The Networking Behind Your Net Worth

By Michele N. Siekerka, NJBIA President and CEO On Aug 30, 2023

When it comes to business networking, renowned professor and author Brené Brown probably said it best: “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

As we approach the 9th Annual New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum, powered by NJBIA, I think fondly about the thousands of women who have taken that big first step to network themselves, establish important connections, and return year-after-year to WBLF to expand their networks.

Recognizing the importance of building a professional network with people who can make a difference in your career, this year’s WBLF – held on Sept. 27-28 at Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott – will include a panel discussion called “Secrets and Benefits to Building a Strong Network.”

Our panelists are a formidable who’s who of top New Jersey executives including Mary Baker, CEO of Baker Tax and Accounting Services; Cynthia Hetherington, founder of Hetherington Group, Jackie Lue Raia, president of ALEXENA Consulting, LLC, and Judy Sailer, director of Learning & Development at Primepoint HRMS. They will discuss strategies for making and maintaining meaningful professional connections, both online and in-person, to successfully grow businesses and advance careers.

Of course, there will be tons of programming to talk about with your new contacts. The two-day event includes executive TED-style talks, multiple breakout sessions led by expert panelists, one-on-one coaching, help with building résumés, LinkedIn makeovers, and numerous networking opportunities to help women advance at every stage of their career.

All these tools and platforms to provide professional growth serve the WBLF’s mission to help women at any stage of their careers sharpen their skills, expand their professional network, and ultimately increase gender diversity in C-suites and boardrooms.

According to the Spencer Stuart Board Index, 32% of all S&P 500 directors in 2022 were women, up from 30% in 2021, and 16% a decade ago. Meanwhile, the 2022 tracking report for gender diversity in private company boardrooms, produced by Him For Her and Crunchbase, finds women hold 16% of board seats, up from 14% in 2021. The needle is moving in the right direction; the pace is still too slow.

So, there is more work to be done and I hope you will join us at this incredible event, to allow yourself to be seen, and to grow professionally. Scan the QR code on the left to learn more and register. 

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