20A- Growing Your Social Capital

Vincent McCoy (Domain Expert in Industry):

Mr. McCoy is a marketing director of his own startup company. We used to go to the same church in my hometown. I reached out to him regarding some information about marketing. He once assisted my mom with some marketing strategies for her own business. Although he is not directly associated or connected with this particular industry, he is well aware of the strategies needed to influece, directly/indirectly target the audience I was seeking in relation to my service. In asking him this, he said social media, a websire, and community wor of mouth is the best way to advance my foundation.

"Teens, college students, and many middle-aged adults are heavily on social media. They tend to use Google, use Twitter, Facebook, etc., and nothing seems to get by them. If they hear/see about something new and innovative they are more prone to check it out over the older generation Word of mouth is also your easiest and cheapest way of targeting your audience; however, it can also be what can destroy your brand. Once your business is up and running, and you get one good review, that person will spread the word, and your clientelle/ volunteer involvement is bound to increase."


Sonya Scott (Expert on Market)

Ms. Scott is a caterer and the owner of her own catering business, who I knew through association with my mom. Although she is not in the market for organizations, she does know about the care and handle of providing quality food and services at weddings, galas, charity events, etc. With her assistance, I was able to understand the need to keep food at proper temperatures, opening up a staffed kitchen, and more.

“I believe the key to providing key quality service is open and clear communication. You must be open to lay out standards and expectations of your staff to ensure they follow clear guidelines and execute great customer service. However, customer service and food quality are two different things, but go hand in hand. In your case, not only must you make sure the food is kept at sufficient temperatures, you have to make sure you provide great quality by having the best equipment possible to keep food properly insulated, and more. You have to consider the tangible and intangible.”


Mario Hall (Supplier in Industry)

Mr. Hall is the founder of his own charity foundation, who I met through association with my mom. He is very knowledgeable about the giving back process, the financials, and receiving and giving the supplies to families and children.

“There is a lot that goes into charity foundations that many people don’t understand. There are documents, financial forms and more that must be filed each year when you receive, spend, etc. with the money. That is the biggest thing in your case. People will be passionate about giving back, however, you must ensure you are able to keep up with your finances and inventory to ensure your foundation continues to run.”

This experience made me realize that connections, understanding your product and market, and educating yourself on the market you are going into is essential. In the future, I will need to know specifically what I want to accomplish, with an open-mind to possible adjustments in regards to the way I can reach my target audience and how to effectively provide quality service to them. This experience was similar to some of the other networing experiences I had in the past, except these were via email and not face to face. I was open to the knowledge they gave, and the criticism/ support they gave. However, with each experience I learn something new about the market and platform.