Update and more ideas please for my Lean In event

[Deleted]

About a month ago I posted about the main Lean In organization contacting my local group about helping Lean In spread across the state. They've given us a small budget and my group is underway planning the event.

We have a rough idea in mind of what we want the event to be like, but since we're still in the early planning stages I'd like to bounce some ideas off of you guys. Basically, how can we make this event awesome?

Our rough agenda is a luncheon with a keynote speaker, and then breakout groups and/or round table discussions on various themes. Lunch will be a decent buffet (some hot entree options). We may need to ask attendees to pay $10-15 to attend, which would basically cover their meal. My company is hosting the event, so we have access to a cafe space, conference rooms, etc.

The keynote speaker will speak on something inspirational (duh). We're still waiting on confirmation from our top choice speaker, so we won't know the exact topic until we nail someone down.

A woman from a Lean In group out of state is flying in to speak about how to moderate/lead groups, which could apply to leading/creating new Lean In circles, or could just apply to leadership in general.

We're also inviting a local photographer to photograph the event, as well as set up an area for attendees to have professional head shots taken, since so few women have them. Anyone wanting a head shot would pay separately for that, unless the photographer agrees to do it for free (she may).

Breakout groups and/or round table discussions would be conducted by any attendees who step forward within the next couple days. Sample topics we've discussed are building confidence, emotional intelligence, and cover letter/resume tips.

Here's my main question: how can we make this event awesome? How can we make this something that women from across the state would want to attend, and get something meaningful out of while they're here?

Also, if anyone's in Michigan, feel free to PM me for details! We're opening this up to the public.

[chia]

IMO, the topics you listed are pretty basic - and, are sort of aimed mainly at a younger/early career demographic?

Maybe think about finding a couple topics that are more "Lean In 2.0"? For someone who feels they're already navigating the workplace pretty well, and aren't looking for a job. Goal setting; How to be an effective Mentor in your organization; Polishing your professional image; effective facilitation skills; Coalition building.... stuff like that, maybe?

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[daisyn]

I'd suggest Lean In success stories as a topic, also mentorship
I have a pretty decent success story from applying something I read in the book I've been meaning to post here

[lolo]

Have delicious snacks and a fun gift bag.

It's the small things.

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2016 23:21:36 GMT -5 chia said:

IMO, the topics you listed are pretty basic - and, are sort of aimed mainly at a younger/early career demographic?

Maybe think about finding a couple topics that are more "Lean In 2.0"? For someone who feels they're already navigating the workplace pretty well, and aren't looking for a job. Goal setting; How to be an effective Mentor in your organization; Polishing your professional image; effective facilitation skills; Coalition building.... stuff like that, maybe?

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I agree about topics being a bit basic. This is what people have mentioned volunteering to lead discussions on, but I would like to get some 2.0 topics in there as well.

[lolo]

One other topic idea--negotiation, especially asking for salary increases and raises.

[sfy]

Love the headshot idea. Maybe have a portion set aside for meet and greet/networking? It sounds like a great event, I think the key will be getting the word out. Maybe offer something to people who refer/bring with a guest? Something small, maybe an entry into a raffle for a free headshot or something similar. I agree that once you have the big things down--and it sounds like you do--it tends to be the small things that leave people like, "Wow, how cool was that?"

[winnied]

Sounds cool! I wish I still lived in MI.

Topic ideas:

1) Managing Your Brand
2) Effective and confident communication - women frequently put qualifiers in their speech making them appear unknowledgable about the subject

This is an unpopular opinion but I think women spend too much time focusing on mentorship, emotional intelligence, etc. These are the things we are naturally good at. Women should build the skill sets that will a) set them apart from their peers and b) make them more competitive among their male colleagues. I'll try to track it down but I read a piece online recently pointing this out and I agreed with several of the points.

Things that could make the event more enjoyable are hand outs or methods to take notes so they can retain the information discussed at the event. They'll need a way to look back on the experience 6 months from now and remember or review that they took away from it.

This would also take a lot of work but it would be great to have a way to have people connect quickly with potential mentors. Maybe a resume book, or encourage women to bring their resumes, etc? Some way for them to not be limited to the handful of women they'll get to speak with directly, when maybe their best potential mentor was just at the next table over. KWIM?

[konapoppy]

Networking is a great way these women can help each other succeed. I would have more targeted networking activities added. I love the headshot idea!

[tcu2003]

I love the headshot idea, and like the additional suggested 2.0 topics.

Do you have sponsors? If so, are they also willing to donate swag? Swag bags are always fun - can be simple like pens, post-it's, etc with company logos, or even maybe someone donates a bigger item you could raffle off to an attendee.

[Deleted]

I have a slightly different take - here's my two cents:

Since the goal is to begin to engage a wider network in Michigan Lean In circles (love it!) I'd pick the segment of the professional market and run hard at that - versus having a smattering of topics that run across entry-level and more senior topics.

My take would be to run at those employees that have fewer than 7 years professional experience. They are more likely to be unmarried, recent(ish) graduates, and less likely to have kids yet - meaning more time to devote to attending and engaging in a Lean In circle, and therefore helping you achieve your goal faster.

And, I have a slightly different view on goodie bags - only do them if they are going to be high quality. Otherwise, see if you can get copies of excellent books - much more substantial of a give-away. Lean In, Confidence Code, etc.

This is so fantastic and I'd love to hear any lessons learned!

(ETA: bolding on "more likely" above & also this point below...)

One other observation I'd note - one of the things that I've consistently heard from the mid-career (10-15 years) / senior executive (15+ years / VP / C-level) women & men that we serve in our employee diversity group efforts is that they appreciate is getting the chance to expand their network among peers.  Many times, they are asked to (1) speak on panels (2) serve as mentors / sponsors (3) provide access to their network...so it is refreshing for them (and more rare) when they are among more senior peers.  I could see them being turned off if they join and the event is very mixed - they will get a lot of requests from more junior folks, and less value for themselves, and you might lose that segment's attention.  #Overinvested

[Deleted]

@246baje, I think the Lean In strategy has wide appeal across the career lifecycle - my point was simply if the current goal is spreading the love to create more circles (that was my interpretation, admittedly), I would first go after the segment of the market that has the most discretionary time and target them aggressively to start - given limited capacity / resources, etc.

Mid-career professionals (say, 10-15 years) feel like they might need a different approach. I may be bringing too much of my metro D.C. bias, as well. There are so many events in this area, that to stand out for the 10-15 year in crowd, it really needs to be laser focused, so adding in a few sessions wouldn't necessarily draw that segment as effectively.

Thank you for adding your view, because I don't want my perspective to be that Lean In only works for rising talent! I have benefited a **ton** from the perspectives in the book and associated resources, and am smack in the mid-career segment.