Growing Your Social Capital

Corey is my Market Expert. She is a dog trainer, with 10 years of experiences. She works with all breeds of dogs and teaches classes ranging from puppies to senior dogs. She also works in a local pet store, where she often meets most of her potential clients for dog training. The customers she looks for are very similar to my prototypical customer: they want the absolute best for their dogs and are willing to pay to ensure their dogs have the best quality of life at all times. I met Corey when she approached my puppy and I about training classes and we are now attending weekly training classes with her. I could either take the practices I learn from Corey into my own pursuit or potentially extend an offer to work together in the future.

Joey is my Domain Expert. He is actually Corey's husband. He is a professional dog groomer and trainer, working at a dog day-care facility. I was asking Corey about her experience/knowledge with dog day-cares in the area when she mentioned that her husband works at one. He has worked at many similar facilities in the area and has a lot of knowledge about the industry. My business idea reflects what Joey wishes the facilities he has worked at were like. I think he could offer a lot of guidance as to what to avoid or incorporate.

Liz is my supplier. She owns a local dog bakery and grooming service. I met her at a farmer's market and then visited her brick and mortar store a few days later. She sells many different kinds of "gourmet" dog treats and grooming products. I think we could work together by utilizing or selling her products at my doggie day-care or perhaps even a "kickback" service where we offer coupons/gift cards for her store to our clients.

I am used to "networking" quite a bit at work, but this was one of the first times I found myself in this position in my day-to-day life. These connections came very easily because I am so passionate about the topic and because I live a similar lifestyle to my customer-base.