Domain Expert: My domain expert is Chris Hart of Hoggetowne
Ale Works. He is the manager of a homebrew store here in Gainesville. I found
Mr. Hart last week when I was buying supplies for a brew I was preparing. He
gave me his card and I emailed him my idea for a kegerator. I asked him about
the possible ways to actually build the product and he gave me a few pointers
about what would be a good insulator. He knows the business and he has local connections
to help me.
Market Expert: My marketing expert is Brad Spence the
marketing manager for Samuel Adams Boston Beer Company. I found Mr. Spence at a
beer festival a few months ago and he gave me his card. We have been in contact
for a while and I thought he would be good to ask about my product. I asked him
where the best place to advertise for an affordable kegerator product and he
agreed that a college town like Gainesville would be very appropriate. He is an
important connection because of his work experience and his many connections to
Samuel Adams.
Supplier: My supplier contact is Robbie Toombs of
kegerator.com. I used the contact option on their website and Mr. Toombs
respond back. He is obviously well versed in kegerators because that is what
the company he works for sells. The exchange was strange at first, but he was
eventually more open and willing to help. I guess I would be nervous to if someone
wanted to make a product that might be competition. I asked him about his most
popular products and where most of their products go to. I discovered that we
are going after very different audiences.
Reflection: It was interesting to reach out to multiple
people in the industry and hear their perspective from their point of view. I
am also learning what questions to ask to learn the info that is crucial to me.
This was different from previous networking experiences because I discussed
with people who have experience in the field and I saw their opinions as more
valid that opinions from various friends and strangers.
William,
ReplyDeleteI think you found ideal contacts! Another suggestion, form someone who worked in a liquor store.. Check the bars and liquor stores! about which products are moving and to which demographics. For the campus setting, the liquor stores might be an option-especially during football season- when the kegs are usually sold in the highest volume.
Hi William,
ReplyDeleteGood job on your social capital assignment. I like the fact that you included your experience of contacting Robbie Tombs of kegerator.com. I believe that it is normal for someone to be nervous if someone is trying to come up with a product that will put someone in competition with. I believe having competition is a good thing because both sides will have to work harder in trying to create a better product for their customers. Here is the link to my post: http://yessiblogging.blogspot.com/2016/07/growing-my-social-capital.html
William,
ReplyDeleteI believe you made three great contacts that can really help you explore different customer segments and to expand on you kegerator idea. Your last contact being a little apprehensive at first is normal but I think it was pretty cool of him to help you out. I think that reflects on you and the way you came across that made him feel comfortable discussing things with you. Great job! Unfortunately I did not complete this assignment so I do not have a link to share.
Hey William,
ReplyDeleteI think that you were able contact very beneficial people to your idea. Getting the feedback from those already in the business is very valuable. They already know the product and how the business works. I think that you made a very a choice in reaching out to these people. They can help you get connections and further your idea.
William,
ReplyDeleteI wasn't originally scheduled to review your post this week, but I really think you made some quality connections during this assignment. Having input from people already in the business is the best information available (in my opinion). The demographic may be difficult to hone in on, but with the right advice and research I believe you will be able to do so.
Hi William,
ReplyDeleteGreat job finding your contacts! It sounds like you're thre contacts would be able to provide a lot of information that could help with your product. I am actually surprised that the last contact was willing to help with you. You are actually making a product that would be direct competition to him. I am actually quite curious on how you got him to open up! I have a hard time reaching out to people so I did not complete the assignment unfortunately. It seems like I really missed out.
Hi William,
ReplyDeleteIt appears that you made some great connections for your idea here. I think it was a good idea to reach out to a local person for advice in addition to connecting with someone who works for a well known national brand. While the third contact may have been seen as a competitor, it is good to know that you have different target audiences. That way you both may be able to converse more knowing you're not directly competing.