The concept of “Networking“ can elicit very strong feelings. Some swear by it, while others swear at it. If one wishes to thrive in the market place, choosing not to network is no longer a strategy and smart networking has proven to be a necessity. There are an increasing number of social networking tools like Linked In, Face book, Plaxo, that are bringing together colleagues, friends, professionals and businesses in an increasingly complex web of connections. But mere connections are insufficient - true relationships are vital and crucial to the success of both individuals and organizations, across all functions: Sales, Marketing, Operations, etc. So how do we move beyond mere connections, to the next level? The type of relationship building that will empower both our businesses and ourselves. TechBiz Connection has put together a panel of experts that will discuss smart networking strategies, building strong & sustainable relationships, and improving organizational business. The panelists will share their experience, perspectives, and views on networking & relationship building. You will gain invaluable insights on how you can improve your own networking activities.

PANELIST BIOS:

Jeff Black | Managing Principal Consultant | McDermott & Bull
Jeff Black is a Managing Principal Consultant with McDermott & Bull Executive Search. As the longest tenured consultant with the firm, Jeff's practice focuses primarily in Manufacturing/Technology, Healthcare/Life sciences, and the Building Industry. Jeff joined McDermott & Bull after a 23-year career with Hughes Aircraft Company where he served as Vice President and General Manager of divisions over $100M in revenue, and this background offers a client’s perspective for his role as a search consultant. Jeff has a BA in Business and an MBA from CSU Fullerton. As a part of building a strong community and business network, Jeff is active in the Forum for Corporate Directors and is proud to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Orange County and on advisory councils at Vanguard University. Jeff lives in Yorba Linda and has been happily married for 28 years raising two dynamic and fascinating daughters.

John LaBonty | General Manager | Smashbox Cosmetics
John LaBonty has extensive senior executive experience in a number of industries and companies. He began his career with Procter & Gamble in sales and then was recruited by Tambrands, Inc. where he held nearly two dozen positions over a fourteen year period. His last position with Tambrands was EVP/GM of one of their three global operating units. After the sale of that company to Procter & Gamble, he was hired by Citigroup to transform their Latin America selling and marketing operations spanning 21,000 employees across 15 countries. After leaving Citigroup, he has founded two different companies. Since 2006, Mr. LaBonty has led the global expansion for Smashbox Cosmetics. He is well known across southern California for his networking and transition coaching expertise.

Jefferey Scott| CEO | C-Level Management
For over 15 years, Jeff has helped companies improve their business operations, sales methodologies, and technology efficiencies. In 1995, he started smplsolutions, Inc., an IT integration and telecommunications consulting firm. Since 2003, Jeff and his colleagues have launched a successful executive management consulting firm, C-Level Management and two software technology startups. Defining his methodology as "Process Obsessed™," he now teaches a wide range of audiences, from students to corporate executives, to radically streamline their daily routines and achieve their aspirations without delay.

For Jeff Scott, "embracing life" is not just a lofty ideal; it is his way of life. Rather than yielding to obstacles or doubt, he identifies what is important to him and attacks it head on. Combining his drive to live life to the fullest and his talent for strategic thinking, Jeff has become a multi-dimensional success. He is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and philanthropist.

Jack Bicer | CEO | Septium Inc.
Jack credits networking and relationship building for the success of his company Septium, a hybrid offshore software development company, combining offshore cost savings with US management expertise. Prior to Septium, Jack held several CTO roles in Internet companies since the early days of the Internet and as a turnaround CTO, enjoyed the sale of 1GlobalPlace to VeriSign. A 29 year software industry veteran, Jack is an industry expert in SaaS/web software, new product development, off shoring, technology strategy and management.

Known as the “Father of Uninstall”, he invented the uninstall concept and wrote the first uninstaller. He is also credited with inventing the "Automated Software Updates". In 2003, Jack founded TechBiz Connection, and currently serves as its Chairman and President.

Sylvia Haas | Director of Admissions, Executive MBA | UCLA Anderson School of Business
Sylvia is currently the Director of Admissions for the Executive MBA Program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Prior to that she was the Senior Associate Director of Admissions for the Executive MBA program at UCI. Sylvia single handedly managed to build the UCI program and helped the program move up in the rankings in the EMBA program in the US. What helped her was her capacity to network and leverage on those relationships that she has built over the years. She has managed to build that web of connections amongst corporate executives, academia, prospective students and business organizations around the community. Sylvia is very highly respected in the Executive MBA programs around the country.