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.
FOCM member Kris Gustafson made the cover of Computer World’s August 26, 2013 edition along with his colleagues in Quintiles Big Data and Analytics group.
Most assuredly, he would not have attained this level of notoriety without the help and support of FOCM.
Here is an example of not missing any opportunity or place to network. This event occurred at a Sunday church service and was initiated by the mother of a recent college graduate. You never know who you might meet at an event and whether or not they know of someone who is hiring for just the skill set or education that you or a friend of yours might have.
Submitted by a FOCM member
Her son graduated from Penn State with a degree in Civil Engineering. At Sunday church service the following week, during the “joys and concerns” portion of the service, this proud mother stood up and said: “Our joy is that our son graduated from PSU. Our concern is that he needs a job so if anyone knows of any company that needs a civil engineer, please see me after church.”
After church a woman came up to the mother and said “I am a professor of Civil Engineering at Villanova and I recently received an email from a guy with whom I had done a project. He asked if I had any December grads and I did not. I will let you know if he still is looking.”
A week later the mother received an email from the Professor forwarded from the hiring company. The mother forwarded it to her son and within 2 days he had a phone interview. The company does not use Monster or any of those internet job sites. They only hire from referrals. Three phone interviews, two face-to-face interviews, and 4 weeks post-graduation this young man got a job.
An announcement was sent for FOCM Philadelphia area chapter to meet at Champps on Goddard Rd in King of Prussia, PA, just north of the big mall on August 19, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00. The turnout was surprisingly good given my typical short notice (about 7 hours before the event) and the fact that *(&%^$ Philadephia traffic delayed my arrival until 6:30. Several new faces attended.
I was too busy talking, eating and drinking to remember any particular points of interest. We really must do it again sometime!
submitted by FOCM Member Mark Mickunas
Here is an interesting article that appeared in the Raleigh News &
Observer on what I am currently involved in at work – Risk-based
Monitoring:
http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/08/15/3110740/new-fda-guidelines-could-benefit.html
This is how it happened to the best of my recollection. An announcement was sent for FOCM RTP (Research Triangle Park, NC) chapter to meet at Serena’s on Miami Blvd in Durham on August 13, 2013 from 5:30 to 8:00. The Biotech Tuesday group was meeting there as well, so we chose to sit outside under an oscillating misting fan. First to arrive was Adam Chasse of RxTrials. RxTrials was just featured in FOCM’s first Company Spotlight earlier this week. You can check it out at this link: http://www.focmnetworking.com/focm-company-spotlight-rxtrials/
Subsequent arrivals were: Josh Davis, Greg Zak (Greg received his FOCM membership card in the customary traditional & formal ceremony), Phil & June Keicher (June received her FOCM membership card, also in the customary traditional & formal ceremony), Rosina Maar Pavia, Bill Newcomb, Andrew Smith, Mark Paul, Nick Macaulay and Vince Hoefling.
Many things were discussed, major global issues were resolved, but by then I forgot to write anything down, so we’ll have to reconvene at some point in the future.
RxTrials is an elite Integrated Site Network (ISN) and consulting/training firm focused on helping bring new treatments to patients that need them. Adam Chasse is the COO and a member of FOCM. Adam and Chris have known each other since the late 1990’s when both were working for Quintiles.
RxTrials’ multi-therapeutic network is comprised of private physician practices, while our consulting and training divisions provide guidance to sites, sponsors, and CROs to ensure efficient and high-quality study delivery. Our commitment today is the same as it has been since 1994; to set the standard for quality in study conduct and research site management services.
Doesn’t your study deserve to be one of the 10% that finish on time? Our industry is changing, and you need to ensure each element of your study is planned and executed precisely. No other industry service provider matches RxTrials’ combination of hands-on healthcare, clinical research, and study operations experience – contact us today to learn how we will deliver your next clinical trial.
An interesting presentation on the value of the trait of introversion.
I thought this was an interesting presentation on lying, from little white lies to large lies. Some body language clues and other non-verbal indicators of lying.
Hi,
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Submitted by FOCM Member Diana Sifford
Here’s a good story on the “power” of our network. This guy called me out of the blue, said that a mutual friend recommended me. He was targeting a Marketing Director position at the company where I worked and had already talked to 5 people who worked there, but nobody could really help. I was kind of at a low point in my own career, so decided that I should meet with him (thinking that helping somebody else could only make me feel better). I met with him at Starbucks and thought he could do the job. So, I told him that he was in luck as my office was only 5 doors down from the hiring VP (who also happened to be a former colleague & friend). Since the company has 40,000 employees nationwide and 7 different divisions just in my location, you can imagine what a big deal it was for him to find somebody who could really help get him connected to the right people. Long story short, I forwarded his resume and he got an interview with the VP. Came down to the wire and unfortunately he didn’t get it. But he was in the Top 2 and without my introduction, he wouldn’t have even got an interview. On the flip side, I was in the final interview stage for a new position, and he sent me examples of 30/60/90 day plans to help, since I had been asked to prepare one in advance of the meeting. His examples were a great help, and even though I didn’t get the job I thought the plan presented well. Plus I’ve made a great network friend!