Member Spotlight | Julia Pluff
Posted by [email protected] on Apr. 10, 2023 / Subscribe 0
My role with Farnsworth is Director of Business Development-Grants Manager. I work with clients, potential clients and Farnsworth staff to identify funding sources for projects. Ideally, we can develop a long-term plan and enable the client to complete a number of projects with a variety of funding sources.
During my seven years as a member of SMPS, I’ve been on the Programs Committee, Membership Chair, Treasurer and Director at Large and general volunteer!
If you were talking to someone who was thinking of possibly becoming a member of SMPS, could you provide them with your top three reasons for coming back each year? Any three reasons...
- The connections you make are invaluable to your career. This is a small industry in truth and the same people you compete with today will probably be your teammate tomorrow.
- Programs and panels that give you information on potential opportunities and the latest trends and technologies.
- SMPS members are great resources. They are so willing to share their experience and problem-solving ideas.
Do you remember the first SMPS event that you attended? If so, what was it? Do you still talk to many of the people who you met at that event?
The first event I attended was a healthcare panel, I think. A number of the people I met at that event are still involved in SMPS and I see (and work with) them regularly!
What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever been provided throughout your career?
“The worst they can do is say no.” Asking people for a meeting, a project or to be put on a team is what we do as business development professionals. You can’t crumble and run just because they said no.
As you have matured in your career, what do you believe have been the biggest changes over the years in this industry?
Technology has definitely impacted how we work. More virtual meetings and fewer in person makes it a challenge sometimes to understand the nuances of what is truly important to a client. It just feels “remote”.
If you had all the time in the world, what would you choose to do?
Read what I wanted.
When you were a child, what was your dream job?
Astronaut. Given that I can barely tolerate a roller coaster, I think I’m better off in the business world than space.
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