“It's All About You” Gets Giggles!

Forty GWTK and guests escaped the endless bad economic news cycle to North Andover Country Club on November 5 for an evening of relaxed socializing, great food and wine, and to learn about each other and the power of self promotion.

Claire McCarthy, former editor of Northshore Magazine, and workshop leader, told a humorous, fascinating, and ironic story of turning an idea (that came to her in the shower) into a unique business proposition. A carefully crafted press release targeted to Valentine's Day romantics led to multiple media mentions, and suddenly she became New England Bride Magazine's subject matter expert on finances in the first year of marriage. Claire noted, to the amusement of all, that, "I've never been married and I have never balanced my checkbook." Nonetheless, the key learning was more about the power of third party endorsement.

She then directed the group to interview a Great Women they did NOT know, and to share that person's story with the group. Interviewees noted that their story told from another's perspective had new and powerful insights that will be confidence-building and useful as they frame their own professional futures.

Lori Flora, a guest, former media professional and current stay-at-home mother, said, "It was so great to sit between another stay-at-home Mom, and a working Mom and to learn about their lives and share my own. I am going to go to the next Esperanza Coffee, so I can learn about the school and meet the girls. The idea of giving of both my time and wallet to these girls and having a social network all together seems perfect!"