Growing My Social Capital

My Networking Experience

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The domain expert in my industry is a woman named Santana Iglesias. Santana started her own business with her good friend and partner, Nicole. Santana works with the well known Deepak Chopra, going different health places/restaurants/farms around the world and documenting the experience. Basically she is promoting a lifestyle and filming her experience.


Expert in my field: Stephanie Martin. Mrs. Martin is a holistic practitioner, certified nutrition consultant, and yoga instructor. She is incredibly knowledgable and knows so much about the wellness industry.


Important supplier in my industry: Hippocrates Health Institute ---> http://hippocratesinst.org
Hippocrates Health Institute is a tropical 50-acre setting in West Palm Beach, Florida. Guests from all over the world benefit from health and nutritional counseling, non-invasive remedial and youth-enhancing therapies, state of the art spa services, inspiring talks on life principles and a tantalizing daily buffet of enzyme-rich, organic meals at this wonderful place.The goal of HHI is to assist people in taking responsibility for their lives and to help them internalize and actualize an existence free from premature aging, disease and needless pain.



Domain Expert: Santana Iglesias 

Market Expert: Stephanie Martin

Supplier: Hippocrates Health Institute 

How I found the person and contacted them: Santana, I met her through a very good friend. We were talking about the wellness industry and Santana's name came up. I contacted her through social media. Stephanie I met at one of the yoga studios I go to. I initiated conversation one day to ask a few questions, and we got along from there.

Nature of exchange: I volunteered to help Stephanie with a local event in order to do a favor. In exchange she gives me an abundance of free information. Santana has become one of my good friends.

Reflection: 

I really enjoyed this exercise. I think it is very important to practice targeted networking. I also learned during this exercise that my domain expert, Santana, used 'target networking' in order to be in the position where she is now. That was very inspiring to me! I felt that this was an incredibly useful exercise. 

Reading Reflection | Chapter 11

Kuratko Chapter 11 (Financial Preparation for Entrepreneurial Ventures)

Questions being answered regarding Chapter 11:

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

1. While reading Chapter 11, there were many sections that stood out to me. I personally enjoyed learning about the essential elements for a successful presentation to venture capitalist. This section really goes into depth about the qualities team members must have, as well as the necessities that the product, business plan, and market must have in order to work.

2. I found this article to be very clear and concise. I really didn't have any section that was confusing to me. I enjoyed it!


3. If I were able to ask the author two questions:

1. What would you say is the most important aspect of capital markets?
2. What are the best ways to master venture capitalism?

I would ask these questions in order to hear the perspective of an intelligent writer and also to learn about the author's ventures that lead him to the place he is today.


4. I don't have anything in particular that I felt the author was wrong about. I really enjoyed this chapter and learning about the venture capital market. 

Elevator Pitch No. 3 | Revising & Reflecting

Rare Earth Organics is 100% organic, plant-based cafe that specializes in gourmet cuisines.

As I mentioned in my first pitch, Fish hawk, Florida is a growing community that is located close to the heart of Tampa. This community is continuing to develop and already has most everything you would find in a small city; grocery stores, banks, doctor offices, homes, parks, nature trails, water parks, some chain restaurants, fast food places, etc.

I see many people in this town striving to be health conscious and live an active lifestyle with their families. Being a community full of families who strive to live a healthy fitness lifestyle, food is a big issue. Fast food places (such as McDonalds, Taco Bell, and Sonic), along with some ice cream places, and a few chain restaurant that let's just say are..."eh", make up the food options in this community.

As a plant-based eater, I personally find it very difficult to find places to enjoy in this community that offer foods that fit my dietary needs such as plant-based, vegan, gluten free, non-processed healthy foods. With this personal unmet need, I can't help but believe there may be others out there that would consider the restaurant options in this area as an unmet need for them as well. Whether one is Vegan, Vegetarian, or just wants some healthier options, I feel this is truly an unmet need in the Tampa bay area, particularly in the community of Fish hawk. That is why I created the idea of Rare Earth Organics Cafe.

I want to bring a restaurant to the market that offers creative plant-based cuisine that is both rich in flavor and of course, nutrient dense. This cafe will offer a unique environment that focuses on supporting nutritional wellness and sustainability for every person who walks into the door. Rare Earth Organics will ensure to select the finest organic ingredients while also supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products.

Note: I have been recovering from being sick, so forgive my pitch isn't as dynamic as I would have liked. 

Thanks for watching!

Reflection:

  Most of the feedback I received was positive, as many students can relate to wanting healthier/dietary restriction options even in their areas and on campus. Although I don't have five that came up, one thing that was mentioned that I am highly considering incorporating into my business is having a few healthy grass-fed meat options in order to attract more customers and be more diverse. My cafe will be mostly plant-based, and offer the highest quality in every aspect of the food ingredients, whether it be a vegan dish or a meat option. That is how I will incorporate the feedback into this idea napkin.