Networking--

Every once in a while you are given a chance to start something meaningful from the ground up. If you are lucky there is a blueprint to follow, but the final result is determined by the building blocks you can lend to the foundation.

So it is with the new eWomenNetwork chapter in South Jersey. After a few years of attending events on the PA side of the bridge, I lobbied the founders of the organization to start a chapter in New Jersey.

In most states, chapters can be found in major towns and cities, but my vision expanded beyond townships and counties--I wanted to bring this organization to all women in South Jersey and I now have that opportunity as the new Managing Director of eWomenNetwork SJ.

I am blessed that I have a core group of women standing right by my side as we launch the new chapter. Some are women that, like me have be attending the Philly events, others are women that I've known and admired through my own business network and others are friends of these women.

Together we are poised to create the largest, most resourceful organization for women in business in SJ.

"It takes teamwork to make the dream work." (I wish I could claim that as mine...but kudos to rightful owner of that quote.)

In many ways eWomenNetwork is about business—we want to connect women with other women opening doors for them to do business with each other. But we are much more. At eWomenNetwork our philosophy is that you must first and foremost give to others "first." We believe that by giving and being "other-focused" you create a world of abundance for all. For us, networking is really the art of "giving" and searching for ways to serve the needs of others before focusing on ourselves.

eWomenNetwork is comprised of various levels of women in business…from entrepreneurs with one–two employees to representatives from larger companies. Our goal is to offer the best resource for women to do business with other women. We offer members a website on which they can post their photo and business profile for the 200,000 women who visit the site every day; we celebrate women authors by providing them a publishing company dedicated to their success; we have our own radio program; we offer free mentoring and coaching sessions to the members; we support other women through the eWomenNetwork Foundation; and we strive to provide access for our members to women in senior levels of the business world.

http://www.ewomennetwork.com/
http://www.ewomennetwork.com/vision.html
www.ewomennetworkfoundation.org/index.html

I hope you will read this and "get it". If you do, I'm sure I'll see you at an upcoming event. Just visit the website listed above and click on events. Scroll down to SJ and make your reservation! And remember to share this with other women you admire.

Boomers, vacation planning and River Cruising

I recently read an article from the Chicago Tribune, "Boomers are spelling 'vacation' l-e-a-r-n-i-n-g. "

This seems to hold true in the cruising industry, too. As we (yes, I am a "boomer") look towards taking future vacations, the potential for seeing new places, learning about different cultures, and experiencing new adventures are all major components of the decision making process.

CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) lists the number one reason (76%) people choose cruising is the "opportunity to visit multiple places." And 60% are looking for "unique and different" experiences. 42% of cruisers reported that they seek a "cultural learning experience."

And the industry is listening. Luxury cruise lines such as Crystal, Regent Seven Seas and Cunard all have some type of on board enrichment programs.

Celebrity recently spun off a new cruise line called Azamara. It's two ships, the Journey and the Quest each offer the experienced cruiser an exploration type experience on a deluxe cruise line.

Holland America has the Culinary Arts Institute on board all their ships.

CruiseWest and Hurtigruten provide unique sailing that are itinerary intense. And the size of their vessels allow close encounters with nature.

But of all the cruise products out there, river cruising seems to best fit our growing desire for cultural immersion. Picture cruising up the Rhine, the Danube or the Yangtze river with history within view from your stateroom on deck. Image sitting down to a meal sampling the culinary delights from that day's port of call or local storytellers coming on board in the evening to share their history with you. Or perhaps the idea of spending an overnight at a port of call entices you--enjoy a night at the opera, an evening at a local pub or specialty restaurant or maybe be invited into the homes of your hosts.

With so many choices, its no wonder cruisng is a favorite vacation for Boomers!

If you ready to learn more about any of these cruising options, drop by my website or drop me a line.