Case Study
Tom runs a farm implement manufacturing company in Manitoba. He’s been developing a new product and just discovered it has great potential for the Colombian market. Due to stringent regulations, however, the product must be adapted for that market. The challenge is, Tom doesn’t know anyone in Colombia. Tom desperately needs someone with an engineering background, and experience in Colombia who can help him adapt his product to that market.
Tom reaches out to the Connectors’ Club for help. At the World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC Winnipeg), Alberto speaks with Tom to further understand his needs. Alberto determines that the project is genuine and approaches members of the WTC Winnipeg’s network for assistance with his request. Unfortunately, that does not give rise to any results. Next, the WTC Winnipeg sends out a message to the Connectors’ Club members asking them to identify, within their networks, individuals who may be able to assist.
As a Connectors’ Club member, you receive this message, which indicates:
Summary:
Manitoba company seeks individual with engineering background to assist in adapting farm equipment for the Colombian market
Type of connection sought:
Consultant, engineering background
Sector:
Agriculture
Geography:
Colombia
It just so happens your sister-in-law Lisa is an engineer and worked in Colombia a few years ago! You contact the WTC Winnipeg and let us know. We have a brief conversation to share some of the non-confidential project details, and then you then introduce us, via email or telephone, to Lisa.
We then share details of the project with Lisa, who is interested and thinks there is a good fit. We connect Tom and Lisa, who determine there is a good fit and enter an agreement.
The WTC Winnipeg further supports Tom with his Colombian initiative, and because we know your connection with Lisa is important, we keep you informed on the development of the opportunity.
Two years later, thanks to Tom’s ingenuity and Lisa’s help, the product is successfully launched in Colombia! Thanks to you and the Connectors’ Club, Tom’s company has grown, the Manitoba economy has strengthened and Colombia has benefited from a new technology!
*Fictitious case for information/illustration purposes only.