Posted on May 11, 2015
How many RP Members out there are using RallyPoint to network and create opportunities to do business?
16.9K
199
82
25
25
0
How many of you have used RP to connect and establish a relationship with other business partners in your industry? I believe that RP can be used in a professional manner similar to LinkedIn to establish business relationships and build strong connections; creating sales opportunities and business ventures.
How many believe that a new section should be developed on RP for that type of networking?
How many believe that a new section should be developed on RP for that type of networking?
Networking
Business
RallyPoint
What Would You Do
Edited 10 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 38
1
1
0
Only reason I am on here is to network with my peers and possibly share some thoughts/ideas - work is very busy and have a baby at the house so not on as often as I would like, but between this and Linkedin there are some good opportunities.
(1)
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Thanks for responding TSgt Vander. I remember those new baby days. Guess what it doesn't end. My girls are 22 and 24 and both and college, but still call on Dad regularly!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
As a military style LinkedIn, doesn't seem bad. The only issue I may see is fraternization to get ahead for those who are still in.
(1)
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
TSgt Hunter Logan let me interject here and try to interrupt what SrA Eddie V was referring too. I believe he meant situations where active duty members or active serving reservists use their rank and influence over the Internet and RP to establish relationships of a sexual nature for position and power that could lead to fraternization between a Commissioned Officer and an enlisted soldier. I could be wrong, but that is the way I perceived his comment. I apologize in advance if I'm off base. I believe what you described in your comment is okay and wouldn’t be perceived as fraternization just becasue he recommending you for a position or is a reference on your behalf. Hope that makes sense??
(1)
(0)
SrA Edward Vong
That's exactly what I meant thanks COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I have seen this happen multiple times relationships between enlisted and officers happening over social networking. I have almost been involved in something like that but will not disclose further.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
Yes/No/Maybe?
I use RP primarily for the camaraderie of "like experienced individuals" (as opposed to like-minded). With that said, I have seen opportunities present them-self, which members have shared, and I have considered sharing opportunities with other members.
As a few examples. I sent a message today concerning a project I've been thinking about for awhile.
There's a different project I would like to do, however I'm not sure how to approach it, though there are a few members who I think would be ideal for it.
There's a third concept (not even a fleshed out idea), which I think would be great for several groups of people.
I tend to "throw things at the wall, and see what sticks" to gauge reactions. But I have been developing a "brain trust" as well. There are so many great people here, and being able to shoot a message to people and ask for SME advice is amazing.
I use RP primarily for the camaraderie of "like experienced individuals" (as opposed to like-minded). With that said, I have seen opportunities present them-self, which members have shared, and I have considered sharing opportunities with other members.
As a few examples. I sent a message today concerning a project I've been thinking about for awhile.
There's a different project I would like to do, however I'm not sure how to approach it, though there are a few members who I think would be ideal for it.
There's a third concept (not even a fleshed out idea), which I think would be great for several groups of people.
I tend to "throw things at the wall, and see what sticks" to gauge reactions. But I have been developing a "brain trust" as well. There are so many great people here, and being able to shoot a message to people and ask for SME advice is amazing.
(1)
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SGT Kennedy I totally agree with your comments and thoughts. There are a lot of SMEs on RP. Thanks for your input and I always welcome any ideas or concepts you would like to throw at my wall to see if they stick.
(1)
(0)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
COL Mikel J. Burroughs Thank you much. I'll definitely keep it in mind. I "try" to at least get most of them to the 10% mark before I start throwing though. Right now, I've got a huge plate of half "thunk" ideas, which need refinement which aren't quite ready to be shared.
The biggest concept which is at the close stage I think has hit a "cultural stumbling block" which I'm not sure how to address. Working through that now.
The biggest concept which is at the close stage I think has hit a "cultural stumbling block" which I'm not sure how to address. Working through that now.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I agree with CPT Mark Strobl; RP for military connections and socializing with peers via social media. Facebook is used for staying connected with family and friends and LinkedIn for professional business and networking. If there was ever an opportunity on RP to network and for job opportunities I would jump on it in a heartbeat.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I think it's a good idea as there are some great minds in the military. I myself look to start my own IT Security consulting firm once I get out and would love to partner with other military members that have a business mind.
(1)
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SGT Scheller thanks for the comments. I believe you can do that with the right connections RP. There are probably a lot of RP members that are entrepreneurs that would love to start a business with you. You just have to be aggressive and seek them out. Make sure you have a solid business plan and vision for what you want to start, build, and grow! The key is to develop the right relationships and build a trust before you lock horns with a potential partner. LLC and partnerships can be great with the right combination of talent, but they can also be disaster! Just be careful and I wish you the best of luck in those endeavors.
(0)
(0)
SSG Derek Scheller
COL Mikel J. Burroughs I thank you for the input. Once my time in the Army is coming to an end, I plan on digging in to the business plan that I started some time ago. As i said my end goal is for a IT Security Consultant Firm.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Well, just being candid here... RP, for me, is really more of a social, social media. It's like a FaceBook exclusively for those either 1.) on active duty, or 2.) with military interests. I'm not campaigning one way or another. But, most of my professional business contacts have come via LinkedIn. I enjoy RP --but, have yet to use it for business. Difference probably lies in the focus of what you are trying to "get" from the site. RP might be good if you're either looking to advance your military career. However, if you're looking to dive into the civilian sector...
(1)
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
CPT Stobl I agree with all of your comments - they are valid. I just think it’s important in today's competative market place to use every tool in the toolbox to achieve your desired End State. Man that sounds like War College 101 jargon! Sorry about that I'm a little brain washed after 37 years of the Army. Here are my thoughts as a former President of two companies where I hired a lot of individuals. There are a lot of professionals out here on RP that have that capability. I'm not talking about me, because I'm past the point of no return in my professional life - in other words I'm not looking for a job right now, but you never know! There are lot of young talented veterans and service personnel that will be making big decisions prior to the next enlistment or individuals retiring after 20 that have plenty of time for another career. This site has the capabilities of building those types of connections and relationships. I think that is a start of new discussion! Take care and again thanks for the straight input!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I think it is a great idea but RallyPoint is not ready for this just yet. I think there are some other fundamental social networking features that need to be added first.
(1)
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Thanks CW2 McCloud. If you have a LinkedIn account please send me a request to connect.
(1)
(0)
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
You maybe right Chief, but it's a good start. The other sites start out this way by word of mouth.
(1)
(0)
CW4 (Join to see)
I agree 100%! I am a big supporter of RallyPoint and can't wait to see where it goes in the next few years. I am prepared to buy stock when they go public!! :)
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google