Growing My Social Capital

Domain Expert:

1. Assistant Manager at the Reitz Bike Repair, he works with the dealing, buying, selling, and repairs of different bikes.
2. He is filling in as the domain expert.
3. I walked to the bike repair shop at the Reitz and asked to speak with whoever was in charge to ask a few questions.
4. I asked different questions about what are the popular bikes brands that are cheap for students but are also durable and can sustain a long life. He also gave me his opinion on my idea of installing bike stations, and possible ways of how I could partner with the school and the on-campus shop. There was no return expectation.
5. Having this person would give me a sponsor and co-partner to turning my idea into a reality on campus.

Expert on the Market:

1. Manager of Chain Reaction Bicycles. He manages and runs the store that sells bikes primarily to UF students.
2. Filling in for the Market Expert.
3. I walked into the shop and requested to speak with the manager to ask some basic questions.
4. For this interview, I wanted to know who they primarily market too, which was UF students. In addition, I wanted to find out what techniques they used to market their product line and how they reach out to their market via advertising. In addition, I asked how they can continue to grow their market and gain interest. There was no return expectation.
5. This person was able to give me ideas to expand my market and continue to advertise my products.

Important Supplier:

1. I spoke with a representative of SCOTT Sports biking department one of the suppliers for Chain Reaction Bicycles.
2. Filling in for important Supplier.
3. While at Chain Reaction Bicycles, the had someone representing SCOTT Sports, so I approached him and asked him a few questions.
4. I asked about their different models and the different styles of bikes that the supply. I asked about the style of bikes that students typically prefer. In addition, I asked how cost plays a role into bike model and durability that students choose.
5. Having this person as a contact will allow me to supply bikes for my idea, if it was implemented here at UF.

Reflection:
After participating in this assignment, I am no better at going out into the world and talking with strangers. This assignment requires you to make contacts and put yourself out there. Having connections allows you to really start focusing on your ideas and begin the process of bringing them to life. It also supplies you with a support line for if you are having trouble or even beginning to fail. In addition, these connection provide you with a basic guideline for success.