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Just Say Yes – The Benefits of MassWIT Volunteering
by Paige Arnof-Fenn
The old saying
that "the more you give, the more you get" certainly rings true for
me. I have been a member of MassWIT since 2002, the year I founded my
company. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I am always looking
for ways to connect with interesting people and I met Suzanne Zellner at a
networking event where I had the pleasure of sitting next to her during
dinner. As a person who cannot just take passive interest in anything, I
thought that this sounded like a great group and wanted to find ways to get
more involved.
I saw a posting
for the International Women's Day event which immediately got my attention, so
I went to the kickoff planning meeting to hear more about it. More
than a dozen women showed up, many whose names I had heard but now I could
connect them with their faces, too. This was a "can do" group
of women and we quickly created a list of projects that needed attention
and divided it up accordingly. There were women who joined because they
wanted to expand their skills and others who wanted to do what they do
best. Everyone was welcome.
Some of the
projects were front loaded and others became more intense closer to the actual
event several months away. Certain things on the list
required team involvement, and other responsibilities could be done
independently. As someone who loves to shop for others,
I picked the speakers’ gifts as my first choice. I have
spoken at many conferences and events and wanted to find something unique and
fun, not another pen, coffee mug or t-shirt. I worked closely with other
members of the organizing committee, especially Laura Gushue, who was
responsible for the attendee gift bags and Gwyn Thacker, the event director and
chief cheerleader.
In my quest for
the perfect gift, I chatted with Karen Fenaroli, owner of Isabella, a new
retail shop on Route 9 in Framingham. Karen is one of those people who
always knows the latest and greatest fashion trends, tips and advice. She
has retail in her blood and immediately had dozens of ideas for speakers’ gifts
-- a great bag for the keynotes or maybe a wrap? How about some Spanx
hosiery or a candle for the panelists? Once Karen got started
brainstorming, there was no turning back. Isabella sponsored the
event and the speakers’ gifts came from the shop of course.
I think I can
speak for all the women on the planning team, but it is truly amazing what you
can do with a talented and energetic group from MassWIT. This
was a volunteer effort for everyone involved but these women are
professionals to the core. Everyone is busy these days but when they
say they will do something, things get done. I met some fantastic people
and had a ball along the way. It was a great way to get more involved in
the group, and now when I go to regular monthly meetings I know lots of people
there too.
I am proud to
have been on the organizing team, thrilled that the event was such a success,
and even happier that I feel like I have made some great connections in the
group which I may not have been able to do if I had not volunteered.
There are plenty of reasons out there to say no but when you find a group you
like and you want to make an impact, say yes when the opportunity presents
itself next time. You'll be glad you did. I know I am.
Paige Arnof-Fenn,
Founder & CEO
Mavens & Moguls
Because Marketing Matters™
paige@mavensandmoguls.com
617.629.0076
www.mavensandmoguls.com
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