Ann Taylor hosts Marie Claire and Linkedin event - 'The Power of Presence'

Multitudes of women from all types of employment (and in my case, unemployment!) descended upon Ann Taylor's 60th and Madison Avenue store last night to be educated by top-ranking Marie Claire and Linkedin professionals on how to be the workplace woman with gumption and perspicaciousness at the 'Power of Presence' event.

What was said?

Lea Goldman, Features Director at Marie Claire, addressed the female crowd with solid and useful points about how to present and ready yourself for becoming successful and, as Katie Couric has said, "let them know you're there," in the work world.

Nicole Williams, WORKS Founder and Linkedin Career Expert, spoke about how to develop a robust online presence that keeps user information relevant, appropriate for future or existing employers to review and makes any professional shine - in the best and most career-driving ways.

Accessorizing the mannequin (or audience!), Rae Boxer, Marie Claire Fashion Editor, concluded the talks with a presentation - including specifically-outfitted dummies - tutoring participants on current trends which would be excellent easily wearable options in the existing work environment.  She referenced and reviewed outfits she'd created for the audience that she felt would work on any woman and could make a working woman feel up-to-speed with fashion while remaining appropriate in the office.

Event networking and online presence opportunities 

Attendees were able to mingle with others who came along to the event, obtain valuable profile and platform usage advice from Linkedin career experts and had the chance to network with all of the evening's exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced and helpful speakers.  The evening also offered a chance to have a professional photograph taken (and later emailed to you) that would be appropriate to use with a Linkedin profile.

Final thoughts

All of this invaluable career insight plus a lovely spread of hors d'oeuvres and champagne - for free!  A better opportunity to network and stand on the shoulders of female Manhattan giants couldn't be had anywhere else.  

Thank you to Ann Taylor, Marie Claire and Linkedin for holding such an informative, useful and welcoming event.  It would be wonderful to have similar events offered in the future to continue to further develop and distinguish women in the work force.

*An additional article on this topic is available at Marie Claire online.