NAFE Enewsletter

Valentine’s Day is Wednesday, February 14th - easily express what’s in your heart when you shop at 1-800-flowers.com. You’ll discover the freshest flowers, gourmet gift baskets, delicious treats and more stunning selections to romance your sweetheart and surprise everyone you love.

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Place your order today and use Promotion Code NAFE to save 15%.

“Don’t wait for someone to lead. You are the leader you have been waiting for - women are the leaders we’ve all been waiting for.”

NAFE Conference keynote speaker Rosario Marin, former U.S. Treasurer, current California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency

The NAFE 35th Anniversary Conference (January 24-26) at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel was a huge success. Were you there? This is just a sample of the comments we received about the event:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the conference.... it's all about the ‘experience’ for me.”
Brenda S.T. - Halifax, Canada

“Loved the conference - it was terrific."
Yve Golan - Houston, TX“

I would NEVER in my life have a chance to meet so many great professional & warm-hearted folks - all in one place!!”
Phyllis Chestang - Pasadena, CA

“Great speakers, great networking, great chocolate!”
Jackie Tocci - New York, NY

“From the caliber of the panelists, to the exceptional line-up of corporate sponsorships and partners, to the amazing lunches and receptions so elegantly presented as only the Ritz-Carlton can do -- this [event] was, hands-down, light-years ahead of other organizations I'm familiar with.”
Judi Fouladi - Orange County, CA

“I came back so jazzed and energized by all my new contacts and connections. I'm even signing a lease on a ‘real office’ today as a result of my motivation… .”
Patricia Burgess - Fallbrook, CA

“[W]hat a phenomenal event… fantastic venue, delectable food, readily flowing networking, and on and on. “
Paula Constantino - Annapolis, MD

“I am inspired and transformed by the kindness and dedication of so many powerful women willing to help each other.”
Esther Denn - Aliso Viejo, CA

Working Mother’s Women of Color Town Hall - Los Angeles. Working Mother Media’s 3rd Annual Best Companies for Women of Color Multicultural Town Hall is heading to Los Angeles on February 28th. The topic for Year Three will be Trust: A Business and Cultural Imperative. Top-level executive multicultural women from the L.A. area are invited to become a part of this international initiative that openly discusses how trust is crucial to the success of a multicultural workforce. Asian-American, Black/African-American, Latina, Native American, Multiracial and Caucasian women join forces for a rare occasion to talk about race and ethnicity in a safe, enlightened environment. NAFE members save 20% (register by phone: 866-734-9661).

Your Concerns Matter! Participate in a Survey on Women’s Issues so that your voice gets heard in Washington, where it can make a difference! The survey conducted by NAFE partner Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) seeks to know your priorities so they can represent our issues in the halls of Washington where laws and policy get made. WIPP is a national bipartisan public policy organization that advocates for and on behalf of women in business, strengthening their sphere of influence in the legislative process of our nation; all NAFE members are also members of WIPP. Your participation allows WIPP to speak authoritatively on your behalf with members of Congress, key officials in the White House, and renowned national reporters. Take time now to complete this important survey - deadline is February 5, 2007.

NAFE Discount to New Broadway Hit. Long-time Broadway producer and loyal NAFE member Judy Abrams has another hit on her hands. Spring Awakening is being hailed as the next big musical. Based on a play from the 1800s, the story is nevertheless timeless with its themes of student-teacher and child-parent conflicts, young love, even teen suicide. And the music really rocks! NAFE members get a 10% discount on orchestra seats and Mezzanine A-D if they use the following code: SAGENAR. Tickets MUST be purchased by 3/4/07; offer is valid through 4/8/07.

Call for Auction Donations. On March 28, 2007 at the NAFE Top 30 Companies for Executive Women Gala Awards Luncheon at Cipriani in New York City, a Silent Auction will benefit The Women’s Alliance, a national organization of independent community-based members who provide professional attire, career skills training and related services to low-income women seeking employment. If you would like to help a great cause - and promote your business at the same time - contact Nicole Wild, Executive Director of The Women’s Alliance. Nicole is also a NAFE Regional Coordinator: nicole@thewomensalliance.org, 305-762-6400.

2007 NAFE Membership Directory. In February, this project begins the phone verification phase. Harris Connect, the directory publisher, will send e-mail and postcard requests for information updates and provide a toll-free number for you to call to confirm that you want to be included and that your listing is correct. They will also invite you to purchase a directory. In March, Harris representatives will call those members who have not responded. So whether you choose to buy a directory or not, please respond to Harris. The directory will only be available to NAFE members.

WomenLead 2007. If ever there was a time for women to lead, that time is now and the leader is you. This is the theme of WomenLead 2007, an exciting, high-energy one-day conference and cocktail reception being held on May 8, 2007 in Los Angeles with this country’s bestselling business authors: Dr. Lois Frankel (Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office), Dr. Kathleen Kelly Reardon (It’s All Politics), Fortune magazine columnist Anne Fisher, Barbara Stanny (Secrets of Six Figure Women) and Carol Frohlinger (Her Place at the Table). For more information, visit the website. Use the promo code “NAFE” for a discounted registration fee.

2007 National Forum on Women in Executive Leadership. The American Strategic Management Institute (ASMI) invites you to hear NAFE President Dr. Betty Spence speak at the 2007 National Forum on Women in Executive Leadership (Arlington, VA; April 12-13). Dr. Spence will be a keynoter on Day Two of the event, providing insight on women's leadership in the private and public sectors. Other topics to be discussed include worklife balance, managing conflict through negotiation, leading through vision, creating a powerful brand, establishing a mentoring program and much more. All NAFE members receive 20% off tuition. Visit the website or call 703-894-0481 to learn more or to register.

Women For Hire Career Expos. Meet top employers in the fields of accounting, aerospace, consulting, education, engineering, finance, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality, human resources, insurance, law enforcement, pharmaceuticals, retail management, sales, or technology! Entry level to experienced professional positions available. Free admission for professional women. Resumes and business attire required. Free resume critiquing and exceptional seminars. Be sure to sign up for the Early Morning Seminars before each event to meet Women For Hire CEO and ABC’s Good Morning America’s Workplace Contributor, Tory Johnson. Dates & locations: New York-Feb. 27; Washington DC-March 6; Chicago-March 13; St. Louis-March 15; Dallas-March 29; Tampa-Apr. 3; Atlanta-Apr. 5; Los Angeles-Apr. 10; Boston-Apr. 17.

Fellowship Program - MBADiversity. MBADiversity, a NAFE associate partner, began as a grassroots movement in 2003 and has since evolved into a 501(c)(3) inclusive MBA prep program and professional membership organization. Click here to get information about the organization and their popular fellowship program, which includes GMAT prep and scholarships. Application deadline: April 15, 2007 (summer program).

Five Tips for Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Two different job functions-“line” and “staff”-exist at America’s companies, and which one you’re in determines how far you’ll go at your company. Line positions (bottom line) are revenue-generating, with profit-and-loss responsibility, and include jobs in sales or in operations where you’re running something. You need this experience to move to top management. Staff jobs-like human resources, communications, finance, legal, and strategy-support the work of people with line jobs. If you are a manager in a staff area, you will not learn the skills of revenue generation essential to making it to top management. Betty Spence, Ph.D., president of NAFE and author of Be Your Own Mentor offers tips on getting your career on track.

1. Think sales. A job in sales at a corporation offers the perfect starting point for a career leading to senior leadership. Sales jobs give you experience in bringing in revenue, and once you’re good at that, you could vie for a chance at sales management and move up from there. More CEOs started in sales than in any other jobs.

2. Beware moving from line to staff jobs. Women too often experience “negative mentoring” keeping them from the pipeline to the top, as for example, being told you’re a “people” person perfect for Communications or HR. It’s tough to move from staff back to a line position, especially for women, so if you want to take it, talk about next steps so you see the way back. (When looking at any job, think two jobs out: what’s the most likely next assignment, and the one after that, and is that where you’ll want to be?)

3. That said, planned functional rotation between line and staff gives you breadth of experience. Does your company offer a formal rotation program through both line and staff jobs to prepare you for senior management? If not, talk to HR and your boss about your desire for a planned, balanced, and strategic path. If no such program exists and you’re in a staff job, talk about opportunities for lateral movement into a P&L position, although I don’t ever advise a pay cut.

4. Ask about formal training in managing the P&L. If your company doesn’t offer courses, maybe they’ll send you for this training.

5. You are responsible for your own career. Sometimes you may feel the company’s forgotten all about you, so take charge and learn about opportunities. Are jobs posted? How are high potentials identified, and can you get yourself included? Learn about the path for your desired career: it’s up to you to get on and stay on the track you want.

Sheri McConnell, President and Founder of the National Assn of Women Writers, just opened early registration for the 2nd Annual Writer’s Tele-Summit. Eight top experts in the writing and business industries have been scheduled to speak in the areas of writing, publishing, and marketing. Details can be found at www.nawwtelesummit.com.

Business and life coach Nina Cherry invites fellow NAFE members to a Women’s Renewal Retreat (March 29-April 4) on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui. Recharge your personal and professional life with this unforgettable Vacation With A Purpose. For more information, contact Nina: 808-572-1222, nina@ninacherry.com.

Boulder, CO
February 12, 2007
The Women's Business Link (a local NAFE affiliate) debuts BoulderMAC - everything their Monday Afternoon Club events have always offered, now available up north. BoulderMAC will meet the second Monday of every month (5:00-7:00 PM), offering many opportunities for you to share with other dynamic women in the community. Come unwind and enjoy cocktails/appetizers, networking, insightful speakers, great door prizes, and more! Cost: $20. Please read the article in their January Hotlink magazine titled "From Black and White to Full Bloom" to learn more: www.womensbusinesslink.org.

New York, NY
February 16, 2007
Did you know that heart disease kills more women than any other disease and that you may be at risk and not know it? In just 15 minutes, you can find out how healthy your heart is by attending the National Woman’s Heart Day® Health Fair (7:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Madison Square Garden). You’ll get a free heart screening and learn lots of tips on starting a heart-healthy lifestyle. For more information, go to www.womansheartday.org/newyork or call 914-967-0097

New York, NY
February 21, 2007
PWICA (Professional Women in Corporate America), a local NAFE affiliate, presents: Crack The Code of Your Leadership Style: Define It, Own It and Put It To Work with speaker Shoya Zichy on Wednesday, Feb. 21st. Understanding the strengths and potential blind spots of your "signature" style is a powerful catalyst for leading and influencing others. In this session, you will take an assessment and learn to develop a style that gets results, creates high functioning teams and enhances your career success and satisfaction. Location: Pace University, 1 Pace Plaza, Manhattan Campus, Schimmel Lobby. Time: 6:30-8:00 PM. Free for PWICA Members, $5 for NAFE members to join PWICA. To RSVP, contact Dr. Barry Miller: bmiller@pace.edu.

New York, NY
February 27, 2007
Women for Hire Career Expos run from February 27-April 17 in nine cities across the USA. Come and meet 50+ top employers. Free admission; register onsite. Resume and business attire required for admittance. Free resume critiquing. Open to current college students, four-year college degree or those with equivalent professional experience. Want an extra networking opportunity? Register today for the Early Morning Seminar (8:30-10:00 AM, $15).

Marina Del Rey, CA
April 28, 2007
For You networks will hold their 3rd Annual Spring Fling, Luncheon, Fashion Show, Silent Auction, Entertainment and Vendor display. The event will take place on April 28th at the Harbor House Restaurant, 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Robbie Motter, founder of the For You networks and NAFE Regional Coordinator, says, “Bring lots of cards and literature as we will have a place for everyone to put their business information and have allowed time for networking as well. The event is open to all NAFE members and guests. Cost: $35.00 per person (member) or $50.00 for two (member); $45.00 for guests. For more information and location, contact Robbie Motter.

Log onto the NAFE website (use your last name and NAFE member number) to view our ever-expanding Calendar of Events for opportunities around the country. The new Search function makes the Calendar even more useful and accessible.
Use the Event Submission Form online to let us know about events in your area. Events submitted for the website will also be considered for the NAFE E-Newsletter - twice the exposure for one listing!