TechBiz Connection Sponsors Forum on Power of Networking and Relationships

June 13, 2012 - PRLog -- IRVINE, Calif. -– Celebrating 10 years of hosting networking and educational events for the Southern California business and technology community, TechBiz Connection will host a forum on the power of networking and relationships on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the law offices of Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear in Irvine.

According to Jack Bicer, TechBiz Connection president, the concept of "networking" can elicit very strong feelings. Some swear by it, while others swear at it. If you wish to thrive in today’s marketplace, networking is a necessity. Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are bringing together colleagues, friends, professionals and businesses in an increasingly complex web of connections. But mere electronic connections are not enough - true relationships are vital and crucial to the success of both individuals and organizations.

“We need to move beyond mere connections, to the next level, to the type of relationship building that will empower both businesses and individuals,” Bicer said. “We have put together a panel of experts that will discuss smart networking strategies, building strong and sustainable relationships, and improving organizational business. The panelists will share their experience, perspectives, and views on networking and relationship building, and attendees will gain invaluable insights on how to improve their own networking activities.”

Mr. Bicer will also be the Forum moderator. He is the founder of Septium, a custom web and mobile app development company and a Microsoft Partner. Prior to Septium, Mr. Bicer held several CTO roles since 1996. A 30+ year custom software industry veteran, he is an industry expert on custom mobile applications, SaaS/web software, and Online Payment processing. 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". Mr. Bicer holds a BSc in Communications Engineering from University of Kent, an MSc in Computer Science from George Washington University and attended the Pepperdine MBA program.

Panelist Thumbnail Bios
• John Davies, vice president, senior analyst for the GreenBiz Group, heads up the firm’s research efforts and leads the GreenBiz Executive Network, a member-based, peer-to-peer learning forum for sustainability professionals. He is an experienced entrepreneur and innovator who has applied his business and management skills to launching start-ups as well as improving the operations of existing businesses. Mr. Davies is a frequent keynote speaker at international events, is well-known for his supply chain and sustainability expertise and is the author of numerous articles in business, industry, and educational publications. He received his BA from SUNY at Fredonia and his MA from the University of Delaware. He is also the author of The $100,000+ Career: The New Approach to Networking for Executive Job Change.
• John LaBonty, president, LaBonty Consulting has held a number of senior executive positions over his career. He has worked for a number of Fortune 500 companies such as Procter & Gamble, Tambrands, Citigroup, and Smashbox (Estee Lauder). Additionally, he has founded a number of businesses, including his most recent, UrbanGames and Instant Job Match. Mr. LaBonty speaks frequently throughout southern California on networking and his personal experience in landing a great job through networking.
• Tim Tyrell-Smith, marketing coach, Tim's Strategy is a marketing, social networking and business coach focusing on small/mid-size businesses, non-profits and individuals. A veteran executive in consumer marketing, he started his career with Nestle USA and has since worked in product management on premium brands including Nestle Quik, Tree Top Apple Juice, Mauna Loa Macadamias and Meguiar's Car Wax. He was most recently vice president of marketing for a private equity owned food company in Southern California. Mr. Tyrell-Smith is also a popular blogger, author and brand marketer and has been a regular contributor to U.S. News and World Report, was featured in USA Today and is the author of two career books ("30 Ideas" and "HeadStrong"). Tim’s Strategy began in September 2008 as a way to give back to the community that supported him during his 2007 job search. Tim's blog "Tim's Strategy: Ideas for Job Search, Career and Life" has more than 4,500 subscribers and is read in 126 countries.
• Christi Haley Stover is president and founder of Platinum Resource Group, a consulting and interim staffing company, focusing on IT, accounting, finance and human capital. She has an extensive background in consulting services, both in sales and recruiting. Prior to consulting services, Ms. Stover held leadership positions at Disney, Toshiba, Nestle and FedEx. Her roles have spanned across information technology, accounting and finance, as well as business operations.

The TBC Forum’s discussion and subsequent question-and-answer session is sponsored by Daly-Swartz Public Relations (http://www.dsprel.com); Haynes and Boone LLP (http://www.haynesboone.com) ; Latisys (http://www.latisys.com); Septium Corp. (http://www.septium.com);  Smith Micro (http://www.smithmicro.com); and Knobbe Martens, Olson & Bear (http://www.kmob.com).

Admission to the TechBiz Connection event is $20 prepaid and $40 at the door. For further information and RSVP, visit http://www.techbizconnection.org or e-mail president@techbizconnection.org.

TechBiz Connection (http://www.techbizconnection.org) was created to support Southern California business and technology professionals, companies and entrepreneurs by providing timely education and networking opportunities. The organization focuses on where technology and business intersect; everything a successful high-tech company would want to do.

Contact:
Daly-Swartz PR for TechBiz Connection
Jeffrey Swartz, 949-470-0075
jeffreyswartz@dsprel.com