Women, conferences, and the estrogen factor. Or, if we’re trying to get to the C-suite, why are we stopping at the mall?

I’m having a disconnect. 

One of my women’s career networks – one that boasts an exclusive membership of business professionals, lawyers, politicians, scientists, doctors and more, just sent me an invitation to attend a webinar entitled “Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough.”

Huh?

Ok, I’m not saying that this webinar wouldn’t include some valuable information for many of my friends (well, ok,  in the spirit of transparency, for me too) but seriously, what does this have to do with the business network?

     Can anyone actually imagine a situation where a men’s business organization would offer a seminar about how to find Mrs. Right?

     Are they trying to reduce the size of their membership by marrying off their members to the first available guy?

     Or, is this actually a ploy to get women to refocus on their career aspirations and achieve financial security so as to avoid having to settle for Mr. Wrong?

Regardless, it pays to note that the seminar is not even listed on their web site – maybe because it would ruin the credibility of the organization as a place for serious professionals?

…Ya think?

In a country where women are still earning about 80 cents on the dollar compared to men, women’s organizations have a particular responsibility to stop playing into stereotypes and start focusing on topics that can help us achieve the career success we deserve.

Here’s what that means to me…

For starters – let’s please eliminate the beauty and dress-for-success break out sessions at so-called women’s conferences.  

(Digression #1: If you are clueless about what to wear, then pick up a copy of Glamour magazine, enlist the help of a personal shopper, or check out an episode of “What Not to Wear.”  Hint: this might be obvious, but at a simplistic level, just make sure you cover up your belly ring and keep your “girls” in check.)

(Digression #2: And, before you go thinking that I’m all business 24/7, I can assure you that it not the case. I love fashion and make up and all that “girly-girl” stuff.  Want proof? I’m on a first name basis with all the staff at Barney’s and Sephora. Seriously, check it out.  And, if you buy me a martini, I might even admit to thinking Hello, Kitty is super cute.)

Ok, now back to the subject at hand…

Seriously, LADIES! There is a right time and place for everything!

Make-up and fashion consultants, mani-pedis and mini back rubs at conferences make me cringe, as do flowery gift bags loaded with beauty products.  Do men do this stuff at conferences? Uh, no. They don’t.  Do we need this at our conferences? Uh, no we don’t.  Or at least we shouldn’t – idealistically.  IMHO. Feel free to disagree.

Instead, women’s conferences should spend time on substantive topics that could make a difference and perhaps open a few doors, such as:

• how to negotiate and get the salary or title you deserve
• how to get respect in a world of old boys’ and their old boys’ networks
• how to break through the glass ceiling and join the C-suite
• how to make sure you’re not outdated when you return to work after having a baby
• how to change corporate culture to embrace more collaborative, women-oriented workstyles and lifestyles
• how to project confidence and feel comfortable bragging about your accomplishments (come on, we all know it works)
• how to start your own business, etc.

Ok, now that I got that off my chest, I need to dash. I have a webinar to sign up for.

Oh, and one last thing btw, if you’re not doing anything this afternoon, maybe we could meet up at Bloomie’s? I hear they are having an excellent shoe sale.

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Special Note: For women in Boston, there is an interesting conference coming up on Saturday, February 6, 2010.

 The 19^th Annual Dynamic Women in Business Conference – from the Women’s Student Association at the Harvard Business School.  Hope to see you there!