I went through a phonebook and did some Internet digging and found three individuals who I would consider experts in the fields that I am aiming to get a leg in.
The "supplier" of my operation is a fellow I met from when I got my car towed for illegal parking. Didn't really like him at first for obvious reasons, but I kept my composure and gentlemanly conduct and it seemed to wear off on him. He's not a trucker, but he's got a mini-truck and knows how to drive in tight areas. The supplies he could offer me would include sanitation wear, buckets, sponges and soap, and a truck to haul the gear and animals in. In exchange for me using his supplies, we have discussed the possibility of getting him involved with some profit that could arise from the business. Not a stock option yet, but perhaps a percentage of the profits and labor pay as well. This allows me to run my business at all, so in that essence I am exploiting this aspect of our relationship.
The "domain expert" shall be my girlfriend's roommate, who works at a zoo and also is working towards getting herself a degree in animal sciences. Given that we are dealing with animal behavior and corpses, her expertise regarding how animals act (faking death, moving en mass towards less populated areas, etc.) will be invaluable towards making sure that our service not only aids the community but is also humane for the animals themselves. In return for the expertise in the field her name shall be added to the staff and with that she'll receive the same share of the profits as everyone else does. Having someone like her in pocket will aid the company because it will allow us access to the greater animal-related services community and give us more legitimacy within the field.
The "market expert" I've decided to get in contact with is one of my grandmother's neighbors, who often comes around to help her with chores and her personal life. I asked her specifically because of her involvement in the community, having a more active relationship with the average person who lives in my area. Not only do they help my grandma out, but I also come around to participate in the church events that she and others host so in a sense we already have some relationship. This new relationship would come in exchange for a more active participation in the church, spreading awareness of animal diseases and the importance of the service to the flock. That's all she's requested as of now, still. This market expert expands my business because now we finally have a core audience to listen and watch our moves as we begin to start helping the community.
With regards to this networking experiment, I've found that I can rely more on my local neighborhood and contacts of contacts than I thought before. If I'm being frank, still, it didn't differ much from my previous experiences. Generally speaking, talking to people and getting them to do what you want is a very tedious experience. Exciting and nerve-wracking, but ultimately a systematic process.
I think your experts are viable! Often, it is people we know but may not think of that can be out biggest social capital contributors. Either that or "friends of friends." Business is all about networking.
ReplyDeleteAll of your experts fit your service well. I would say that if you could find a city worker that picks up roadkill as part of their job, you would have a direct competitor to learn from and possibly work with in the privatization of the service. Perhaps they could also provide you with some other contacts that understand the issue your trying to resolve.
ReplyDeleteAll the experts you named and the way you presented this was amazing. You had the idea presented in the right way, you did what they asked. A city work needs that kinda advice to be able to keep functions right .
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