Re: Value of COMMON

I think you are trying to start at a high level, as in what value do I get for 
my
money by attending COMMON.  I think Janet and others have made some excellent
cases, but it sounds like you need to start with a more detailed ROI.  Then, why
not start by taking last conferences agenda (can update when new agenda is 
ready)
and plot out the courses you would be taking.   Then show your boss what the
value of you would be learning at each of the courses offered.  In this way, you
are not starting at the top with generalities, but starting at the bottom with
real concrete objectives, building your case upwards.

    For instance, lets say you are rolling out Client Access, and you need to
understand silent installs.  You can attend a class at Common on that, and the
amount of time that everyone in your company would save when those new service
packs are installed, would give you an ROI big enough just from 1 course.

    On the topic of learning via on-line, other conferences, books, etc. I
believe the time that you can spend with a presenter both at a session, and at
other venues like CUDs is immeasurable.  Liken it to learning Karate via a book,
and learning it in a small group with a Black belt instructor.

    Good luck in getting there, it worth the effort to attend.

    JMHO

        Pete

DanDaFourOOMan wrote:

> Thanks for the replies, Don & Janet!
>
> Don, I never said it was the "company's *only* litmus
> test".  Obviously, I can (and will) extol how happy
> I'll be if I'm given this opportunity to learn.
>
> Let's put it this way, should I go to my boss and ask
> for a paid week in Hawaii in the middle of February so
> I can recharge and remain, or become, happy?  No,
> that's what vacation time is for.
>
> Here's what I expect to hear when I request a trip to
> COMMON: "Why?  What can you learn there THAT WILL OR
> COULD APPLY TO OUR COMPANY that you can't learn at a
> less expensive, closer conference, or via online, or
> via books, or via IBM education, etc., etc.?"  In my
> mind, these are valid questions.  I am asking for
> specifics that allow me to get past the "giddiness" or
> the excitement that would preclude me from giving the
> decision makers the best information that would
> persuade them to go along with this.  Would it be fair
> to suggest to them that, given our current situation
> (as described in previous posts), COMMON would give us
> the biggest bang for the buck?
>
> Thanks for your advice!
>
> (Oh, and Don, I finally figured out how you used
> memory, money, & sex in your reply - does this come
> naturally to you? <g>)
>
> --- "Schenck, Don" <Don.Schenck@pfizer.com> wrote:
> > Pardon me ... but if a company's only litmus test
> > for attending a conference
> > is ROI ... then that's NOT a company *I* would want
> > to work for ... good
> > grammar or not! <grin>
> >
> > What's the ROI of, say, keeping a good employee
> > happy??
> >
> > -- Don Schenck
> >    Schenck Technical Consulting
> >    DonS@SchenckTech.com / www.SchenckTech.com
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: jkrueger@andrewscg.com
> > [mailto:jkrueger@andrewscg.com]
> > > Sent: January 18, 2001 12:27 AM
> > > To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
> > > Subject: Re: Value of COMMON
> > >
> > >
> > > >> I went to the COMMON web site and printed
> > several web
> > > pages ("What is
> > > COMMON", "ROI", & "Benefits of Membership"), but I
> > will need
> > > more specific
> > > information as to how our company will benefit by
> > my
> > > attending a COMMON
> > > conference.  Especially on the ROI.
>
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--
Pete Massiello
OS Solutions International
Phone: (203)-744-7854  Ext 11.
http://www.os-solutions.com
mailto:pmassiello@os-solutions.com


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