635: James Chapman | Eliminating Bias from Networking

There is limitless potential out there that has never gotten a chance because of the color of their skin or the sound of their name.

James Chapman is the founder and CEO of Plain Sight, an incredible platform networking, both in person and remotely. He's dedicated his career to taking ambitious people and getting them into one room. He started and ran Detroit Demo Day, which has provided over $4 million in funding to small businesses throughout the city of Detroit, the majority of which have been minority and women owned. 

Jump right into our conversation as we talk about inherent bias in networking and how his team at Plain Sight has worked to eliminate it
to maximize relationships.

Things you will learn in this episode: 
[00:01 - 06:03] Opening Segment  

I introduce today’s guest, James Chapman

Bio

If anything in this episode impacts, take a screenshot and tag us

James gives us a bit of his background

Growing up on the ‘hustle’ 

Always asking questions 

Thinking out of the box

Growing up in a bad area

[06:04 - 22:17] Building a Successful Platform During COVID

James talks through his college life 

Playing ball and staying active

Working to self-sustain

Coming out of college

Either basketball or business

Venturing into the business world

Starting with mobile oil changes

James work with the Detroit community fund

Starting with the co-working space

The impact of building relationships on building capital

Pushing through the Pandemic for the payoff 

Building this platform during COVID

Getting ready to pivot

Trying to give value in the new working climate

The new way of doing co-working spaces

A word from our Sponsor

[22:18 - 32:03] Eliminating Bias from Networking

No faces, no names, just skill and intelligence 

Finding from the market testing

Giving people the choice

Who you know, or what you know?

What you know is based on who you know

When a connection led to success

Getting recruited to Detroit

College vs. going right into working and learning under someone

The impact basketball had on culture building 

James' networking tips for people who want to expand

Be honest with yourself with strengths and weaknesses

Think long term and know what you bring to the table

Be humble in your development

[32:04 - 41:35] Closing Segment

The opportunities that arise from humility and being teachable 

ThE RaNdOm RoUnD

How to engage with James

Links below 

Final words 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“Growing your network and connecting with people to be able to get to the goal that you're trying to get to… if we can just meet the right person, or have that right connection, then the money will follow.” - James Chapman

“People are literally not being competitive for opportunities that could better their livelihoods, because of their looks and their name.” - James Chapman

“Networking is more relationship building, and trying to get to know people that can help me achieve my long term goals… So when it comes to that, you have to really be honest about who you are, what you need, and what you can do.” - James Chapman

Resources Mentioned: 

Plain Sight App

#TheHustle Book

Connect and engage with James on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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If you want to learn how to build YOUR network, check out my website travischappell.com. You can connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Be sure to join The Lounge to become part of the community that’s setting up REAL relationships that add value and create investments.
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