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!
Category: Networking
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.
New FDA Guidelines – Impact on Clinical Trials
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
FOCM RTP Chapter Networking Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2013
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.
FOCM Company Spotlight: RxTrials
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.
Do not overlook introverts
An interesting presentation on the value of the trait of introversion.
Interpersonal Communication – Things to watch for
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.
Help a FOCM Member Get Product Stocked at Walmart
Hi,
I met Lisa Allred a couple of years ago. She created Tipsy Stixs, stainless steel cup and bowl holders for the beach, picnics and backyard parties. Tipsy Stixs are being considered by Walmart. Please show your support by voting for Tipsy Stixs at either of these sites:
The Power of Networking…continued
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!
Summary of July 27-28 2013 FOCM Meeting
On July 27 and 28, a subsection of the North Carolina Southern Beach chapter of FOCM met.
In attendance with Deb, Mike, Gayle, Wendy, Alicia and Keith. We dined on cheeseburgers, chicken sausages, corn on the cob, avocado salad and fine wine. The topic of Anthony Weiner’s troubles popped up and soon we were in full-on creative mode coming up with bumper sticker slogans and news headlines we’d like to see.
The brainstorming continued after dinner at Whiskey Creek Bar and the next morning at Freeman Park in Carolina Beach. A fun time was had by all.
We didn’t solve any business issues or find anyone a job lead but we welcomed 2 new members: Wendy and Keith. Sometimes networking is an experience which will later yield a benefit.
July 22 Networking Event Recap
A contingent of North Carolina FOCM members gathered last night at Edwards Mill Bar and Grill in Raleigh.
Seven members fought the traffic and made it.
Attendees: Marysasser Holloway, Andy Holloway, Gayle Grandinetti (arrived first), Mark Mickunas, Mike Burrows, Vince Hoefling, Mike Markowitz
The very reason to network was displayed: Mark’s son, an NCSU college graduate in Computer Sciences is looking for work. It was discussed that perhaps a position in Clinical Data Management would be a good start. Marysasser gave Mark the contact info for a recruiter at Clinforce/DOCS who works in that area.
Other networking value was provided as myself and one other are in job searches and needed to discuss several job offers.