Quantum2 Highlights September 2005
In this issue...
Upcoming Quantum2 Sessions

Quantum2 Web Sessions

Getting To Know Your Quantum2 Coach

Spotlight on Quantum2 InfoStar

Quantum2 Topic of the Month

Upcoming Quantum2 Sessions

A new Quantum2 workshop entitled "Creating a Knowledge Sharing Culture: How to Thrive on Change" will be offered at Dialog Updates this month at the following locations:

Stockholm, Sweden
September 21, 2005

Copenhagen, Denmark
September 22, 2005

To register for the workshops at these locations, please visit our Web site.

On Tuesday October 18, 2005, UK Quantum2 members are invited to attend the following two workshops being offered at the London Bridge Office training facilities. Details for registration will be e-mailed to UK customers in the following week.

Creating a Knowledge Sharing Culture: How to Thrive on Change

Creating a Brand Identity

Spaces are limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come basis.


Quantum2 Web Sessions

The following Quantum2 Web sessions are being offered through to December 2005. Among the offerings will be our second series of related sessions on basic marketing concepts and more advanced branding and negotiation skills. The series sessions will be offered twice in one day to accommodate various time zones. The World Clock time converter will match the session time to your local time.

Following the very successful introduction of Web sessions in languages other than English, we will also additionally be offering a session in Dutch this September and in French during October.

MARKETING INFORMATION SERVICES SERIES

Package, Promote, Persuade

September 15, 2005
9:00 a.m. ET; 2:00 p.m. GMT

September 15, 2005
2:00 p.m. ET; 7:00 p.m. GMT

Creating a Brand Identity

November 17, 2005
9:00 a.m. ET; 2:00 p.m. GMT

November 17, 2005
2:00 p.m. ET; 7:00 p.m. GMT

OTHER WEB SESSIONS

Defining the Value of Information: Beyond ROI (conducted in Dutch)
September 29, 2005
9:00 a.m. ET; 2:00 p.m. GMT

Assessing Clients’ Needs: Map the Information Flow
October 20, 2005
2:00 p.m. ET; 7:00 p.m. GMT

Defining the Value of Information: Beyond ROI (conducted in French)
October 27, 2005
9:00 a.m. ET; 2:00 p.m. GMT

Adding Value to Information Services
December 15, 2005
9:00 a.m. ET; 2:00 p.m. GMT

REGISTER TODAY for these WebEx sessions.


Quantum2 Highlights Archives


Quantum2Quantum2 Highlights
A newsletter of the Dialog leadership development program for information professionals

Dear Quantum2 Member...
We hope that you have managed to take some vacation this summer. As we return to work and concentrate our thoughts on business issues, we also are thinking of our displaced colleagues who have suffered greatly at the hands of Hurricane Katrina. We hope that it is not too many months before they fully recover and are back on their feet.


Getting to Know ... Your Quantum2 Coach

Our featured Quantum2 coach this month is Christa Fourie of South Africa.

Christa FourieQ: How long have you worked for Dialog?
A: 5 months

Q: How did you come to join Dialog?
A: I used to be a client of the South Africa office, and when my predecessor told me she was leaving to pursue other interests, I expressed an interest in the job; and things just went from there. I feel as though it was meant to be.

Q: What are your key responsibilities?
A: Customer services, large account management and training.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: Doing in-depth searches with Boolean logic and finding relevant information for my clients.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
A: Dealing with the variety of personalities one comes across.

Q: How do you balance work and personal life?
A: It's always a challenge, but I do try.

Q: What did you want to be, growing up?
A: A teacher. I actually became a teacher and hated it. Luckily, I had a librarian qualification to fall back on. I did a Bibl.Ed - which is a combined library/teaching degree. I love what I'm doing now.

Q: What three words would you use to describe yourself today?
A: Kind, considerate, non-judgmental

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: To further my studies, to travel ... the world is my oyster!

Read more about Christa at http://scientific.thomson.com/quantum/team/fourie_christa/


Spotlight on Quantum2 InfoStar –
Christine Cameron

Christine CameronOne of the most important elements of the Quantum2 program is networking among members. By learning from each others' innovative ideas and best practices, information professionals are empowered to try new ideas and undertake new initiatives. Quantum2 InfoStars are individuals who are inspiring examples of creativity and innovation and exhibit leadership qualities that we can all learn from. Read how Christine Cameron of Chiron Biopharmaceuticals is an agent of change in managing information solutions for the companies she has worked for. (http://scientific.thomson.com/quantum/infostars/gallery/)


Quantum2 Topic of the Month
Stating Your Value Proposition

Many of us are currently involved in return on investment studies as we prepare value statements that justify our costs to secure budgets for the next year. One of the surest ways of securing your position within your organization is to make a value proposition that sets you apart from anyone who might offer the same service, in other words, "the competition".

But what does the term "value proposition" really mean? A value proposition is "a clear statement of the tangible results a customer or client gets from using your products or services. The more specific your value proposition is, the better" (Jill Konrath, President, Selling To Big Companies). Value propositions are intended to improve the understanding of your service benefit across the organization by stating very clearly how your efforts IMPACT the organization. The benefit or value gained must be aligned with the cost of providing that service. The combination of cost and benefit creates an "Impact Statement", which will clearly make the value proposition to your organization.

To find out more about how impact statements can help you define your value proposition and justify information costs, read the Quantum2 White Paper, "Cost Justification of Information Services," on our website.


As always, your suggestions for workshop topics are always welcome and encouraged. If you know a friend or colleague who would benefit from Quantum2, please encourage them to sign up today.

Liz Blankson-HemansRegards,
Liz Blankson-Hemans
Director, IPMD
Dialog


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