For this exercise I decided to get in contact with
individuals related to the industry I am actually interested in going into
rather then the individuals related to the product idea that I am using for
this class. Thus, I got in contact with individuals within the real estate
industry.
Domain Expert
Name: Brian Gianone
Background: Owner of Occulus development and partner in
strategic real estate development company The Ridge LLC.
Contact: Brian is one of the owners of the new student
housing development The Ridge, which I currently work for as a sales and
leasing consultant. I simply sent him an email asking if he wouldn’t mind
helping me a quick project.
Favor: The relationship we have is one of an employer and
employee.
Networking Impact: Brian is constantly finding new real
estate ventures and is essentially doing what I plan to do within the next 10
years. He is an extremely valuable connection and someone who could potentially
help me in several ways.
Market Expert
Name: Carlos Miranda
Background: Carlos is the Director of Operations for The
Ridge LLC and specializes in management and marketing.
Contact: Carlos is currently working the leasing office in
order to establish a presence in Gainesville and help facilitate the pre lease
process. I work in the same office, so I simply asked speak to him in person.
Favor: The relation is one of an executive and a lower level
employee.
Networking Impact: Carlos has worked for several large
corporations and has connections throughout several industries. He is an
extremely valuable connection and someone who I learn from on a daily basis.
Supplier Expert
Name: Kelly Mahoney
Background: Kelly is the principal of The Ridge and a multi
family construction company called VAC LLC.
Contact: Kelly spends the majority of his time on the
construction site of The Ridge’s new development, but often comes into the
leasing office to get updates from management. I speak with him when he comes
in the office.
Favor: The relationship we have is one of employer and
employee.
Networking Impact: Kelly is extremely driven and constantly
working on new project and investments. He is an extremely valuable connection
for both his market knowledge and potential network contacts.
Reflection
This networking exercise allowed me to realize the
importance of the networks that I am building at work and the value of those
connections now and in the future. This exercise simply allowed me to utilize
the connections I already have.
