Timothy Connor

Biography:

Timothy Connor started his career in Tokyo running a large communications training firm while studying design. Over the following seven years he focused on starting/building/running creative businesses in apparel, interior, advertising, architecture, and events as Art Design Associates. Recognizing the need to market great design and business ideas with a clear focus on ROI and spending, he started TMC International. TMC International focused on its core competency of business modeling and strategy to start up firms in consumer products. Mr. Connor is currently Director of Marketing Services, Corporate Development, Digital Marketing, IT and Legal at a consumer products and services marketing firm. He is recognized as an expert in customer experience and business modeling.

Faculty Message:

Welcome to our class! I look forward to working with all of you to make our class a compelling and interactive experience for everyone.
As we get to know and learn from each other, I would like everyone to keep a few things in mind.
No. 1: Don''t demand, understand. This is a key concept; always try to understand the reasoning, the situation, and the motivations of any other persona in class or in cases. Others (colleagues, clients, customers) may not act according to your expectations. Instead of demanding what you want, reach out and ask, think, analyze why the other person is doing or saying what they do or say.
No. 2: Facts, data and reasons before opinions. This is also important to keep in mind. Opinions are based on individual value systems and are of course valid and important. However, in our class we are looking at other people''s ventures and so must look at the facts and data relevant to THEIR situation. Our opinions and value systems are from an entirely different environment. This also underpins No. 1.
No. 3: Solutions, solutions, solutions. Who wants to hear more problems? As we work together, let''s always try to look for solutions. Analyzing problems or issues is important as a first step, but your classmates already know the problems. They really want to hear your idea for a solution. This reverts back to No. 1. Understand what your fellow classmates need/want. And know that the rest of us will also be trying to understand you.

Discipline:

Creation

Courses:

• Venture Management
  

Education:

MBA with honors, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University