing Your Social Capital 

1. Chuck (Domain Expert) - BMW Sales Representative who has helped me with all my car issues and understands the products really well. His background has always been working with and selling cars. I contacted Chuck over the phone because he is back home in Naples at my local dealership. I established social capital by asking him to help me with my idea for a class. He was able to explain what BMW already has (heating and cooling on timer) but without an app, and also that he thinks this would be a great idea to put in the actual manufacturing of the cars. He always sees sunshades in people's car but knows they don't use them because they have to replace the interior liner after 5-10 years. Chuck will help me make connections with BMW employees and understand what people want in a luxury vehicle. 

2. Megan (Market Expert) - 30 year old female who drives a car worth over $20,500 and has done market research on her friends for other products (beauty). I called her because she lives in Orlando. My sister is just inside my target market and drives a car that would be considered luxury. She is on the forward trend of innovation and sells products (granted not car products) to those in my market. For example, she owns a robot vacuum and finds deals to order UberEats/Postmates for free several nights a week with specials. I asked her what she thought of my product and after having to explain it for a couple of minutes she thought it was a great idea and something she would buy. She did mention that many of her friends would buy it but might have to explain in detail what it does for them. As I have found this will require high marketing budgets. 

3. Thomas (Supplier) - AutoNation which sells to many repair shops around Naples, FL. Thomas loves cars and is an expert in supplying aftermarket parts. I could use him to sell my aftermarket sunshades to customers because he would best be able to explain how they help and how to install them. I called him over the phone and asked him to explain his role as a supply expert. He was very impressed that I called him and in exchange gave me some great advice. He said to find someone who has engineered car products in the past and is with a reputable firm now. Give them equity because you will need their expertise to get the company going. From there, use suppliers like AutoNation to distribute. Going forward I might need his help to get AutoNation on board. 

Finally: Reflect. I have been to many networking events and have tried to improve my networking skills overtime. I agree that it is easy to stand there and not ask any questions. I have definitely done this in the past, especially when I don't have good questions. For this assignment I was able to have good questions and goodwill that will improve my networking going forward.