Judy's Thoughts

Improve Your Networking Skills

Judy Chapman

The Garden State Woman Education Foundation (GSWEF) has developed a novel approach to breaking down resistence to networking. Hosted by Judy Chapman, Founder of Garden State Woman, veteran networker Jack Killion shared tips on how he approaches networking. The workshop was held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.

The purpose of the workshop, attended by corporate as well as individual business people, was to stimulate the thinking of the participants on innovative ways to use networking opportunities to enhance their professional as well as private lives. The two hour morning session was the latest education program offered by the GSWEF. Participants were invited to send in their expectations for the event beforehand. The interactive program was tailored for the attendees which included a job seeking MBA graduate; one of the scholarship recipients from Garden State Women; as well as a variety of others with specific goals and objectives.

Comments from the group: ...take a chance, you never know...if you don't plan it, it won't happen...be open to new opportunities...get out of your comfort zone...don't be afraid of cold calls...always follow up...how can I help you.

To arrange a presentation for your organization, contact Judy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 908-8797143

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2011 Governor's Conference

Judy Chapman

Former Governor Christine Todd Whitman was in attendance last week at the 2011 Governor's Conference which she created along with the input of Jeannine LaRue. I attended that first conference (one of 100) which was held at Skylands in Randolph. This year the conference attracted 1400 and was held in the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Breakfast speaker Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno challenged women to not be afraid to wear pink and high heels. Dressed in a muted pink suit which she modeled for the crowd, she shared the story of being told - when elected sheriff of Monmouth County - "they" did not want their sheriff to wear pink or to wear high heels. Incidently she was the first woman in the country to be elected sherrif. She admitted that she did not then, but in her current role as the first Lt. Governor, she does wear pink and high heels.

The luncheon speaker, Star Jones, who grew up in the projects in New Jersey, was introduced by Lori Grifa, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. Sharing a personal connection with the TV Personality, Host, Author and former Prosecutor Star Jones, Ms. Grifa assured the group that this event would provide educational workshops, motivational stories and networking opportunities.

The importance of networking as a tool for growing a business and expanding your personal growth was stressed throughout the day. With this in mind I invite you to sign up for the Garden State Woman Networking Workshop on Friday, May 20, 2011 from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. Sign up at www.gswoman.com

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Improve Your Networking Skills

2011 Governor's Conference

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