So I've been thinking there is a market among professional women for really good programming in the field of "business development." We all have to go to conferences and learn all kinds of things about our fields, our businesses, "the metrics" of whatever is big that year, and how to network and develop clients. Is that different for the ladies? Maybe yes, in some ways no. But by far the best part of any of these functions for me are the other people I meet and eventually call friends who get what my daily struggle(s) is like.
In any event, no pun intended, I have this genius plan to help women cultivate these important relationships. It begins with a new kind of conference, which you have to keep on the down low, because once the cat is out of the bag outside of Pantsuit Nation, you know people will start to flip their lids.
But here's how it goes. I get a conference site--ideally, a fairly nice hotel in a nice locale, possibly near the ocean. Then you invite the women--it doesn't have to just be lawyers, it can be women in all kinds of professions--for an important and engaging foray into how to develop leadership skills and attain the professional goals you want. Then you print up some awesome brochures and put together a website that bosses will love and approve. Then they arrive, and this is the schedule:
Day 1
- Mixer to meet new people and develop new professional relationships and actual friendships (wine provided).
- Opening night keynote--30 minutes--with someone hilarious.
- Adjourn to bar or bed or special viewing room showing Working Girl or Thelma & Louise
Day 2
- Breakfast (with mimosas)--begins at 9:30 AM
- Spa
- Lunch however you want to do it
- Naps
- Write little index cards with something to make 3 other women feel better about themselves
- Dinner get-together with some other awesome speaker/woman to entertain and/or inspire
- Wine on a patio in the ocean wind
- Go to bed early/watch TV in your PJs
Day 3
- Breakfast available, optional continued networking/hanging out
- Trade life hacks
- Cool van tour to see the sights on the way to the airport
Giveaway bags to include Starbucks cards, 3 cards other ladies wrote on Day 2, travel iPhone charger, and mints.
I feel like this could be big.