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Be sure to also check out the Women’s Leadership Conference slideshow here!

WGGB – “Missing” Star Speaks at Bay Path Leadership Conference

Masslive – Actress Ashley Judd, Sister Helen Prejean headline Bay Path College’s 17th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference

WWLP – Women told to “Lead with Compassion” at Bay Path College Conference

Daily Hampshire Gazette – Women’s Leadership Conference Draws More than 1,100

Take a moment to check out Kathy’s newest Networking How-To here.

And there’s something for everyone. Between the exhibit hall, the amazing  keynote speakers and the breakout sessions, there’s a lot to take in, in one short day- but if you do it right, you can get a lot out of it.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of this event!

BEFORE THE CONFERENCE:

Now that you’ve made an investment in time and money to attend the conference, one of the best things you can do is to prepare for it.

TIP #1: SET YOUR GOALS

Something people overlook way too often in getting ready for any business or networking event is setting goals. We’ve all heard about the value of writing down life or business goals, but not many people consider doing this when it comes to a networking event.

Take time to think about what you’d like to learn from this conference— what results you’d like to achieve: new contacts, new friends, answers to business questions– Whatever it is, if your focus is clear, you’ll be more likely to reach your goals.

TIP #2:  DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Once you decide what you’d like to learn at the conference, it’s time to do a little research.

It’ll be important to read through the conference agenda before the event. Familiarize yourself with the speakers, corporate sponsors and exhibitors, and make a list of everyone with whom you’d like to connect.

You can do this using tools like Google, LinkedIn, Hoovers and, of course, company websites to learn as much as you can about your fellow attendees ahead of time.

TIP #3: PLAN YOUR DAY

After you’ve become familiar with the day’s agenda, make a plan.

First, choose the break-out sessions you want to attend. If you are here with a group, consider splitting up and you can share notes later.

Next, check out the agenda for the career & networking, or the health & wellness centers. Decide which of the mini- talks would be best for you, block out time for a resume critique, or plan to attend a speed coaching session.

Finally, check the list of exhibitors and book signings, and flag the ones you want to be sure not to miss. They are the ones you’ll want to visit first.

(hint: It helps if each group member has the others’ cell phone numbers programmed into her phone so that you can reach each other if in case you lose one another, or find something that everyone should see!)

TIP #4: HAVE YOUR MATERIALS READY

Make sure to come with plenty of business cards, and if you’re searching for a job, plenty of copies of your resume, which should be printed and stored neatly in a binder.

Keep your cards handy so you don’t need to dig into your purse for them. You don’t want to keep people waiting or appear disorganized!

Always have a pen on hand and make notes on people’s cards that will remind you of why you met and any follow-up plans.

Have a place to keep your incoming cards. (Your badge holder works well for this.) And, of course, bring a few extra pens and a notebook to take notes.

Finally, choose your outfit carefully. Remember, the image that you project can make a lasting impression. Be professional. And since you’ll be walking a lot, wear comfortable—but well-maintained—shoes.

TIP #5: PRACTICE YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH

Whether you’re employed and keeping your networking skills fresh, or you’re in the midst of a job search, be sure to have your 30- to 60-second “elevator pitch” ready.  It’s called an elevator pitch because it clearly communicates what you’re all about in the time it would take an elevator to go from the 8th floor to the lobby. In essence, it should state who you are, what value you bring, why you’re different from everyone else, and what you’re looking for.

An elevator pitch (or a brief answer to the question: “So, tell me about yourself”) might seem difficult to create, so I’m going to show you how to do it quickly and easily.

Here’s a template that you can use to draft your elevator pitch in order to represent yourself gracefully and professionally.

“My name is ______________, I’m from ___________ and currently am (working/ in school/looking for a job) at ________________. My field is _______________ and I specialize in _________________ (how you help people/ what you help solve for people).”

Be sure to vary your pitch to make it easy to understand who you are, the value that you bring, and what you’re looking for.

(hint: make sure you’re using a firm handshake!)

Now that you’ve mapped out your conference goals, researched the presenters and attendees, planned your day, organized your materials and perfected your elevator pitch, you’re ready to attend the conference! Here are a few tips to enhance your day:

AT THE CONFERENCE

TIP #1: ARRIVE EARLY TO  NETWORK

At the conference, great networking happens just before the speakers begin. This is true especially at lunch, so make sure to arrive early to your table so you can get to know the people you’re sitting with before the speakers begin.

(hint: If you’re attending in a group, you can maximize your networking by sitting separately—with people you’ve never met.)

TIP #2: TAKE GOOD NOTES

So often we listen to inspiring speeches and forget them within days! This conference is a big event with so much to take in, you’re not going to want to miss anything. So be sure to have a notebook and a few pens, and write down key information. Your speakers have been asked to make concise points and offer clear take-away messages. Listen for—and note—them. Later, you’ll have them to share with your group, or refer back to.

TIP #3: LISTEN CAREFULLY

Nobody likes to be “sold” to. Too many times, conference attendees and exhibitors practically pounce across the table to get a person’s attention. I realize that networking can be uncomfortable for many people, so here is a way to take the pressure off:

Listen carefully: If you can approach the conference with an attitude of “I’m going to find three people today that I can help,” you’ll find that your focus will be turned outward and you’ll find yourself doing all the right things, and asking all the right questions!

Remember that the conference is a great opportunity to open doors, and you want to make connections that you can later grow and add to.

If you want to follow up with someone after the conference,  be sure to note your follow- up plan on the back of their business card so you’ll remember it later.

(hint: you can use your elevator pitch to keep your story concise, which gives you more time to learn about the other person!)

TIP #4: TAKE A GREAT ATTITUDE!

This tip seems so obvious but I want to say it anyway. Your attitude and approach mean everything!

We all seem to walk around thinking that everyone else has it so together, except for us. But that’s just not true. Every woman has a story. And the women who attend this conference are all about finding answers, supporting one another, and giving back!

So put your best foot forward!

AFTER THE CONFERENCE

TIP #1: PLAN TIME FOR FOLLOWING UP

Unfortunately, most people attend networking events and then never bother to follow up. Stacks of cards sit on desks, and nothing happens!

Budgeting time to follow up after the conference is crucial, and here’s why:

I’m sure you’ve heard of the K-L-T factor: It means that people do business with people they Know, Like, and Trust.

Now that you’ve met so many amazing women, your  next step is to forge your bonds, and earn trust in the relationship. That’s where the follow-up comes in.

Block out at least three two-hour time slots that you’ll use to follow-up with your new contacts.

(hint: you can do this in many ways: You can arrange follow-up phone calls, information-trading emails, informational interviews or social media connections.)

You can also join the conference Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter groups to stay connected throughout the year!

OK now let’s do a quick review of easy things we can do to make the most of the conference:

• Before the conference: Set your goals; do your homework; plan your day; have your materials ready; and practice your elevator pitch
• At the conference: Remember to arrive early to network; take great notes; and listen carefully!
• After the conference: Remember to set aside planned time to follow up with your new contacts.

So be prepared to inspire, and to be inspired. Have fun, learn as much as you can, and make the most of it!

From the books, Power of Intention to The Secret, we have learned that we are able to manifest positivity within our lives. We are able to choose how something affects us, both negatively and positively. The glass half full versus the glass half empty is another perfect example of how the same glass can be viewed in two very different ways. People are either in a state of need or in a state of abundance. How we choose to allow something, positive or negative, into our lives is indeed our own choice. We can choose how something has an effect upon us.

There are simple steps we can take that may seem almost too simple to make a significant difference in our lives. But, if we take the time and commit to a few daily steps, we will see a difference. All too often, we forget to nurture the one person who matters the most: ourselves. We spend time nurturing and giving our energy away to so many people: family, friends, spouses, and jobs. We forget to replenish our own energy and well being. When we forget to take care of ourselves, we are not as healthy or happy as we could be. There is a balance everyone should strive to achieve, a perfect ebb and flow of energy that equals the right amount of give and take. Take the time to learn your balance and limits, and how to recharge and replenish yourself.

If you find this topic interesting, please visit Mary-Anne DiBlasio when she speaks in the Health & Wellness Center at the Women’s Leadership Conference, to find out how to live a more stress free life.

Mary-Anne DiBlasio is a Holistic Health Practitioner, Be Well Life Coach™ and Founder of Western Mass Wellness Center. Mary-Anne prides herself in walking her talk and talking her truth. She believes in empowering her clients to truly take care of themselves, to be accountable for their choices, and to acknowledge and move past their mistakes. In her breakout session she will share with you simple techniques that support change in one’s perspective and how to view and deal with stress in a more productive way. If you are someone who feels any stress in your daily life, this breakout session is for you.

Western Mass Wellness Center is located in West Springfield, MA
413-73B-WELL (732-9355) WesternMassWellness.com
BeWell@WesternMassWellness.com

Seeing as how we are in an election year, Caron noted that many of us are treating one another with excessive volatility due to the extreme issues that are being discussed. Because of this, she believes that the speakers that will be in attendance at this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference will once again be able to instill civility, kindness and compassion within ourselves.

Check out the two interview segments below for more details:

Segment 1

Segment 2

Returning to the workplace with fresh ideas and inspirational stories makes you a better team member and leader, which helps group flow and sets the stage for enhanced productivity.

2. Networking Value: This conference allows you to network and build relationships with professional women in the community who may have different backgrounds but share a common interest.

Many experts agree that the top benefit to attending conferences is networking value. After all, it is not what you know, but whom you know that really makes the difference. The opportunity to meet and interact with women who share a similar passion for leadership education, who may become your mentor or mentee, and with whom you can share ideas that will lead to new perspectives, is invaluable.

“What I enjoyed most was being around a community of strong empowering women with great messages.” –M. Rollins, 2011 WLC attendee

3. Increase Productivity: Stepping outside the confines of our normal work routine can help us re-focus and eliminate “cubicle rut.” A day spent in a new environment, surrounded by a community of professional, passionate people, will offer refreshing new perspectives. Sometimes all it takes is a break from the daily routine to encourage and invigorate your calling to the profession, re-inspire you, and fuel your motivation to complete projects with renewed vigor.

4. Benefit From Outside Experts: This is an opportunity to absorb a wide range of leadership advice from a panel of celebrated experts. Bringing the bigger picture into your daily routine can be challenging – unless it comes from a seasoned and well-respected figure, which is exactly what participants will experience all day long as they listen to experts on finances, professional interaction, and humanitarian leadership.

Conference speakers allow you to pull away from daily tasks, and to become more in tune with how their message applies to your professional and personal life. Gain tips and techniques to use going forward.

5. Get Inspired: The Women’s Leadership Conference inspires women in the community to be the best that they can be-both professionally and personally. This will be achieved through practical breakout sessions, award-winning speakers and speed coaching sessions.

“I use the conference every year as an opportunity to recharge and be inspired for the year to come. I can’t imagine anything different.” –A. Chapdelaine, 2011 WLC attendee

The article states that, “According to one group of German researchers, women who reported to female supervisors had higher cases of depression, headaches, heartburn and insomnia than if their bosses were men.”  Although the assumption has been that women will make more compassionate leaders, the reality has yet to play out that way.

Many of the female bosses I work with have had to fight their way through “good old boys” clubs, patronization, contempt and an overall hostile work environment for women leaders.  Many of these women responded to these environments by managing like men…or even tougher.  The article reports that, “The Queen Bee Syndrome is the alpha female who tries to preserve her power at all cost.”  Although I understand how women have gotten to this place, it is not at all the place where we want to stay.  Bringing more hardness into corporate America is the last thing I would like to see women doing.

Women, and the world, will benefit by women stepping in with a new kind of leadership.  I challenge female leaders to think differently from ever before.  Dare to step out from the old “power-over” paradigm and into a new paradigm that models a calm strength, a grounded presence and a collaborative spirit that mentors rather than shames those working under us.  When we are grounded in our own strength, we will no longer feel the need to grind others into the ground to show that we are on top.  When we believe in ourselves, we will not be shaken by the success of other females around us—we will celebrate it.

Below are a few tips for female leaders to keep in mind:

1. Watch the tone.  Just because someone makes a mistake does not mean you have the right to talk down to them, shame them or snap at them.  Treat all of your employees with respect at all times.
2. Be a mentor, not a drill sergeant. Take the time to show them how to think, create and implement new ideas.  Don’t just give orders.  Being punitive is the quickest way to create an angry, resentful employee.  Be sure you teach them, not punish them.
3. Listen to their voices. The absolute best way to instill loyalty from your employees is through positive treatment.  If your employees feel you have their backs, they will have yours.  Trust me!  Listen to their ideas, encourage creative thinking and create an environment where your door is always open.  Do not shut them down, either in a meeting or one on one.  Do not allow anyone else on your team to shut your employees down either.
4. Remember and own your humanity. If you screw up—own it.  Acknowledge your mistakes with humility and grace.  This is excellent role modeling and will create a more compassionate work environment.  If your employees say they don’t like something you did—listen to their feedback.  Their feedback is a gift to your leadership; have the courage to take it in.
5. Get centered. Remember that your inherent worth is equal to every other human being’s worth.  Do not try to prove yourself to those in higher positions than you or to those in lower positions.  Be confident in who you are and refuse to squash anyone along your journey to the top (including yourself).

Being a leader is a gift.  It is an opportunity to create change on a larger level.  Take the time to think about the type of change you want to create.  Don’t just follow the status quo—that’s not being a leader.  As a woman, dare to step out and be a new type of leader.  We need more powerful, relational leaders than ever before.  Have the courage to start a new paradigm shift in leadership that builds people up rather than tears them down.  Start the ripple of change by daring to step out of old constraints.

Challenge: Take a long, hard look at your leadership style and ask yourself if you would want to work for you.  If the answer is no — or you struggle with your employees — it’s time to shift your leadership mindset.  Mentor, don’t shame; build up, don’t tear down; lead, don’t bully.