"In-reach" helps build relationships with faculty

Last week, Technology Manager Emily Wee participated in a faculty luncheon for the Dept. of Crop Sciences to speak on behalf of the OTM and the services we provide to faculty and grad students.

Inside our offices, these luncheons are known as “in-reach” opportunities. Sort of the opposite of outreach, which is focused on outside companies and individuals, in-reach is focused on meeting with faculty and grad students from within the University of Illinois. Whether or not these faculty or grad students are currently interested in OTM’s services, it’s our belief that if by attending in-reach events we build relationships that will one day turn into business.

Emily isn’t the only technology manager to attend in-reach events either, all of OTM’s tech managers meet with faculty to raise awareness of OTM’s services. Some events include small talks, coffee hours, and luncheons - a popular choice, since nobody can turn down free food.

At the luncheon Emily attended earlier last week, she finally met face to face with a few faculty members she helped through email. The relationship between OTM and those faculty members grew, thanks in a large part to in-reach.

If you’re interested in having an OTM Tech Manager meet with your department, email Nicole Nair. We’ll be happy to meet with you!