ANN ARBOR – The IT Zone is adding Internet-based social networking to its portfolio this fall. Using Humax Corporation?s Virtual Reciprocity Ring (VRR) software, the IT Zone will begin linking area consultants looking for projects with local tech companies. Humax was a 2005 Entrepreneur Boot Camp company.
The first VRR group will include up to 40 Ann Arbor area-based consultants interested in meeting and connecting with other consultants to form virtual consulting teams on a project-by-project basis. The collective expertise will cover all the bases — from specific technologies to more general business development, marketing, management, and leadership consulting. The goals of the group include:
Learning the skills and expertise of consultants in our area
Developing working groups that bring a range of strengths to various projects
Sharing information about 21st Century Job Fund and other projects
Individual consultants will reduce the time spent locating and securing project opportunities and increasing the number of projects to which they are introduced. Local tech companies will have access to a group of skilled consultants, where they can ask for exactly the skills they need and reduce the time they spend locating the right mix of talent.
The Humax VRR software is based on the social capital and networking principles supported by the research of Wayne Baker, Professor of Management and Organizations, and Director of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS) at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Dr. Baker is also Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan, Faculty Associate at the Nonprofit and Public Management Center, and Faculty Associate at the Institute for Social Research.
His latest book, America?s Crisis of Values: Reality and Perception, is published by Princeton University Press (2005). He has written two business best sellers, Achieving Success Through Social Capital: Tapping the Hidden Resources in Your Personal and Business Networks (Jossey-Bass 2000) and Networking Smart (McGraw-Hill 1994). Networking Smart was named ?one of the thirty best business books of 1994? by Executive Book Summaries and was a main selection in the Newbridge and Business Week Book Clubs. For more information on Professor Baker?s research log on to WayneBaker.Org
To kick off the VRR group, Humax principals Cheryl Baker and Toben King will host an interactive introductory workshop. The IT Zone will administer the program and provide content and facilitate interactions. For more information on the IT Zone VRR program, or to participate in the VRR Group, contact Diane Durance at [email protected]
