Vanessa Coppes (left) and Lynette Barbieri are the co-founders of the Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Women of Central Jersey. The Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Women (ETTW) seeks to connect likeminded women, network, build relationships and to learn from and support each other.
ETTW members share experiences and ideas that include a range of topics from stress management to personal and professional development issues, said Vanessa Coppes, of Marlboro, a co-founder of ETTW.
Meetings are held at the Fireside Bar and Grill, Marlboro, on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and on the third Friday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The ETTW began in 2012 and membership has steadily grown, according to its founders.
Jessica Mashkevich of Millstone Township discovered that ETTW is a great way to make interesting connections with people who support success.
“Since we all have different backgrounds, education levels and work experiences, I am enlightened by different perspectives and inspired by the group’s motivation to see their members succeed,” Mashkevich said. “It is a great place to make connections with people who can propel your business further and faster.”
Lynette Barbieri, of Freehold, is the other co-founder of ETTW. She said the organization has two chapters — one in central New Jersey and one in northern New Jersey. Coppes and Barbieri are working to start ETTW chapters in New York, Ohio and Michigan.
They are planning a business and personal development conference to be held on Nov. 13-14 in East Windsor.
“People connect to people,” Coppes said. “We believe the faster you focus on connecting the dots between who you are and what you offer, the faster you can build mutually beneficial relationships that will bring business that serves you and your client.”
The founders said the group offers support to female entrepreneurs as they build their businesses.
Coppes and Barbieri share a vision to help and mentor women on how to accomplish their personal and business goals.
“The ETTW presents a unique approach to networking,” Coppes said. “We believe in building business and living life holistically, hence the 360 degree approach to everything we do.”
The 360 degree lifestyle consists of living life and building business from a place of authenticity, she explained.
There is a special camaraderie among the members.
“We look to our members first whenever we need a product or service for ourselves or businesses,” Coppes said. “That has created a ripple effect which we call ‘The Power of Connections.’ We support each other and are fiercely loyal to one another.”
Barbieri started the group three years ago and named it the Freehold Think Tank for Moms. When Barbieri partnered with Coppes, they agreed to change the name to be more inclusive.
“We have found that traditional word of mouth has been the most beneficial (aspect) to our growth,” Coppes said. “The women who have joined and have transformed their lives and business naturally tell others about the group. Our mantra is that together, we achieve more as it takes a village to grow a business.”
For more information, visit ETTWomen.com, send an email to contact @ETTWomen.com or call 732-232-1251.