Growing My Social Capital

1) Who they are and what their background is.

Person 1:

This person is the owner of the very hotspot in Gainesville, Karma Kreme. This is an ice cream/restaurant that has many vegan options if it is not predominantly vegan. This is vital for my future business since it is going to be biased on a vegan diet. The owner, Kyle is very eco-conscience and his restaurant is just that. 

Person 2: I met a Vegan who knows all about the dangers that the dairy and meat industry bring to the environment and world. His name is Chuck and he explained to me benefits of a vegan diet that I didn't already know about. Such as that vegans are thousand times less likely to generate heart disease, obesity, and have better circulation.

Person 3: The Krishna House has a very large role for vegetarians and vegans on UF campus, offering healthy lunches every weekday. The best supplier is to be your own supplier. Starting from scratch.

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.

Person 1: Domain expert, since he already has a famous restaurant in an essential part of town

Person 2: People Expert: knows how to make delicious and healthy food that people would enjoy

Person 3: Market Expert: Extemely well marketed but with a modest approach. Something I want to strive for.

3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.

I looked up many people online and found articles from theindependentalligator.org , and then went up to them in person (at karma cream). I found Chuck during a Krishna social asking people if they are vegan or not. I live next to the Krishna House so I knocked on their door and asked them questions about supply.

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation? 

They gave me their contact information. No return expectation, just a thank you and smile.

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?

All these people are extremely knowledgeable about the vegetarian and vegan community. They know everything there is about it, and also have their circle of healthy eaters, who can give me input on my restuarant.