What is networking?
Dictionary.com defines the noun as: a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest and the verb as: to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, especially in finding employment or moving to a higher position.
I take it a step further by merging the two definitions in the forming of FOCM Networking. This is a site (system) for sharing information and services among individuals who have a diverse range of interests for the purpose of helping each other more than just professionally, but also socially and financially.
What is networking?
Dictionary.com defines the noun as: a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest and the verb as: to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally, especially in finding employment or moving to a higher position.
I take it a step further by merging the two definitions in the forming of FOCM Networking. This is a site (system) for sharing information and services among individuals who have a diverse range of interests for the purpose of helping each other more than just professionally, but also socially and financially.
See the link below for a blog I wrote on the website of my employer (Y-Prime). For this blog, I focused on helping introverts become better networkers. My co-presenter at the Drug Information Association annual meeting in June, Bob Muzerall was the source for some of the content.
http://blog.y-prime.com/networking-clinical-research
One of the benefits of paying one’s annual FOCM Networking membership (an incredible value at $20/year – double check to see if you’re paid up for 2014) is that you get either your business or yourself highlighted in the prestigious “Spotlight”. The first Corporate Member Spotlight featured RxTrials where FOCM member Adam Chasse is the COO.
In the first “Member Spotlight”, Vicky Martin is featured. Vicky is one of my favorite people in the world. She’s funny, quick-witted, sarcastic as the day is long, tough as nails and lives on a compound in an undisclosed section of rural central Pennsylvania where her family strives to reduce their carbon footprint.
How do I know Vicky and when did I first meet her:
I probably first met Vicky over the phone interviewing her for a position with ICON Interactive Technologies Group (ITG). Vicky joined ITG in Business Development in 2004. We first met in person when she went to Sugarland, TX for training. Not only was my product and sales training instrumental in her future success, I continue to act as life coach, guiding light and vegetable canning mentor which goes a long way in explaining the zealous personality she has become.
Vicky’s bio (this should be interesting): Vicky comes to the FOCM Network via working with me at ICON. Vicky grew up in so many places that, if you name one, she probably lived there or within a two state radius (Alaska and Hawaii excepted). She attended 5 high schools in 4 years (no, her parents were not officially gypsies), and graduated with honors from Clear Creek High School (Evergreen, CO). Vicky se habla the espanol. As a member of the U. S. Army, she defended America in Operation Just ‘Cuz down alla’ in Panama. She likes to jump out of planes, she can kill another human with one hand and a pen knife and, as a mother, make you know she means business with one look.
As the mother of 4 children, there isn’t much Vicky doesn’t know about the limitations of parenting skills. Vicky also speaks Scottish (aka Jockenese) and knows exactly where both Auchtermuchty and Ecclefechan are located as well as the correct pronunciation of towns like Strathaven and Milngavie (which, unless you are Scottish, you will never guess).
Vicky is a reliable member of FOCM, she doesn’t miss many of the PA events even though she has to drive her horse and buggy from Amish Country of PA. She plans to live forever. So far, so good.
FOCM Member Tommilynn Baker works for SunGard K-12. SunGard K-12 Education is a leading K-12 technology solution provider, serving over 8 million students or 1 out of 6 students nationwide. We work with over 1,550 school districts around the country to deliver K-12 software solutions designed specifically to support student achievement. Our PLUS 360 solution is a powerful and more efficient approach to K-12 technology: A single integrated suite of products for student information, assessment and curriculum management, special education, and financial and human resources.
SunGard K-12 is hiring Technology Project Management and Software Consultant, see descriptions below:
Looking for a job! My company is hiring. SunGard K-12 ….These positions are home based.
…
Saw this good article by Nina Sunday on LinkedIn:
“When a new hire joins a company their expectations are high. But a common reason they leave is not the organisation; it’s their immediate manager. According to Wilson Learning research on employee engagement*, happiness at work flows from the leadership skills of managers.”
FOCM Networking window stickers are now available!
Suggestions for use: in the back window of your car or in the front window of your place of business or in a window at your house. To place your order please “become a FOCM Member” and put your mailing address in the “Message” section, so I can send you the sticker. The stickers are $5 a piece. You can use the PayPal link in the “become a FOCM Member” to pay for your order. If you don’t want to use PayPal, you can hand me $5 next time you see me.
Next item will be T-shirts.
At the February 27th monthly meeting of the Wilmington Pharma/Bio/CRO Networking group, two of our industry’s treasures, Wayne Whittingham and Sandy Richwalski met in person for the first time. They had talked, emailed, interacted numerous times over their careers but hadn’t met in person.
This historic event was captured at Hops Supply Company in Wilmington, NC. Bonnie Moore, pictured in the middle, got the pleasure of making this happen and being a up-close witness. Thanks to Maureen Spataro for bringing Sandy to the event.
In late 2013, FOCM member Yvette Bonaparte received her PhD in Leadership Studies from NC A&T University. Her dissertation reviewed the experiences of eight women leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. Yvette is President of Bonaparte Consulting, Inc.; a consulting practice focused on the areas of strategic marketing, diversity and inclusion and leadership training (www.bonaparteconsulting.com).
Pictured with Yvette and myself is FOCM member, Michael Williams.
On April 22, 2014 in Malvern, PA at McKenzie BrewHouse, Chris von Abo and Gail McNeill received their FOCM cards.
I have known Gail for 20+ years. We worked together at Burroughs Wellcome Co in pharmaceutical sales and marketing.
I have known Chris for 10+ years. We worked together at ICON Clinical Research. At the time we met, he was living in the EU. He is now working in the USA.
Joining us at this event was FOCM card carrying member, Katherine Cloninger.
April 2, 2014 will long be remembered in the history books of FOCM and Yuma, AZ. On that evening, two deserving people received their FOCM membership cards.
The unrestrained joy experienced at this event is quite evident in the pictures. Welcome Adriana Tansey and Shara Johnston.
Well, wow, am I ever behind on posting this information: as is the rule in FOCM, frequently late, but always worthwhile; on or about April 1, 2014, while in Las Vegas at an industry conference, FOCM held a networking event. Dana Edwards (pictured) received her FOCM card. As is plainly evident, she has rarely looked happier than in this photo. Please join me in welcoming Dana, a fellow North Carolinian, albeit 4 hours from FOCM HQ.
