Helping Women Get Back to Business
Featured Guest Blogger October 1st, 2008
Today’s guest blogger is Susan Maritan of Back to Business. Please note that the views of our guest bloggers do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sloan Work and Family Research Network.
On September 18th, as the attendees entered the three-story glass vestibule and rode the escalator up to the Back to Business event, they couldn’t help but wonder if this conference really was going to be all that they claimed.
The invitation to “What You Need to Succeed – the Un-Conference” said that it was going to be a “groundbreaking, how-to workshop for women– different than any other women’s conference you’ve ever attended”. The venue, the spectacular Gillette Stadium at Patriot Place, which exudes enthusiasm and a winning spirit, certainly supported this message from the start.
At the top of the escalator the women were greeted by a space that breathed energy and excitement. Exhibitor tables were set up around the perimeter of the room. Each of the companies had representatives who were on-site to network with and interview the women attendees. The women buzzed from one table to the next, networking and learning about job opportunities.
Linda Waters, CEO and founder of Back to Business opened the conference with powerful, confidence-building remarks. She told the women, “This conference is all about you. Our intent is to educate and inspire you by giving you real world, practical advice from business people who know. So, whether you’re a former stay-at-home mom, looking to make a career change, or interested in entrepreneurship, we have experts here to provide answers. We all want you to be able to leave here and pursue your career plans with confidence.”
Foregoing speeches and presentations, the “Un-Conference” was divided into two interactive workshop tracks. The attendees could pick and choose which workshop to attend based on their interests. One track of the agenda focused on preparing women for returning to work and career transition. The other was targeted towards women considering their own businesses. It was designed to help them understand the options and gain valuable information in one place.
The sessions were well attended, and the speakers and panelists, which included CEOs, business owners, recruiters, attorneys and human resource professionals, were well-prepared with clear messages and insights. They were dynamic and brought about lively discussions.
For example, Jean DiGiovanna, Principal and Founder of Workshop University, kicked off the conference with a training session on networking. She encouraged the women, to be curious when networking with another person. She suggested that they listen intently and learn about the other person and their needs. “Put your own intentions on the back burner,” she told the women. “Listen carefully and think about how you could help them. Then when it’s your turn, they will do the same for you.” After teaching this tip she had the women practice this skill on each other.
Likewise, in the interviewing skills workshop, Michael Neece, Chief Strategy Officer at Pongo Resume, reminded the women to ask questions throughout their job interview. “Would you rather attend an interview or an interrogation?” he asked the women with a knowing chuckle. “Asking clarifying questions throughout helps to eliminate the sense of an interrogation. Furthermore,” he added, “this tactic helps the interviewee ensure that his or her key messages are understood.” After teaching each of his points, Mr. Neece also had the women practice these new skills.
Although one does not attend a conference for the food, attendees truly enjoyed the gourmet lunch. This noontime break also provided the women with the opportunity to practice their networking and interviewing skills. There was an actual “hum” as the women exchanged business cards and made great business connections.
“Women in this demographic have so much to offer,” said a smiling Ms. Waters at the end of the conference. “They’re hardworking, mature, smart, and committed. HR professionals and hiring managers know this, and they are looking for our demographic. We just need a little polishing and a little confidence.”
Ms. Waters founded Back to Business LLC in 2007 after meeting dozens of women who wanted to either return to work or make a career change, but found themselves “stuck” and unable to make the career moves they desired. After conducting a year of research, she created a company that provides a full range of services. She offers women career exploration and coaching, skill and self-assessments, professional image development, resume critiquing, and interview preparation.
