Southern Jewelry News

WJA’S 5th annual “Women in the Know” Conference focuses on communication and empowerment

11:52

May

2008

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Over two hundred women flocked to FIT on Friday, March 7 to attend the much anticipated Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) fifth annual “Women in the Know” Conference (WITK.)

Over two hundred women flocked to FIT on Friday, March 7 to attend the much anticipated Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) fifth annual “Women in the Know” Conference (WITK.) The one day conference featured a number of motivational speakers and educational seminars where industry women (and a few brave men) were empowered by lessons of communication, leadership, and the great value of listening, said Conference Chair Fran Pennella, director of marketing and public relations for Maurice Lacroix.

David Yurman, Jewelers Mutual Insurance, and Platinum Guild International sponsored the 2008 event. “WITK sponsors allow us an opportunity to bring together women of all ages and levels of experience together in one place to learn from one another and provides tools to become strong and more successful,” said WJA President Yancy Weinrich, industry vice president of Luxury by JCK.

“‘Women in the Know’ gets better every year. I’ve returned to work with so much drive and energy,” said Gena Alulis, CEO, Superfit, Inc. “So many women would think nothing of spending $500 for a spa weekend. It seems at least equally important to budget for the restoration of one’s career passions and dreams at an excellent event like this.”

Susan Jacques, CEO/President of Borsheims Fine Jewelry kicked off the conference with a keynote address, “From the Counter to the Corner Office.” Jacques contributes her success in part to believing in her strengths and finding great people to help her with her weaknesses. Jacques, a mother of three, believes in a balanced life. She moved from her native Africa to attend GIA. After graduating, and a stint as a diamond grader, she took a chance and took a salesperson job at Borsheims Fine Jewelry. That chance paid off. Success does not always come easy, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and believe in yourself, noted Jacques.
In addition to Susan Jacques, the conference’s general session included:

Gail Blanke, president and CEO of Lifedesigns, who addressed “Owning Your Power” by identifying and eliminating issues of self-doubt and insecurity. Blanke provided personal coaching tips including the tip that “failures can be defining moments, because they remind you of how strong you can be and how you can survive.”
Debbie Goldstein, managing director of Triad Consulting, presented “Negotiating Effectively: How to Get What You Want Without Pounding the Table (or the Other Person!).” Goldstein stressed the importance of listening in successful negotiations. Often the internal voice in our heads is not allowing us to fully listen, says Goldstein. Fight the urge to want to win every battle. Once you find out the true interest of the person you are speaking to you, you can then negotiate effectively.

Bryan Dodge, president of Dodge Development, Inc., presented “How to Build a Better You.” Dodge, taught a stair-step method of how top producers and managers keep on the cutting edge and always accomplish so much.

Conference attendees also benefited from the following breakout sessions:
Cindy Edelstein, owner of JewelersResource.com, led a packed room through the “Tips and Tricks for Running A Successful Designer Business.” Edelstein stressed the importance of marketing your business while staying true to your self.

Amanda Gizzi, Associate Director for Public Relations of Jewelry Information Center, taught her session on “Maximizing Media Exposure: Preparing You and Your Business for Media Success.” Gizzi delivered a public relations crash course including valuable pitching tips and building successful press kits.

Jane Pollack, a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, shared tips from her book “Soul Proprietor: 101 Lessons from a Lifestyle Entrepreneur” on how she built an unlikely business out of her passion for painting decorative eggs.

Bailey Beeken, Group Vice-President for National Jeweler Network presented “How to Use Both Genders’ Strengths to Communicate Successfully and Lead a Team.”

Douglas Gollan, Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of Elite Traveler delivered “Marketing to the Three Faces of Luxury: Unlocking Sales to the Super Rich” to a group of wide-eyed attendees. Gollan uncovered the three faces of the super rich, which include the trendsetters, winners, and connoisseurs.

An afternoon panel discussion featuring four of WJA’s Hall of Fame Award recipients from the past 25 years provided their life lessons on communicating, leadership, and tips to “becoming your best self.” The panelists included Peggy Kirby, Retired – Vice President, Advertising & PR for Finlay Fine Jewelry and Founding Member of WJA; Katherine Kimmel, Vice President and CMO of Gemological Institute of America; Laurie Hudson, Co-Founder & Partner, Luxury Brand Group; Anna Martin, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager of ABN AMRO International, Diamond and Jewelry Group. Ann Arnold, Chief Financial Officer/Vice President for Lieberfarb, Inc. and former president of WJA, moderated the panel.
For more information about WJA, call 708-361-6000 or visit www.womensjewelry.org.