October 10 WWF Meeting Hosts

Speakers Coreen McGann And Sue Grant

The Working Women’s Forum, an association of local professionals and entrepreneurs will feature “Building Your Personal Brand: Market Research Insights into the Power of Branding,” by Coreen McGann and Sue Grant

Ms McGann’s 25 years of experience in market research focused on the beverage industry. Currently she is head of consumer insights for Kraft’s Coffee and Refreshment Beverage businesses in the United States. These include the brands Maxwell House, Crystal Light, Capri Sun, and Kool-Aid.

Also with 25 years experience, Ms Grant is a marketing research professional for consumer packaged goods, working for Nestles and later for Kraft where she handled Maxwell House, Gevalia, Post, Lenders, and Capri Sun.

She was also responsible for starting new Kraft businesses, leading an in-house market testing function.

The pair of marketing research professionals understand the power of branding, and will explain how these concepts can be used by small businesses, or the self-employed. They say, “Branding is the sum total of a person’s experience and perceptions creating a strong emotional connection which foster loyal customer behavior.”

Their talk includes information on how branding identifies the goods and services of a seller, and differentiates them from other businesses, and why branding is a foundation piece in marketing efforts. They will cover key concepts, including brand essence and brand positioning, which will provide a road map for marketing activities to use as a filter for future actions.

Their interactive presentation will include examples, templates, and questions to help give attendees a good start on creating an effective positioning for their personal brand.

The program will be held Wednesday, October 10, at The Villa Restaurant, 4 Riverside Road. Networking and appetizers begin at 6 pm followed by the guest speakers.

For reservations, e-mail rsvp@workingwomensforum.net or call WWF President Maureen Wilson at 203-470-9097. The program and appetizer fee will be $10 for members, and $20 for nonmembers, with a cash bar.

The group will be accepting canned food, personal health, and beauty items for the Newtown FAITH Food Pantry.