100 Women in Hedge Funds

I attended a wonderful event for women the other evening. The weather was awful (a literal blizzard). I considered bagging it, but very glad I persevered. I met a terrific group of women at The 100 Women In Hedge Funds (www.100womeninhedgefunds.org ). The topic, delivered in panel format:
Communicating Powerfully For Women. About 65 women attended, open wine bar, and heard some very successful women in a relatively male-dominated arena share their success secrets for how to present themselves powerfully.

Here's what I got: speak directly, speak professionally vs. emotionally (even though men are emotional themselves and don't realize it), advocate for yourself, and have female mentors who have paved the way before you.

I also realized that while women enjoyed this event, they were eager for more time on the subject, and wanted more personalized information.

Check out the web site for upcoming educational events. The events are free, but you must rsvp. And they close out quickly! so act fast.

How Women Network Differently

Sitting with two wonderful female colleagues at lunch recently presenced for me how differently women network.

I had introduced these two women because I had a sense that they definitely could do business together, but I also thought they would like each other. I am not sure men think of whether two men they bring together will find each other appealing. The bond is about the business. With women it's about the BOND and the business.

We sat down to lunch and one of the women immediately commented on the other woman's earrings. She loved them and needed a pair just like these for an important occasion. They launched into a half-hour conversation about jewelry, clothing, shopping, where they each grew up, family, children.

Then they got down to business.

I just smiled and enjoyed.

They have since made a shopping date. And oh yes, they have referred business to each other.