Get Ahead: Trim the fat at work, check out the Business of Biotech, and share your office diet tips

Published: Sep 17, 2007

GET AHEAD, STAY AHEAD

GO on a management diet

Several people have hinted that the Get Ahead team needs to lose a little weight. We're not convinced.

We didn't start dieting after Richard Simmons paid us that surprise visit. Nor did we start after Ben and Jerry took out that restraining order. Why should we start now?

OK, perhaps we could stand to lose a few pounds. After all, the excess fat makes us slower, less flexible and less responsive.

Excess fat (as a metaphor) does the same thing in the business world - it makes organizations less nimble and competitive. Fortunately, the University of South Florida's College of Business Management has a prescription for weight loss: It's offering a weeklong program on lean management starting next Monday, Sept. 24.

The program focuses on ways to improve business processes, promote efficiency and eliminate wastefulness.

The course costs $1,795. Get information at www.coba.usf.edu/lean.html.

HANG with smart biotech people

We here at Get Ahead will probably stay away from the Moffitt Cancer Center on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

That's when Moffitt hosts its second annual Business of Biotech conference, which means the center will be crawling with incredibly intelligent people. And when we're around incredibly intelligent people, we end up asking incredibly stupid questions - not unlike Homer Simpson, who, upon meeting a brainy graduate student, asks: "How come you guys can go to the moon but you can't make my shoes smell good?" D'oh!

Intelligent guy Chris Steinocher, COO of the Tampa Bay Partnership, says the half-day conference is a "can't-miss event" for local biotech professionals.

For information, go to moffitt.org and click on the "Business of Biotech" link.

ROOT for small business

Big businesses get plenty of attention, but soon it will be time for small businesses to shine. Join the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Oct. 5, for the Small Business of the Year Awards. Go to tampachamber.com for registration information and prices.

Dave Simanoff

SHARE your thoughts on dieting at work

The office can be a dangerous place for people trying to lose weight. The vending machines are full of sugary snacks (hello, Kit Kat!), every birthday is celebrated with cake, and co-workers can be eager to tempt you with home-baked treats. What's your strategy for healthy eating at work? Join the discussion in the Business & Finance group at TBOForums.com.