Are You Too "PINK" to be a Serious Business Woman?
As I have visited networking and business events over the past 6 months I have been struck by the VAST differences between them. If they’re aimed at men or a mixed audience, the tone tends to be much more serious, with a defined learning outcome or sale apparent. Whilst the talks are often vanilla (indeed one event I attended a couple of weeks ago left at least two guys dozing) they are purposeful.
However, contrast that with events targeted at women, and the speakers and organisers tend to be more energised and enthusiastic, but the content is often weak, with a tendency to be centred around support. Indeed, one event just recently, a high-level woman entrepreneur asked about the peaks and troughs of a business and was looking for more strategies to ride them out. The answer she received? When you are feeling down, call your girlfriends, put the kettle on and eat some cake…seriously??
Now, don’t get me wrong, women are extremely good at supporting one another and providing an ear for venting or some pop psychology has its place when you’re feeling challenged. Indeed, mindset challenges affect many business owners. But I’d be amazed to learn that when things become a little tricky Sheryl Sandberg leans in for a cream tea!
There has been a huge surge in women influencers, mostly marketers who have set up with names such as Mama Babes, Boss Chicks, Girl Mama Tribes and the like. And yes, the women running these manage to simultaneously look like Love Island contenders and competent business women making plenty of dosh. But the advice they dish out often has its emphasis on producing pretty pictures, lifestyle shots, and showing the world what you ate at Yo! Sushi last night.
But before you accuse me of being over the hill, or jealous of the zero dress size (for the record, I’m both of the aforementioned) let me explain, whilst looking stunning and super thin (albeit with the aid of Photoshop) grabs attention, women in business need to remember a successful company needs a robust business plan. It needs systems and processes. It is imperative ladies you know your numbers, and no, sighing and claiming “I’ve never been good at maths” simply won’t do. If you can master calorie counting, you can master your accounts!
So, by all means put on your mascara and slip on your stilettos, and then lets get down to business. Step into being a serious entrepreneur who is looking to meet and exceed your potential.
I’ll be talking about this in a bit more detail on my Facebook page and would love to hear your thoughts on this.
