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Dana Small
Founder / CEO at Ms Category Management
California, United States
MBA from a top school with over 13 years of experience in finance, with 10 supporting the sales and marketing function including FP&A and Global Category Management Procurement/Sourcing. Over 17 years of experience within the Pharmaceutical / Biotech (BioPharma) Industry. Excellent communicator and innovator that collaborates cross functionally with business partners and has the ability to convey complex or sensitive business issues with Sr. Management.
Follow me on wordpress: https://mscategorymanagement.com/
Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking Travels From: San Francisco, CA Speaking Topics: Category Management, Procurement, Sourcing, Sales and Marketing Support, BioPharma, Building a Brand
Dana Small
Points
Academic
40
Author
234
Influencer
122
Speaker
64
Entrepreneur
120
Total
580
Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.
Five Obstacles with Management Consulting Spend and the Simple Solutions to Crack their Code!
MS Category Management
June 23, 2022
The first major problem in this category of spend is that everybody thinks everything is consulting. Breaking news, management consulting is not a catch-all. Just because they are a service and managing things for you, does not make them a consultant. Nope.
Epic Purchasing Battles – Business Vs. Procurement
MS Category Management
May 26, 2022
I must be getting old. Or maybe I’ve been in the Pharma-Biotech Industry for too long. Maybe it’s the life of working in a support function. No matter the cause, there has to be an explanation for this.
Are YOU on Procurement’s Naughty List?!
MS Category Management
December 07, 2021
Oh tis the season to buy things without procurement’s involvement, because why not? Who cares if procurement has a naughty list or not!
It’s not like we serve some kind of purpose for the company. Or even provide valuable insights about the marketplace and industry to help you make educated decisions. Or try to protect you from terrible contracting terms.
Emails Rant. How many days will it take to get a response from a busy coworker? 2,697 aggravating days later, I’m still counting!
MS Category Management
October 28, 2021
It’s been a long time since I’ve had something rant about, but I’m about over this whole ‘never get back to me’ emails thing. I get that people are busy, and have their own agendas.
But let’s face it, unless you are in the C-Suite or a SVP/EVP, you’ve got time to respond within the next week or two. It’s not like I’m asking for a miracle here.
Run to your local store and order your Christmas presents now! NO SERIOUSLY. Major Supply Chain disruptions are on the Horizon!
MS Category Management
October 15, 2021
Now if you’re like me and aren’t in a industry that has been majorly affected by the supply chain issues and shortages, then you probably think I’m vastly over exaggerating.
Or if you are in an industry that’s impacted, you may think – well it couldn’t get any worse! But I’m going to take a gamble and say both those positions are probably wrong. Just check out the video above to understand the compounding factors that will turn this ugly in 2022.
A Fun Guide to Marketing Jargon (For Non-marketing Professionals)
MS Category Management
October 06, 2021
It’s been awhile since I’ve last posted, so I thought it might be time to come back with a fun blog. I mean, what really do we all have better to do then to take some time out and learn new things!
Hiring someone right before you give your two weeks notice – parting gift or a single finger salute? You decide!
MS Category Management
October 05, 2021
Would you hire someone if you knew you were going to leave? Do you think it’s a parting gift or more of the single finger salute?
Don’t make this ONE HUGE mistake when executing a RFP with a long-term Agency partner
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June 29, 2021
Whether you’d like to admit it or not, we’ve all made mistakes over the life of our careers. We’re all human; and, it’s how we learn and grow to become better professionals in any industry. Sometimes we just fall into them when jumping into a new position, or at least that’s what happened to me.
How to Write a Cold Email that Procurement and Business Professionals Will Respond to!
MS Category Management
April 26, 2021
If you are in procurement, you get so many cold emails from suppliers looking for business, it becomes very easy just to delete them all. It can become the bane of your existence.
Marketing and Supplier Diversity – Building a Coordinated Approach (3 Part Video Series)
MS Category Management
March 11, 2021
Supplier diversity is a key goal for many corporations’ marketing departments despite all the roadblocks they encounter. Check out this three-part video series on Marketing and Supplier Diversity. Along with new technologies and best practices that simplify the diversity efforts.
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
MS Category Management
February 26, 2021
I haven’t experienced a lot of seagull managers in my tenure, but I’ve had more than enough business partners commit this crime. It all starts the same way. You’re in a meeting for a final review of a project, and they decide they want to change one of the things you agreed to upon in the beginning.
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
Do you work with a seagull? Have you been victim to the swoop and poop? Find out how to manage people who like to take a dump on your day.
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February 26, 2021
One Suppliers Strategy to Win New Business – Mildly Infuriating or Maximizing ROI?
MS Category Management
February 17, 2021
Suppliers should have a solid strategy when trying to obtain new business. It’s one thing to get your foot in the door, but it’s another to grow and expand within a company. Tough sometimes to accomplish, but it can be done.
Gobble, Gobble, Wibble Wobble – Make Sure Your Holiday Budget Dollars Don’t Become a Squabble!
MS Category Management
November 24, 2020
It’s the beginning of the holiday season, so procurement and finance are all preparing for the year-end hockey stick budget spending.
Sometimes it happens by default. Projects are running behind. And you know you are going to come drastically under budget, so you spend like it’s on-fire in your pocket instead. Fear of loss is a thing (especially when it comes to money!)
Which depending on your organization, could be a big no-no.
Rant: My So-Called 2020 Pandemic Life
MS Category Management
November 23, 2020
I quit. I’m done. I’m over it. Nothing sums up this year better than “it’s a hot mess, inside the dumpster fire, inside a train wreck.” Because as a working parent, it literally is. Every. Single. Day. It’s at a point now (with no end in sight) I’ve hit my breaking point – as I’m sure many of you feel the same! So what should change?
First, can we just forget about Zoom meetings? Can we just go back to conference calls so I don’t have to be video-ready every day? It’s getting to be exhausting. And sad when I throw on glasses so I don’t have to do my makeup that day. Who is with me?!
And I’m done with all things virtual. Conferences. Happy Hours. Let’s bring back water cooler talk. Office gossip. Annoyingly loud coworkers a few desks away on their phones. Where do I sign up?!
Also, I would do absolutely anything, not to deal with my kids when I’m working. This one is taking a toll on me. And everyone I work with. There, I said it!! Everything about working from home with a 2-year-old who doesn’t get it has ripened waaaaaay past its due date.
A supplier coaching story. Who is to blame for the great flopperoo?
MS Category Management
November 17, 2020
Supplier coaching isn’t an exact science, which leaves ample opportunity to mess it up. But it’s not like we are trying to figure out how to time travel either.
Therefore, I decided to take a look back at what happened, and potentially where I went wrong. Hindsight is 20/20, so why not assess my own performance?
Nothing better to prepare for the next time of supplier coaching, by assessing what went wrong/what went well with the last time I did it! Being able to ensure you don’t repeat the same mistakes is always useful!
Backstabbing Coworkers – Can Their Corrupt and Vicious Actions Ever Be Justified?
MS Category Management
October 27, 2020
Situations aren’t always black and white when it comes to backstabbing coworkers. There are many shades of gray when you dig into the backstory of events.
Which makes me ask, are there times when we should give someone a second chance based on circumstances?
Marketing Procurement – Best Practices and Sourcing Strategies for 2021
MS Category Management
October 23, 2020
1 – Don’t treat agencies like any other category. You’re literally buying a team and people, not widgets. Structured scorecards that have to be followed and rigid RFP rules won’t work in marketing procurement.
2 – Brands don’t like to share agencies as they are fearful of getting the “B Team.” So don’t push for all brands to use a single AOR.
3 – To have influence with Marketing or any other business partner you must prove you are trustworthy. The best way to do that is to provide valuable insight by understanding their bu
A Cautionary Tale: How to Ensure You are Never Invited Back Again to Another RFP. EVER.
MS Category Management
October 21, 2020
Just to clear the air, there are a TON of mistakes you can come back from during an RFP / pitch. I’ve seen it all over the past 10 years.
But this, for the first time, was something although the supplier thought was doing themselves a service, backfired spectacularly.
Therefore, I’m hopeful in sharing this cautionary tale, that it will make some people rethink their approaches.
Because even if you are the biggest or the best in the industry, you can still manage to screw up a relationship to the point of no return. And that’s not a good thing.
The Magic of the Halloween Supply Chain
MS Category Management
October 21, 2020
There are certain jobs within the supply chain and procurement industry I’m glad I haven’t jumped into. One, in particular, is the demand planning for the $9B of spend on Halloween products.
Halloween, like any holiday, creates significant seasonal surges for specific product categories. Which makes demand forecasting absolutely ridiculous. But, what does that mean for the end consumer?
Well, when I walked through Target the other day – as always there was an excess of candy available on the shelves. But the costumes, decorations, and everything else were GONE (before the Holiday started too!). So who in Halloween Haunted House is to blame?
Worst. RFP. Ever. Can we just pretend it never happened (like the rest of 2020) and move on?
MS Category Management
October 19, 2020
Now, I’m not one to complain, well maybe I am… but, I swear this RFP is out of hand. What’s the saying – you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet? Well, I’ve broke enough to feed a small army. And then some.
Did You Miss The ABC’s of Building Your Personal Brand? Then Check out the Slides and Video Now!
MS Category Management
October 07, 2020
Most procurement professionals don’t think about building a personal brand, or the potential benefits to their careers.
But without it, you are always a step behind your colleagues.
Join me in learning the basic ABC’s of building your personal brand, and best practices in getting started.
Don’t miss out on this epic keynote presentation, along with other great conversations and groundbreaking presentations from Sievo Friends America 2020!
Between 2 Screens – An Uninhibited and Unrestrained Interview With Victoria (no relation to the Queen) Vitale
MS Category Management
September 13, 2020
So check out Ms. Category Management’s (MCM) written version titled – Between 2 Screens! Which just might turn into a video series, interviewing some of your favorite business professionals!
New virtual meeting suppliers have flooded the market to meet demand. Make sure you are picking the right ones!
MS Category Management
September 09, 2020
You would think finding a virtual meeting provider in this new environment is easy. And it is, to some degree.
You can very easily find providers (maybe too easily). Most of which have pivoted with the rise of virtual meetings/av production to meet the demand.
And that is where the problem lies.
Everybody and I mean everybody who has some type of event management or meeting / virtual meeting support is pivoting to meet this huge increase in demand.
You May Hate Procurement, But Did You Know it Could be Your Ticket to the C-Suite?
Ms Category Management
August 14, 2020
We’re the cops of the business. Checking to ensure you did things right.
So I get it when most people don’t like us. Shoot, I wouldn’t say I like cops either. My heart starts racing whenever I get pulled over (even if I’ve done nothing wrong)!
But the point of procurement is to ensure the business is getting the best bang for their buck. If you try to go around this, you’ve only got to assume it’s not for the best reasons.
Despite all of that, C-Suite Executives look to us to provide value, cost savings, and streamline efficiencies, which puts us in the spotlight for several reasons.
Tags: COVID19, Diversity and Inclusion, Procurement
Ms Category Management’s 9 Circles of Negotiation Hell
Ms Category Management
August 05, 2020
We’ve all been in negotiations where it feels like you are stuck in purgatory or even limbo. Endless meetings, hardball tactics, the works. So join me for some fun and check out the nine levels of negotiation hell!
Is There a Way to Avoid the Catch-22 When it Comes to Creating RFPs?
Ms Category Management
July 28, 2020
You need lots of information, and time to properly pick the best supplier for the job.
But you don’t want to overload the supplier with questions if they have a small chance of winning. Not to mention you may not have a lot of time for the RFP, and the overload of questions could drive away potential suppliers (due to a low ROI). It’s a catch-22 situation.
Business Impact – A Leading Supplier Just Closed its Doors in the Middle of the RFP, What in the Hell Do We Do NOW?!
Ms Category Management
July 25, 2020
True story, so I thought I’d share. (Especially since this is the first time I’ve ever had this happen!)
We got notification of a supplier closing its doors halfway through an RFP through a rejected email and website update that said: “Closed due to COVID-19.”
Industries, business environments, standard work attire, and so much more have started to change due to COVID-19. We are only starting to see some of the business impacts.
Agencies: A Simplified Guide to Understanding Marketing, Advertising and Media Agencies
Ms Category Management
July 24, 2020
Do you know what’s annoying when you are trying to learn a Category like Sales & Marketing… when all of the terms overlap and can mean the same but different things! I think?!
Where’s The Supplier Diversity? The Problem With Procurement and Supplier Diversity Programs
Ms Category Management.com
July 21, 2020
You can call it supplier diversity, but I call empowering and supporting local suppliers. (Even if it is driven by government contract compliance within Pharma).
I’ve read supplier diversity programs, can have an amazing ROI. On average programs can add, $3.6 million for every $1 million in procurement operational costs. Not to mention the other benefits such as innovation, competition, and reputation.
So if creating a diversity program is so important, why are so many getting it wrong? What are some of the hurdles I’ve seen in my tenure? Well, let me tell you!
Advertising Fails, Follies, and F-ups. Check Out these Painful and Cringe-Worthy Epic Advertising Fails
Ms Category Management
July 18, 2020
I took a look back at some of my initial blogs, and I think I had a little more fun and creativity that I miss.
And since I support the Advertising Agency world, I thought it might be fun to create a post on epic advertising fails.
Advertising fails are more common than you think. Especially, if you take a look back at some of the old-school ads. (Can you say misogyny?!). They definitely haven’t stood the test of time.
Women Procurement Leaders Event: Building Your Personal Brand Webinar 7/16 – Register NOW!
Ms Category Management
July 11, 2020
Everyone has a personal brand, whether they want to or not. Making sure your brand is positive, and authentic to you isn’t something that always comes naturally. You have to work at it. In this webinar you will hear from two professionals who have both built their personal brands using a wide range of skills and avenues.
Learning and Conquering Ambiguity in the Workplace
Ms Category Management
July 10, 2020
Dealing with Ambiguity in the workplace can be a nightmare. No directions, just a final goal with the sentiment “go figure it out” or “just get it done.”
A Sizzling Strategic Sourcing Summer! See What is Heating Up in the World of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement.
Ms Category Management
June 16, 2020
It’s finally here, the summer of 2020! – Cue singing…. Summer, Summer, Summertime – sing it, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince!
The world has changed, and we’ve changed with it. So are you ready yet to take a summer vacation? Or are you focusing on executing new strategic plans to ensure your corporation’s success?
Either way, find out what’s heating up for Strategic Sourcing and Procurement this summer!
Negotiating with the Dark Side - Procurement's Problem
Negotiations Ninja
June 09, 2020
When you are in procurement, you’re not just an enemy—you are the enemy to almost everyone involved (or least that’s how it feels). That’s why I like to call it negotiating with the dark side.
Toxic, Tyrannical, and Treacherous People in the Workplace – When Back-Stabbing CoWorkers and Friends are the Least of Your Problems
Ms Category Management
June 04, 2020
Just when you think backstabbing coworkers are the worst you have to fear – you run into the toxic, tyrannical, and even treacherous types. Yikes!
You know who I am talking about. It’s the empire builders, the eternally unhappy, the power-hungry, or someone out gunning for your position. They have an agenda, and helping you isn’t on it.
I cover how to handle backstabbers in a previous blog (Handling the two-faced foe), but I neglected to dive deeper. So here’s how to tackle these nightmare coworkers with a few #protips (or Jedi Mind Tricks) for everyone to use.
Personal Branding: What 7 Golden Rules I Learned from Working with Marketing Teams in the Past Decade
Ms Category Management
May 27, 2020
When I first had someone tell me I was good at personal branding, I wasn’t sure I ultimately agreed. But then I thought about it for a while.
I had created the Ms. Category Management blog and was able to carve my niche in the space of procurement. I even had people recognize me at a couple of conferences!
I absolutely HATE goals but am still successful. Find out why some of the most talented people in business, detest strict goals.
Ms Category Management
May 15, 2020
Because most of the people will want to call BS on this, I figured I’d cite some of the sources I found to back-up my experience. I won’t say that this works for everyone, but it sure has for me. Either way, there’s something to it!
Do You Hate and Avoid Networking? Then find out why NOW is the BEST time to dip your toe in the water!
Ms Category Management
May 12, 2020
Most people absolutely loathe networking, and can you really blame them? It’s awkward, odd, and conversations can go nowhere. For those who are introverted, it must be a living nightmare. So, I don’t blame those who absolutely hate the thought of networking.
The Classification Guru and Fixer of Dirty Data – Susan Walsh – #WSW – Women Supporting Women
Ms Category Management
May 10, 2020
Data just isn’t a thing in the procurement world; it’s the thing that drives all of our decisions, strategies, and so much more. So that’s why I was stoked to talk with Susan Walsh AKA The Classification Guru.
Unorganized at Work? Check Out These 7 Hacks for the Organizing for the Unorganized Life
Ms Category Management
April 29, 2020
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are days where I wish I could keep my entire desk, notebooks, ideas, and about everything else perfectly organized. But that lasts for about a whole ten minutes… on a good day.
Tags: Procurement, Change Management, Business Strategy
Why Millennials – Like Me – LOVE Procurement!
Ms Category Management
April 24, 2020
These days very few people love what they do for work. Luckily, for me, that’s not necessarily true. In fact, it’s scary how often I say the words ‘I Love Procurement’. It has confused many but intrigued a few people too, like Dana Small.
Dana and I met virtually through a close friend in the industry, then ran into each other at the 2019 SPARK Conference, where we spent two full days geeking out on the future of procurement. Dana asked me what opportunities that I see for the future of procurement and encouraged me to write about it.
Here I want to lay the framework for why millennials like me, dare I say, LOVE procurement. Followed by how I see procurement transforming as the function begins to attract more attention by both organization’s leadership and hot talent in the industry.
Reference Checks – What Are Your Business Partners Secretly Saying About You?
Ms Category Management
April 05, 2020
I’m not sure about you, but I’m surprised I even have to write about this topic. Unfortunately, given some co-worker’s recent experiences and also looking back at my own – I felt the need to address it. Reference Checks.
Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Strategy
Celia Landesberg – Leading the Way in Sustainable Procurement #WSW
Ms Category Management
March 31, 2020
First, let me start by saying I had the pleasure of meeting Celia at a local GWPP event! We chatted after the panel discussion and I’m glad I got to meet her. I have great admiration for her and what she’s doing. Especially, since she’s on the cutting edge of the new black of procurement – Sustainability.
Tags: Sustainability, Procurement, Diversity and Inclusion
Mission Impossible: Eliminating Maverick Spend
Ms Category Management.com
March 29, 2020
Let’s start with the obvious, what is Maverick (aka Rouge) spending? Here’s what I’ve been taught it’s defined as: Off-contract, Non-PO or out of Compliance Spending. And what are the typical causes of this? Well, there are a multitude of reasons.
Tags: Procurement, Risk Management, Business Strategy
Working Moms During a Global Pandemic – What To Do to Get Rid of the Guilt! #WSW
Ms Category Management
March 26, 2020
I’m not sure about anyone else, but I am sure going un poco loco (a little bit crazy) after working from home these past couple of weeks. And it’s not from all of my computer and IT issues. I didn’t realize a laptop could not recognize it’s own internal keyboard, but hey, you learn something new every day!
Tags: Procurement, Future of Work, Diversity and Inclusion
Annoying Buzzwords That Should Be Eliminated in 2020
Ms Category Management.com
March 25, 2020
Things have been pretty heavy lately with all the beer virus updates. So, I thought it would be a good time to lighten the mood for a quick laugh to distract us all for a minute. Especially since there’s all this talk of a major global recession. So here’s what I’ve been thinking about lately.
Tags: Procurement, Future of Work, Change Management
Sustainability – It’s the New Black for Strategic Sourcing and Procurement
Ms Category Management.com
March 23, 2020
Sustainability – What Does it Really Mean?
The increasing effects of polution on the world, has changed consumer, business, and governemental behavior. No longer is it ‘ok’ to have an underwater oil spill causing irreperable damage to an entire ecosystem, or cutting down half the rainforest for profit, or even drive gas guzzling SUV’s that spew out obnoxious amount of air pollution.
An Extreme Hangover From the Beer Virus, How Long Will It Last?
Ms Category Management.com
March 20, 2020
Okay, so we all know the story. Some are out hoarding decades worth of toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizers, and cleaning supplies. Some want to cash in, and price gouges others to make a profit. Which may have worked for a while, but eventually amazon and eBay banned them, and now they are stuck with 17k bottles and nowhere to sell them (boo-hoo).
Tags: Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Strategy
Executive Insight: Richard Ham “They can exploit the 5% you don’t know, for a +>20% profit.”
Ms Category Management.com
March 19, 2020
Richard’s Categories: Uniform Rentals, Waste Management, and Pest Control Services
I am going to start by saying, I know absolutely nothing about strategic sourcing of Uniform Rentals, Waste Disposal, and Pest Control Services. So, this interview was a great learning experience. Not to mention if I ever had these categories, I knew who to call...
Executive Insight: Michelle Charpentier #WSW
Ms Category Management.com
March 08, 2020
In my first-ever Executive Interview, I decided to stick close to home. As my boss, Michelle Charpentier seemed the perfect person to talk with. As a Senior Director – Global Source to Pay at BioMarin, Michelle wears many hats from oversight of our Global Strategic Sourcing function to the P2P process and Global Travel and expense.
Tags: Procurement, Management, Diversity and Inclusion
Promotional Products – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Protect Your Brand Image and Check out New Trends for 2020
Ms Category Management.com
March 06, 2020
Are Promotional Products Going Too Far?
Lately, I swear it’s the new black to send terrible promotional products. As if the new strategy was too make it so bad, that people will feel motivated to call you just to understand that bad decision.
Developing Your Personal Brand Without Promoting Yourself – My Interview in ProcureRising Q1 2020 Magazine
Ms Category Management.com
February 26, 2020
“Almost 20 years later, Dana Gerenda is now Dana Small. Her name has changed, but her belief in hard work and humility remains. She credits her Midwest upbringing for her values. “To me, a ‘Midwest value’ is honest integrity. You don’t need to brag. You need to put your nose to the grindstone and put in a hard day’s work. This is very Midwest. You don’t need to go around telling everyone how great you are,” she explained.
Small believes that your work is the essence of your personal brand. “You don’t need to say, ‘I’m the master of the universe.’ If you are, people will know that you are the master of the universe. Your work will speak for you,” she stated.”
Does Size Matter? Effects of Company Size On Sourcing Strategy
Ms Category Management.com
February 24, 2020
I was originally going to have this as video only post, but after the time and effort it took to simplify strategy changes for a brief video, I figured some context was in order. This just isn’t an easy subject to cover!
9 Issues With a DIY Procurement Strategy
Ms Category Management.com
February 11, 2020
Procurement. Strategic Sourcing. Purchasing. Category Management. All of these terms, may seem simple enough at their core, but there is a lot more to the strategy than you think.
I’ll agree it’s not rocket science, but some parts aren’t intuitive either. That’s why having a DIY Procurement Strategy can lead to epic fails and disasters. Here is a summary of the video’s nine issues and their explanation.
What Payment Terms and George Constanza Have In Common (And Why They Matter!)
Ms Category Management.com
January 30, 2020
I know, I’ve finally run out of ideas that make any type of sense. But I promise, this will actually make it easier to digest (because who really cares about payment terms)! So check out these can similarities between George Constanza and the rest of the cast as they relate to contracts.
Tags: Procurement, Risk Management, Business Strategy
7 Freshman Mistakes to Ditch in a Capabilities Presentation
Ms Category Management.com
January 22, 2020
Don’t pressure me for the next steps. I know it’s closing, but it’s like the movie “he’s just not that into you.” If someone wants your product, they’ll find you and make sure to start the next steps. Even if they have to climb a mountain and yodel from the top. Otherwise, well… he’s just not that into you (or your product).
Have You Been a Victim of Scope Creep? Find out Why it’s the Ultimate Business Betrayal and What You Can Do About it
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January 15, 2020
Everything is going fine until you get a call and find out "unfortunately, this is going to take a lot more than we initially thought." Cue an increase in pricing and scope to give you the ultimate business betrayal scope creep.
Have You Been a Victim of Scope Creep? Find out Why it's the Ultimate Business Betrayal and What You Can Do About it
Ms Category Mangement
January 15, 2020
Have You Been a Victim of Scope Creep? Find out Why it's the Ultimate Business Betrayal and What You Can Do About it
Martech WEBINAR! Keys to a Successful Martech Procurement
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January 14, 2020
Webinar on Martech Procurement: Please join Ms. Category Management and other amazing Sourcing Professionals in a Webinar in best practices in Sourcing the Martech Stack!
Putting the “CURE” back in Procurement in 2020
Ms Category Management.com
January 07, 2020
There are a lot of different types of problems across organizations (shocker, I know) , but there are always underlying themes. Problems tend to differ based organizational maturity, departmental goals, personnel, spend levels; but, there are some issues that are inherent to the industry.
Tough Negotiations – Have You Been Stonewalled?
Ms Category Management.com
December 29, 2019
Ever thought to yourself “wow, this is moving absolutely no where!” when working with a supplier? You’ve had ten conference calls, six in-person meetings, you’ve sent 35 emails and you’ve done everything aside show up to a supplier’s worksite to get information or move a project along. Absolutely nothing works?
Improving Your Work Relationships in 2020
Ms Category Management.com
December 15, 2019
Having the experience for the past six years of working in a non-mandated sourcing or procurement environment, I’ve learned a lot about building relationships.
Especially when it’s with my darling marketing business partners.
Conspiracy Theories about Procurement – Fact or Fiction?
Ms Category Management.com
December 08, 2019
If you’re like me, you enjoy a good conspiracy theory or two. Knowing half the time they are BS but enjoying the mental gymnastics people create to get there. It really makes me feel like I’ve cracked open their brains and caught a glimpse of the journey they go on.
There’s no Participation Trophy for Showing up to Work
Ms Category Management.com
November 08, 2019
Yes, you need to show up. It’s called work. And that’s quite frankly, WHY the companies pay you. To show up! Sheesh.
No, you don’t get a pass because you are a millennial or Gen Z (who probably is more of the problem). Or don’t like an office environment. Or think you should be promoted every six months for doing your job.
Why SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) Matters – It’s Your Business to Lose!
Ms Category Management.com
October 04, 2019
I’ve said it, my boss has said it, and even previous bosses and colleagues have said it. It is your business to lose (incumbents).
If you decide to not show up with your game face on, you should try to exit gracefully and tactfully. Being a whiner isn’t going to get you anywhere. I promise.
Have We Stretched the Supplier Relationship Too Far?
Ms Category Management.com
October 04, 2019
The title sums it up pretty well. Let’s think of the relationship between buyers and suppliers like a rubber band. We all know there is give and take – elasticity between the two. But we also know, you stretch it too much, it never will go back to its original shape.
Sourceit and the RSN Real Sourcing Network – Sarah Scudder #WSW
linkedin
September 29, 2019
This blog isn’t just to highlight this amazing tool, it’s also a #WSW blog. For all the amazing women like Sarah and what they do for our industry in creating a better place to work and grow in. If you don’t know Sarah, you should! She’s the President of the RSN – Real Sourcing Network.
How to Win with Finance! Best and Worst Practices in Reporting Procurement Savings
Ms Category Management.com
September 04, 2019
I get it, I at least I think I do. Before I started working in first finance role I was clueless. Budget what? Accounting who? How do expenses and savings change the bottom line (you mean the one on the floor?)
ProcureCon Marketing 2019 – Come See Me Speak and Keep Austin Weird!
Ms Category Management.com
September 02, 2019
Join me November 18th and 20th in Austin! Where I will be speaking about managing agencies through a product lifecycle and also on a panel for an agency-in house discussion. To find out more about ProcureCon Marketing – Click Here
The Woman Who Inspired the My Blog – #WSW
Ms Category Management.com
August 26, 2019
I am not going to start off by telling you who inspired this blog, what fun would that be? I’d rather tell you the story and have you guessing. The thing is, if you’ve read a few of my previous blogs you might be able to figure it out fairly quickly. Or if you’ve seen my latest screw up in hitting publish, instead of save…yeah. I did that. Again.
Pharmaceutical Marketing – Where Do We Draw the Line?
Ms Category Management.com
August 22, 2019
Sitting through a bunch of recent agency pitches it got me thinking, is there a line for Pharmaceutical Marketing that shouldn’t be crossed?
As you may know from one of my blogs, “Why Paying Doctors and Nurses Good Thing,” I am in support of the marketing efforts we have for Physicians. Because in short, if buying them lunch to give them updated drug or disease state information is the worst thing to happen, I’m all for it. And the alternative seems like a terrible idea
Was this RFP a Complete Circus, Screw-up or a Trainwreck? You Decide!
Ms Category Management.com
August 07, 2019
When you see a RFP trainwreck coming, you typically move out of the way. Unfortunately for me, there wasn’t anything I could do. I was stuck on the tracks with that look of a deer in headlights plastered all over my face.
5 Clever Books to Sharpen Your Strategic Sourcing Skills
Ms Category Management.com
July 26, 2019
We all know there are loads of books on negotiating, soft skills and procurement basics. But what you may not know is which is worth your time to read (or listen to!). Time is our most precious commodity, so don’t waste it on outdated information or usless books.
The Godfather: Procurement Lessons Inspired by the Mafia
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July 21, 2019
July 19th, 2019. The Godfather. The Mafia. We can all learn something from their successful business management. So here's a guide to handling work like a mob boss.
Playing poker can improve your negotiation skills, here's how.
linkedin
July 05, 2019
I consider myself a pretty good negotiator, but when it comes to brokering a deal my husband can squeeze blood from a turnip. Whether it's a yard sale and he's after a $5 clock or $15k to renovate a bathroom, he always gets the opposition to bend.
Backstabbing Co-Workers: How to Handle the Two-Faced Foe
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July 03, 2019
Backstabbing coworkers. It's happened to all of us, so read more about how to maintain your integrity and best practices to deal with these two-faced foes.
Playing poker can improve your negotiation skills, here’s how.
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July 02, 2019
Poker v. Negotiation Skills. I consider myself a decent negotiator, but I've recently met my match. Read more to learn why an obsession with poker has made him a pro at negotiations.
How to write an RFP that suppliers want to respond to
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June 27, 2019
Writing an RFP in the digital age is no easy task. Especially when you have lots of information to share. Find out how to write an RFP suppliers will WANT to respond to!
Negotiation Donkeys – Quit Your Crying!
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June 18, 2019
It's 2019 and the Negotiation Donkeys are on my last nerve! Read more to hear what the top 5 common excuses are and what I think we should do moving forward.
The Time I Hired a Cat to Walk My Dog – The Art of Negotiation
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May 31, 2019
The time I hired a cat to walk my dog... ridiculous right? Thinking you're an expert in one area makes you an expert in another is just as ridiculous. Especially when it comes to negotiations.
The Time I Hired a Cat to Walk My Dog
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May 31, 2019
The time I hired a cat to walk my dog... ridiculous right? Thinking you're an expert in one area makes you an expert in another is just as ridiculous. Especially when it comes to negotiations.
How I saved 1 Million with A Sole Source Supplier
linkedin
February 12, 2019
Let’s start at the beginning and talk about the product this supplier owns: the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR). Never heard of it? Don’t worry, here’s a short background.
Women Supporting Women #WSW
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December 22, 2018
Christy Willmon (Willmon Consulting) In thinking about future blogs, and how I can give back to those who have inspired me, I’ve decided to talk about how they...
How to Grow the Grinch’s Heart – Tips for Suppliers in Creating and Maintaining Relationships with Sourcing and Procurement
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December 06, 2018
How to Grow the Grinch's Heart - Suggestions for Suppliers by Ms Category Management
Join Grumpy Cat and get in the Holiday Mood….
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December 03, 2018
…For the 12 Days of Christmas! On the 12th day of Christmas my Supplier gave to me… *In Jest* 12 Compliance Corrections 11 Leery Lawyers 10 Distribution Disasters...
Gone with the RFP …
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November 18, 2018
How to lose business in the final round… You’ve made through all the down selections into the final round of the RFP for on-site presentations. You came, presented...
My Epic Keynote Speaking Event! Join me at SievoFriends Americas on 9.15.20 – Learn the ABC’s of Building Your Personal Brand
MS Category Management
September 03, 2020
264: Where Did The Money Go? Bridging The Procurement & Finance Gap W/ Dana Small
Aop
August 05, 2019
I’m joined today by Dana Small, Global Category Manager at BioMarin and author of the Ms. Category Management blog. It is rare to find a procurement professional with a background in finance, and rarer still to find a procurement practitioner so willing to share their insight and experiences that they start a blog. In Dana we find both, and that’s a real win for the procurement community.
Tags: Business Strategy, Procurement, Supply Chain
GWPP – Virtual Meetup – Climbing the Virtual Ladder (Video)
Ms Category Management
April 29, 2020
OVID-19, there is a drastic shift to an extreme way of digital working for the foreseeable future . This change means little to no in-person meetings and a reliance on digital tools. With this shift, how can women in procurement continue to grow professionally and work towards rising up and making an impact?
Panelists include experts in procurement, sourcing, management, IT and leadership.
Join us to learn from:
Sally Stephens, VP, Alliances Programs at Coupa – www.Coupa.com
Dana Small, Senior Category Manager, Global Strategic Sourcing at BioMarin Pharmaceutical – www.BioMarin.com
Julie Braun, Senior Director, Procurement, AP, and Travel at Smartsheet – www.Smartsheet.com
Keecia Scott, Senior Director, International Procurement at Gilead Sciences – www.Gilead.com
Stephanie Leduc, Senior Director, Sourcing Strategy and IT Portfolio at the National Bank of Canada – www.nbc.ca
Amanda Prochaska, CEO at GWPP – www.GlobalWPP.com
Shereen Lannoye | Astellas Pharma
MarPro - The Marketing Procurement Podcast
August 11, 2021
On this episode of MarPro our guest is Shereen Lannoye, the Associate Director of Global Procurement, Marketing Agencies, and Production at Astellas Pharma US.
Key learnings from this episode include...
Marketing to marketers to earn a seat at the table
Strategic Planning
Maximizing the value of QBR's
Supplier Relationship Management success
Spend Culture Stories Podcast: Category Management Must Knows for Biotech Procurement Professionals
MS Category Management
November 18, 2020
I share my learnings and procurement stories with Dani Hao of Procurify, where I chat about category management challenges in biotech procurement, and why being proactive and flexible are key traits that all procurement leaders should have.
Another Podcast! The Red Review – Stop Being a Wanger
Ms Category Management.com
January 23, 2020
Let me start off by saying, I didn’t get a say in naming the podcast episode, but these guys couldn’t have picked a better one! So cheers for incorporating “wanger” into a title, making my love for all things UK even stronger (can I say Burberry and Jimmy Choo?!).
Join Me! AOP Mastermind LIVE 2020 – A New Day for Procurement – October 6th and 7th!
MS Category Management
September 25, 2020
Mastermind LIVE brought to you by the team at Art of Procurement, will challenge participants’ assumptions, expose them to new perspectives, inspire new visions, and provide the insights required to turn their ideas into reality.
• October 6th and 7th from 10 am-1 pm ET
• A virtual, global event for procurement professionals and executives
• Featuring general sessions plus two tracks: one for CPO’s and one for mid-level/emerging leaders
I’m Speaking! An Epic Event: Forge – Marketing Virtual Conference by Procurement Foundry – 10.29.20. Don’t Miss out!
Ms Category Management
August 13, 2020
Marketing Virtual Conference by Procurement Foundry
Managing Agencies Throughout the Product Lifecycle
ProcureCon Marketing
November 20, 2019
My presentation was the first of it's kind, to introduce proper agency management through a product's lifecycle. Best practices for procurement and partnership with marketing partners / agencies providers were included.
Tags: Digital Transformation, Procurement, Supply Chain
8 Videos
What’s Your Zoom Personality?
Ms Category Management
April 23, 2020
Zoom meetings have become all the rage when it comes to conference calls. And with that have come personalities, in all shapes and sizes. (And a few epic fails too!)
So which unique personality do you have when you are attending a conference call?
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