Growing My Social Capital

Number: 1
 1) Who they are and what their background is:
Christy is a branch manager for a nationally known bank. Now, to most, this wouldn't be considered owning a business. However, this bank recognizes each branch manager as an individual business owner.  They are responsible for the profit and loss of their branch. The hiring and dismissing of employee. The production and profit, ability to establish new business and reach new demographics. Each branch is assessed differently on their ability to exceed in these categories.

2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.
Domain expert in your industry. Christy has 10+ years expertise in this industry and one of the youngest to get to a this position within a short time frame. 
 
3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.
She is a highly respected manager within a well known finance company. She has built a strong reputation for being extremely knowledgeable within this industry as well.

4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation? 
Provide me insight and expertise to further my career and I will refer business to her when client need presents itself. 

5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?
 I think one of the biggest resources we can have is people. If you have the opportunity to learn from respected professionals, you're truly putting yourself in a great position.



Number: 2
1) Who they are and what their background is.
Paul  and he's an area manager covering several markets within the company I work for.
2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.
 Market Expert 
3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.
Regional Manager for the company I work for. 
4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation? 
 Provide me with growth opportunity as long as I continue to exceed goals established for my position. I have built a great working relationship with this individual as I believe I have made a clear distinction in my work ethic.
5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?
 Many years of expertise and far reaching network on contacts. I am able to meet people of a higher position and build a good name for myself.


Number: 3
1) Who they are and what their background is.
Robert and he's a financial advisor. Robert offers additional products and services that cannot be offered through my job.
2) Which 'slot' you are filling with each person (i.e., domain expert, market expert, supplier), and how the person fills the spot.
Supplier. Rob had to go to additional schooling and certifications to be able to offer these additional products and services.
3) A description of how you found the person and contacted the person.
I've worked with this person on my own personal finances as well as referred clients to him previously.
4) The nature of the exchange you have with the person -- what favor did they do for you? What is the return expectation? 
I will continue to refer qualified clients as long as he helps enhance my education and introduces me to his established contacts. 
5) How will including this person in your network enhance your ability to exploit an opportunity?
 As I've stated previously, human resources can be our best at times. "It's all about who you know!"


Reflect. I think this was different in the sense that I'm making a clear conscious effort to develop a working relationship with the intentions of developing my network. I think the only way it differed in that I was clearly looking for how this networking opportunity benefited both parties where as normally, I just meet people with the intention of knowing more people.