Assignment 20A: Growing Your Social Capital

Domain Expert: Julia Haber with Wayv

Who they are, what their background is:
I decided to choose an entrepreneur that is around the same age as me and would most likely have a similar mindset and style. Her name is Julia Haber and she runs a company called Wayv.

How this person is a “domain expert”:
I wouldn't say she is a domain expert because her company doesn't relate to mine. I would consider her someone I could relate to more (since she just graduated college) and that is why I wanted to talk to her.

How I found and contacted this person:
I direct messaged her on Instagram. She did not answer in time but luckily she posted a youtube video answering questions that were very similar to what I would ask about her. entrepreneurship process.

Nature of Exchange: What they did for me, what is the return expectation:
Since she did not respond, I could not really get advice specifically on my product. However, I did get amazing advice from the video which explained how she started up with being so young and finding the resources to do so.


How will including them enhance my ability to exploit an opportunity:
In the video, she gave advice on what to do now in college and then the transition phase from college to the real world. It was very comforting to see someone so young be able. to get the resources and do something she loves.

Market Expert: Nick's Dad with DNAforME

Who they are, what their background is:
Manfred Althammer is actually my roommates boyfriends dad. He owns a company that's called DNAforME that's currently only in Europe.

How this person is a “market expert”:
This business has people send in a swab of saliva to the company so they can run tests and give you a customized booklet that shows what vitamins/nutrients you are deficient in. There is an option to do a subscription service that gives you the certain vitamins you need monthly.

How I found and contacted this person:
I had my roommates boyfriend put me in contact with him. I had to use WhatsApp since he lives in Austria.

Nature of Exchange: What they did for me, what is the return expectation:
I explained my product idea and asked questions on whether he believes it is feasible or not since he is more aware of the science side of things. He does not speak English very well so there was a little bit of a language barrier where I couldn't really directly communicate what I wanted to.

How will including them enhance my ability to exploit an opportunity:
By having someone who is already in the business of personalized nutritional supplements, personalized skincare products and personalized weight-loss programs it really gives me great insight into the industry I am diving into. He gave me the link to their website and I enjoyed the aesthetically pleasing nature of the website and how it is all about promoting health.

Industry Supplier: Lowe's

Who they are, what their background is:
I couldn't think of anyone in specific besides a brand who supplies toilets so I chose
Lowe's. I asked to speak to someone who specializes in the appliance department. I did
not get his name.

How this person is a “industry supplier”:
He works and specifically helps people in the appliance department of Lowe's. He deals and knows most brands of toilets.

How I found and contacted this person:
I just called the store on 13th street and spoke over the phone. 

Nature of Exchange: What they did for me, what is the return expectation:
I explained how I was a college student at UF in an entrepenuership class and needed some information/advice on my product. He was very nice and happily explained what his position is at Lowe's.

How will including them enhance my ability to exploit an opportunity:
Up until this point, I have not been informed or researched all the new toilets that are out there. He told me the basics of buying a toilet and what you should look for. They are: whether it is one or two pieces, the toilet bowl shapes, and available space. I never realized how intensive the buying process can be and all the different models that are out there.


Finally: Reflect. This experience requires you to do a little 'targeted networking.' How will this experience shape how you participate in any future networking events? Did this experience differ from your networking experiences in the past? How?
In future networking, I will definitely do more active listening. These interviews can be a bit intimidating (at least for me) and as all the nerves are boiling up you realize you are not really digesting the information they are saying. I never thought toilets would be something I would be discussing so often. Before this class, I never really thought about how some people's jobs are actually dealing with the production/sales/marketing of toilets.