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Using LinkedIn to Expand Medical Device Network

July 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

During the past couple months, CQ has been in the midst of an experiment. No, we have not been mixing chemicals in a lab. No, we haven’t been tinkering with a medical device concept and prototype (at least not directly).

Our experiment has been more in the realm of growing our network and expanding our brand awareness. And I think it has been working. So what did we do?

The main thing that we did is get more engaged on LinkedIn. We found and joined several medical device related groups, including Medical Devices Group and Medical Devices and FDA. We made it a point to visit many of these groups every few days to review the topics being discussed. When we had something to contribute to the discussion, we added our comments. We also decided to post topics for discussion from time to time. Usually, the topics came from our current client engagements and needs. Through our review of the topics being discussed, we started to gauge the topics of interest in the medical device community. We used this information to help us with the content on the CQ blog.

How do I know it’s working?

We have made several new connections on LinkedIn since working on this experiment. We have exchanged emails and in a couple cases had phone conversations with many of these new connections. We have added several of these contacts to our TFMail email marketing list. We have been contacted by a few inventors / entrepreneurs looking for help with their medical device ideas, including the one described in a previous post, which has led to us reconnecting to others in our pre-experiment network and then making more new connections on LinkedIn. You get the point.

Basically, we found several receptive medical device communities through LinkedIn groups and have become active contributors. And we have found that this process is very cyclical and rewarding. We will continue the experiment.

Filed Under: All, Community, Connect, Strategy vs. Tactics Tagged With: , , ,

Where to Meet Medical Device Professionals in Indiana

May 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I had a call earlier this week from Mary. Mary started her career in the medical device industry. Several years ago, she put her career on hold to raise her kids. Now that Mary’s kids are older, she has an interest in getting back into the medical device field. Mary started networking in her local business community. Several of the contacts she made suggested that Mary contact Creo Quality for what to do next.

I’m glad Mary called. We’re happy to help. Interestingly, Mary’s question was one we’ve heard many times before. It just hit me that since Mary and others have had this question, maybe I should spend a little bit of time writing down my response for others to review too.

Mary is interested in networking and meeting medical device professionals in Indiana. I suggested that she check out the following:

  • INpact – A network of medical device service providers. INpact’s program is structured around issues around medical device product development. Monthly events are attended by service providers (such as designers, engineering firms, regulatory, quality, intellectual property), inventors, entrepreneurs, and startups.
  • Indiana Biomedical Entrepreneur Network (IBEN) – Monthly events feature topics pertaining to medical device / life science startups. Attendees include inventors, entrepreneurs, startups, service providers, and investors.
  • Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council (IMDMC) – Frequent events typically focused on FDA-related medical device issues. Attendees are typically comprised of Indiana’s medical device manufactuers.
  • Indiana Health Industry Forum (IHIF) – Monthly lunch events draw larger crowd but attendees represent a much broader spectrum of backgrounds. Plus, IHIF caters more to life sciences industry as a whole rather than just medical devices.
  • BioCrossroads – They host and sponsor a few events throughout the year. Again, like IHIF, BioCrossroads has a wider scope of life sciences and has historically skewed more towards pharmaceuticals.

I also shared with Mary that we try to post many of these events on the CQ blog.

Filed Under: All, Ask CQ, Connect, Indiana Life Sciences, inpact Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Medical Device Networking Survey

March 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

We are conducting a survey on the topic of medical device networking. If you are interested in participating, please take a few minutes to fill out the brief survey. Results from this survey will be shared on the CQ blog soon. The purposes of this survey are:

  • We believe networking events have gotten away from relationship building
  • We believe networking events should be more about making meaningful connections
  • We want to get feedback from you on what events you prefer, including structure, time, content, location, etc.
  • We will take what we learn and consider hosting events that better suit your needs

Thanks for your assistance.

Filed Under: All, Catalyst, Create, Indiana Life Sciences, Medical Device - General Tagged With: , , , , , ,

October 18, 2011 – Out of the Box Networking Strategies Seminar

October 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Join Robby Slaughter of Slaughter Development from 7:00 – 9:00pm on October 18, 2011 for “Out of the Box Networking Strategies Seminar” event. Robby indicates this is especially beneficial for those of you who find yourselves looking for that next exciting career opportunity.

Event flyer is attached.

oct_18_network_for_jobseekers_seminar_flyer

Filed Under: All, Events Tagged With: , ,

The Little Things Do Count

February 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

On my trip to the PO box today, I had a card from Mike Auger of Barger Packaging. Inside the card was a small present. Mike made a “bag tag” by laminating my business card.

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Yeah, the bag tag is a small token. But it really means something to me. Barger hasn’t been a client of Creo Quality, nor have we been a client of theirs. I met Mike at a recent INpact meeting (both Barger and Creo Quality are members). Because of this kind gesture, I’m anxious to learn more about Barger Packaging’s products and services. Because of this, Barger Packaging will be “top of mind”. It’s clear to me that Mike Auger understands the power of networking. It’s clear to me that Mike is a good networker. Sending the bag tag to me has convinced me of this before I’ve even worked directly with Mike or Barger Packaging.

The little things do count. What little things are you doing to connect with your audience?

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Filed Under: All, Strategy vs. Tactics Tagged With: , ,

Schedule Meetings With Ease: Tungle Me

January 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Have you ever had to set up a meeting with someone that took multiple email exchanges before you were able to find a time that worked? It’s painful. And how many times did it just fall off the radar screen, with no meeting being scheduled or taking place? Sadly, this has happened to me many times.

I assure you there is a better way to schedule meetings, and I believe Tungle is the answer.

What is Tungle?

Tungle.me eliminates costly double bookings, frustrating time zone mishaps and the endless back and forth of finding a time to meet.

It makes it quick and easy to schedule meetings, and it works hand-in-hand with your calendar: Outlook (with or without Exchange), Google Calendar, Apple iCal, Entourage for Mac and Lotus Notes (Notes currently in closed beta. Email us to get the beta version)

I’ve been using Tungle for a few months. Life is a little bit better because of it.

Want to schedule a phone call or meeting with Creo Quality? Just Tungle me.

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Filed Under: All, Misc Tagged With: , , ,

Communication Break Down (Updated)

October 1, 2009 By 2 Comments

During the past week, I was approached by two people asking me if I would like to join and be part of an advisory board for a networking group–let’s call it “CloudKickers” (name changed to protect the innocent). In each case, I told the person I used to be a member of CloudKickers but resigned my membership a couple months ago. Neither realized I used to be a member. Both mentioned, though, that my name came up often by the leadership of CloudKickers as a person to target for membership.

Do these people communicate?

My primary reason for leaving CloudKickers was personal. I just didn’t have the time to devote to meetings and networking within this group because of other commitments. But the communication, or rather lack there of, was a minor concern.

Here is a tip for any networking group, project team, company, relationship, etc. Your communication is always inadequate. Perfect communication is not attainable. However, striving for perfect communication will result in excellent communication.

Update: I received an email yesterday from the CloudKickers organization. Here it is (again, names have been changed to protect the innocent):

We have compiled a list of CloudKickers that seem to fit the ideal member for “Walkways to Excellence” and YOU made the list.
“Walkways to Excellence” is one of our program hubs (program meaning it is speaker-driven rather than an activity-driven event).  The speaker is an intergral part of big business here in the city.  All of the speakers we have had so far have been really great!
Consider “Walkways to Excellence” a filter that gets all of the people who provide products and services to large companies ALL IN ONE ROOM!
The person who sent this email definitely knows I have NOT been a member for a few months. Despite my requests to be removed from all CloudKicker email lists, I still remain on a few. Of course it’s easy to delete an unwanted message. No big deal. However, I’ve talked to many, many people who are on CloudKicker email lists, have asked to be removed, and yet continue to receive messages.
Communication break down.
Filed Under: Strategy vs. Tactics Tagged With: , ,

I’d Like To Network With You. Nevermind.

September 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I received an email the other day that went something like this:

Jon,
I was referred to you by Mary and Tom, with whom I met today.  I recently relocated back to Indianapolis from California, and I am looking to get plugged into the Indiana start-up or consulting community.  In speaking with Mary and Tom, it sounds like you would have a valuable perspective on my options in Indiana, and I hoped I could buy you a coffee to introduce myself and get your advice.

Please advise if you have some availability for an introduction.  My schedule is fairly flexible, so I can meet at a time and place most convenient to you.  Thanks in advance, and I look forward to meeting you.

Regards,

Joe

I changed the names and removed identifying information. I get emails like this fairly often and am happy to accommodate. I sent a reply to “Joe” suggesting a few dates when we could meet. And then a few days later, I received another message from him:

Thanks, Jon.  As luck would have it, I just received a job offer from Consultants-R-Us, so I am suspending my networking talks.  Perhaps our paths will cross in the future.

As an avid networker, I was a little confused by Joe’s response. Networking should be part of a professional’s life, regardless of employment status.

Filed Under: All, Misc Tagged With: