Women have issues ”“ challenges with work, juggling multiple schedules, finding the right work/life balance ”“ and are looking outside traditional networking events to talk without the stress of drumming up business.
Susan Ragusa, founder of Cause and Event in Rhinebeck, has organized just such a group, which she hopes will become a fusion of networking and a therapeutic exchange of information. Women In Transition met for the first time at Pamela”™s on the Hudson in Newburgh on Thursday evening, May 15.
Jacqueline Peros, owner of JMP Image and Style Consulting, came up from New York City to give a presentation on putting your best foot forward while looking for a job ”“ a topic that sparked a heated discussion about shoes. While it may be trendy ”“ practically an unwritten rule ”“ that working in Manhattan requires wearing high heels at all times, in the Hudson Valley, women don”™t see why a Jimmy Choo or Payless shoe should make a difference.
And while the devil may wear Prada (and have no problems affording it), designer tags are rarely seen at Hudson Valley functions, where styles lean more toward “casual Friday” than “meetings on Monday.”
Peros told her small-but-energetic group of listeners that workplace dress codes are trending back toward conservative clothing and the fact that “casual Fridays started to happen five days a week” is something businesses are trying to get away from, not gravitate toward. While sandals may not cause a scandal if you”™re applying for a job at the local art festival, don”™t expect it to go over very well with the HR manager at a national bank or advertising agency.
“This was definitely meant to be a forum where women could talk and not worry about being quoted,” said one divorce attorney, who said she wanted to meet people outside the traditional network setting. “Most of the women here have just started their own business for either personal or economic reasons, and they need a place to share concerns without having to see what”™s on the agenda or who”™s got an agenda.”
Peros”™ 15-minute presentation about dressing for success led to 45 minutes of women talking to women about everyday matters, something most felt was definitely lacking in their business lives. “There”™s no time,” said one new business owner. Nearly two-thirds of the women in attendance were entrepreneurs, either by choice or to keep bringing home the bacon; chamber membership was something that was not on the budget for most.
“I loved it,” said city of Newburgh resident Susan Valentine, who works in corporate America. “I think it was good. The first meeting was small and informal and most of the women just started talking about the challenges of working from home, trying to juggle family schedules their new businesses or how they are coping with becoming single parents when other couples are out celebrating their 30th anniversaries. It was definitely out of the ordinary, but more importantly, I had fun!”
Ragusa, who has organized Swap Frocks ”“ a woman”™s business clothing exchange ”“ with Peros in Beacon and Marlboro, is looking to create a niche for women to talk about their challenges, whether it is in business or dealing with divorce lawyers (two were in the room) and how to stay focused despite the chaos of the economy and the demands of pleasing a shrinking customer base.
WIT has no membership charges and will meet once a month as it grows and goes with the flow. A $20 donation includes hors d”™ouvres and a raffle ticket for a small gift. Proceeds benefit the Grace Smith House in Poughkeepsie, which helps victims of domestic violence. To find out where WIT will gather next month, contact Susan Ragusa at susan@causeevent.com
