Sharon Vollman

  Issue
 Article Title
  MARCH 2010 Boundary Crossing?
  In tight times, we can become hyper-diligent about working to uncover more and more operational efficiencies. That can be a good thing -- unless we become myopic.

  FEBRUARY 2010 Avoidance
  In our jobs, we all have some less-than-interesting To-Do’s that are due on a monthly basis. They’re usually mundane; they always require time that we don’t have, and, in general, we avoid them.
  JANUARY 2010 Old School?
  I know the New Year is all about making changes. But, can’t it also be about focus and staying true to your mission?
  DECEMBER 2009 A Simple Gift
  In telecom infrastructure land, 2009 hasn’t exactly been pretty.
  NOVEMBER 2009 Why OSP and Wireless Backhaul?
  Despite a pitiful economy, AT&T and Verizon intend to spend about $35 million collectively in 2009.
  OCTOBER 2009 OSP EXPO Mini-Review
  On my way through Chicago O'Hare International Airport recently, I saw a great billboard ad. It read: "Before social networks there were lobbies." SO true. I've said it before: no amount of web-based social networking can replace the real thing at a potent industry event as well as during the hours before and after it. OSP EXPO 2009 is a perfect example.
  SEPTEMBER 2009 Prepared?
  We all can’t help but wonder whether the recession is easing. Some of us rely on reports from the news media to tell us whether it is or isn’t. Others recite analysts’ interpretations of empirical data and studies. Many of my peers and colleagues don’t know what to believe; we do know, however, that our professional equilibrium will never recalibrate to the level of comfort it was a few years ago. Forget about knowing whether the recession is coming or going. Just what can we control?
  AUGUST 2009 Everything-on-Demand
  Wish I could have coined this phrase, 'cuz darned if it's not right on the money. Today, end-users want everything right this minute and right where they are and right at a discounted price. That leaves you in the precarious position of delivering everything to your customers without a whole lot of investment dollars and with more and more pressure to do your jobs in overdrive. Intimidating or exhilarating? I'm going to argue that it is exhilarating - and here's why.
  JULY 2009 Can Virtual Replace Real?
  Can Facebook, Twitter, and text messages replace real-life connections? I say NO! In my humble opinion, face-to-face connections count even more today than they have in the past.
  JUNE 2009 OSP Skeptics – Wake Up!
  How many times have you heard the expression, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”? I can recall numerous parental lectures and well-meaning conversations from mentors that have driven that point home time and time again. There’s a good reason for it. It’s true.
  MAY 2009 Testing and Troubleshooting
  I'm speaking about testing and troubleshooting of our collective psyche in this economy. We're all being tested in ways we've never imagined.
  APRIL 2009 Extra! Extra!
  OSP EXPO today announced a stellar lineup of top network executives to address 3,500+ delegates at its 2009 event.
  MARCH 2009 Firm Footing
  This year, I’m intent on climbing a mountain. Okay, so climbing a mountain may be a bit of an exaggeration. To be perfectly upfront, my plan has little to do with actually climbing a mountain. (It just sounds more interesting to say it that way.)
  FEBRUARY 2009 Building an OSP Community
  JANUARY 2009 PUP – Proactive Unprecedented Positivity
  DECEMBER 2008 Sappiness Has Its Time and Place
  NOVEMBER 2008 Click!
  OCTOBER 2008 Who? Me?
  SEPTEMBER 2008 Broadband Nomad
  AUGUST 2008 Rapidly Learning
  JULY 2008 Is Your Head in the Sand?
  JUNE 2008 Thought Leaders in the OSP
  JUNE 2008 Don’t Discount the Human Element
  MAY 2008 Verizon in the AFOX Zone
  MAY 2008 Hard to Keep a Secret…
  APRIL 2008 Verizon Shines the Light on Its Teams
  APRIL 2008 Avoiding Eeyore-dom
  MARCH 2008 Are You a Thought Leader?
  FEBRUARY 2008 OSP EXPO™ 2OO8 Keynote Announcement
  JANUARY 2008 What’s Up?
  DECEMBER 2007 I’ve Got Nuthin’
  NOVEMBER 2007 Wasting Time