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!

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.

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.

I certainly did not expect to find tips on business and networking in Tina Fey’s book “Bossypants”, yet there it is on pages 84 and 85.  It is entitled: The Rules of Improvisation.  Within these two pages are solid advice on how to socially interact with others.  The gems of wisdom are part sales technique, part interpersonal communication and how to succeed in business.  She says the first rule is: AGREE; by agreeing, you are respecting what your partner (target customer, new acquaintance) has created.  She points out that we all know people whose first answer to anything is no. As in, “no we  can’t do that, no that’s not in the budget.”

The second rule is to not only say yes, but to say yes, and.  This is good advice to follow in business or social networking settings; how to keep a conversation going.  Agree with something the person talking to you is saying and then add something to that.  It is your responsibility to contribute and add to the discussion.

The third rule is “Make Statements”. “Whatever the problem, be part of the solution.  Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.”

The last rule is: “There are no Mistakes”, only opportunities.

The other ~280 pages of the book are very funny and witty and I highly recommend reading this book.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bossypants/113835875370231?fref=ts

June 24, 2013
Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill – Seaport
250 Northern Ave. Boston
http://www.jerryremysseaport.com/
4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
FOCM Networking Group invites you to join Chris Matheus, industry colleagues and alumni of Quintiles, CB Technologies and ICON for happy hour.

Why network?

I learned the need to network firsthand through that great teaching methodology; personal experience.  I worked for 14 years for the pharmaceutical company BurroughsWellcome Co (it was my first job out of college).  I truly was blessed to have my first job be so ideal for me, my interests and my skill set.  Throughout the 14 years, I was able to take on different positions, giving me broad work experience while receiving excellent training helping me grow personally and professionally.   I expected to work there for a long, long time.   But when marketplace forces began to pressure the pharmaceutical industry, merges and acquisitions were no longer rare events in the industry.  In 1995, I was shocked to be laid off.  While engaging in my job search, I realized that virtually all my industry contacts were all within the company.   Those who kept jobs with the new company quickly became busy with their new roles.  Suddenly, those of us who were laid off were on the outside.

Continue reading “The Power of Networking”